Austin Pride: All Week Long

As 2015 heats up, so do some of the gayest events of the season. Pride is the big one, at over a week long. Your thermometer might read 103, but this queertastic lineup of events will have you feeling cool in no time.

Is it just us, or does Austin Pride get a little closer to Pride month every year? Oh well, a party's a party, right? Save the dates, because this year the festival and parade are on August 29. Of course, the whole week prior is going to be packed to capacity. Get ya minds outta the gutters, you know what I mean.

SAT., AUG. 22: Fashionistas unite as Pride week opens with Werk! Fashion Show. This year, Pride raises the stakes: Can they fill ACL Live at the Moody Theater? As the show is hosted by Bianca Del Rio and special guest Margaret Cho, we bet they will. Cocktails cock at 6pm and the show starts at 8pm with a 'Pop-Up Boutique' so you can meet and greet your favorite Project Runway designers, including the fashion prodigy himself, Tieler James, the stunning Samantha Black, and the lusty Rey Ortiz. Don't forget, Werk! benefits a number of local nonprofits like Project Transitions, OutYouth, and the Transgender Education Network of Texas. Purchase tickets here.

SUN., AUG 23: Nurse that hangover with $2 mimosas and $10 carafes with Bobby Cook and Chris Topher Hattersley at the Big Gay Pride Brunch, hosted by Slate Restaurant. Enjoy a little shimmy with your shakedown with music provided by DJ Deftone with performances by CupCake & Sabel Scities. Boozers and diners alike will be able to sign up for the 50/50 raffle & drawing with the chance to win festival tickets and much more.

TUE., AUG. 25: Follow Cupcake to Speakeasy for Sushi Coochi Drag Queen Bingo Pride Week Edition.

THU., AUG. 27: After taking a day off, jump back into the rainbow rhythm Wednesday, 7pm, with Pride Interfaith Service at Unity Church of the Hills. Ready for more? Chase down Jesus with a shot at Highland Lounge with Lesbutante & the Boss and Girl Pride ATX with the Official Austin Pride Women's Party. General admission is free, but VIP is $20, and let's face it, who doesn't want to feel like a VIP every once in a while? DJ Citizen JANE, "Miami's Hottest Lesbian DJ," headlines, and the show is hosted by comedian Sandra Valls. VIP host is Girls With Flair!

FRI., AUG. 28: Gays, don your sequins, lycra, and platform shoes for a night of Disco Fever at Highland Lounge. Shake ya groove thang with the Boys of ATX all night for the official Pride Men's Party. With no cover before 2am this party is sure to be wild, but don't get too crazy, because Pride is just a day away.

SAT., AUG. 29: Finally! All systems are go as Pride Festival commences at 11am at Fiesta Gardens with over 140 vendors and organizations in attendance. Special performers, TS Madison, Peaches, Brooke Candy, and many others take the stage and bring the fierce. The festival ends at 6pm, but the fun is only just beginning as the parade, 8pm, makes its way from the Capitol down Congress, and on to Fabulous 4th with more than 120,000 queers and allies in tow. Be sure to curtsy for 2015 Mr. & Miss Austin Pride honorees, Daniel Brice & Althea Trix. If you're feeling gentlemanly, a bow will suffice.

For all things Pride, including discounted tickets, go to Austin Pride, and follow The Gay Place to get the the dirty deets.