Upcoming Midwestern Lesbian Events
Queer Self Defense Workshop
Each session in this 5-week series (10 total hours of training), we’ll deeply explore one of the five safety action principles of Empowerment Self-Defense: Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell. In addition to physical techniques (including strikes, kicks, and releases from grabs and pins), we’ll work on situational awareness, recognizing the warning signs of violence, and personal boundary setting and enforcement.
Open to all people ages 12+. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a water bottle.
MWL series dates: July 1, 8, 15 & 22 are 6:30 to 8:30 pm and July 27 is 4 to 6 pm.
Week 1: THINK — Awareness, Intuition, and Attitude
Week 2: YELL — Language, Tone, and Posture
Week 3: RUN — Assessing Risk and Escaping from Danger
Week 4: FIGHT — Physical Techniques for Self-Defense
Week 5: TELL — Getting Help for Yourself or Others Who’ve Experienced Violence
Our ESD Series registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $75 (Reduced), $150 (Standard), or $200 (Supporter) based on your budget. Registration includes Thrive T-shirt.
Drag Bingo
We’re celebrating International Drag Day with Drag Bingo!! Join us at HomeMakers Bar for some bingo, hosted by Sapphic Sunshine! Free to play, prizes for every winner! Happy hour from until 7pm, $1 drafts and wells, $7 spritzers and $8 Aperol Spritz’s!! Drag bingo will start at 7pm, but be sure to get there early to save your seat!
Vinyl Swap
Do you have vinyl’s collecting dust? Do they deserve to played? Bring them to our Vinyl Swap and trade with others for something new, old, one you’ve never heard before! Swapping starts at 6pm, happy hour until 7pm with $1 off drafts and wells, $7 spritzers and $8 Aperol Spritz’s! We’ll be swapping and hanging out until 9pm, hope to see y’all there!
Queer Pottery Workshop
We're back with a wheel throwing class at Queen City Clay!! Join us for an evening for community, learning, crafting and more! Your ticket includes a wheel throwing class, glazing and firing, and the option to make multiple pieces! BYOB!
Thirst Trap: A Queer Beach Dance Party
Let’s go to the beach, beach!! 🏝️
Join us at Queen City Exchange for Thirst Trap, a queer beach dance party on August 1st from 9pm to 1am! Transport yourselves to somewhere sunny with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand! We’ll have drinks, dancing, photos and more! Get there early to get lei’d 😏🌺
Sapphic Pool Party
We’re back for our second annual Sapphic Swims! An evening at Ziegler Pool for the sapphics, by sapphics! Music by DJ Lemon!
Grab your tickets before they sell out!
Sapphic Sunday Funday
Join us for a Sapphic Sunday Funday at HighGrain Brewery’s Brentwood Brewpub! We’ll have corn hole, billiards, drinks, food and more!
Stitch 'N Bitch
Join us at HomeMakers Bar for a Stitch 'N Bitch event! 🧶 Bring your knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, or any other craft that you're working on and hang out with us! Meet new friends and bitch about whatever is on your mind! 🪡
Event starts at 6pm, happy hour until 7pm, and we'll be bitchin' until 9pm! Hope to see y'all there! 🧵
End of Pride Party
we’re ending pride month with the brightest dance party yet! throw on your pride flag colors and join us at queen city exchange for an end of pride dance party!! music starts at 9pm and we’ll be dancing until 1am! see y’all there
Sapphic Sips
Join us on Rhinegeist’s Rooftop for Midwestern Lesbian’s June Sapphic Sips! This is an event for the Cincinnati Sapphic Community to come together, mingle, have some drinks and enjoy the community. What does "sapphic" mean? An umbrella term for women and gender non-conforming individuals, who are attracted to women. It's a broader term than "lesbian" and encompasses individuals who may identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, or other queer orientations, as well as trans, non-binary, and cisgender women. Think ABCD, Anyone But Cis Dudes
Summer Solstice Party
It’s officially summer and we’re celebrating, for the second year, at HomeMakers Bar! Join us for a Summer Solstice Party filled with drink specials, food, DIY flower crowns and more!
Late Bloomer
Whether you're newly out, finding community, or just looking to connect with other 30+ sapphics in a welcoming space, this event is for you. Join us on June 14th from 7pm to 10pm for Late Bloomer! Enjoy great drinks, cozy vibes, and meaningful conversations with others in our community. 💖💐 Come solo or with friends! Either way, you're sure to leave with new connections and maybe even a few stories to share.
