A bar is great for a night out, but it's hard to get past small talk over loud music. A run club, a chorus or a game night gives you something to do together and the same faces every week, so by the third visit people know your name. Here are 115 LGBTQ+ clubs, leagues and regular nights in 16 cities, each with the month we last checked it was still running.
Saturdays 10am (bag drop at Rutgers Church by 9:40am)
Central Park, across from the Daniel Webster Statue (Upper West Side)
The city's big LGBTQ+ running club. The Saturday run is the one they recommend for new runners and visitors, walkers come too, and there's a light breakfast social afterwards.
A weekly queer country night with line dancing and two-stepping. All skill levels are welcome, so it's a good one to try even if you've never danced before.
Brooklyn Pride Center, 1561 Bedford Ave (Crown Heights)
A monthly club reading gay fiction and nonfiction, with an eye on friendship as much as books. No registration needed, so you can drop in for any month's pick.
Rehearsals Mondays 7–10pm; new members usually join in Jan or Sep after an audition
Chelsea
A big, warm chorus with a full concert season. You don't need formal training, but you do need to audition. Non-singers can join as associate members and help out behind the scenes.
Laurie Beechman Theatre at West Bank Cafe, 407 W 42nd St (Hell's Kitchen)
A long-running NYC drag institution: a full drag show over bottomless brunch. Great for a birthday, a group of friends, or showing visitors a good time.
Several practices a week across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx; book via the team's Fall 2026 schedule
Pools in Manhattan, Brooklyn & the Bronx
NYC's LGBTQ+ masters swim, water polo and artistic swimming team. There's adult learn-to-swim and a second-Tuesday water polo clinic for beginners, plus plenty of socials.
Year-round open play, clinics and seasonal leagues; times vary by session, so register on the site
Gyms around Manhattan
A long-standing LGBTQ+ volleyball league with open play and training clinics alongside competitive divisions. Open to all adults 18+, so beginners can start at a clinic or open play.
Schedules are as each group gives them: monthly groups meet once a month, and seasonal leagues only in season. Times change, so check the group's own site before you go. Something wrong, or a group we're missing? Post in Friends & Community. Nobody pays to be listed.