Of course, the city whose slogan is “Keep Austin Weird” would celebrate its Pride Month two months after the rest of the world. The self-christened weirdo hub is brimming with festivities to keep the party going this August. Boasting the third-highest gay population in the US, you can expect some hot and wholesome fun leading up to the official annual Pride Parade and Festival.
Here is a comprehensive guide to all the queer events you can’t miss during Austin’s Pride Month.
Austin Vogue Nights, Swan Dive
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August 1
Presented by the Houses of Lepore and Juicy in partnership with queer sexual health organizations ASHwell and the Q Austin, the monthly mini-ball has become a staple for Austin queers and allies. Models and dancers compete for major cash in categories like “Face” (looks), “Siren” (sexual appeal) and “Performance” (voguing).
Credited with bringing ball culture to the forefront in Central Texas, the House of Lepore’s ATX Vogue Nights is of Black and brown queer joy and community. Bring your fans—it’s gonna get hot! hot! hot!
Austin Pride Parade and Festival 2024, Downtown Austin
August 10
This annual celebration is the entire reason for the season. Over 200,000 attendees each year flock to the Lone Star Capital for the official Austin Pride Parade. With this year’s theme being “Queer Cabaret,” the dazzling celebration promises glitz and glam as attendees march through Downtown Austin in the name of diversity and joy.
Headliner Saucy Santana will kick off the event, which proves to be worth the wait every year.
TuezGayz, Barbarella
Every Tuesday
Nothing good happens on a Saturday night. But Tuesdays? They’re basically Gay Friday in Austin. Much like the oddity that is Pride Month in August, a Tuesday party seems out of sorts but DJ Glitoris and friends make this a must-go for any tourist or Austinite. From Y2K to the latest gay icons, the weekday disco is the hotspot for fun.
Sweating through your tank top on the Barbarella dancefloor on a Tuesday night in August is a rite of passage for any true Austin queer experience.
Kink Nights, Multiple Locations
All Month Long
If Tuez isn’t enough for you, Austin’s got enough kink to spare. For some hot summer fun, Austin clubs have plenty to offer. The Iron Bear hosts Underwear Night (Second Saturday) or head over to The Austin Eagle for Gear Night (First Saturday). And don’t forget about the simple fun of visiting the basement at Highland Lounge.
aGLIFF Queer Film Festival, Various Locations
August 21-25
In its 37th year, Austin’s oldest film festival also happens to be its gayest. Each year aGLIFF puts LGBTQ+ voices and faces in the spotlight during a week of stories about queer love, terror, drama, trauma, and experimentation.
Big Ole Queer Market, Palmer Events Center
August 10 & 11
With over 130 vendors spread across the 25,000-square-foot hall, there is no shortage of products and queer goodies from local vendors at the Big Ole Queer Market. Free and open to the public, the event offers everything from vintage clothes and handmade jewelry to ceramicists and even queer cheesemakers. Hosted and founded by Gratien of Ella’s Apothecary, the market aims to highlight local Austin artisans. See the full list of vendors on the official website.
Fitness (but Make it Gay), Multiple Locations
All Month Long
Whether you’re in recovery from a long, lascivious night in the Highland Lounge basement or just trying to keep yourself moving while in the city, there are several queer-centric health groups to try out.
Reach new heights with the Queer Cuties climbing (Every Other Tuesdays) or sweat out the tequila with queer running clubs (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). Let out some rage with the sapphic and queer rugby team (Mondays and Wednesdays) or feel affirmed and fit with OutWellness’ Trans Masc Workouts (Sundays). Find your center with queer yoga (Sundays) or strip to your skivvies for some Naked Yoga (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays).
To stay up to date on more queer events throughout the year, check out the Austin Chronicle’s Qmmunity event board and get ready for more queer magic in Austin.
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