# Leon’s reopens after 70 years

> Baltimore’s oldest gay bar returns to the gayborhood after 70 years of closure.
- Title: Leon’s reopens after 70 years · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: Baltimore’s oldest gay bar returns to the gayborhood after 70 years of closure. Leon’s, Baltimore’s oldest gay bar, reopens Wednesday after closing in July…
- Keywords: leon’s, baltimore, gaybar, mount vernon, lgbtqia, reopening, ron singer, samm singer, sam smith, the hippo, grand central, charles bowers
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/culture/lifestyle/leons-baltimores-oldest-gay-bar-reopening-P74AVWMEJRAPDDQMD6EDIJJB4Y
- Author: John-John Williams IV
- Published: 2026-09-27T14:25:17.596+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: leon’s, baltimore, gaybar, mount vernon, lgbtqia, reopening, ron singer, samm singer, sam smith, the hippo, grand central, charles bowers
## Leon’s reopens Wednesday
Leon’s, Baltimore’s oldest gay bar, will reopen Wednesday after closing in July following its owner’s death.
## Samm Singer inherits bar
Samm Singer, the late owner’s youngest child, inherited the bar with her three siblings and will run it with her husband, longtime bartender Sam Smith.
## Permit process delays
The permit process proved time-consuming because each had to be renewed, delaying reopening weeks ago.
## Prices remain stable
Customers can expect the same prices for drinks during happy hour with increases of 50 cents to $1 during regular hours.
## Community void filled
Leon’s temporary closing left a void in what was once an active epicenter of LGBTQIA+ nightlife in the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
## Charles Bowers dies
Charles “Chuck” Bowers, former owner of The Hippo, died at age 81 last week.
## Key takeaway

Leon’s, Baltimore’s oldest gay bar, reopens Wednesday after closing in July following its owner’s death.