Where to Celebrate Pride Month in Austin
Extravagant drag performances, soccer tournament, art markets and more opportunities to honor the LGBTQIA+ community this June
June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the progress that has been made. Austin holds its official city-wide celebration of Pride in August, however, Pride festivities are still being held around town this June to cheer on love and freedom of expression. Read on for more information on our favorite gatherings this month.
UMLAUF Pride
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum is celebrating Pride with two events this June. On June 3, UMLAUF After Dark: PRIDE features music by DJ Dana from Queer Collective Co., aerial performances, karaoke, a local artist showcase, Mediterranean bites from Shishman, and more. Then, on June 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., UMLAUF Family Day: PRIDE offers a Queer Comic Workshop with Ripley LaRue, storytime, crafts, musical showcases, and community resources.
The Little Gay Shop’s Pride Party
Join The Little Gay Shop for its annual Pride market and celebration on Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Distribution Hall. The free, all-ages, pet-friendly event features over 100 local queer vendors, music by Queer Vinyl Co., a Drag Story Hour with Brigitte Bandit at 11:30 a.m., author meet-and-greets, free drinks from Bacardi, and more.
Pride Picnic
Celebrate Pride in the park on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pease Park. Presented by Pease Park Conservancy and Future Front Texas, the event features DJ sets by Queer Vinyl Co., hands-on crafts with Camp Charms, Gays with Clay workshops, a weaving wall installation, and a book swap with The Little Gay Shop. Enjoy bites and sips from Mariachi Tex-Mex, SnoRide Sno Boxes, and Brother Friend Coffee.
Pride Open House at The Cathedral
The Cathedral will host its Pride Open House on Thursday, June 27, from 7–10 p.m., featuring work by four local queer artists: Katie Cowden, Kin Johnson, Lesedi Khabele-Stevens, and Vanessa Cao. Guests can explore the new exhibition, meet the artists, enjoy live music and complimentary cocktails, and shop the full atxGALS collection.
The Majestic Ball
The 4th annual Majestic Ball at The Paramount Theatre returns June 21 with the theme Mythological Mayhem. Expect dazzling performances by Diamond Dior Davenport and special guest Kennedy Davenport (RuPaul’s Drag Race), hosted by Icon Natalie Lepore. Compete in OTA categories for over $5,000 in prizes, scored on look, attitude, performance, and runway walk. In the days leading up to the ball, the Paramount will screen a slate of acclaimed queer films, including “Call Me By Your Name,” “Happy Together,” “God’s Own Country,” “Pariah,” “Rafiki,” and “Femme.”
The Gallery ATX Presents: Art in ATX
The Gallery ATX brings its Pride market to Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. on Saturday, June 28, from 12–4 p.m. Celebrate local LGBTQ+ artists and makers while enjoying live music by CorMae, Painterly, and deadlao5. The free, all-ages event also features a $20 tie-dye station, where attendees can create custom shirts while supplies last. Cold drinks from ABGB and a family-friendly atmosphere round out this colorful afternoon of community and creativity.
Y’all Means All Cup
The annual Y’all Means All Cup, presented by Lexus, returns Saturday, June 21, at Austin Indoor Soccer in Round Rock. This 5v5 co-ed round-robin soccer tournament celebrates National Pride, with proceeds benefiting a Central Texas LGBTQIA+ non-profit. Tournament winners will be honored at an upcoming Austin FC match at Q2 Stadium.
Pride Celebration at Carpenter Hotel
Celebrate Pride poolside at The Carpenter Hotel on Saturday, June 21, for the next installment of The Backyard Splash. From 2 to 5 p.m., get glam at The Glitter Bar’s Pride station, then catch a live performance by Caleb de Casper from 3 to 5 p.m. Enjoy food pop-ups and festive drinks under the pecan trees. A portion of ticket sales benefits Equality Texas.