Event Dates
From: Thursday, April 2, 2026
To: Sunday, April 5, 2026
CLAW Columbus
Leather Awareness Weekend 2026
CLAW is one of the largest annual leather meet-ups in the USA and features a weekend of leather + fetish parties. Note in 2026 the event moves from Cleveland to Columbus.
CLAW Columbus Leather Awareness Weekend 2026
CLAW is one of the largest annual leather meetups in the USA taking place each year and features a weekend of leather + fetish parties, workshops & vendor mart. Note, in 2026 the event moves to Columbus from Cleveland.
Where to stay during Claw Columbus?
- CLAW Next Edition dates: Thursday 2nd April 2026 – Sunday 5th April, 2026.
- Visiting Columbus for CLAW? Book your hotel in Short North, close to all the gay bars and events. Stay at the Graduate Columbus, rated “Superb” by guests with uniquely designed rooms, perfect location and friend
CLAW 2026 – Events
- Get ready to meet hot leather guys from around the world in Columbus during the start of the Spring Season as the CLAW party hits the hotels and hot spots of Columbus.
- The program is extensive – here are out highlights not to be missed:
Leather Stallion Saloon Parties
- Head to the Dick Off Party Kick off party on at the legendary Leather Stallion Saloon, a great way to get to know new arrivals and old friends
- Parties run form 10 pm to 2 am with a complimentary shuttle bus to the venue from the host hotel.
- Other events typically include the Hot Ass Party on Thursday, Spit and Shine on Friday and SIR yes SIR! on Saturday.
- Events end on Sunday from 3 pm to 9 pm with the beer bash.
- The Leather Stallion Saloon – Serving bears and leather guys since 1970 with a spacious patio, pool tables and friendly bartenders.
Horse Market
- Friday – Private event for all male-identified persons modeled as close as possible to the famous Fickstutenmarkt party in Berlin.
- Mares (bottoms) are blindfolded, naked, ready to be mounted before the Stallions arrive. At The Academy from 5pm.
The International Leather Family Dinner Gala
- Saturday 7 pm- This is the centerpiece of the entire event and features all CLAW members, sponsors and attendees in one room in a exquisite setting with great food, live music and a great atmosphere.
Bottomless Drag Brunch
- Sunday – Drag Brunch with bottomless mimosas, leading into a round of bingo.
The Cigar Deck
- Thursday and Saturday – Each year organizers arrange a special Cigar Deck so you can cruise and smoke and enjoy 24 hour action.
The Kinky Bingo
- Sunday, 12.30 – The Kinky Kabaret – CLAW’s fantastic finale, an original music & comedy review with our best live entertainers.
Vendor Markets and Workshops
- A staple of CLAW is the educational workshops and presentations, which happen on Friday and Saturday during the day. The vendor mart also operates during the day throughout the weekend.
- CLAW holds that adult interest in leather, fetish, and BDSM is natural and healthy. We learn that from one another in person. CLAW is a 501c3 charity dedicated to fundraising, education, volunteerism and other charitable needs of the leather community.
Gay Columbus Neighbourhoods
- Columbus has a big LGBTQ scene and a friendly, hometown feel. You’ll find nightlife, breweries, art and drag shows spread across a few key pockets:
- German Village: Quiet, leafy streets, brick houses and cosy coffee spots. A laid-back base close to Downtown with charm for days. – Check out the top hotels nearby.
- Short North: Art murals, boutique shopping, busy patios and the core gay nightlife strip. Weekends get lively, so plan your ride home. – Explore the top boutique hotels in Short North.
- Franklinton: Creative district across the river. Breweries, rooftops and warehouse venues pulling a mixed, open crowd.
Popular Gay Venues
- District West: Show bar with drag, dance nights and a fun local crowd. Cocktails, weekend productions and theme events.
- Union Cafe: Lively mix of drinks, dinner, drag brunches and DJ nights. A staple for first-timers exploring Short North.
- Axis: High-energy club for big nights, DJ sets and performance events. Dance floor stays busy late.
- Slammers: Long-running lesbian-owned bar famous for pizza and relaxed good vibes. Pool, games and a friendly scene.
- AWOL: Neighborhood bar with drag, karaoke, sports on screens and a relaxed crowd.
