Continental Baths
A legendary 1970s NYC venue, the Continental Baths were a cultural hub, launching Bette Midler's career and serving as a vital LGBTQ+ space.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Check listings for tributes
Continental Baths
Best Time
Check listings for tributes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary 1970s NYC venue, the Continental Baths were a cultural hub, launching Bette Midler's career and serving as a vital LGBTQ+ space.
"Discover where Bette Midler became 'Bathhouse Betty' and disco legends spun their first beats."
🎯 Check Event Schedules
The original Continental Baths are closed. Look for themed nights or performances inspired by its legacy.
🎤 Bette Midler's Roots
Discover where 'The Divine Miss M' and Barry Manilow launched their careers in the 1970s.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legacy of Bette Midler
New York City (historic)
Witness the birthplace of 'Bathhouse Betty,' where Bette Midler honed her iconic performance style with Barry Manilow.
Pioneering LGBTQ+ Space
New York City (historic)
Explore the history of a groundbreaking venue that served as a vital safe haven and cultural hub for the gay community.
Disco's Early Roots
New York City (historic)
Experience the vibrant atmosphere where DJs like Frankie Knuckles and Robbie Leslie spun early disco beats.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Your 'Baths'
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedules
The original Continental Baths are closed. Look for themed nights or performances inspired by its legacy. 
🎤 Bette Midler's Roots
Discover where 'The Divine Miss M' and Barry Manilow launched their careers in the 1970s.
🏳️🌈 Historical Significance
Understand its role as a crucial safe space and cultural center for the LGBTQ+ community.
🎶 Disco Dance Floor
Experience the sounds of early disco spun by legendary DJs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedules
The original Continental Baths are closed. Look for themed nights or performances inspired by its legacy.
🎤 Bette Midler's Roots
Discover where 'The Divine Miss M' and Barry Manilow launched their careers in the 1970s.
🏳️🌈 Historical Significance
Understand its role as a crucial safe space and cultural center for the LGBTQ+ community.
🎶 Disco Dance Floor
Experience the sounds of early disco spun by legendary DJs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
While the original Continental Baths are a closed historical site, current themed events inspired by its legacy are often praised for their energetic atmosphere and nostalgic tribute to Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, and early disco. Attendees enjoy the immersive experience and the nod to LGBTQ+ history. However, these events are sporadic and require checking specific listings.
"Fantastic location and decent facilities. Usually not too crowded and always a chill vibe. Free entry, like all the pools along the beautiful Illawarra coast."
Patrick Nadoll
"The best rockpool I've been so far, the shallow one is 0.7 to 1.3m, I think the other one is around 1.8m deep...there is shower and toilet as well...and there's no entry fees at all...the beach right next to it is also superb...the only issue around this area is the parking, there's one at the end of the road, but its around 50 cars only, you have roadside parking as an option anyway...but overall, the visit is really worth it..."
Antonio Bacasno
"has essentially no shade where there is seating from sun rise until about 11am. i hated it. It's implicitly encouraging skin cancer by enticing people to the water which is unquestionably wonderful then providing no shade. I thought councils might have woken up to Australia's propensity for skin cancer but not Wollongong.
The council web page for this pool accurately does not list shade amongst it's facilities,
https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/explore/our-pools/pools/saltwater/continental-pool
Fortunately starkly contrasts with Hornsby pool which has plenty of shade."
Martin Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The original Continental Baths were located in New York City, at the Ansonia Hotel on Broadway and 73rd Street.
The original venue closed in 1976. However, themed events and performances inspired by the Continental Baths' legacy occasionally take place in various venues.
Keep an eye on event listings for venues like Bette, Bathhouse, & Beyond in NYC, or follow promoters like Red Eye NY for themed parties.
Venues hosting these events are typically in accessible areas of New York City, often served by public transportation. Check the specific venue's location for details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, events inspired by the Continental Baths usually require tickets. Check the promoter's website or ticketing platforms for availability and pricing.
