25 Columbus LGBTQ-owned small businesses to shop on Small Business Saturday

Discover the vibrant heart of Columbus, Ohio's LGBTQ community through its array of small businesses. From cozy cafes to lively nightclubs, these establishments are more than just places to shop and dine; they are a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Whether you're looking for a night out, a unique gift, or a delicious meal, these LGBTQ-owned businesses offer a rich tapestry of experiences. Join us as we explore 25 must-visit destinations in Columbus, perfect for supporting local entrepreneurs this Small Business Saturday:

1. Canvas Collective Art: Canvas Collective Art, based in Columbus, Ohio, stands out, showcasing a range of artists. This collective, founded by two friends in Columbus, is a testament to the rich artistic talent of Columbus. Artists can find a unique space to register and sell their creations, offering art enthusiasts a gateway to discover and purchase a variety of artworks. This online gallery is not only a business but also a vibrant community that bridges the gap between local and international artists, making art accessible to a broader audience.
   
   
2. Flower Child: Flower Child is a unique vintage store located in the Italian Village of Columbus, described as both a store and a museum focusing on items from the 1930s to the 1980s. It offers a variety of retro goods including clothing, furniture, jewelry, and themed rooms that represent different decades, providing a nostalgic time-travel experience. It's a place where vintage lovers can find a large selection of items organized by theme and time period, offering something to fit every budget.
   
   
3. Paper Crown Candles: Started in 2017, the brand offers specialized holiday and season candles with intriguing all-year-round themes. These handcrafted candles are designed to combine a love of books, candles, and all things magical. With cotton and paper wicks, the candles promise long burn times, offering a unique, literary-themed sensory experience.
   
   
4. Olliver Lifestyle: Olliver Lifestyle is a unique online candle boutique. It offers a curated collection of luxurious fragrances, emphasizing craft, quality and curation. Try the seasonal HEMLOCK candle, with a scent of spruce, frankincense, and myhhr.
   
   

5. AWOL Bar: A vibrant spot at 49 Parsons Ave, Columbus, known for its indoor and outdoor dance floors and a diverse range of weekly events. Open until 2:30 AM every day, AWOL Bar is a lively destination for music and dance lovers​.

6. City Folk's Farm Shop: City Folk’s Farm Shop is dedicated to connecting city dwellers with goods and services related to urban farming. Located at 4760 N High Street in Columbus, Ohio, the shop offers a range of products including garden and urban farming supplies, animal feed, farm-fresh products like meat, eggs, dairy, syrup, and honey, as well as homesteading supplies. They also offer classes for those interested in city farming, and the shop supports local food systems by carrying local foods. City Folk's Farm Shop is a hub for the community interested in sustainable living and urban agriculture​.

7. Axis Nightclub: Located at 775 N High St, Axis Nightclub is Columbus' largest LGBT+ nightclub, featuring a large stage for drag shows, a cabaret stage, an outdoor patio, and two levels of viewing space over the dance floor. Celebrating over 20 years of entertainment, Axis is a hub for exciting nightlife and dance.

8. Samson Men’s Emporium: Samson Men’s Emporium is a modern general store for the modern gentleman located in the heart of the Short North Arts District at 694 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215. This classic-yet-casual men’s shop offers clothing that can be dressed up or down. They have a variety of men’s clothing, accessories, apothecary items, and barware. Their apothecary section provides a lush selection of grooming products from the U.S., London, and New Zealand.

9. Bake Me Happy: A delightful bakery at 500 E Whittier St, specializing in gluten-free treats like zebra cakes, carrot cakes, cookies, brookies, and brownies. Known for its wide array of goodies, Bake Me Happy offers a sweet escape for those with gluten allergies and anyone with a sweet tooth.

10. Fourth Home: Fourth Home is a home furnishings boutique and interior design studio based in Columbus, Ohio. They offer a curated collection of furniture, home decor, lighting, art, and textiles. With a focus on design and aesthetic, Fourth Home provides a selection of items that cater to various home styling needs, aiming to enhance the spaces of their customers with unique and stylish pieces.

11. Barcelona: This restaurant, located in the historic German Village at 263 E Whittier St, is inspired by Spanish cuisine. It offers a fusion of metropolitan chic and Old World European charm, complete with a beautiful dining room, private event space, and an award-winning wine list.

12. Orbit City Bikes: Orbit City eBikes is recognized as the top Electric Bicycle Dealer in Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana. Celebrating their tenth year, they offer a one-stop-shop for high-quality eBikes, servicing what they sell, and providing free test rides. Their store in North Columbus showcases a vast selection of eBikes, including cargo bikes, catering to both the neighborhood and the wider region. They are located right off I-71 at 4544 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH, 43214.

13. Barroluco Argentine Comfort Food: Found at 47 N. Pearl St, this restaurant offers a cozy patio and delicious South American cuisine. Empanadas, veggie paella, steak, and plantains are just a few of the delicacies that make Barroluco a hidden gem in Columbus​.

14. Olly Awake: Olly Awake is a gender-equal clothing brand established in 2016 by K Terry Smith and Celeste Malvar-Stewart in Columbus, Ohio. The brand is dedicated to disrupting and subverting gender norms through intentionally designed clothing pieces. Olly Awake's apparel comes without gender labels, emphasizing inclusivity and empowerment. The garments are high-quality, ethically produced in the USA, and made using sustainable textiles, aligning with the brand's philosophy of fashion free from norms.

