Antigua Gay Area Guide (Music Venues, Clubs & Hotels)

Antigua and Barbuda is a country made up of two main islands and some smaller islands. The country is famous for its beaches, yacht clubs, rainforests, and resorts.

Antigua and Barbuda are like paradise because they offer more than just beautiful beaches and clear turquoise water. After enjoying the sun during the day, you can experience a vibrant nightlife that keeps the party alive on these two islands well into the night.

Most bars in this Caribbean country don't have a set closing time, and it's allowed to have a drink on the beach. This is convenient because there are many beach bars for visitors to enjoy.

Here in Antigua, the nightlife is more laid-back and tropical than a typical clubbing atmosphere. English Harbour is perfect for bar-hopping, and don't forget to check out the Sunday night barbecue at Shirley Point Lookout. There are plenty of great places to go for a drink all across the island, from beachfront bars to live music venues. Whether you're looking for seaside cocktails or weekly events, this is your ultimate guide to partying in Antigua.

Gay-friendly places to stay in Antigua

Antigua is known for its more than 90 miles of coastline. Visitors can explore reefs, enjoy top-notch hotels, and experience one of the most pleasant climates globally. Antigua remains a highly sought-after destination for a variety of reasons.

Check out these great LGBTQ+-friendly resorts and places to stay in Antigua -

#1. Jumby Bay Resort

The Jumby Bay Resort is a fancy private island hotel. It's located 2 miles away from Antigua, and you can reach it by plane from the main airport. The hotel has 40 rooms, each with its own terrace, hammock, and outdoor shower.

The island has a lot of different animals, great for nature lovers. There's a farm with a red-footed tortoise, and a waterfowl sanctuary in the middle of the island. You can also visit Pasture Bay beach to see the rare Hawksbill turtles. The resort provides bicycles and golf buggies for getting around the island easily.

Hey, there are lots of cool things you can do like water sports and yoga. You can also go snorkeling with the Yennecott Yacht. For dining, you can choose from a buffet on the terrace, meals on the beach, or have food and drinks on the farm.

#2. Cocobay Resort Antigua

Cocobay Resort Antigua is a charming resort for adults only, located on the west side of the island. Situated on the scenic 'sunset side' of the island, this cozy hotel rests on a hillside. The all-inclusive resort features a range of colorful cottages with private balconies that offer stunning ocean views. Guests can enjoy unique amenities such as hammocks on their own private deck, private plunge pools, and wellness retreats. Relax on the two nearby beaches or venture out to explore other beaches and attractions in the area, including seafood restaurants and Greencastle Hill National Park. Nature enthusiasts can join a guided Nature Walk with the Medicine Man.

Best LGBTQ-friendly places to hang out in Antigua

Nightlife in Antigua revolves around charming open-air restaurants and beachside outdoor bars and clubs. These places stay open late into the night every weekend starting on Thursday. You can also enjoy casinos, cinemas, and festivals. Whether you want to dance the night away, listen to live music, or simply relax at a casual cocktail bar, you'll find it all here.

You can go to traditional discos that play the latest dance songs by DJs from around the world. Watch a 3D movie and play virtual reality games in large movie theaters. Visit a casino to try your luck at slot machines or card games, or simply relax on the beach with a fancy cocktail.

There are a lot of bars close to each other in English Harbour. Skullduggery Cafe and Cloggy's are in the same building, the Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Keep reading for the best places to visit, and don't forget to try the espresso martinis at Skullduggery Cafe.

So, here are some of the best LGBTQ-friendly clubs and bars in Antigua -

#1. Cloggy's

On the second floor of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, you'll find Cloggy's. It's the perfect place for a fun night out in English Harbour. Known as one of the best sailor's bars globally, Cloggy's offers a dining experience that turns into a lively dance party once the evening kicks in.

#2. Skullduggery Café

Go downstairs to Skullduggery Cage, next to the dock in English Harbour. This place in the West Indies is well-known for its espresso martinis, so enjoy!

#3. Colibri Bistro Bar & Lounge

This trendy restaurant has a nice outside bar area that's great for relaxing drinks with pals. Situated in English Harbour, Colibri is close to other nightlife spots (like the places mentioned earlier, and The Lime Lounge.)

#4. Shirley Heights Lookout

The old military base becomes a fun party spot. Sir Thomas Shirley, the base's namesake, probably wouldn't approve. On Sunday and Thursday after 4:30 pm, you can enjoy rum punch, lively steel pan music, and delicious barbecue smells. By 7 pm, the lookout is crowded with partygoers. Entrance fee is $10, so wear comfy shoes!

#5. Abracadabra

The fun begins after dinner at Abracadabra's Italian restaurant, where the place turns into a disco on the covered deck in the garden. Come for some drinks and enjoy a lively night around 11 pm on weekends (there might be a spontaneous jam session during the week if the atmosphere is right).

A mix of local DJs playing various music genres and hosting themed parties come together with a diverse group of guests to set the right atmosphere. For a more laid-back experience, there's a shack at the rear playing reggae and lovers rock tunes (similar to Sade).

#6. Ana's on the Beach

This very large, multi-level beach bar that also serves as an art gallery presents itself as a restaurant-lounge. The chairs with a shiny chrome finish may not be the most comfortable, the music is quite loud and might require earplugs, and the menu includes dishes from around the world which may be overly ambitious. However, despite these drawbacks, this place is trendy and popular, making it a great spot to socialize and meet new people.

