Gay Binghamton

Binghamton, in Broome County New York, is located in what’s called the “Southern Tier” - a hilly section of New York near the Pennsylvania border.  There is a population of just under 50,000 in the main part of the city but there are plenty of outdoor, green spaces throughout the area.

Binghamton is a place that’s different. Built by historic innovators and fueled by a new class of creative visionaries, the Greater Binghamton communities are filled with a rich history and unique experiences.  

Binghamton is a community that is worth a visit or two. As a city built on traditions, it has transformed into a place where there is always something happening from arts and entertainment to food and outdoor adventure.

This gay guide will cover all the best, must-see, must-do activities, and attractions for your next vacation.  We’ll show you everything including the top sightseeing attraction plus gay-friendly bars, clubs, nightlife, and things to do.  While there aren’t any gay hotels, per se, you’ll find several gay-friendly and well-appointed hotels from which to choose.

What do you want to discover?

What's the Gay Scene Like?

Best Time to Visit Binghamton

Top Things to See and Do in Binghamton

MUST DO: Attractions & Activities

MUST EXPERIENCE: Arts & Events

MUST EAT: Gay-Friendly Dining

MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Travel Safety Tips

Local Expert: Gay Scene in Binghamton

Photo Credit:  Patti Loves Bing

The gay scene is very open and LGBTQ travelers will feel part of the culture whether taking in a Broadway-caliber show, visiting a gallery on Artists Row, or grabbing a bite at a fun restaurant.   All will feel welcomed and comfortable just about any place.

During Pride Month in June each year, there are Monthly Pride Mixers at various places around town.  Events include a Flag Raising and Pride Palooza.

Photo Credit:  Patti Loves Bing

Photo Credit: Patti Loves Bing

Best Time to Visit Binghamton

Summer and Fall are the most popular seasons to visit Binghamton.  In the Fall, be sure to visit the Cider Mill!  Wintertime can be snowy with an average of nearly 85 inches of snowfall per year!

Top Things to See and Do in Binghamton

Explore outdoor adventure from canoe and kayak rides along the rivers to endless biking and walking trails. For those who love to golf, be sure to pack your golf bag along with your travel bag. Immerse yourself in an ethnic festival and learn about the cultures that have come together to create the diverse destination Binghamton is today.

MUST DO Binghamton Attractions & Activities

Binghamton has an awesome Animal Adventure Park you do not want to miss!  Who doesn't love an adorable giraffe!

MUST EXPERIENCE Binghamton Arts/Events

Check out the great art galleries and performing arts such as the Tri-Cities Opera and other various theaters. 

2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DIVAS OF SOUL AT THE SCHORR FAMILY FIREHOUSE STAGE | The 17th @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The Schorr Family Firehouse Stage 46-48 Willow Street, Johnson City, NY

Divas of Soul with CeCe Teneal Friday, March 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM Tickets: $27.25; or $25.25 for Seniors & Students (includes fees) CeCe Teneal captivated our audience last season with her Aretha Franklin tribute, Portrait of a Queen. She’s back with an outstanding ensemble show featuring the songs of Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston & more!

ALMOST QUEEN AT THE BROOME COUNTY FORUM THEATRE | The 31 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Broome County Forum Theatre 236 Washington Street, Binghamton, NY

At the Forum Friday, March 31 at 7:00 pm Ticketing: Ticketmaster.com or avoid additional fees by purchasing tickets in person at the Mirabito Box Office located at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena On Sale: Friday, February 3rd at 10:00am Pricing: All ages need a ticket Event Website: almostqueen.com Parking: Please visit our Directions & Parking page Prohibited Items: Please visit our A-Z Guide & Policies page Special […]

Opera & Beer by Tri-Cities Opera | The 25th @ 7:00 pm 

This event will have you smiling from ear to ear. Tri-Cities Opera is bringing out high-class talent with a twist! Beer Tree will be featuring a custom TCO beer just for the event—and as always, your first drink is on us!

Factory by Beer Tree Brew, 511 Reynolds Road, Johnson City. (607) 772-0400. More here.

Pride Palooza at at Otsiningo Park | The 10th @ 2:00-9:00 pm

Dick’s Sporting Goods Open Golf Tournament | June 19 - 25th

Celebrating over 50 years of professional golf and their 13th anniversary on the Champions Tour, this event attracts fan-favorite golfers to our area.

