LGBTQIA+ Events and Venues
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Pride Month festivities and venues across Austin.
Events
IPSlay Beer Release Party, Drag Show, and Vendor Market!
August 1
Kick off Pride Month in style at the IPSLay Beer Launch Party on Friday, August 1, from 7 to 10 PM at St. Elmo Brewing Springdale. In partnership with The Little Gay Shop, this all-ages celebration features live music, a drag show at 8:30 PM, a local vendor market, and the debut of the fruity new IPSLay IPA. Enjoy food trucks, a variety of drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere that supports Equality Texas. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome in the beer garden, and free parking is available.
August 8
Step into a world of queer magic and medieval mischief at Glamelot, happening Friday, August 8, from 7 PM to 1 AM at Tiny Minotaur Tavern in Austin. This chivalric costume night reimagines Arthurian legend with a fabulous twist, featuring knights, maidens, and wizards in glitter and chain mail. Costumes are encouraged but not required, and the night is open to guests 21 and up. Entry is free for tavern members and their guests, or $10 for non-members.
August 10
Step into the spotlight at Disco Drag Bingo on Saturday, August 16, from 6 to 10 PM at Feats of Clay in Austin. This fabulous fundraiser blends high-energy drag performances with disco flair, classic bingo fun, and a whole lot of sparkle. Win prizes like handmade pottery straight from the kiln, unique goodies from local artists and businesses, and custom trophies that bring the glam. The vibe will be loud, proud, and full of community love, with every dollar raised going to support Feats of Clay’s inclusive, art-loving studio.
August 17
Get loud, proud, and brunch-ready at the Big Gay Drag Brunch on Sunday, August 17, from noon to 3 PM at The Brewtorium. This special Pride Week edition features the Austin Pride Court with friends and a guest performance by Plane Jane from RuPaul’s Drag Race, hosted by the iconic Kelly Kline. Come early to snag a seat before the show starts at 1 PM, and enjoy a menu full of hot brunch specials, a full food menu, 14 beers on tap, frozen cocktails, mimosa buckets, and mocktails. Tickets do not include brunch, so bring your appetite, sass, and besties for a bougie, boozy, unforgettable afternoon that’s hotter, queerer, and tastier than ever.
August 18
Lace up and roll into Pride Week at the Rainbow Skate on Monday, August 18, from 7 to 10 PM at Playland Skate Center. Hosted by Austin Pride, this all-ages event brings the LGBTQIA+ community together for a night of music, movement, and celebration. DJ Chorizo Funk will be spinning smooth, funky beats while you glide through the night. Admission is $14 and includes skate rental. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but the snack bar will be open.
August 23
This year’s theme, Silence = Death, is a powerful reminder that Pride is rooted in resistance, visibility, and collective strength. On Saturday, August 23, Austin Pride takes over Fiesta Gardens for a full day of bold expression and community power. With more than 400,000 attendees in past years, the Parade and Festival will feature show-stopping entertainment, unforgettable performances, and an atmosphere centered around being heard. Festival tickets are $20 at the gate, and kids 10 and under enter free.
Venues
Coconut Club
A beachy nightclub founded by two former Cheer Up Charlies employees, the Coconut Club is tropical-themed. Its rooftop is perfect for hanging out and enjoying the downtown ambiance. Though it has struggled, closed, and reopened throughout the pandemic, it is still ready for you to dance and enjoy.
This popular spot describes itself as a bar where everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan bar with kombucha on tap, fresh juice cocktails, local beers, and biodynamic wines. While the idea of a bar might invoke the idea of partying late into the night, which is certainly possible here, it’s also a great place to hang out on the patio with a drink and enjoy the afternoon sun. They’re open Thursday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and have a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with rotating drink specials. Aside from grabbing a drink, you can join a dance party, listen to live music, and appreciate art.
The Iron Bear
In the gay community, bears are a subset of traditionally larger, cuddly, or buff and typically hairy guys who embrace rugged masculinity. This Austin gay bar and grill is owned by bears and was founded as a spot where bears and their admirers could unite in friendship and brotherhood. That said, The Iron Bear is open and welcoming to everyone! A major draw is that they serve great food. Their kitchen is open until 10 p.m. and features messy smash burgers, wings, gourmet hot dogs, and more. They also have poker nights, drag nights, DJs, and cold beer.
As the largest gay club in Austin, the Highland Lounge is full of high energy. It opened in 2014 with three levels, six bars, and a giant dance floor. They have a variety of events like Hip Hop + Latin Night, karaoke nights, and drag shows.
Oilcan Harry's
Austin’s oldest gay bar (still in operation) has been serving Austin for more than 30 years. Oilcan Harry’s is owned and operated by members of the gay community. The spot is known for its boisterous dance scene, theme nights, drag shows, and special events. It’s also open seven days a week!
A good rule of thumb if you are trying to find gay bars in Austin is to head to 4th Street. This gay club is known for having an upscale lounge-type atmosphere and is generally called Rain. Their food and drink menu offers more than the average bar, with paninis from Royal Blue Grocery and a unique array of cocktails. Here, you can dance the night away to various DJs, battle it out in a karaoke competition, watch a drag show, and even play bingo.
Barbarella
Lovingly known as Barbs, this hopping destination is one of the best gay bars in Austin. Located in Downtown Austin, they’re billed as a dance club for people who don’t like dance clubs. Open to everyone and popular for people who want an unpretentious place to bust a move, Barbarella has theme nights, DJs, and multiple dance floors. It consistently wins in the Austin Chronicle’s Best Place to Dance category. A popular night at Barbarella is Tuesday because they host Tuezgayz, a music and dance-filled night every week. If it is your first time going, remember that this place can get loud and crowded, but that’s part of the appeal.
Related Articles
to Top