Howdy! We’re staying short n’ sweet here at Qmmunity HQ this week – not unlike the fun-size candy weighing down kids’ trick-or-treat buckets. In the past, I’d always heard Halloween referred to as “Gay Christmas,” which I think ignores the large swaths of our community who enjoy Mariah Carey’s biggest season. Also, maybe measuring enjoyment by a religious holiday not everyone celebrates wasn’t the community’s best branding decision.
Anyway: Whatever your Halloween night includes – a party, a scary movie, sitting on your porch handing out candy, etc. – here’s hoping it all goes swimmingly. No reanimated skeletons, no ancient curses, and no jerks with closed minds being absolute ghouls about queerness. This is my humble Halloween wish.
Twilight: New Moon
Thursday 24, Cheer Up Charlies
You went crazy for the first volume, so now it’s time to show up for the sequel: Brigitte Bandit hosts this drag show tribute to the book where Bella tries to ride a motorcycle to death.
Austin Eagle Leather Title Weekend
Friday 25-Sunday 27, the Austin Eagle
Who will wear the crown – or, more accurately, chaps – of Mr./Ms./Mx. Austin Eagle? Join for the thrilling competition, or attend one of the many ancillary events taking place over this exciting weekend. There’s a gear swap, cigar social, a market, the Eagle’s Halloween Party, and much more awaiting y’all.
Intersex Art Jam
Saturday 26, Monkey Nest Coffee
Hear ye, hear ye: Intersex creators – or those who want to start creating – can craft alongside fellow makers at this Gender Unbound-hosted event. Masks are required.
Alphapxssy: A Post Apocalyptic Rave
Saturday 26, Swan Dive
In addition to their annual Halloween hotness, Sister Fisters throws the rave of the not-too-distant future with “vibes curated by the dolls, for the dolls.” DJ sets from local icons Ruby Knight & Angel Doll alongside Second City sweetheart Him Hun set the mood, while Brigitte Bandit, Jenna Talia, Cupcake, and a new drag turn from DJ Dragonnqueen entertain ya. Plus, this all hits on SF saint Ariel De Leon’s birthday.
Sapphic Slashers
Tuesday 29, Doc’s Drive In
Local Queer ATX invites all lady-loving lurkers out of the shadows to partake in a little horror trivia, delicious drinks, and one of two queer-coded slasher screeners. Can you guess the titles based on LQ’s marketing copy? Check out their Insta to see.
The Rocky Horror Drag Show
Wednesday 30, Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge
Your fave Vixens of Volstead along with special guests combine a cult classic with fabo drag performances for an unforgettable experience.
Fright Night
Thursday 31, Barbarella & Swan Dive
Everyone’s favorite sister venues give all the party monsters what they crave: three parties with one cover fee. Drop your six bucks at the entrance of either bar and you’ll get in on 1) a Barbs’ theme-night medley, 2) Swan Dive’s Day of the Dead dance featuring DJ Jevon, and 3) a patio costume party courtesy of the Now Y2K curators.
Mask 4 Mask
Thursday 31, Highland Lounge
Who will you meet at this steamy masquerade? Despite the cute name, all are welcome from masc to femme at this sexy night of spooky fun.
HallowWiener
Thursday 31, Sir Rat Leather & Gear
Spend this Halloween with a big, meaty mix of talented drag performers, live DJ spins, a biggest bulge contest, and plenty of hot dogs to satisfy your oral fixation. Yum!
Silent Notes
Friday 25, Galaxy Theatre
In partnership with Austin Film Festival, queer cinema celebrators aGLIFF screen the world premiere of hearing loss drama Silent Notes.
Chique’s 9th Bloody Bash
Friday 25, the Iron Bear
Austin’s very own Sad/Bad Dad DJ Chique Fil-Atio celebrates nine years terrorizing the stage, with a dance night that goes all night. Go-go dancers abound!
Brew Paul’s Drag Race: A Spooktacular Special
Saturday 26, Meanwhile Brewing
She’s soooo scary: Eileen Dover’s monthly drag brunch over at beer bastion Meanwhile goes terror-mode for a Halloween edition.
Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf
Saturday 26, upRising Church
Recovery org Austin Roundup hosts a folklorically fun Halloween party featuring Diamond Dior Davenport as drag emcee.
I Slay x OutWellness: Plus Size Clothing Swap
Sunday 27, OutWellness
Finding well-fitting clothing on a budget is a skill most folks outside standard sizing learn pretty quick, but thanks to collaborators OutWellness and I Slay, there’s now a totally FREE plus-size clothing swap. This event aims to create a safe space to shop for plus-size women, nonbinary folks, and trans peeps. Check I Slay’s FB page for guidelines on what to bring and other housekeeping biz. All unswapped clothes will be donated.
Excellence Presents: haunTS
Sunday 27, Cheer Up Charlies
On-screen screams get the trans treatment from Haus of Trans queen and show host the Trans Era. The Excellence cast along with special guests give you a petrifying party for “t-slurs and qts who love us,” plus a vendor market and tuns spun by Salem Purchase. Costumes are a must!
Lynny’s Late Night: Messiah of Evil
Sunday 27, Lynny’s
Catch a great horror flick featuring a low budget and high scares while snacking on special treats whipped up by those geniuses behind the grill at Lynny’s. Their full menu will be on offer, plus eatables inspired by the film!
This article appears in October 25 • 2024.
