Today, May 1, Unicorn Bar, the only designated LGBTQ+ nightlife venue between Albany and New York City—marks its first anniversary with a festive night of dancing, drinks, and food. Tonight, Midtown Kingston venue will host its beloved first Thursday Queer Line Dancing with live music by the Unicorn Brass Band and a performance by acclaimed burlesque artist Lady Slipper. The bar will also debut its new spring/summer menu.
Founded in 2024 by local event producer and musician Francesca Hoffman, Unicorn Bar was created to fill a glaring gap in the region’s nightlife offerings. In just one year, the venue has become a hub for queer community, performance art, and dance parties. Hosting more than five events a week and welcoming over 4,000 guests in its first year, Unicorn Bar has quickly cemented its place in the Mid-Hudson Valley’s cultural landscape.
Notable performers at Unicorn’s events have included Jonathan Richman, Gail Ann Dorsey, Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio, Melissa Ferrick, Gracie & Rachel, and DJ Michael V. These acts have appeared alongside a robust calendar of community-centered programming.
Flagship events include Sapphic Nights, a dance party for FLINTA (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-Binary, Trans, Agender) folks; and Leather & Harness Night, a bimonthly celebration of kink and self-expression. Rebellious Burlesque explores the intersections of performance, activism, and queer identity, while other offerings range from drag and variety shows to trivia, Queeraoke, comedy open mics, and parent meet-ups.
In addition to its events, Unicorn Bar offers multiple rental spaces for private events, weddings, and creative productions. The bar’s drink program features imaginative cocktails, mocktails, local beer, natural wine, and a small menu of food crafted to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs.
The new spring/summer menu, which also launches tonight features hot paninis, served with a sour pickle and potato chips ($13-$14), and small bites ($3-$9). Sandwiches include The Centaur—a vegan delight with cheddar, tomato, and pesto on sourdough; The Unicorn, a vegetarian twist featuring mozzarella and vegan pesto; and The Phoenix, a sweet-savory combo of provolone, soppressata, and raspberry jam. Snack offerings are just as eclectic, from Mediterranean dolmas and mixed olives to crispy chickpeas seasoned in-house. Gluten-free and vegan options abound.
Highlights of the drink menu include the Paloma Santo, a smoky, citrusy blend of mezcal, grapefruit, lime, and palo santo syrup, and the Lady Grey, a visual stunner featuring Earl Grey-infused gin, distinctive blue butterfly pea flower, lemon, and lavender bitters. The Cherry Bomb adds a twist to a classic sour with rye, luxardo, and aquafaba for froth, while the Main Squeeze is a bubbly mix of vodka, Chambord, and soda. For something light and herbaceous, try the tequila-based Basil Bunny. For the sober crowd, inventive mocktails like Closer to Lime (lime, raspberry jam, soda) and the kombucha-based Silver Spring prove just as satisfying.
Inclusivity, sex positivity, and community care are at the heart of Unicorn Bar’s mission—whether that’s programming or menu planning to accommodate dietary restrictions. As Hoffman puts it, “the space is designed to foster queer joy for all, no matter one’s gender identity or orientation.”
Entry for Unicorn’s first birthday party tonight, May 1, is $10. Doors open at 7:30pm.
May Events
Unicorn’s anniversary party is far from the only programming Hoffman has in store for May. On Saturday, May 3, all-female Colombian ensemble La Manga lights up the stage with Afro-Colombian rhythms like cumbia and bullerengue, following a 7:30 p.m. dance lesson. The next day, Sunday, May 4, the high-energy Aw Di Body returns with an African dance class at 3:30 p.m., followed by a DJ-fueled daytime boogie until 8 p.m. – a soulful, queer-friendly celebration inspired by clubs in Johannesburg and beaches of Accra.
On Thursday, May 8, the monthly Doors at Seven punk series takes over, featuring NYC’s Whiskey Ginger, local indie-jazz rockers Cecropia, and Hudson Valley’s own Miss America. Dance lovers can shake it off at Pop Tart, a new pop dance party on Friday, May 9, hosted by DJs PrettyWoman and Rager Solutions. And closing the month on Saturday, May 31, Rebellious Burlesque strips down the norms with powerful performances that blend sensuality and social commentary, curated by The Lady Slipper and Ame.
Whether you’re seeking beats, catharsis, or just a good time, Unicorn’s May calendar promises to move your body and stir your soul.
[location-1]