15. Boscoe’s: Boscoe’s is a vibrant nightlife spot located at 1224 South High St., Columbus, OH 43206, known for its colorful atmosphere and sensory experiences that include sight, sound, touch, and taste. This gay bar operates from 3 PM to 2:30 AM and is recognized for its moderate noise level, outdoor seating, and amenities like a pool table, Wi-Fi, and DJ, creating a unique and unforgettable night out.

16. Out of the Closet: Out of the Closet Thrift Stores provide a wide selection of second-hand clothes, vintage garments, and home decor. Located at 1230 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, they offer free HIV and STI testing services in addition to being a thrift shop. They aim to make a difference in the sexual health of the Columbus community and support the fight against AIDS, embodying a mission beyond just retail​.

17. Bubbles & Agave: Although not a physical location, Bubbles & Agave is the entrepreneurial venture of local mixologist Christina Basham, centered on a universal fondness for good cocktails. Through her consulting company, she discusses trends in cocktail bars, the craft of mixology, and her personal insights into the industry. For those interested in cocktail culture in Columbus, following Basham's work could provide a gateway to the latest and most innovative drink experiences​.

18. Carlucci's Pizzeria: Carlucci's Pizzeria, situated at 8757 Smoky Row Rd, Powell, offers a classic pizza joint vibe with a ranging menu that includes favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, fried mushrooms, and unique and mainstay specialty pizzas. They are open various hours through the week, closed on Tuesdays, and are known for their casual, quiet atmosphere suitable for groups and families, offering catering services, private lot parking, and accessibility features​.

19. Cavan’s Irish Pub: Located at 1409 South High Street, Cavan's Irish Pub is Ohio's only gay Irish pub. It provides a laid-back atmosphere with Irish flair, featuring a newly enhanced patio that is spacious and breezy with both indoor and outdoor spaces. They have events such as weekly drag shows on Saturday nights, karaoke on Wednesday and Friday nights, and are known for their casual setting with offerings like cider, cocktails, and beer. They are open from 3 PM to 2:30 AM and enjoy ratings around 4.0 from various platforms.

20. Club Diversity: Club Diversity, at 863 South High Street in the Brewery District, is celebrated for having the best martinis in Columbus and a famous vodka wall. This inclusive establishment welcomes everyone and features house-made pizzas, chicken tenders, soft pretzels, and snacks. They host Tuesday Night Movies, Karaoke Every Wednesday & Sunday Nights, and live music with Thomas Crumley on Thursdays. The club operates Monday through Thursday from 4 PM to Midnight, Friday from 4 PM to 2:30 AM, Saturday from 12 PM to 2:30 AM, and Sunday from 12 PM to Midnight​.

21. Kittie's Cakes: Kittie's Cakes, located at 495 S. 3rd Street in German Village, takes pride in offering innovative twists on family-favorite baked goods. They are known for using real ingredients and crafting unique flavor profiles that are both comforting and nostalgic. Their menu includes mini cupcakes, layer cakes, scones, biscuit & jam, and more. The bakery is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 AM to 2 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM, with Mondays closed. It's a place where the delight in the baked goods can lead to leaving with "half a dozen bags" of treats​.

22. Pattycake Bakery: Pattycake Bakery is a vegan organic bakery in Columbus, Ohio, that delights its customers with scratch-made sweets using the finest primarily organic and all-vegan ingredients. With a commitment to no hydrogenated oils and minimally refined sugars, their menu includes cookies, muffins, cupcakes, whoopie pies, and sticky buns, among other treats. The bakery is open throughout the week with varying hours and is dedicated to putting a smile on their customers' faces with every bite.

23. Plenty O'Cookies: Plenty O'Cookies is a unique cookie-decorating small business in Columbus, run by a self-taught baker and drag queen, Alex Copeland. Known for their custom-decorated sugar cookies, the business embodies a blend of creativity and performance, providing personalized cookie experiences for any event and hosting cookie-decorating workshops. This business not only offers decorated sugar cookies but also has a range of signature cookies to try.

24. Schmidt's Fudge Haus: Located in the historic German Village of Columbus, Schmidt's Fudge Haus takes pride in their handcrafted chocolates and fudge, made using an old-world process in copper kettles and finished on marble tables. They use rich Belgian chocolate and the finest ingredients like roasted nuts and creamy caramel to create treats that have attracted customers from all over, including celebrities. They invite everyone to try their luscious chocolates and fudges that promise to keep you coming back for more.

25. The Olde Oak: The Olde Oak is a Bar & Grill located at 62 Parsons Ave, Columbus, offering a casual dining experience with a menu that includes the Olde Oak burger and smoking barrels fries among customer favorites. They also provide take-out and delivery options. It features a casual atmosphere that's good for groups, has a pool table, live music, and happy hour specials. The Olde Oak is open every day of the week, with extended hours on the weekend, welcoming diners from 10 AM to 2 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Columbus's LGBTQ-owned small businesses are a testament to the city's diverse and welcoming spirit. Each business on this list not only offers quality products and services but also serves as a vibrant community hub. By choosing to shop at these establishments, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in the rich fabric of Columbus's culture and supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of the LGBTQ community. Let's continue to embrace and uplift these businesses, making every Saturday a small business Saturday.