Fortaleza Gay Bars

Located in the Benfica neighbourhood, close to the Faculty of Economics of the UFC, The Lights is a gay bar in Fortaleza.

You'll often find karaoke parties here, as well as live DJs and themed events. It can get very busy at Fridays with people spilling out onto the streets.

Barraca do Joca - Joca for short - is a gay beach bar in Fortaleza. It's open seven days a week. You'll find it in front of Hotel Beira Mar - keep an eye out for the seahorse statue! There's a gay pride flag at the entrance.

It's not fancy but it is fun - they also serve quite good seafood. Most of the tables are on the sand, so it's very much a beach bar. Reasonable prices for food and drinks, though, despite its prime beachfront location.

Barraca do Joca is often busiest during the daytime.

Mambembe has been temporarily closed since January of 2025.

Mambembe is a bohemian venue located in Praia de Iracema serving food, music and art. It's popular with Fortaleza's gay community. Local writers and arts congregate here - you'll see a lot of cutting-edge theater performances and drag shows.

Mambembe attracts a diverse though mostly young crowd. It's a good place to dance, have a burger and mingle.