Sapphic Strolls
Join us at Glenwood Gardens for our second Sapphic Strolls!! This stroll will be along the paved path that goes throughout Glenwood Gardens. Followed by a community picnic to hang out and meet new people! More details to come
Queer Talent Show
Join us for an unforgettable night of queer creativity, talent and community! Midwestern Lesbian is hosting a Queer Talent Show at Oddfellow’s Liquor Bar on Friday June 13th, and we want you on stage! This is a low-pressure, high-support space for queer folks to show off, get silly, or try something new. All experience levels welcome.
Whether you're here to perform or just vibe, this is your night. Expect drag, comedy, music, storytelling, and surprises. After the show, we’ll keep the energy going with a queer dance party until midnight! 💃🕺
Queer Karaoke Night
Midwestern Lesbian Presents Queer Karaoke Party!
Come celebrate Pride with us at Tokyo Kitty with karaoke, drinks from Deep Eddy Vodka, photobooth by Cincy Photo Booth, and performances by Fifi LeFay and Vanta Black!
Blind Date with a Book
Join us at HomeMakers Bar on June 11th from 6pm to 9pm for a blind book swap!
Bring a book, wrapped in paper, with a vague description written on the front. No title, no author names, just a few intriguing hints to spark curiosity. Then, trade with others and discover your next unexpected read!
Come for the books, stay for the drinks, and meet fellow book lovers in a fun, low-pressure setting. Maybe you'll find a new favorite!
Queer Clay Day
we’re having an afternoon of Queer Pottery at Queen City Clay for pride month!! join us for an afternoon of hand building pottery with Queen City Clay on June 8th from 12pm to 2pm. Tickets include a clay hand building class with Queen City Clay, one creation, glazing and firing! BYOB
Pride Kick-Off Party
Join us at PiNS Mechanical Co. for the official Pride in OTR after party with Midwestern Lesbian! Featuring drink specials, free duck pin bowling, a ping pong tournament, games, and more!
DIY Pronoun Button Night
celebrate who you are by making your own pronoun button with us at HomeMakers on March 26th from 6pm to 9pm!
all crafting supplies provided!
a pay what you can donation is suggested to cover cost of supplies
Sorry For Party Rockin'
Get ready to shuffle like it’s 2010 because we’re Sorry For Party Rockin’!
Join us for a queer AF 2010s dance party where LMFAO is sacred, neon is mandatory, and everybody just dance now. Channel your inner Kesha, Gaga, or Tumblr baddie. Think shutter shades, skinny jeans, galaxy print, and ALL the glitter.
Come dressed to impress (or distress) in your peak 2010s look and let's throw it back to a time when the club couldn't even handle us right now.
Pickle Party
It’s about to get dill-icious! Join us at HomeMakers Bar for a Pickle Party like no other. Featuring all things pickle: tangy snacks, pickle themed games, drink specials, and more!
We’re also celebrating Kelsey’s birthday, so come raise a glass (or a jar) in her honor! Expect crunchy vibes, salty laughs, and briny fun all night long. Whether you love 'em, hate 'em, or just wanna party in their honor, this is your moment.
Costumes and pickle flair encouraged. Let's get pickled! 🥳
Chosen Family Portraits
Bring your partners, friends, queer family or pets and get your portraits taken by @caitlinchriseneephoto to celebrate the start of pride month!
📅Thursday, May 22nd
📍Washington Park
⏰6-8PM first come, first serve! There will be a sign up sheet at Washington Park. 5-10 minutes per group
Pay what you can ($25 per person suggested)
Game Night
Join us for a game night at HomeMakers Bar! We'll have board games, card games, question games and more! Bring your own to play with friends!
Sapphic Sips
join us at Highgrain Brewing Co. for Sapphic Sips! May 17th starting at 7pm
beer, cocktails, wine, THC drinks, food, and more!
hope to see y'all there!
What does "sapphic" mean? An umbrella term for anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, who is attracted to women. It's a broader term than "lesbian" and encompasses individuals who may identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, or other queer orientations, as well as trans, non-binary, and cisgender women. Think ABCD, Anyone But Cis Dudes
Planned Parenthood Resource Packing Night
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio and Midwestern Lesbian are teaming up to make a difference in our city by co-hosting joining a Community Care Kit Packing Party at HomeMakers Bar on May 14th from 6pm to 9pm!
