With June over and Austin Pride in August still on the horizon, where does July fit within the LGBTQ calendar? Honestly, as a reader of many event descriptions, this appears to be a month for the stalwart shindigs. Monthly and weekly events shine this July as they take over the gaps left by the drying-up of June’s Pride party surplus. Consider the seventh month the Broken Spoke situated between the luxury apartment complexes of June and August: It’s not the most shiny honky-tonk, but she’s not goin’ nowhere soon. Wait – is Broken Spoke a problematic reference? Whatever. Queer Eye went there, and they’ve never courted drama.
That’s not to say there’s no newbies in the mix, as Neon Rainbows drops a fresh fete at 29th Street Ballroom (see Saturday) and TV star Alexander the Great’s teaching a new class on drag makeup and movement for the Austin Burlesque Academy (see Sunday). But the repeat girlies really stack up this cycle, like House of Lepore’s mini ball blitz Highland Vogue Nights (see Thursday). Even if this particular July’s been unseasonably soggy, there’s still a chance for all y’all queers to get into the mix.
Highland Vogue Nights
Thursday 17, Highland Lounge
Austin’s largest gay bar gets gussied up for Leos at this zodiac themed mini-ball hosted by House of Lepore. Cover’s $7, Mother Natalie emcees, and there’ll be a chance to donate items for CTX flood victims. 10pm.
Eagle’s Ark/FUR
Friday 18, the Austin Eagle
With their generator (hopefully) repaired after a weekend incident left ’em powerless, the Eagle’s Kennel Club and Alamo City Furry Invasion host this rave for all critters – pups, handlers, and spectators alike. 10pm
The Queer Frontier Drag Show
Friday 18, High Noon
Saddle up for a drag show hosted by Vylette Ward and featuring performances by Maeve Haven, Nadine Hughes, and Sierra Mykels. 9pm.
Unleashed: A Fetish Fantasy Revue Show
Friday 18, the Creek & the Cave
Cupcake hosts a kinky variety show featuring drag, vendors, and a chance to “unleash” your wild side on this “safe, sexy playground of expression and liberation.” 8pm.
Brigitte’s Big Boobie Birthday Bash
Friday 18, Cheer Up Charlies
The Dolly of ATX celebrates another turn around the sun with drag, dancing, and a bi-ig Brigitte Bandit look-alike contest. DJ Turito spins. 9pm.
Baby Cat
Friday 18, Hyperreal Film Club
Me-OW! Programmer Louise Ho describes this upcoming HFC queer screening as “premium grade Tubi Original chaos,” which should be catnip to a certain sect of LGBTQ cinephiles. Come enjoy a tail of cat-girl romance, with a special video intro from actor Jer Moran. 7:30pm.
Neon Rainbows’ Stampede
Saturday 19, 29th Street Ballroom
Get your hooves in gear for a new queer line dance party from Neon Rainbows and Country Fried Dance. Beginner lessons kick off at 8:30pm with all-level line dancing afterward. Snag your tixs early for $15, or wait to get ’em for $20 at the door. 8pm.
Puro Pinche 956
Saturday 19, Cheer Up Charlies
Salute the Valley with a party hosted by Venus Rising, featuring drag, music, vendors, tacos, and – of course – Chups’ drink specials. 9pm.
Sapphic Writers Circle
Saturday 19, Birdhouse Books
This weekly meeting of the lavender litterateurs invites all sapphic penwomen who write in the fiction genre for a social hosted in collab with this Burnet bookshop. 4pm.
Spill the Tea
Saturday 19, OutWellness
Critter players across the femme, NB, and gender nonconforming spectrum – as well as anyone in the mood for “girl talk,” as host Pup Rae says – are invited to enjoy tea, coffee, and other treats at this social and clothing swap. 3pm.
Bear Maximum
Saturday 19, the Austin Eagle & Sunday 20, Coconut Club
That’s two chances to let the bear out, with burly DJ sets by Sport Model, CBass, and Daddie Dearest boosted from speakers all weekend long. Sat. 10pm; Sun., 4pm.
