Gay Place

DJ GirlFriend

They say time flies when you're having fun, and while I'm not entirely sure who "they" are, I am certain that DJ GirlFriend makes Austin more fun (and more queer). Saturday, GirlFriend – aka Ezra Edwards – celebrates five years of party-throwin' and musical mayhem by taking us back to where it all began: an all-grrrl arm wrestling competition. Edwards is a friend, but more than that, GirlFriend, the event producer, was the first interview yours truly ever did for "Gay Place" some years back. I credit Edwards with part of my integration into Austin's q-mmunity, and I don't think I'm alone. From gAyCL to Middle School Dance Party to numerous nights (and days) DJ'ing around town, Edwards continues to make (new) space for queers and also raise funds for some hard-workin' orgs, like SafePlace. In a time of so much hate, let's find some love together.

GAYDAR

Nite School w/ Lachane, TV Honest, Jezzebeam, Monsieur M, & Scorpio Werk on those night moves. Get there for some Neu Wave, Dark Disco, Underground Dance, and all yer gothy needs. Thu., July 14, 9pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River, 512/431-2133. Free.

Hippie Hollow Otter Fest Otter Fest returns to Hippie Hollow for its furry third year. Meet and greet Friday, lounge lakeside Saturday and Sunday. Iron Bear will bear the afterparty. Don't forget the lube – er – sunscreen. Fri.-Sun., July 15-17. Hippie Hollow, 7000 Comanche Trl., 512/854-7275.

Hold Me Well What if Othello were set in a post-apocalyptic world without men? Would the tragic ending still ring true? Playwright Eva Suter gives her take here. Directed by Shrewd company member Rudy Ramirez, this company puts the focus on women and LGBTQ voices. Give it a listen. July 15-Aug. 7. Fri.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 5pm. The Off Shoot, 2211-A Hidalgo, 512/476-7833. $13-25. www.shrewdproductions.com.

Equality Texas: Heat Wave Pool Party Are you ready for a heat wave? The good ol' gays at EQTX are getting their pool party fundraiser on, and they're doin' it with the help of the one and only DJ GirlFriend. Sat., July 16, 1-5pm. Private home, see ticket link for address. $35-75. www.eqtxheatwave.com.

Nexus, PJ's, and Rusty's Reunion! There's no party like a reunion. Join the Susan Arbuckle Band as they rock these reunited parties: Rusty's, PJ's, and Nexus! Sat., July 16, 6pm. Hanover's, 108 E. Main St., Pflugerville, 512/969-5027. www.fb.com.

Flair: Latin & Country Night with Va Bailar Salsa Team Performance Dance Proud Austin wants to see your flair. So get ready to shake, rattle, and roll with lessons 'til 9:45, then line dancing, then a social. Sat., July 16, 8pm. Go Dance, 2525 W. Anderson, 512/339-9391. $5-15 depending on lessons.

Girlz With Gunz: GirlFriend's Five-Year Anniversary Party! Oh how time flies, our precious GirlFriend is turning 5 (in promoter years that is). Celebrate with whiskey shots and Lone Stars. Oh, and watching 16 girls battle it out arm-to-arm in an epic arm wrestling competition. Sat., July 16, 9pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River, 512/431-2133. $5 suggested donation to SafePlace. www.girlfriendatx.co.

Drag Brunch Sundays Kelly Kline's got a brand-new bag. Yes, it's drag brunch, and she's got the queens to awe while you sip on $10 bottomless mimosas. Plus, you'll be raising cash for Orlando. 18 and up welcome to par-tay. Sun., July 17, 11am. Parish, 214 E. Sixth, 512/473-8381. $29.95, reservations required. www.theparishaustin.com.

Disco Ball Sunday Funday meet Saturday Night Fever! Austin PrEP Access Project hosts a delish fundraiser with frozen margs, summer cocktails, and tasty treats. DJ Roland Belmares will make you a dancing queen. Sun., July 17, 4-8pm. Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal, 512/236-1226. $45 in advance, $65 at the door. www.austinprepaccessproject.org.

Red Hot 25th Anniversary Fundraiser For The Octopus Club & GSWS 2016 Party party party! With OCH, Octopus Club, and the Gay Softball World Series. Prepare for a live bachelor auction, foods, and fun. Sun., July 17, 4-9pm. Oilcan Harry's, 211 W. Fourth, 512/320-8823. www.oilcanharrys.com.

For Subs Only Dr. Matthew Daude is gonna help you become a competent sub. Learn the lingo, get schooled on the power exchange, and feel good. Sun., July 17, 6-8pm. Q Toys, 6800 Burnet Rd., 512/772-1614. $10 suggested donation. www.qtoysaustin.com.

Volleyball Austin Spike it up – the LGBTQ peeps behind Volleyball Austin are holding sign-ups now for their fall season (Aug. 25-Dec. 15). Find deets at the link. Thursdays. Locations vary, see website. volleyballaustin.leagueapps.com.

NightOUT: Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie Your gay prayers have been answered. AbFab returns and the republiq is hosting a free screening. But seating is first come first down, so get there early. Mon., July 18, 7:30pm. Galaxy Highland 10, 6700 Middle Fiskville, 512/467-6165. Free with pass. www.therepubliq.com.

Lesbians Who Tech (and Friends) July Meet-up Those IT lezzies are at it again! It's adventure time and this month it's kayak style. Meet, mingle, and get sporty! Wed., July 20, 6:30-8:30pm. Rowing Dock, 2418 Stratford, 512/459-0999. www.lesbianswhotech.org.

aGLIFF Presents: Looking: The Movie – Texas Premiere If the demise of HBO's Looking left you lonely, catch the movie that wraps the story. Starring Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alvarez, and Murray Bartlett. Wed., July 20, 7:30-9:30pm. Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 1120 S. Lamar, 512/861-7040. $10. www.agliff.org.

Neon Rainbows – 90s Country Night! Pull on those cowgrrrl boots and scoot on down to CUC for a night of Nineties country. Musical stylings by GirlFriend & Cap'n Tits. Wed., July 20, 9pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River, 512/431-2133. Free. www.girlfriendatx.co.

GAYLY AHEAD

Austin Pride 2016 Pride is coming. Werk Fashion Show: Sat., Aug. 20. Festival and parade: Sat., Aug. 27. Aug. 20-27. $17-165. www.austinpride.org.

Plezzure Island That's right ladiez (and gents mayhaps) – it's the first (and only) all-grrrl resort takeover to hit the Texas coast. Get yer swimsuits packed for pool party adventures and sleepover daydreams. Thu.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 2. Hilton Galveston Island Resort. $200. www.plezzureislandtexas.com.