Yearn alert! The discourse about “Heated Rivalry“—the mega-hit Canadian HBO show about icy-hot hockey players discovering gay love—has been steaming up the streets and the sheets. Now it’s time to take it from the cottage to club, as SF partygoers will be able to score at seven separate “Heated Rivalry” theme parties in the next month. That’s right, seven whole after-dark rinks to let your sticks cross and your pucks fly. Forget that Super Bowl. Grab your Blue Moon Over Brooklyn smoothie and hop into the boy aquariums below.
But first! You like tuna melt? No spot deserves more loving attention during this gay sports craze than Hi-Tops, the Castro queer sports bar and perennial Best of the Bay Best Sports Bar winner, which has you covered all season long with a special tuna melt. Go grab a hot one. Ilya could never. (Or could he?)
Now, onto the action:
FRI/6: HEATED RIVALRY RAVE AT THE STUD This party at SF’s longest running queer bar (fill disclosure, I am one of the owners) features drag tributes galore, a special naughty “penalty box,” a cottage backdrop, and actual hockey players from LGBTQ-inclusive team the San Francisco Earthquakes. Portland queen Katya of KlipKlop Productions teamed up with one of our feistiest own, God’s Lil Princess, for this one.
Says Katya of the “Heated” phenom: “At first I wasnt interested in the story, thinking it would skew for straight audiences but the show beautifully captures the tension of a secret queer relationship and that crossroads between desire, fear, and timing. I think it resonates because it’s not just about sports or sex; it’s about love under pressure, about wanting something real in a world that hasn’t always made space for that, especially in places like professional athletics. In a current climate that is heavy, this party is a love-drunk, sweaty celebration of that fantasy and a reminder of why we’re still fighting to build a world where no one has to hide. And I love gay sex, God’s Lil Princess, and spreading the LGBTQ agenda.” 10pm-2am, The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/6: HEATED AT CAT CLUB Yes, it’s a double header of heat! Why not scratch more of that that Shane itch with DJ Daniel Sant playing favorite songs from the show and gay anthems all night. 9pm-2am, Cat Club, SF. More info here.
FEBRUARY 20: HEATED RIVALRY NIGHT AT REGENCY BALLROOM There’s not much information available about this party—but it’s not at a traditional gay venue, so it may be a great place for all manner of fans of show to gather, including straight women fandom and curious dippers. 9pm, Regency Ball Room, SF. More info here.
FEBRUARY 20: CLUB ’90S PRESENTS HEATED RIVALRY NIGHT AT AUGUST HALL Another showdown on ice! This wildly popular traveling party comes to the cavernous venue: It’s 18+, very straight-welcoming, and almost sold out—so get your stick in there quick! 8pm-midnight, August Hall, SF. More info here.
FEBRUARY 27: CLUB ’90S PRESENTS HEATED RIVALRY NIGHT AT GREAT NORTHERN Hey loons, can’t get enough of that reheat? Club ’90s hits once again a week later, this time at the swanky Great Northern club. 9pm-midnight, Great Northern, SF. More info here.
MARCH 6: THE HEATED RIVALRY RAVE AT DNA LOUNGE This one’s hot because it puts emphasis on the dress up: “Are you Team Shane or Team Ilya? Celebrate the smash hit show with a dance party dedicated to Romance, Hockey, and all the steamy scenes and songs from ‘Heated Rivalry’ you can handle. We’ll be playing the biggest HR Edits and Queer Pop Anthems all night. Come dressed in your Montreal Metros, Boston Raiders, or general hockey gear for a night to remember.” 9:30pm-2:30am, DNA Lounge, SF. More info here.
MARCH 13: HEATED RIVALRY: A JOCKSTAR RAVE AT RICKSHAW STOP Calling all bisexual terminators: From the closet to the ice to the dance floor, DJs Michael Medrano and Gregory Dillon play show favorites. And possibly jockstraps aplenty! 9pm, Rickshaw Stop, SF. More info here.