Breakfast has a mix of local and international food on the menu. The staff wears black pants and bubblegum-pink shirts with "love is in the air" written on them. The cocktails are creative, and the artwork on the walls changes regularly, showcasing work from local up-and-coming artists in different styles.

#7. Carmichael's

Carmichael's is the fancy restaurant at Sugar Ridge. Sit back in a cozy seat or relax in the pool with a nice drink while watching the sunset. It's a great place to enjoy a cigar and some fine drinks after dinner.

You can always go down the hill to another evening spot called the Sugar Club (located by the resort entrance) for live music (from jazz to funk) and DJ disco nights.

#8. Indigo on the Beach

Indigo on the Beach is a stylish place to relax and enjoy delicious tapas, salads, grills, and burgers. In the evening, it's a popular spot for stylish people to hang out at the illuminated bar or on the white lounges with throw pillows.

Best Beach Cocktails in Antigua

Antigua is known for its fancy resorts and excellent service. Lots of them have cool bars by the beach for drinks and Caribbean vibes.

#1. Indigo On The Beach

Nothing in the twin islands, or throughout the Caribbean, can match the wonderful atmosphere of the luxurious Five Star surroundings of Carlisle Bay Resort. If you can't reserve a room at this must-visit place in Saint Mary Parish, then go to Indigo On The Beach to enjoy one of the most private beaches on the island (and one of the tastiest cocktail menus, too.)

#2. Sheer Rocks

Sheer Rocks is found at Cocobay Resort. It's known for its lively daytime atmosphere, tasty cocktails, tropical feel, and amazing views. It's the place to visit if you want to socialize and enjoy the scene.

#3. Catherine's Café

Situated on a beautiful beach in Antigua called Pigeon Beach, Catherine's Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy some rosé in the afternoon and relax with island vibes. Make sure to stay for the sunset.

#4. Ana's On The Beach

This place has both an art gallery and a restaurant, so you can check out the local art while you enjoy the tropical vibes.

Live music in Antigua

Even though the view is always nice in tropical places, it's nice to have some music to make your Caribbean vacation even better. Enjoy some songs along with your rum at the spots listed below:

#1. South Point Restaurant & Lounge

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Check out the live music at the lounge of this cool boutique hotel in English Harbour. Don't miss the beautiful sunset views. Come early for dinner and drinks outside before dancing the night (or the carbs) away.

#2. The Lime Lounge

Also in English Harbour, this cool bar has live bands and always has lots of people, even outside on the street. It's really good!

#3. Shirley Heights Lookout

Go to the Shirley Heights Lookout on Sunday evenings for rum drinks, live music, and a stunning sunset view of the harbor.

#4. Sheer Rocks

This cool spot is awesome for enjoying drinks by the sea, plus they have live music too. So come over to this place at Cocobay Resort and don't forget to bring your dancing shoes (or sandals).

#5. Beach Limerz

This place is great when you feel like enjoying live music directly on the beach in Fort James.

Things happening in Antigua

Here are some great things to do when visiting Antigua, from Seafood Fridays at Nelson's Dockyard to Saturday lunches at Catherine's Cafe and Sunday Barbecues at Shirley Heights.

#1. Seafood Fridays at Nelson's Dockyard

Visit Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour for "Seafood Fridays," a weekly event held at the historic site and marina. It's conveniently located near the bars at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, so you'll have a plan for what to do next.

#2. Sunday Barbecue at Shirley Heights

This is a party that happens every week and is loved by both locals and visitors. If you don't have a rental car, no need to fret - there are plenty of taxis available to take you back to your resort. This can be especially helpful after enjoying a few too many rum drinks.

#3. Rum tasting at Antigua Distillery Ltd

Take a tour of the tasting room (and try out the local drinks) of the island-produced rum made by Antigua Distillery Ltd in English Harbour.

#4. Rum-filled sailing excursion Adventure Antigua Eco Tour

With their environmentally friendly and exciting activities, this company is proudly not your typical party boat, but they do serve a delicious rum punch (after snorkeling, of course.) Embark on a day at sea that will be refreshing and fun enough to make the party scene in English Harbour afterwards seem unimportant.

#5. Saturday lunch and live music at Catherine's Café

If you like Shirley Heights on Sundays, you'll enjoy Catherine's Cafe at Pigeon Beach on Saturdays.

#6. Rum in the Ruins

This is an opportunity to enjoy drinks every Friday at the Blockhouse in Nelson's Dockyards.

#7. Antigua Carnival

A festival that lasts for 10 days happening on the streets of St. John's, the main city.

#8. Antigua Sailing Week

The top Sailing Race in the Caribbean

#9. Antigua and Barbuda Pineapple Mango Festival

Yearly two-day gathering, also referred to as Piango Fest, happening in the summer.

#10. Antigua and Barbados Independence Festivities

There will be a week of celebrations to remember when the two islands became independent on November 1, 1981. The events include the Night of Drama, Festival of Choirs, Youth Rally Parade, and Independence Fashion Show.

#11. Taliska Whisky Atlantic Challenge

The biggest event in ocean rowing happens in January and is held in Antigua.