Summer Fun: Gay Edition

Crank up the AC and pop open a cold one because this summer is gonna be hot. That's right, homo, if you're planning to lay low this summer, you're going to miss a gay ol' time.

As Austin prepares for Pride, Queerbomb, Splash, and aGLIFF Film Festival, the "Gay Place" has your 2015 lineup of must do's and more. Whether you're searching for an excuse to get out and soak up those rays, or a cool place to retreat while that trademark Austin sweat stain on your back dries, we've got you covered like SPF 30. Either way, it's time to beat the heat and let the shenanigans ensue. Just check our calendar to begin planning your epic gay summer now.

Start the season by catching a film at the Alamo on S. Lamar with aGLIFF Monthly Summer Screenings. This year's program includes, 54 Direct Cut, Tangerine, and Do I Sound Gay?. (Of course you do….) Of course, movies, live music and performances abound in Austin throughout the summer season. Live theatre sees a renaissance of musicals, with companies putting on productions of Chicago, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, and The Rocky Horror Show. Looking for a fabulous night on the town? Be sure to join the Capital City Men's Chorus as they wrap up their 26th season finale, Rainbow Connections, at Bates Recital Hall on Saturday, June 6.

Would you rather focus on the muscles in your limbs than the one between your ears? Never fret, there's a ton of things to do for you gym bunnies, jocks, and softball babes. For those of you who are ready to rumble, kickoff your weekend with the Austin Outlaws or the Texas Rollergirls as these rough & tough gals take the hits and come back for more. Both leagues have roller derby championships in August, folks, so don't miss the bruises, scrapes, and skirts. And, if you missed the opening tournament for softball's Texas Shootout, you can catch the final tournament June 5-7.

Looking to blow off some steam after a long day? Take in a burlesque show at the Stateside, Saturday, July 25 at 8pm, with LouLou D'vil for the Queens’ Soirée Burlesque. And of course, what would a scorching hot summer be without a slew of mostly naked boys prancing around in their skivvies? Make a Splash this year for Labor Day and show off that hard-earned physique.

Pride Week may be a few months off still, but the early bird gets the discount. Buy your tickets to Austin Pride now and avoid complaining about ticket prices later. Buy tickets here.

Plus, there's plenty to do Pride-wise before then. Show your pride, and attend the Mr & Miss Austin Pride Pageant on Wednesday, June 3, or help commemorate the birth of Pride in the U.S. with Austin Pride's Stonewall Rally on Thursday, June 25.

Our 2015 Summer Fun calendar has a little something for everyone. So, even if you are not so much into the scene, or if you have a diverse crowd to please, no worries, there's always Ice Cream Fest and Barton Springs Fest to cool you down. Whatever your summer fix, get out and have fun this summer.

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Read more Summer Fun stories at austinchronicle.com/summer-fun. Our special annual issue, Summer Fun 2015, celebrating Austin's sunniest season, hit the stands Thursday, May 14.