Qmmunity: Hot Gay Summer

To whom it definitely concerns, hot gay summer continues apace despite evil outside forces’ best attempts. Yeah, I mean, the horrors continue – homophobia and transphobia growing like weeds through society’s sidewalk cracks, making navigation harder and tripping and chipping a tooth a definite possibility. But most LGBTQ folks I know wear big-ass boots and heels, the perfect weapon for stomping down smear campaigns, unfaithful “allies,” and closeted cowards who care more about power than people. In totally unrelated news, did you hear about a certain senator with a very specific accent who died this weekend? Crazy stuff. Sometimes life does find a way. 

Topic switcheroo time: Austin Pride’s opened up their performer submission form. Want your name shouted over the Fiesta Gardens lawn? Your face highlighted by a million rainbow flags, necklaces, and free condom wrappers? Well, this might be your year! Submit your performance plans through AP’s Google form to be entered into their “lottery system,” which is how the festival stage show slots get filled. There are a few rules to abide by, like no nudity (bummer), no glitter or fire (double bummer), and no more than four backup dancers (bummer boogie), but otherwise the stage is yours, girl. Take a freakin’ chance, why don’t ya?

Hair today, gone tomorrow: Local gay-owned barbershop Scruff’s is closing their South First locale and consolidating all that snippin’ know-how to their flagship on East Fifth. But this isn’t the closing of one door; it’s the opening wider of a different door, as Scruff’s says their original Fifth venue “has been curated to create the best version of the Scruff’s experience.” If you had a standing appointment to get your beard, bouffant, or bald head tended to, it’ll be moved over to the now singular spot. 

Frequent name on – and winner of – the Best Tarot Reader/Psychic category Angeliska Polacheck, aka Sister Temperance Tarot, has an upcoming gallery show – but not for their own work. In “Double Eternity: A Maggie Cook Polacheck Retrospective,” Angeliska’s working with Blackfeather Gallery to uplift their mother’s influential art career with her psychedelic pieces as well as archival scrapbooks capturing a specific moment in Austin’s countercultural history. While the show’s not until early August, Angeliska is opening a Kickstarter campaign to help fund both the show and a companion book by the same name. Donate if you’re able!

Here’s hoping your July gets better or stays sweet, Reader. And if neither option’s open, just make sure you get your sunscreen on. Don’t want to add a sunburn on top of other problems. 

Mochi Mochi: Wet Thursday 16, the Highball

Who knew swimming with the fishes could be a good thing? Hosts Leia Sakura and Tatiana Cholula take it down where it’s wetter and better for an aquatic edition of this monthly cosplay drag show. 9pm.

Girth Check Friday 17, Luxx

Hot bods and an even hotter dance floor await at this party from Escobar Entertainment, Sir Rat, and Luxx. Plus, BabiDoll helms the DJ booth. 8pm.

Late Night Booty Call Friday 17, Vector Collective Warehouse

All the way from HTX comes the best ass party around. Beats go all night, spun by Austinites Dragonn Queen and Amanda Koontz alongside Space City’s Work Husbands. 2am.

Dungeons & Drag: Hot Monster Summer: A Dating Adventure Friday 17, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Roll the giant 20-sided die at this interactive drag show where performers Gnarly Manx, Ooo Lala, Marylin Moonlight, and dungeon mistress Petty Cakes lead adventurers through a steamy beach episode-style game. 8pm.

Our Bodies Our Lives Our Rights Saturday 18, Triple Six Social

Raise funds for Planned Parenthood and their work with reproductive justices by rocking out with Grace the Empress, Dollhouse, Bi-Curious George, and Amber Elison. 6pm.

Texas Drag Wars Saturday 18, DoubleTree by Hilton

Who will come out on top of this battle of the beautiful drag stars? Hosted by Kelly Kline, this competition crowns Miss Drag Wars 2026 and Miss Drag Wars All Stars 2026 – all while celebrating Austin Roundup’s mission of recovery. 9pm.

khattie loves karaoke Saturday 18, Barrett’s Too

Belt your best ballad with host khattieQ at this karaoke night featuring delicious cookies from Black-owned Austin bakers the Cookie Jar Bar as well as a song contest for the tunes that contain the word “what.” All languages accepted! 3pm.

Annual Queer Resource Fair Saturday 18, San Marcos Public Library

Community building’s rarely been easier than at this packed resource fair, hosted by Lavender Space Inclusive Therapy. Enter for free and check out folks like Vivent Health, Bobcat Pride Scholarship Fund, Broke Thespians, and many more. 3pm.

Pigs in Wigs Saturday 18, Central Texas Pig Rescue

Let these beautiful porcine creatures hog up your morning at this volunteer “werk” day hosted by Round Rock Pride and Xtra. Enter code XTRAFRIENDS for free tix. 9am.

Coming Out: No Kings Just Queens Saturday 18, ColdTowne

Moe Christine leads this special stand-up showcase of all queer women comics to celebrate that “the U.S isn’t ruled by kings, it’s ruled by queens.” Get an extra discount on your tix with the code SATURDAY20. 8pm.

