Qmmunity: Valentine’s Weekend Update

Credit: Jettila Lewis

Hallo and happy Valentine’s weekend, Reader. I hope you’ve got a fabo time planned, whether that’s romantic or platonic. Let me tell you: There’s enough in this week’s queer event listings to keep ya busy! And most of these little gatherings don’t require a reservation or nothin’. Just what the modern and scatterbrained gay-about-town ordered.

In more newsy news, local org OutYouth just named their executive director. Now former Director of Programs and Operations Jaryn Holbrook Janeway will take the wheel after 20 years helping the youth nonprofit thrive. In addition to their tenure at OutYouth, Janeway’s name may ring a bell from the bookstore as they co-authored teen guide “Trans +: Love, Sex, Romance, and Being You” with Karen Rayne, Ph.D. Their predecessor in the role, Aubrey Wilkerson, reports that “No one understands OutYouth’s culture and history better than Jaryn. They are a talented and trusted community leader, storyteller, and visionary. I am leaving the organization in great hands.” This changeover highlights a renewed energy for the org, who promises in their announcement post an increase in youth agency programming as well as deepened trauma-informed care.

“It’s part of our mission to ensure that every youth who walks through our doors knows they are loved, acknowledged, and accepted exactly as they are,” says Janeway. “We will walk the journey with them as long as they’ll have us. And we’ll always be here if they need us in the future.” 

Now, on to pressing matters: What iconic Austin creature do y’all think is the most queer? I’m partial to our bridge babes, aka the Mexican free-tailed bat, but I could be persuaded on divas like the opossum, raccoon, or nine-banded armadillo. Grackles are too obvious, in my opinion, but maybe all the fauna of our city belong to a letter in the LGBTQ spectrum. Let me know your thoughts through the usual channels: email, Instagram, or while I’m in the coffee drive-thru line. I’m the extremely handsome guy with the “yaoi car,” as a friend titled it. 

Infernal Hearts: A Lesbian Burlesque Variety Show Thursday 12, Cheer Up Charlies

Presented by Violet Aziza Events, enjoy sensual show-womanship as well as a well-stocked vendor market and raffle with prizes like an $80 tooth-gem voucher, custom candy box, and a mystery crochet item. 10pm.

Meat Market Friday 13, the Austin Eagle

Strip down for the Eagle’s prime cut cruise night with a stoplight system to let everyone know what you’re lookin’ for. Meat’s back on the menu, boys… 10pm.

Butch Prom Presents Masc4Match Friday 13 – Sunday 15, the Vortex

This year’s finest Valentine’s Day value is a Vortex Theatre ticket to the queerest dating game show around: Masc4Match. Hosted by Bobby Pudrido, a cast of celebrity-impersonating bachelors played by fellow drag kings Flex Brojas, Khattie Q., and Travis Randy Travis compete for the heart of one Kairos Looney. Read our interview with Pudrido and Butch Prom producers Olivia Emigh and Sophia Rumbarger in this week’s Chronicle issue.

Collar On: Critter Play Party Friday 13, the Loading Dock

For pets and handlers of all genders and kinky persuasions, this party’s got it all, from music to tarped mats. There’ll also be snacks and drinks, but the organizers ask that you please play sober – so save the alcohol for afterward. Check out their ticket page for further party rules. 9pm.

Blush! Friday 13, Cheer Up Charlies

Hosts Iggy Bank and Embry Officially welcome season 18 queen Briar Blush to this week’s Drag Race watch party. There’ll be games, gossip, and performances galore, so arrive early to snag a spot. 7pm.

Pal-entine’s Day Party Friday 13, OutWellness

Spend this friendly pre-V-Day in true old-school fashion and bring cards to share with others at this gathering. 7pm.

Midnight Rodeo Friday 13, Chess Club

Don’t lasso your bedsheets just yet, partner, cuz Neon Rainbows says the night’s just begun. Join drag hosts Damiana Divine and Sir Beau Elliot along with guest DJs KShal and Ash Casstevens for a y’allternative V-Day evening. 9pm.

Cards & Chill Friday 13, Shag Noir Salon

Join TribRelations at their first ever game night “for lovers n’ friends” hosted at a local Black- and queer-owned salon. 8pm.

