Gay bars in erie
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We're incredibly proud to have Debbie representing Erie on the national stage.
Congratulations to Katrina Twerk Island
August 16, 2024
Congratulations to Katrina Twerk Island on being crowned Miss Erie 2024! Most of us have been friends for years," Gressley said. We feature a great game room with video games, dart games, and 3 pool tables.
"It was huge. "Within city limits, it's very welcoming," Gressley said. Whereas, when Tony and I were growing up, we didn't have many places we felt safe. "We've seen such an influx since the rebirth."
Employees at The Zone have noticed a shift, with more younger customers frequenting the club. "It's one of the most visible things to say, 'Hi!
Well-known for its welcoming aura, The Zone provides safety and entertainment, including drag performances and weekly programming. Six years later, after outgrowing the space, The Zone moved to its current location at 113 W. 18th St.
"The Zone is important because it has stood the test of time.
Grace Siwinski, also known as Rocky, has been performing drag for two years.
"We're all rather close. Studios | Copyright 2025 © The Zone Dance Club
The Zone Dance Club
$ •Gay Bar
Hours:
133 W 18th St, Erie
(814) 452-0125
About The Zone Dance Club
The Zone Dance Club Reviews
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Hours
| Monday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Tuesday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Wednesday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Thursday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Friday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Saturday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Sunday | 8PM - 2AM |
Inside Erie's Beloved Queer Club, The Zone
The Zone Dance Club recently celebrated 25 years of serving the Erie Queer community, providing a space that prioritizes the safety, well-being, empowerment, and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ population.
"Erie has had its share of gay bars, usually three at a time. Mattson suggests that we can learn valuable lessons from the history of gay bars, such as Seattle's Garden of Allah, which opened in 1945 as a cabaret.
The Garden of Allah illustrates a common characteristic of gay bars: their ability to attract clientele diverse in sexual orientations and gender identities.
Best/worst idea I've ever had," Gressley jokes.
Greggor Mattson, a sociology professor at Oberlin College, wrote Who Needs Gay Bars? "Because we're targeting the Queer community, we do get protesters every once in a while — I find it hysterical we only have two protesters." In the words of Rocky, on protesters of drag: "We are stronger than those who despise us."
The most important things, Gressley says, are patience, safety, and acceptance: "That's the driving message of this bar — everyone is safe here."
Whether it's during Pride weekend in Erie, Thanksgiving, or a casual weeknight, The Zone keeps its doors open, offering community members drinks, entertainment, and simply a third place to exist outside of home and work.
"I know the impact because whenever I tell people I work here, nine times out of 10 the response is, 'Oh my God.
I love that place.' And I'm like, 'Me too!'" Gressley said.
KARAOKE MONDAY
erie's queer bar and dance club for over 25 years
TONIGHT at the ZoneMonday, December 29th
Doors Open at 8pm - No Cover
Hosted by DJ Nitro
Come sing your heart out with David!
Happy Hour: 8pm - 10pm
$1 Off All Bottles Beer & $2 Well Drinks
UPCOMINGEVENTS
RECENTNEWS
Your Miss Erie 2025 - Alejandra J-Love
August 23, 2025
A massive, glitter-covered congratulations goes out to Alejandra J-Love, your official Miss Erie 2025!
Talk about a night for the books.
After about 6 years of successful operation, the Zone outgrew it's location and moved to it's much larger and current location of 133 West 18th Street.
THE VENUE
The Zone has now become the largest LGBTQ+ bar in Erie. Every single performer brought their best, making the judges' job nearly impossible.
Watching Miss Erie 2024, Katrina Twerk, pass the reign to Alejandra was such a special moment.