Welcome to OKC’s “gayborhood,” an epicenter of LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment that’s as historic and vital as it is fun and inclusive. Located on 39th Street west of Pennsylvania and stretching to Youngs, and long a sanctuary for locals and travelers alike, this area is part of historic Route 66 and in the 1970s became known as The Strip.
Today, it remains a welcoming and celebratory destination for the LGBTQ+ community, home to dozens of locally-owned businesses, thriving nightlife and annual Pride festivities. The city’s premier LGBTQ+ and ally resort since 1968, The District Hotel, formerly the Habana Inn, is marketed as a gay hotel — a first of its kind for OKC and a pioneer on a national scale. From Sunday Gospel Brunch to glitzy nightclubs and other area attractions on Route 66, there’s something happening every day of the week (all year long) in the 39th Street District.
History of the “Gayborhood”
A haven for LGBTQ+ people since the 1960s, the history of 39th Street mirrors that of Route 66 on which it resides. For decades, as travelers drove through on the Mother Road, demand for hotels and restaurants led to the creation of the Habana Inn. One of the country’s first hotels to market directly to LGBTQ+ travelers, it became an oasis for road-trippers in the ‘70s and ‘80s, with two outdoor pools and a restaurant.
A pioneer in the district, the Habana Inn filled in with bars over the years before rebranding as The District Hotel in 2020 — all while maintaining its reputation as an LGBTQ+ resort.
Other businesses followed suit, including Angles nightclub (open in 1982), The Boom (open in 2009) and Indigo Lounge (open in 2022), all of which provide their own unique and welcoming atmospheres, along with a sense of sanctuary and safety for LGBTQ+ people. Despite cultural struggles, including police raids in the ‘80s, the area has remained a gathering place for the community.
Since the Habana Inn’s opening, a year before the Stonewall Riots in New York City, 39th Street has been a beacon of pride and inclusivity, where rainbow flags and murals line the street and parades march during Pride Month.
A Proud Stop Along Route 66
As Route 66 weaves its way through OKC, it passes right by pride flags and rainbow-colored bike racks on 39th Street. As one of the only “gayborhoods” on the entire 2,448-mile route, it offers a unique road trip destination for LGBTQ+ visitors, who, like so many travelers before them, have stopped to connect with their community.
Today, you’ll find a “Summer of 66” mural, complete with Oklahoma Route 66 icons like the Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Golden Driller, on the side of the District Hotel.
What to See & Experience
All day (and night), there’s plenty to see and do on 39th Street. By day, 39th Street Records is a music-lover’s dream, stocked with rare vinyl, art and accessories. A block away, the outdoor pools at The District, which sells day passes for locals and non-guests, are also a popular summertime attraction, with DJs spinning most weekend afternoons.
Later, 39th Street becomes one of OKC’s foremost nightlife destinations, with dance floors, nightclubs and live music on weekends especially. Each bar and club has its own style and sound, from drag dinner theater to line dancing, ensuring there’s truly something for everyone.
Dining, Drinks & Signature Hangouts
Up and down 39th Street, bars, clubs and restaurants offer their own distinctive vibes. For dancing under a disco ball, Angles is the de facto nightlife hot spot, where crowds flock on weekends for themed parties and music video projections in a warehouse-sized space.
Down the block, The Boom is a quintessential drag bar, known for its drag dinner theater and Sunday Gospel drag brunch. The back bar, by the stage, is where the shows happen, while the front bar offers more of a casual lounge atmosphere, with occasional karaoke and trivia nights.
Across the street, Tramps is the longest-running bar in the district and an enduring cornerstone for its relaxed dive atmosphere, affordable drinks and huge, tree-shaded patio. On the same block, you’ll find welcoming and inclusive energy at Indigo Lounge and sandwiches at Rainbow Bistro. The latter is the region’s first fast-casual eatery, offering slices of rainbow cake along with sandwiches, schnitzel and brats.
The District Hotel also houses its own collection of bars and lounges. Along with pool bars, open spring through fall, The County Line is the resident country-western bar, while Ledo Lounge is a more low-key space and the OKC Eagle touts a dark dance floor with laser lights and fog machines.
Pride, Parades & LGBTQ+ Celebration
Home to the longest-running pride festival in OKC, Pride on 39th has been an annual celebration since 1988. Held the first weekend in June to kick off Pride Month, the festival features a family-friendly parade, live music stages, drag shows and vendors selling art, accessories, food and drinks.
For decades, 39th Street has been the epicenter of pride in OKC, providing an affirming space for locals and travelers alike. Between the parade, the nightlife and the businesses, it’s also a reminder that OKC is a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people. Follow the rainbow and explore 39th Street for yourself by planning a trip today!