We will be collecting and packing sexual and reproductive care items into care kits. From there, these kits will be distributed to our community members here in Cincinnati. Please bring donations of sexual and reproductive care items. To view and purchase the sexual and reproductive care items that we're collecting, please visit our Wishlist
Sapphic Strolls
Join us for our first Sapphic Stroll!🚶♀️🚶 A morning gathering for sapphic folks to connect, unwind, and enjoy a casual walk through Ault Park. Whether you’re looking for community, conversation, or just a peaceful start to your weekend, this is a low pressure space to exist and move together in community! We will meet at the bottom of the staircase at Ault Park Pavilion and start our stroll at 10am, so be sure to get there early to ensure you walk with us! Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring a water bottle! 🤗
Queer Clay Night
Join us on May 9th at 7pm for a night of community and wheel-throwing pottery at Queen City Clay with Midwestern Lesbian! Tickets include a clay pottery wheel class with Queen City Clay, one creation, glazing and firing! BYOB!
Sapphic Cooking Class
Join Midwestern Lesbian and Tablespoon Cooking Co. for this very special happy hour cooking class! Following along with our chef-instructor, you'll make a fun appetizer and cocktail. Each station has pre-measured ingredients and equipment as well as a video monitor so you can follow along with our chef-instructor. In this one-hour, hands-on workshop, you'll make a delicious whipped ricotta + garlic crostini appetizer as well as an espresso martini. Tickets are sold individually, but all guests will work in pairs. So, if you're coming alone or in a group of 3 or 5, you' may be paired up with another guest to cook.
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Trivia
c'mon All Stars season 10, let's get sickening!!!!
join us, as we enter a new Drag Race All Star Era, for RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Trivia! ✨ Questions will cover all of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars US seasons
Free to play!
Happy Hour until 7pm
Trivia starts at 7pm
See y'all there! 💖
Game Night
Join us for a game night at HomeMakers Bar! We'll have board games, card games, question games and more! Bring your own to play with friends!
Sapphic Sunday Funday
Join us on Sunday, April 27th, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Binski’s Bar for an afternoon of drinks, community, music, and a sapphic cornhole tournament! Whether you're here to compete or just want to vibe with good people, this is the perfect way to wrap up your weekend.
Drinks: Enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and more!
Music: A sapphic soundtrack to set the mood
Community: Connect with other queer women & sapphic folks
Cornhole Tournament: Grab a partner and show off your skills!
No team? No problem! We’ll help match up players so everyone can join in the fun. Come for the competition, stay for the connections. See you there!
Y2K Red Carpet Dance Party
get your flip phones ready and layer everything! we’re throwing a full glam Y2K Red Carpet Party at Queen City Exchange! Think Ashley Tisdale in three skirts and a tank top over jeans. That’s the vibe. Swipe for outfit inspiration can you find caitlin?
Y2K pop + bangers all night
Red carpet photo ops
Juicy tracksuits, butterfly clips, low-rise chaos encouraged
set your AIM away message and let’s party like we just burned a mix CD for our crush
Not Your Average Sapphic Paint & Sip
Expect: an evening all about the Sapphic. With different motivators from different artists, guests can go whatever direction they choose. All supplies and a full complimentary bar featuring non-alcohol and alcohol based beverages. You choose how difficult you make your painting so all skill levels thrive together. People who think they would not like a paint and sip, this was made for you.
Bookmark Making Night
Join us at Homemakers Bar for a cozy and creative Bookmark Making Night! Whether you're a bookworm, an artist, or just looking for a fun, relaxing evening, this event is for you. We'll provide all the supplies: paper, markers, stickers, laminating materials, and more, so you can design the perfect bookmark to match your current read.
When: April 23rd • 6pm-9pm
Where: Homemakers Bar
Cost: Pay-what-you-can donation to help cover the cost of materials
Grab a cocktail, get crafty, and leave with a one-of-a-kind bookmark (or a few)! No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and love for books. See you there!
Late Bloomer: An Evening for Sapphics 30 & Older
Join us at The Highball on April 19th from 7 pm to 10 pm for Late Bloomer, an evening dedicated to sapphics over 30! 💐
Whether you're newly out, finding community, or just looking to connect with other 30+ sapphics in a welcoming space, this event is for you. Enjoy great drinks, cozy vibes, and meaningful conversations with others in our community. 💖💐
Come solo or with friends! Either way, you're sure to leave with new connections and maybe even a few stories to share. See you there!
Queer Karaoke Anniversary
It's the anniversary of Queer Karaoke at Tokyo Kitty!!! how has it already been a year of singing and dancing together?! this time, we'll be joined by Fifi LeFay and Guad Ala Jara!!
all attendees must pre-register. registration is free and doesn't sign you up to sing karaoke.