Sat 08/09
[ 3 – 6 p.m. ]
Drink & Dazzle at Playhouse Square
Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne thanks to the North Coast Men’s Chorus. The State Theater at Playhouse Square will be bumpin’ bumpin’ this afternoon, even before the official opening ceremonies.
[ 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. ]
Renaissance Happy hour
Matt Johnson and a cash bar at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, 24 Public Square. FYI: There will be a Renaissance Happy Hour every day during the games.
[ 9 p.m.]
Neon party at bounce
Bounce is Cleveland’s hottest LGBT bar, located at 2814 Detroit Ave. They’ve got dynamite events every night this week, but tonight, enjoy the Neon Party hosted by Kari Nickels with special guest Pepper Mashay.
Sun 8/10
[ 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ]
Bloody mary brunch at the music box supper club
Get the drinking started early at the Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave. They’re hosting a killer brunch with Nhojj and Anne E. DeChant. Your $20 ticket covers food, drink and entertainment.
[ 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. ]
Hot in cleveland casino night
Gamblers unite! The Horseshoe Casino is right next to Tower City on Public Square.
[ 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. ]
Renaissance Live Late-night dj
If you’re downtown, just keep heading back to the Renaissance, especially if you’re hitting up the Casino. Tonight’s featured DJ: Brad Petty. He’ll be there tomorrow as well.
Mon 8/11
[ 4 – 6 p.m. ]
Big Gay Happy Hour at the Music Box supper club
Need we say more? There will be subsequent Big Gay Happy Hours Tuesday through Friday.
[ 6 – 9 p.m. ]
The Official VIP White Party Cruise
I mean, if you’ve got $250 to burn, DJ Mike Gunn will be spinning a Boy George DJ set. Plus all-you-can-eat passed and buffet hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar, all on Cleveland’s own Nautica Queen as the sun sets over Lake Erie.
[ 8 p.m. ]
ComedySportz
Not expressly a drinking event, but your $20 ticket is good for a glass of wine or beer. Enjoy fast-paced comedy games at the Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre in Idea Center, 1375 Euclid Ave.
[ 10 p.m – 2:30 a.m. ]
Drag Night at AURA Ultra Lounge
AURA, at 1313 East 26th St., in conjunction with FLEXspas, is hosting dance parties and pool parties all week long to celebrate the Gay Games. Tonight, come out for Drag Night with special guest Morgan McMichaels performing live. Be ready for a rooftop bash!
Tue 8/12
[ 7 p.m. ]
“Gatsby Champagne Express”
If you’re not from Cleveland, this champagne trip on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a must. Laid back, old-fashioned and scenic, the two-hour round trip promises plenty of time to get tipsy. Tix range from $59 to $92, and are totally worth it. Get details at cvsr.com.
[ 7 – 9 p.m. ]
USTA Reception
Are you a tennis lover? Even if not, the USTA is hosting its reception at the Renaissance, and it’s free and open to the public. So, you know, sally forth.
[ 9:30 pm. – midnight]
Post Party for LGBA Team Band
All we know is the Lesbian and Gay Band Association intends to turn the State Theatre lobby into a full-fledged dance club immediately after their performance. Scene’s diagnosis: Un. Missable.
Wed 8/13
[ 9 p.m – 3 a.m. ]
Renaissance Live
Late-Night DJ
Tonight, the featured DJ is Rob Black, who will also DJ Friday’s late-night party.
[ 9:30 p.m. – midnight ]
Post Party for CHORAL EXTRAVAGANZA
Same drill as last night, in terms of turning the State Theatre into a dance club, with rumors of a free/cash bar. (We’re unclear what exactly will be free, but if you like dancing, who cares?)
Thur 8/14
[ 8 – 11:30 p.m. ]
Fantasia at Asia Town Center
Even if you’re seeing Katy Perry at the Quicken Loans Arena tonight, you’ll still have time to pop over to Asia Town for some complimentary light snacks and cheap beer, wine and sake, courtesy of Cleveland’s Asian LGBT community. (The event is free for Gay Games participants, $5 for friends).
[ 10 p.m – 2:30 a.m. ]
ChiChi Larue’s Pleasure Island: Rooftop Dance & Porn Star Pool Party
Adults only! This pool party at AURA Ultra Lounge on East 26th, in conjunction with FLEXspas, will feature some huge names in adult entertainment. Get ready to dance and swim the night away.
Fri 8/15
[ 7 p.m. ]
Great Escape Wine-tasting Excursion
If you missed the Gatsby Champagne Express, now’s your chance to experience the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and some killer wine and tasty apps to boot. Tickets range from $59 to $82 for the two-hour round trip, which departs from Akron’s Northside Station.
[ 9 – 11 p.m. ]
Drag Bingo
“Not your grandma’s church bingo” is how this event has been characterized in the promotional literature. For $10 (and a costume, if you wish), come enjoy games and performances in the State Theater Lobby at Playhouse Square.
Sat 8/16
[ 10 p.m. ]
Seven Deadly Sins: The Official GG9 After Party at House of Blues
After a week of incredible sports and fellowship, party the night away with DJ Scotty Thomson at Cleveland’s House of Blues. 21+ for this event. Tix: $71.
This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2014.
