The Range, a beloved bar located on the Ithaca Commons, closed its doors for good Aug. 3, 2024. The bar was first opened in 2016 by owners Andrew Schreck and Tommy Grozier. The Range was both a bar and a music venue that hosted a variety of themed nights, including “ThursGays” on Thursdays and Salsa nights on Wednesdays. On “ThursGays,” the Range would host a variety of weekly queer events with local drag performers. On salsa nights, anyone was able to come and learn to salsa dance and listen to Latin music. The Range also showcased local Ithaca bands and DJs weekly.
With the closing of The Range in downtown Ithaca, many patrons of the beloved ThursGays events were concerned about the survival of what has become a pinnacle of the LGBTQ+ community in the area. In 2024, there are few designated spaces for social events that cater to LGBTQ+ clientele in upstate New York. ThursGays has since moved to Lot 10.