Marine Matelotage Saturday 18, RSVP for location

Shiver your timbers with Lezzz B. Honest and Violet Aziza for a poolside pirate party celebrating Venus Rising’s b-day. There’ll be drag, food, games, and carne asada for a little extra. 7pm.

Richard Simmons Party Bus Saturday 18, Barton Springs

Join R. Simmons’ biggest fan, Erica Nix, in your striped shorts and red tank top for a tour de Simmons in honor of his birthday – and Erica’s! Only 30 spots available, so grab your tix soon! 4pm.

Drag Queen Game Show Saturday 18, Barrel O’ Fun

Head for big-top fun at the Mueller Alamo’s circus-themed bar as hosts Celia Light and Mars run goofy games all night. 7pm.

Blue Bark Boat Bash Saturday 18, Lake Travis

Don’t be afraid to let the fur fly at this 21+ boat party from furry friends ATX Blue Bark. There’ll be music, food, drinks, and a water slide, so snag your tickets now because capacity is limited. 1pm.

The Aggressives Sunday 19, Hyperreal Film Club

In collaboration with Butch Prom, HFC screens this documentary focused on the early 2000s BIPOC queer and trans-masc scene in New York. Plus, a pre-film performance by Sir Beau Elliot, Esq. 7pm.

Leznite Sunday 19, Ani’s Day and Night

Get soaked at Lezzz B. Honest for a water gun and balloon fight in honor of host Venus Rising’s birthday. Plus, a dry section with vendors, food, drinks, and fun for all ages. 7pm.

Queerbomb: An Imperfect Gallery Experience Sunday 19 – Thursday 23, the Loading Dock

Check out local queer art and help fund next year’s alt-Pride Queerbomb at this exhibition featuring pieces from Austin and underground makers.

Safety Dyke Training Sunday 19, RSVP for location

Learn about bystander intervention, environmental awareness, and group self-defense from the pros in Queer MMA during this collab class with Austin Dyke March. Entry’s donation-based ($5-10). 2:30pm.

Sapphic Singles Sunday 19, Simona’s Coffee + Cocktails

Meet your new lover, friend, or foe at this social event hosted by Erin and Areesha. 5pm.

Really Really Free Market Sunday 19, Treasure City Thrift

If you haven’t checked out TCT’s new digs, this mercado gratis is the perfect time, with bins of clothes and other treasures up for grabs totally free. Plus 50% pink tags inside. 1pm.

Bronco 2 Monday 20, Sagebrush

Now here’s a hoedown for the slightly more advanced stepper, with line dance lessons from Country Fried Dance and spins by DJ Ed West. 7pm.

LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting Monday 20, Austin City Hall

Every third Monday, your LGBTQ Advisory Commission discusses the priorities and needs of the Austin queer community. Join ’em in Board & Commission Room 1101. 6:30pm.

Queer Trivia & Kiki and Karaoke Tuesday 21, Cheer Up Charlies

The Little Gay Shop and host Aira Juliet ask you to get real with this week’s trivia night themed to reality TV! Bring your best Jersey Shore, Love Island, and My Life on the D List knowledge, and stick around afterward for Aira’s karaoke bonanza. 

And They Were Roommates: Nickelodeon Edition Wednesday 22, Rain on 4th

Tiny Taurus and Miss Steelya Girl tune their trans and lesbian centric drag show’s frequency to that classic orange cartoon channel, with performances themed around Nicktoons of yore. 10:30pm.

Why Am I Always Bloated? Thursday 23, OutWellness

If you’re asking this question, come learn more about the gut, your pelvic floor, and how to adopt habits that help rather than hinder digestion – all in a welcoming and inclusive environment. 6:30pm.

Queer Film Night Thursday 23, the Vortex

The Party Pixie and the Vortex throw a movie party in honor of Non-Binary Awareness Week, with a surprise screening, queer vendor market, and beats by DJ Miho make the night as special as our enby community. 8pm.

Greetings From Queer Mountain Thursday 23, Ani’s Day and Night

This classic queer storytelling night returns at a new venue in collaboration with Pride in Black ATX. The theme? Unpopular opinions and hot takes, so prepare to be either offended or deeply validated. 7:30pm.

In the Calendar Boner Bizarre: Lord of the Cock Rings Saturday 18, Come and Take It Live

My boners! They’ve become … bizarre *__* Yes, the weirdest, filthiest, and most XXXtreme erotic variety show in Austin – perhaps on Earth itself – returns with a salute to Jolkien Rolkien² Tolkien. Middle-earth gets a sensual makeover by performers across the talent spectrum from drag to pole to fire-breathers – think Smaug but in a skimpy two-piece – all tributing the original Flock camera, aka Sauron’s all-seeing eye. Hosts Dean Zaggler and Snake Tits lead this fellowship featuring Lucy Lonestar, Cassandra Filth, Alexander the Great, Kay Bueno, Stefan del Bosque & Shi Feticcio, Roxy Rose, Miss Alignment, Zoja Exotica, Sado Moore, Kris Beloni & Hans Ferdinand, Ginger Snaps, Arya Nix, Flex Fatale & Dougie Soto, Glitched Glamour, Aerial Outcast, Obsidian Myst, and many more. Grab tix now or risk losing your second breakfast over sickening FOMO. – James Scott

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