- Local Bar: Small-room charm, strong drinks, friendly bartenders and casual energy.
Hotels close to the gay area in Columbus, Ohio
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the events:
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Hotel LeVeque is where we stay when
we visit Columbus Close to the gay bars.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
HighBall Halloween festival Website
Gay Map of Columbus
The city has three distinct neighborhoods.
- The German Village is the oldest gay neighborhood with cobbled streets
- Short North is the city’s newer gay district mixing farmers markets, art galleries, boutique shops and gay bars.
- The Arena district is where you will find most of the late night bars and clubs
620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
provides accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers an ATM. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.
50 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection offers pet-friendly accommodation in Columbus. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site.
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
Sonesta Columbus Downtown offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.
808 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Moxy Columbus Short North provides accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. The property features a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available.
BOOK NOW
195 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Set in the centre of Columbus The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine and 1 bathroom with a shower, and a living room with a TV.
140 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Located in the centre of Columbus offering air conditioning, 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi
100 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
This modern air conditioned apartment includes 1 bedroom, a living room, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom with a bidet and a shower. Providing a patio with city views. Free WiFi.
621 Dennison Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
This apartment is the perfect mix of original character with modern updates & amenities. providing guests with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. The accommodation is equipped with a kitchen, a dishwasher and microwave.
630 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Fun frienly gay bar with good food and service well worth a vist if your in town
202 E Long St, Columbus, OH 43215
Slammers Bar and Pizza Kitchen, located in the heart of Downtown Columbus. Featuring mean Slammer concoctions, pool, patio, pride, and of course our famous, outstanding "Slammer Style" pizza.
863 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
Offbeat gay bar in a circa-1880 house featuring live music, theme nights & happy hours.
913 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
fun local gay bar, great staff friendly owner and fun atmosphere
782 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Union Cafe is a popular restaurant and bar lounge located in the heart of the Short North offering good food and fun shows
775 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Axis is Columbus’ largest dance club with a modern patio, cabaret featuring all male revues, VIP room, the best in drag entertainment and two levels of viewing space over a modern dance floor. Axis has been packing crowds for over a decade.
1224 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
Columbus's premier show bar with a wide selection of beverages, male revues, and drags Shows
744 Frebis Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Great bar and staff. Always friendly people working and also friendly customers.
Fun bar, very entertaining drag shows
20 E Duncan St, Columbus, OH 43202
Never a cover; always a show! An LGBTQ bar that was started in 1994, where you can arive as a stranger but leave as friend!!!
1409 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
Columbus, Ohio's ONLY Gay Irish Pub!! Enjoy the laid back atmosphere and Irish Flair this Friendly Columbus Destination provides!
Offering regular events and shows
126 E Moler St, Columbus, OH 43207
This gay bar is like Cheers with a queer twist! offering Drag Shows, All Open Stage Night, Live Music and Drink Specials
708 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
A friendly neighborhood bar that has been gay owned and operated since 1987 and caters to all LGBT communities and thier friends.
Offering regular events, friendly bar tenders and good drinks
49 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
One of Central Ohio's Longest Operating Gay Bars!! offering regular Events and Fantastic Cocktails to keep you feeling great!!
Recommended Hotels in Columbus By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Columbus that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Hotel LeVeque
4 Star – Central Location
- 4-Star, Pet-Friendly, On-Site Bar
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Free WiFi, private parking
- Pet-friendly accommodation with a bar & convenient access to Columbus attractions.
Le Méridien
4 Star, Luxury
- 4-Star, Restaurant, Fitness Center
- Close to the gay district
- ATM, 24-hour front desk
- Luxury stay with restaurant, fitness center, & attentive service in Columbus.
Sonesta Hotel
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4-Star, Restaurant, Fitness Center
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Free WiFi, snack bar
- Offers restaurant, fitness amenities, & a snack bar for a comfortable Columbus visit.
Moxy Hotel
3 Star – Perfect Location
- 3-Star, Fitness Center
- Close to the gay district
- Private parking, free WiFi
- Modern facilities with a fitness center & lounge, ideally located in the Short North area.
Gay Guide to Columbus, Ohio
Discover the best gay places in Columbus.
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