This will, I suppose, not win me any favors or fond thoughts in the community, but I am BEGGING y’all to quit using generative AI art in your event flyers. Hands and knees, tears rolling down my cheeks, unsexy begging the poster creators of queer Austin to resist the questionable allure of having a computer hoover up other real artists’ work in order to spit out a dogsh*t sepia-toned hot gay guy to stare placidly from beneath the date and time of your samba class for asexual trans drag performers.
(This is a fake event I made up, BTW, but I actually think that would go hard? If anyone wants to take the idea and run with it, feel free!)
I understand that budgets are tight right now. Look: I write for a free alt-weekly! We can’t hire photographers and illustrators as much as we want to. But AI art is not the answer to the question, “How do I make engaging advertising for my events on the cheap?” Consider using free stock photo sites like Unsplash or Pexels, which offer a zillion human-shot photos of almost every subject imaginable. Reach out to local illustrators you admire, and actually see what their prices are. They just might fit in your budget more than you anticipate. I’ll also advocate hard for just making your own attempt at the art, whether that’s a drawing or a smartphone photo you took. If it looks bad, that’s part of the charm! Queer people have been making kind of dumb-looking art by hand for their various tea parties, orgies, and craft nights since fiveever, so why not join the tradition?
Some folks claim generative AI art is the future, and there’s no use fighting it. I think that’s stupid. The joy of creating is in the process of creation, and why anyone would hand that over to a machine made by foolish billionaires is sort of beyond me. I’d rather see a million goofy looking human-made flyers for asexual trans drag samba night than a single mediocre AI generated one.
FILTH! Enter & Expand the Annals of Queer Film
Thursday 18, Museum of Human Achievement
The Chicago 2023-premiered LGBTQ cinema celebration drops in for an autumn screening in Austin of various pieces of queer erotica, arthouse, and otherwise community-made movies. Check moha.wiki for the full film lineup. 6pm.
Eagle’s Ark/FUR
Friday 19, the Austin Eagle
The Eagle’s Kennel Club and Alamo City Furry Invasion host this paw-some party open to all pups, handlers, and observers. They advise utilizing protective gear such as knee & elbow pads and mouth guards to keep all y’all pets safe. 9:45pm.
Far Far Away Kiki Rave
Friday 19, Cheer Up Charlies
Get on ogre to this Shrek-style shindig hosted by Brigitte Bandit, with swamp-tastic drag and DJ sets spinning all night, a vendor market, costume contest, and more all celebrating Scam Likely’s b-day. 9pm.
Am I the Drama? Listening Party
Friday 19, Highland Lounge
Celebrate recent lawsuit defendant Cardi B’s new album release at Austin’s largest gay club. 10pm.
Con Mucho Amor
Friday 19, 508 E. Sixth
Bobby Pudrido partners with Future Front and Downtwon Austin Alliance to bring a free celebration of “Queer Quinceañera “ where you’ll “witness the beauty of queer joy and for queer folks to experience traditional cultural ceremonies they may not have had access to.” 8pm.
Eagle Annual Toga Party
Saturday 20, the Austin Eagle
Dionysus compels you to join in on the indulgence at this annual Roman-esque bacchanal featuring sexy toga contests, divine drink specials, go-go dancers, and all night beats by Daddy D. 10pm.
Superwoman Records Festival
Saturday 20, Austin Motel
A music fest curated “by Black women, for everyone,” this event not only offers DJ sets, curated vendors, and body art lounges, but also performances by local artists like Blakchyl, Naj!, Gio, and many more. 2pm.
Noxx’s Nightshare Nerdlesque: Cartoon Crushes
Saturday 20, Showpony
Burlesque and geekery combine again for this showcase inspired by American cartoons. Expect deep-cut cuties like Lady Viper Honey as Chel (The Road to El Dorado) as well as animated icons like Miss Mischief as Betty Boop. 6pm.
Ari vs. Gaga: Drag Queen Bingo
Sunday 21, Fast Friends Beer Co.
Vylette Ward and Celia Light host this tribute to modern pop royals Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, where you’ll play bingo all night to these divas’ tunes. 1pm.
The Vixens of Volstead
Sunday 21, Hotel Vegas patio
The Vixens spread the love for cast member Veronica Valentine’s birthday show with plenty of drag, brunch mimosas, and spins by DJ Killgxrl to fill your heart with joy. 1pm.
