LGBTQ+ Tri-Cities landmark nightclub evolves for ‘new generation’ with Latin flair
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- Out and About reopened as Azúcar in June 2025 with a new Latin music focus.
- Managers have a connection to eastern Washington. They purchased the building in 2024.
- Tri-Cities LGBTQ+ landmark has drag shows, karaoke and DJs.
A 60-year-old queer man with a “young spirit,” Finnbarr remembers when Out and About in Pasco first opened in 1996, the first and only designated LGBTQ+ bar in the Tri-Cities.
Reminiscing about his old haunt, his memories come alive — his favorite bouncer Sandy on a stage belting out The Beatles, a man named Noah “always at the bar drinking a vodka cranberry,” and women dressed as purple grapes on Halloween and performing Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
It was a fun place where he felt free to be himself.
Nearly 30 years later, Finnbarr, who asked to be identified only by his first name, said he’s seeing a new generation reclaim the popular hangout that now centers on Latino music and culture.
Out and About reopened in June with a fresh Latin vibe, a bright white exterior coat of paint and a sweet new name, Azúcar. It means “sugar” in Spanish.
Ownership change
Last fall, the future of the nightclub was uncertain.
It closed down in August 2024 after the previous owners missed property tax payments and the club was at risk of losing its liquor and business licenses.
Then a deal with a potential new owner fell through after some controversy about his vision for the club. He reportedly intended to strip the space of its focus on serving LGBTQ+ customers.
The potential buyer reportedly backed out of deals to buy the venue, and the local LGTBQ+ community watched the doors close on its only dedicated space.
Pedro and Fernando, a husband-husband team living in Seattle, heard that the sale fell through. Pedro has family connections in the Tri-Cities and had gone to the club as a young adult. He remembered returning to Pasco and visiting the club during school breaks while he attended college.
“We knew that this was a historical landmark for not just Tri-Cities, but for the whole region,” Fernando said. “It was going to be a big hit to the queer community if it didn’t continue.”
The couple, who asked that their last names not be used, also saw a business opportunity — and a chance to move to Eastern Washington where Pedro had grown up.
“We didn’t want the community to lose it either,” Pedro said.
Franklin County property records show the building in downtown Pasco was purchased by Nopaleros Real Estate LLC in September 2024 for $375,000.
Latin vibes
Fernando said that to him, Azúcar means warmth, sweetness and a welcoming place. It’s also an homage to Cuban Afro-Latina salsa performer Celia Cruz.
He and Pedro manage the nightclub, aiming to create a safe space and build community through various events.
Since the grand opening, Azúcar has been hosting live DJ sets, drag performances and themed nights, including Noche de Vaquera, translated to “Cowboy Night,” with norteña, cumbia and banda music.
Pedro and Fernando come from a professional dance background, so creating spaces for dancing was important to them.
There also are nights when there is no charge for entry. Most events are for ages 21 and up, though some are open to ages 18 and older.
Events at Azúcar
Azúcar is hosting several upcoming events this fall, featuring headliner performers.
- Masquerade Ball – Friday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
- Tha Cookout BIPOC Drag Experience – Saturday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m.
The nightclub is open 5 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Event information is available on Facebook and Instagram.
This story was originally published October 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