Annual Harpsburg Ball Saturday 14, the Austin Eagle

United Court of Austin throws their yearly Mardi Gras soiree and competition. Contestants show their swampy stuff in order to see who will win the Harpsburg Monarch crowns. 6pm.

Ethereal Saturday 14, Coconut Club

Lovey dovey divinity reigns at this Louisianna Purchase-hosted show with DJs Ruby Knight and Angel Doll spinning the romantic tunes all night. Wear your best red-and-pink look, and you may win a prize. 10pm.

Something for the Lovers Saturday 14, Cheer Up Charlies

Pride in Black ATX offers a show alongside sponsors How Much?! Studios, Kind Clinic, and allgo for those who are “boo’d up, boo-less, or minding your business but still fine.” 8pm.

Lez Prom Saturday 14, 29th Street Ballroom

General admission tickets are shockingly still available for this major party, but don’t sleep on the buy button. Faye Fearless’ lesbian take on the classic formal-wear dances of yore offers all sapphic sweethearts a chance to slow dance, take cute pics, and soak in the queer joy. 7pm.

Bimbocore Saturday 14, Valhalla

CanDeStroy Burlesque presents a show that’s femme-sational with seven local performers dissecting the classic bimbo archetype via dance, comedy, and novelty pasties. 9pm.

Sapphic Night Out (Valentine’s Edition) Saturday 14, Cantero

Local WLW social club Sevens ATX hosts a laid-back love affair with rotating DJs, flash tattoos, drinks, and Veracruz food specials. 7pm. 

Cupid’s Chaos Saturday 14, Crow Bar

From the newly formed TransXMission producing group comes a kinky fundraiser with tarot, tattoos, shibari 101, and the chance for a smooch or smack all included in your entry fee. Ten percent of door and ticket sales benefit homelessness org Queertopia. 6:30pm.

Outer Heaven Disco Club Saturday 14, Brushy Street Commons

From the partially dug grave rises former dance spot Outer Heaven for a pop-up vibe Valentine’s. Expect loud music you’ve not heard from the club before, as OH says “I literally have not been able to play them because none of previous venues speakers have been able to handle them without sounding like they will explode.” 9pm.

Celebrating Cynthia Lee Fontaine Saturday 14, Luxx

Birthday girl Cynthia parties in style with an all-night Latin music blowout. DJs BabiDoll, Lidia Beatz, and Dope Reina blast the b-day bops. 10pm.

The Dating Gayme Saturday 14, Rain on 4th

Diamond Dior Davernport hosts this dating mixer that both boosts your Valentine’s spirit and benefits Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Presented by Vivent Health. 4pm.

Playdate Drag Brunch Sunday 15, the Far Out Lounge & Stage

Eileen Dover and TJ the DJ return for the post-V-Day hangover edition of this monthly drag brunch. Featured performers are Dante Picante and Slaylem Cholula Cvntress. 1pm.

Lesbian Wedding Sunday 15, Sahara Lounge

Get mad, get glad, but most of all get married to this queer party featuring DJs, live music, drag, community tablers, and the always available queso and cake. 3pm.

Vixens of Volstead Be Mine Brunch Sunday 15, Hotel Vegas Patio

Queens Mars, May Magdalene, and Veronica Valentine invite all the lonely and not-so-lonely hearts out there to their special V-day weekend brunch. Spins by DJ Killgxrl. 1pm.

Lezzz B. Honest Presents: Lezzz Mingle Sunday 15, Ani’s Day & Night

Mingle with the whole LGBTQ alphabet at this social featuring pop-up drag by hosts Venus Rising and Kino Kino. 1pm.

Bebesota Brunch Sunday 15, Taquero Mucho 

Have a brunch with your best girls including host Beauty and performers Amber Nicole Davenport and Arinna Dior Davenport. 1pm.

The Dirty Bird Show Sunday 15, the Austin Eagle

Host Malibu Imported celebrates a year of foul fowl fun with cast members Yvonna F. Mei, Emerald Foxx Paris, and Dee Gee Rey. 12pm.

The Patio Sessions Sunday 15, Highland Lounge

Find the New Orleans spirit in ATX with Pride in Black ATX’s monthly musical kickback themed to Mardi Gras. This month features Jos tha DJ. 4pm.

