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Join Us Every Thursday Starting at 6:00 PM!
Find us at the beautifully renovated Bright Side Bar (formerly SideCar) @ Fire & Oak Culinary Tavern.
With our dedicated entrance at 109 N. Market Street, we invite you to experience Frederick's premier weekly social for an evening that feels exclusive, but is held at the most inclusive venue in town. 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️
The Community Will Enjoy:
✨ A Chic, Sophisticated Venue: Step into a high-vibe atmosphere designed for making quality connections and fostering community.
🍹 Cocktails & Mocktails: Enjoy crafted cocktails and premium non-alcoholic options so everyone gets to mix and mingle in style.
🍽️ A Menu for Everybody: With exclusive HH specials, there are high-quality options that cater to diverse dietary needs.
The venue also provides gender-neutral facilities.
Social Link Frederick (formerly Happy Hour Frederick) was founded on a simple mission: to create a space where the LGBTQ+ community in the Greater Frederick area truly feels at home. No performances. No hidden agendas. Just community and quality connection.
Host Nikolas Groshans originally hosted a weekly happy hour at a local pub, amassing a loyal following. But, as the community grew, so did our standards, and the feedback was clear: a cramped dive bar with subpar service, aging facilities, and a limited menu became a real barrier to the elevated experience our community deserves. There was a growing sense that the venue had no real interest in investing in our community, but was merely content to "cash in" on our loyalty.
While actively pursuing a more upscale venue, Nik partnered with co-host Brandon McClure to rebrand, refresh, and amplify a shared vision: to create a dedicated space where the community can actively flourish.
Social Link Frederick is that evolution. Given the rapid growth and evolving demographics of the region, we are filling the gap for those tired of "hit or miss" options where our community is often an afterthought. We aren't just looking for a place to sit; we are setting the new standard for LGBTQ+ social life in Maryland.
We are proud to host our weekly residency at Fire & Oak Culinary Tavern. Stepping into the historic space formerly home to Firestone’s, Fire & Oak honors a 20-year legacy of hospitality while introducing a refreshed, modern dining experience.
The Bright Side Bar (formerly SideCar) is our dedicated home within this landmark. It features an inviting atmosphere where tradition meets innovation—perfect for an elevated evening of bold flavors, thoughtful cocktails, and modern comfort.
An MD native from Potomac, Nik is a top-producing REALTOR®, Agent, and Designer serving the Maryland and DC markets. A true multi-hyphenate, Nik is also an event promoter, singer, actor, model, and socialite with deep ties to the Frederick community. He founded this group to ensure the community has a space that matches its vibrancy and sophistication.
An MD native from Laurel, Brandon is a Small Business Growth Strategist and the founder of LGBTQ Biz Guru. Specializing in digital adoption, he is laser-focused on equipping queer entrepreneurs with the systems and skills they need to thrive in the AI era. Brandon ensures that Social Link Frederick isn't just an event, but a professional standard for our community.