Since 1976, O. Henry’s has been serving up all kinds of drinks and events for the LGBTQ+ community in Asheville — a feat which makes it the oldest gay bar in the state. But the club isn’t just home to daily specials and drag shows. It also has a legacy of serving as a community resource + safe haven for folks throughout WNC.
From the start, O. Henry’s has donated regularly to the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) through “The Raise Your Hand” auction. Once the auction got too big for the bar to coordinate, it was officially handed off to the WNCAP, which has continued to host it for 30+ years.
This longstanding history of both activism and entertainment has led O. Henry’s to receive many accolades — most recently it was recognized as one of “The 32 Best Gay Bars in America” by Esquire.
Want a taste of an evening at O. Henry’s? The bar will host a Halloween drag show on Sat., Oct. 29. Performances will start at 11 p.m. and a costume contest will follow. 🌈