Rainbow Safety Squad Sunday 15, Virtual

Meet up and discuss the development of a queer-centric Downtown Austin safety escort program every other Sunday. Check @rainbow_safety_squad for more details. 5:30pm.

Sapphic Lovers & Friends Sunday 15, Cheer Up Charlies

Queer Speed Dating sets up at Chups for post-Valentine’s fast dating. 7pm.

Coffee and Chat Sunday 15, Lazy Daze Coffeehouse

Trans Guys Gather ATX cashes in their raincheck after the January freeze and hosts a trans-masculine hangout over in South Austin’s THC coffeeshop. 1pm.

Beyond Patriarchy With Abundant Masculinities Sunday 15, OutWellness

Learn about how to unlearn the patriarchal thought patterns that plague us all with a mix of guided self-reflection and conversation. Welcome to peeps of all genders. 11:30am.

Swiss, Hashashin, Promise?, Twink Death Sunday 15, Monkeywrench Books

Raise funds for the Trans Resistance Project by snagging a pay-what-you-can ticket to a rockin’ show presented by PBE Collective. 8pm.

Sapphic Singles Sunday 15, Ani’s Day & Night

Meet and greet other single sapphics at this social event hosted by Erin Christine and Areesha Singh, aka DJ KShal. 5pm.

Girls, Gays, and Theys Open Mic Monday 16, the Vortex

every.Word Poetry presents the queer edition of their Monday poetry open mic with host Ms. Trin-I-Tee and featured poet Jeaux. Performer sign-up starts online. 8pm.

Lesbian Study Hall Monday 16, West China Tea House

Learn and create with TribRelations at this combo zine-making and resource-sharing tea party. 6pm.

Clown Night  Wednesday 18, Fallout Theater

From jester extraordinaire Marceline Amaris comes a night filled with painted faces and farcical fun. Stick around after for the first-ever ClownATX jam! 8pm.

Queer Song Swap Thursday 19, Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches

Local acoustic folkster Heather Miller joins up with visitors from down under as Australian folk duo Great Aunt take to the stage. 9pm.

Holla If Ya Hear Me Thursday 19, Stargazer

Share your art at this open mic/showcase hosted by TribRelations. 7pm.

In the Calendar Boner Bizarre: Redcum Saturday 14, Come & Take It Live

This night will be like a movie… Carrie, that is! Austin’s self-proclaimed “XXXtreme erotic variety show” tributes bespectacled horror royalty Stephen King with a Valentine’s vibe shift from romantic to nerve-rending. Performers skilled in burlesque, pole, aerial, fire-breathing, and calling forth the Deadlights deliver acts inspired by the whole King universe spectrum from bloodsoaked hotels to evil clowns. Is it too much to hope someone dresses up as a sexy industrial washing machine à la “The Mangler”? Ah, well. Only hosts Snake Tits and Dean Zaggler can tell. – James Scott

OUTsider Fest: Bodies Wednesday 18 – Sunday 22, the Vortex

This annual transmedia celebration of queer art takes the unruly year of 2026 as a time to really emBODY their most weird and wild passions. Throughout the festival’s five-day run, attendees will witness performances, installations, and activations from creators local, national, and international such as Alice Bag, Andie Flores & Sam Mayer, Anh Vo, Ari Is Speaking, BEYONDEEP, Bird of Paradigm, Cameron Kostopoulos, Dukes, Dust Bunny, Estrellx Supernova, Hey Aswang & Baseck, Javier Robelo and Leo Briggs, Jay Carlon, Micaela Tobin, láwû makuriye’nte, KD Kinetic, Keioui Keijaun Thomas, Kerosene Jones, Luna Vela, Macon Reed, Malic Amalya, Miss Perkances, Mette Loulou von Kohl, NEMATOCYST, Notre Dom, Pó Rodil, Sash Wortzel, Sir Beauregard Elliot Esquire, Temitope Olujobi, Via Madison Ceaser, Xina Xurner, and Young Joon Kwak. “We offer this transmedia art festival as a shield, sword, altar & rave,” proclaims OUTsider – so how ’bout you take ’em up on it? – James Scott

The post Qmmunity: Valentine’s Weekend Update appeared first on The Austin Chronicle.