Through the 1980s and ’90s, Trax was one of Phoenix’s loudest, busiest, and most unforgettable gay bars — a neon-soaked dance club off McDowell where the music hit hard, the lights stayed low, and the weekends never seemed to end. With its warehouse vibe and wall-to-wall crowd, Trax became a staple of the Valley’s queer nightlife long before the city’s scene found its polish.
Known for its pulsing dance floor, drag shows, and late-night energy, Trax drew everyone — club kids, leather guys, bar divas, and newcomers looking for a place to land. It was messy, joyful, sweaty, and real — the kind of club that didn’t just host nights, it created memories.