• The 23: Kenney Chesney ‘I Go Back Tour’ at Dick’s Sporting Goods Open - The concert will take place at the En-Joie Golf Course on Friday, June 23rd at the conclusion of the 1st Round of the annual PGA TOUR Champions event.En-Joie Golf Course, Endicott. (607) 205-1500 https://www.dsgopen.com/concerts/

The 5th Annual Harper M. Stantz Rec Park Music Fest | July 9th @ 1-9 pm

This event showcases both local/regional talent, and the beautiful Recreation Park, since its inception in 1996. The event always takes place on a Sunday and is a terrific way to enjoy time in the park listening to great music! 

The 47th Annual Deposit Lumberjack Festival | July 14-16th

Annual Lumberjack competition, fireworks, parade, craft fair, music, drink, midway, raft race and so much more. 

The 148th Annual Broome County Fair | July 25-30 

County agricultural fair with midway rides & games, food exhibits, grandstand shows, animals, and free entertainment. 

The Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally | August 4th - 6th

The 40th Annual with hot-air balloons, arts and crafts, antique cars, live music, and our local delicacy “Spiedies.” 

LUMA Projection Arts Festival | September 8-9 

Celebrate a bold confluence of technology and visual arts. LUMA is a festival founded by artists, for artists, with the wholehearted embrace of an entire city (rain date September 10). 

The 5th Twin Tiers International Film Festival | September 15-17

3-day film festival filled with creative and inspiring films, educational filmmaking workshops, events, a celebrity meet, and greet, and capped off with a dinner and live music. 

MUST EAT Binghamton Gay-Friendly Dining

Binghamton is a foodie lover’s dream with over 250 restaurants and an annual "Restaurant Week." Many of the restaurants and cafés are locally owned and offer taste variations that will amaze you. Farm-to-table is a staple and foods are often sourced locally for a true flavor of the unique area. After dining on delicious morsels, be sure to visit one of the local craft beverage establishments.

The most-friendly restaurants we’ve found include:

1)  Garage Taco Bar

2)  Lost Dog Cafe as pictured below:

Lost Dog Cafe will be a part of Binghamton Martini Walk, a summer tradition that invites you to stroll downtown with your friends from venue to venue and sample martinis all Saturday afternoon long. 

These are excellent choices as well:

3) Dos Rios Cantina

4) The Shop (great brunch)

5) Sake Tumi

6) Social on State

7)  205 Dry

MUST VISIT: Binghamton Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Nightlife in Binghamton is super fun.  There's a Wine & Tapas Tour around June 12 and a Martini Walk that usually takes place around July 24.  Binghamton is known as a college town so you’ll enjoy the vibe and positive energy at the bars and nightclubs in an area known as the Westside.  The LGBT-friendly establishments are plentiful:

1) Squiggy's (a low-key, neighborhood bar)

2) The Belmar

3) The Cave

Shops

1) Garland Gallery

2) Imagika

3) Mabel D'Orr

Hair Warz

LGBTQ travelers will want to travel to the Binghamton galaxy to experience "Hair Warz" where you'll see the biggest hair anywhere!  Hair Warz is a contest hosted by the Southern Tier AIDS program that's held each December in honor of World AIDS Day.  The event also gives local hair salons a chance to show their stuff.  Here are a few choices we recommend you visit to get coiffed before the event!

1) Michael Libous

2)  Dapper Rascal

3)  Vintage Salon

Travel Safety Tips

Currently, Binghamton is following all CDC Covid restrictions (less capacity, masks, social distancing).  Pre/Post covid, the communities are fairly safe and our downtown areas where most of the restaurants and activities take place are well-lit and patrolled.  Events have security built-in.

Binghamton communities have always been fertile ground for forward-thinking.   Strongly enforced Human Rights Laws that offer protection against discrimination based on gender identity or expression have been in place since 2008, making the culture inclusive and accepting.

Get to Know Binghamton

Binghamton challenges travelers to take their own journey, make their own discoveries, and write their own chapter. They invite you to Be Part of Their Story.  GET TO KNOW BINGHAMTON: https://visitbinghamton.org/bingstories/

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