Iconic Tower District night spot gives last call. LGBTQ+ club to close after 8 years

It’s last call at FAB Fresno.

The LGBTQ+ inclusive nightclub, known for its pink wave wall and drag queen nights, announced it will be closing at the end of the year.

“It is with heavy heart and eternal gratitude that we inform you all that FAB Fresno will be shuttering its doors,” the club wrote in a post on Instragram on Monday.

The club will host a final New Year’s Eve celebration.

This gay club opened on Olive Avenue in 2015 and became a Tower District staple, known for regularly hosting live music, karaoke and dancing.

And drag shows.

The club hosts performances by drag queens local and traveling (including more than a few who have competed on “Ru Paul’s Drag Race”).

This Friday the club hosts its final Oooh Pop! night. Hosted by Priscilla McNamara, the event features special performances by drag queens Ari Moon and Whorechata.

The venue was designed to be a safe place, owner Cisco Mendez told The Bee in 2015.

“We’re trying to create a safe space for everyone,” said Mendez, who opened the bar with his husband Terry Story. “It lets people know - trans[gender] people, lesbian, gay people - that they can go into there and be themselves.”

Now, the question for many longtime patrons is, “why?” and also, “what comes next?”

Messages to Mendez were not immediately returned and it is not totally clear why the club is closing. In announcing the news on his social media, Mendez said the club will be on the market for sale.

“It’s been a fabulous ride, and we are ever grateful for the support over the years,” he wrote. “To new adventures.”

This story was originally published December 19, 2023 at 12:19 PM.