LGBTQ+ Austin
Austin, on the eastern edge of Texas Hill Country, is not only the state capital, but lays claim to being the “live music capital of the world.” It’s also a center for film, home to the University of Texas and Formula 1’s Circuit of the America’s raceway.
Its abundant parks and lakes are popular for hiking, biking, swimming, boating and other outdoor pursuits. Years ago when people talked about Austin they would quickly mention the music. But that’s just the beginning of what they’re saying these days. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping and beautiful outdoor spaces.
You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum. And it’s okay if you don’t have time to fit it all in; you can just come back and visit us again.
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Aba Austin
Hip spot serving seafood & Mediterranean classics such as kebabs, hummus & falafel, plus cocktails.
1011 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
ATX Cocina
Modern Mexican fare including seafood & mezcal & tequila cocktails anchor this upscale eatery.
110 San Antonio St #170, Austin, TX
Eureka!
Burger bar also pouring craft beer & small-batch whiskeys in a historic space with woodsy flair.
200 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Fixe Southern House
Upscale Southern eatery for grits, biscuits & creative seafood & steak options in chic dining rooms.
500 W 5th St, Austin, TX
Foreign & Domestic
Seasonal American-European fare plus wine & craft beer in a funky, bustling setting.
306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX
Jack Allen’s Kitchen Oak Hill
Lively restaurant & bar for upscale Southwestern cuisine made with ingredients from local farms.
7720 State Hwy 71 West, Austin, TX
Juniper
Northern Italian–inspired cuisine & gin cocktails in a beautiful setting.
2400 E Cesar Chavez St #304, Austin, TX
Main Street Social
Enjoy great grub, play some games, and reconnect.
1651 TX-332 Loop #115, Liberty Hill, TX
North Italia
Buzzy, modern Italian option with a patio for thin-crust pizzas & sophisticated Italian fare.
500 W 2nd St #120, Austin, TX
Odd Duck
Upscale eatery doling out locally sourced New American chow & drinks in a contemporary setting.
1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
Olamaie
Southern fare is elevated with farm-fresh ingredients & modern plating in elegant refurbished home.
1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX
Otoko
Modern omakase tasting menus plus craft cocktails in an intimate space within a hotel.
1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Punch Bowl Social Austin
Lofty venue for bowling, karaoke, PingPong & other games, with a bar for cocktails & comfort foods.
11310 Domain Dr, Austin, TX
Roaring Fork
Wood-fired steaks & slow-roasted pork, plus cocktails & dessert in the InterContinental Hotel.
701 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Roaring Fork
Sleek restaurant with a buzzy happy hour serving Southwestern fare.
10850 Stonelake Blvd, Austin, TX
Salty Sow
Braised, poached & stewed dishes, plus cocktails & craft brews, are served in a laid-back setting.
1917 Manor Rd, Austin, TX
The Peached Tortilla
Casual eatery with retro flair known for banh mi tacos & other Asian-fusion fare & a whiskey menu.
5520 Burnet Rd #100, Austin, TX
EVENTS SCHEDULE
District and east side venues.
For more info visit: levitation.fm
OCT 28-29
UNDEAD: HAUNTED HOUSE OF DANCES
An immersive, adults-only Halloween show. Encounter the shadows of the night, where only the undead gather. Featuring local professional theater and dance artists across multiple disciplines, engrossing the audience in an evening of classic Halloween creatures, suspense, comedy, and of course, ballet. For more info visit: ventanaballet.com/undead
NOVEMBER
NOV 2-3
AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL
Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on both topbilled films and indies alike.
exhibition that explores the intersection of art, technology and nature. For more info visit: wildflower.org/field-of-light
DEC 3-23
THE NUTCRACKER
Ballet Austin will again host its beloved holiday tradition with the 60th annual performance of The Nutcracker. The ballet production also includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. For more info visit: bit.ly/3V35bQy
DEC 8-23
AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHTS
The Annual Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories and fun. This year, the spectacular trail will return as a drive-thru event. Arrive early with a Dash Pass, or cruise through the night with General Admission.
For more info visit: austintrailoflights.org
EVENTS SCHEDULE
OUTSIDER FESTIVAL
As one of Austin’s most progressive festivals, OUTsider brings together Austin’s LGBTQI community for three days of creation and inspiration. This multidisciplinary art festival showcases film, performance art, music, visual art and more.
For more info visit: outsiderfest.org
Inishfree Irish Dancers and plenty of good craic! For more info visit: stpatricksdayaustin.com
BAR GUIDE
Cheer Up Charlie’s
Queer hipster haven in East Austin
900 Red River St, Austin, TX
Crown and Anchor Pub
Popular watering hole with a dogfriendly patio
2911 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Firehouse Lounge
Bar serving craft cocktails in a circa-1885 fire station
605 Brazos St, Austin, TX
Friends Bar
Energetic option for live performances
208 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Halcyon
Coffee, cocktails & live music
218 W 4th Street, Austin, TX
Midnight Cowboy
Intimate reservations-only lounge
313 East 6th Street, Austin, TX
Oilcan Harry’s
Austin’s busiest gay bar and dance floor 211 W 4th St, Austin, TX
Rain
Popular lounge
217B W 4th Street, Austin, TX
The Jackalope
Great Food, Total Dive
404 E 6th St, Austin, TX
The Iron Bear Bear’s Lair 301 W 6th St, Austin, TX
The Roosevelt Room
Inventive craft cocktails are served in an
LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
& ATTRACTIONS
aGLIFF
Creating positive and visible film programs relevant to the lives of LGBTQ+ identified people and partnering with other organizations to enlighten the public. agliff.org
6800 Westgate Blvd, Austin, TX
allgo
Offering a variety of programs to support QPOC. allgo.org
701 Tillery, Austin, TX
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Creating and supporting a vibrant and prosperous regional economy strengthened through the full participation of diverse local communities.
austinlgbtchamber.com
201 W 5th St, 11th Floor, Austin, TX
Austin Pride
Educating and connecting the LGBTQ+ community in Austin, Texas. austinpride.org
Equality Texas
A statewide political advocacy organization in Texas that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. equalitytexas.org
507 West 15th St, Austin, TX
People’s Community Clinic
Improving the health of medically underserved and uninsured Central Texans. austinpcc.org 1101 Camino La Costa, Austin, TX
The Octopus Club
a grassroots, volunteer fundraising arm of AIDS Services of Austin dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Paul Kirby Emergency Fund through annual events and parties. octopusclub.org
Vivent Health
A national HIV health care system committed to serving everyone affected by HIV/AIDS through comprehensive, integrated prevention, care and treatment programs and services. viventhealth.org 6505 Airport Blvd #100, Austin, TX