Grackle Games: Cycle 6
Sunday 21, Highland Lounge
Lady Grackle returns to her high-stakes drag competition show with new contestants & a new venue. See Jeffica Fox, Liberty, Bettie Pvnk, Mz Cookie Dlux, Noe, Felesia Lucia, Angel Rawze, Mz Zgi Zgi, Hellena Handbasket, Malibu Imported, Gigi Supernova, and LA Pony Tales. 9:30pm.
The Dirty Bird Show
Sunday 21, the Austin Eagle
Malibu Imported, Jeffica Foxx, and DeeGee Ray welcome RuPaul’s Drag Race star Lala Ri to the Eagle stage. Also: Vivent Health offers testing. 1pm.
Dirty Dynasty Bingo
Sunday 21, Oilcan Harry’s
CupCake and Lady Grackle host this drag bingo bonanza with prizes from brands like Package Austin, Vixen Creations, and Adult Video Megaplex. 4pm.
Pride in Local Music
Sunday 21, 3ten ACL Live
Austin’s home to many incredible queer musicians, so why not celebrate them at this sonic showcase? Featured artists include Julie Nolen, Thelonius Love, Julie Bouchard, promqueen, Rock Bottom String Band, and the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus providing a special opening number. Plus: free HIV/STI testing by AIDS Healthcare Foundation. 5pm.
Come Out and Run
Sunday 21, Radio East
Brave New Love throws a morning mixer for all those involved and interested in Austin’s queer wellness options. There’ll be sports massages, cold plunges, line dancing by Country Fried Dance, giveaways, and chances to meet local run & walk groups like Austin Front Runners and Local Queer’s Strut. 9am.
Clothing Swap
Sunday 21, Sky Candy
Local Queer ATX and Queer Audacity ATX partner with aerial artists Sky Candy for a gender euphoric clothing swap. All left-behind items get donated to LGBTQ thrift Out of the Closet. 12pm.
Varietease
Monday 22, Oilcan Harry’s
Mandy Quinn and Noodles invite y’all to the slasher-filled streets of Woodsboro for a screening of horror classic Scream. I imagine there’ll be drag, but hopefully no in-person Ghostface cameos. 9:30pm.
Queer Craft Night
Tuesday 23, the Violet Crown Wine & Coffee
Take your latest project or just a few crayons and a coloring sheet to this chill craft social hosted by Ashley and Bernadette at the queer-owned Violet Crown coffee and wine spot. A reco from the editor (aka me): The orange wines are really good! 6pm.
Basura’s Boudoir
Tuesday 23, Rain on 4th
Got a song you just gotta sing while wearing a wig and silicone breast plate? Find your way to Fourth for host Basura’s open stage and drag show, where the winner gets a $75 paid booking for next week’s show. Sign-up starts at 9pm; show’s at 10.
Summer Forever
Tuesday 23, Cheer Up Charlies
Crack open a “Diet Pepsi” for this Addison Rae drag tribute hosted by Iggy Bank and featuring performances to AR’s new album, flash tattoos, and tarot card readings. DJ Ruby Knight spins.
Boyz of Austin’s Dungeons & Drag Kings: Video Games
Wednesday 24, Elysium
The Boyz level up their tabletop drag tribute with a celebration of all things video game. No tutorial level necessary, but Elysium is a cash cover spot, so hit the ATM before showtime for the $9 entry. 10:30pm.
Local Queer Book Club
Wednesday 24, Central Market North Lamar
Crack open this month’s Local Queer lit selection, Monstilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova, and discuss its body horror and Mexico City-set story with fellow queer readers. 6:30pm.
Nowhere 2 Wear This Karaoke Party
Wednesday 24, Cheer Up Charlies
MaryBlu celebrates a whole year of karaoke chaos at Chups with a party themed around that one outfit you love but never get to wear. 9pm.
Divina
Wednesday 24, Oilcan Harry’s
Austin’s longest-running Latinx drag show bumps up your midweek vibes with host Tatiana Cholula and cast Banshee Rose, Venus Rising, and Bohemia welcoming guest performers to perform tributes to Latinx culture. Turito takes up the DJ decks. 10pm.
Swim Session No. 22: DJ Beaujolais
Thursday 25, the Line Hotel
End summer with a splash with Future Front. This pool party’s soundtracked by DJ Beaujolais and also features snacks, drinks, and the chance to see FFTX’s current lobby installation by resident artists Iris Kwon and Steph Granillo. 7pm.
This article appears in September 19 • 2025.