Ticket prices vary depending on the event, venue, and performers. It's best to check the specific event details for current pricing.
Most events inspired by the Continental Baths are for adults (18+ or 21+), especially those with a bar or late-night programming. Always verify with the event organizer.
Some themed events might encourage 70s attire or even mandatory towels, reminiscent of the original baths. Check the event's specific guidelines.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
The original Continental Baths were known for their vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, serving as a major cultural and social hub, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Baths hosted live music, drag performances, and DJ sets, famously featuring early performances by Bette Midler and Barry Manilow, and DJ sets by Frankie Knuckles.
Given its history as a bathhouse and its association with adult entertainment and LGBTQ+ culture, the original Continental Baths were not family-friendly. Themed events may also have age restrictions.
The original Continental Baths had swimming pools. However, current themed events are typically held in clubs or performance spaces and do not involve swimming.
It was one of the first gay bathhouses to openly host mainstream entertainment and became a vital safe space and community center for gay men in New York.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies vary by event. Some venues may prohibit cameras or phones to maintain the atmosphere or for privacy reasons. Always check the event's rules.
While the original venue is gone, you can find historical photos online. For current events, capturing the retro vibe or performers can make for great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
While the original venue is closed, understanding its legacy is key to appreciating its impact. Look for modern events that pay homage to this history, often featuring LGBTQ+ performers and celebrating the spirit of inclusivity that the Baths embodied. +1🎶 Music Enthusiasts
+2 This is where these artists honed their craft and where legendary DJs like Frankie Knuckles spun their magic. Keep an eye out for tribute nights that recreate the iconic sounds and performances. +1🏛️ History Buffs
+1 Researching its past offers insights into the evolution of nightlife, LGBTQ+ rights, and the music scene. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Birthplace of Stars: Bette Midler & Barry Manilow
+2 These performances were pivotal, showcasing Midler's unique blend of humor, pathos, and raw talent to a receptive audience. The intimate setting of the Baths allowed her to connect with the crowd in a way that foreshadowed her future global success. Barry Manilow, too, honed his skills as an arranger and accompanist during this period, contributing to the unique musical synergy that defined their early shows. The cultural impact of these performances cannot be overstated. They helped to legitimize drag and cabaret as forms of mainstream entertainment and cemented the Continental Baths' reputation as a vital cultural hotspot. The energy and creativity fostered within its walls resonated far beyond the confines of the venue, influencing music and performance for decades to come.
Even today, tribute shows and events often recreate the magic of Bette and Barry's performances at the Baths, keeping their legacy alive. +1A Sanctuary and a Scene: The Continental Baths' LGBTQ+ Legacy
The Baths provided not only a place for social gathering and recreation but also a platform for cultural expression and community building. +1The venue became a vibrant hub where the gay community could express itself freely. It was a place where individuals could find acceptance, forge connections, and experience a sense of belonging. The performances by artists like Bette Midler, who embraced her gay following, further solidified the Baths' status as a progressive and inclusive space.
+1 The film 'Saturday Night at the Baths' (1975) even captured some of the on-location scenes, showcasing the unique atmosphere and the lives of its patrons. The legacy of the Continental Baths as a pioneering LGBTQ+ space continues to be recognized and celebrated, highlighting its importance in the fight for visibility and acceptance. The Sound of the Baths: Disco's Early Rhythms
Knuckles, in particular, began his career at the Baths, laying the groundwork for his future as the 'Godfather of House Music.' The music played at the Baths was integral to the overall experience, contributing to its reputation as a place of liberation and joyous celebration. The disco music played at the Continental Baths was characterized by its infectious beats, soulful vocals, and uplifting melodies, all designed to keep the dance floor alive. This era at the Baths was crucial in shaping the sound and culture of disco, influencing countless clubs and DJs that followed.
+1 Even today, themed events often feature DJs spinning classic disco tracks, aiming to recapture the energetic spirit of those early days. +1
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