Body Mechanics
Saturday 19, 4211 Todd Lane
From the Golden State comes visiting DJ Annika Wolfe, spinning for Austin’s bizarre rave along with debut local DJs Maryblu, Atlas Mars, Auragraph, and Ak-4Ya. Orbis9 closes the summer sweat fest. Cover’s $20 with RSVP required. 10pm.
Big Tits, Bigger Dreams
Saturday 19, Cheer Up Charlies
Rescheduled due to rain, Brigitte Bandit’s Best of Austin winning non-competitive drag open mic hits the stage with co-host Slaylem. Pro photos provided by Scam Likely. 6pm.
Queer Skate Austin
Sunday 20, Branch Park Pavilion
Wheels up, skaters, because this all-queers-all-wheels-all-abilities-welcome social is headed to this Mueller-area green space. 7pm.
Total Drag Request Live
Sunday 20, Oilcan’s
Interactive fun flourishes at this Celia Light-hosted session where YOU get to request the songs performed onstage. 6pm.
The Dirty Bird Show
Sunday 20, the Austin Eagle
Malibu Imported hosts this sassy, spicy drag show with guest performers Solangel Vergara and Yvonna F. Mei. 12pm.
Lezzz B. Honest: 956 Takeover
Sunday 20, Ani’s Day and Night
Didn’t get enough at Rio Grande Valley party Puro Pinche? Venus Rising brings the 956 spirit to Riverside for this sapphic show featuring special guests BooBoo, Arinna Dior Davenport, Natasha Nova, and DJ Kshal. 8pm.
Dirty Dynasty Bingo
Sunday 20, Oilcan’s
Austin icons Cupcake and Lady Grackle offer bumpin’ hot bingo with fabo drinks, laughs, and prizes from local adult businesses like Package Menswear and Vixen Creations. 4pm.
Bebesota Drag Brunch: Disco
Sunday 20, Taquero Mucho Domain
Host Beauty and performers Amber Nicole Davenport, Gina Anthony Crawford, and Uri Anthony Crawford get on the dance floor for a disco-themed show. Plus, $10 mimosa towers. 1pm.
QBWA Early Morning Hike
Sunday 20, Ann and Roy Butler Hiking Trail
Take a hike with Queer Black Women Alliance through the beautiful Butler Trail. This week’s hike’s led by Aaliyah, who says the trail “really makes you fall in love with hiking.” Attendees are advised to bring water, snacks, and if you’ve got a furry friend joining, make sure they’re on a leash. 9am.
Drag Makeup + Movement
Sunday 20, Brass Ovaries
Reality TV king Alexander the Great teams up with Austin Academy of Burlesque to provide an intermediate-level workshop on “learning to craft bold, expressive drag looks” along with moves to match. Tix run $48.19, and attendees should bring their own makeup and wear comfortable clothes to move in. 1:15pm.
WET: A Pool Party Burlesque
Sunday 20, Cabana Club
Killer Queen Creative and Aura team-up once more for another wet and wild burlesque show in the splash zone. DJs Dragonnqueen and JP spin while performers Gothess Jasmine, Mandy Mezcal, and Foxxy Lane Lefevre do it up damp-style. 11am.
Fierce Factor
Wednesday 23, Rain on 4th
Fourth Street gets a fierceness fusion every fourth Wednesday at this Arinna Dior Davenport-hosted drag show with Diamond Dior Davenport, Iggy Bank, and special guests. 10pm.
Divina
Wednesday 23, Oilcan’s
Tatiana Cholula hosts Austin’s longest-running all-Latinx drag showcase every Wednesday, with special guests, sensational drag, and spins by DJ Turito. 10pm.
Boyz of Anarchy
Wednesday 23, Elysium
Check out who might be in gender-diverse drag trouble Boyz of Austin’s newest cast at this audition showcase that promises real punk-rock energy. Cover’s $9 c-a-s-h, so hit the ATM before showtime. 9:30pm.
Living Proof: A Celebration of Andrea Gibson
Wednesday 23, Carver Branch Library
Following the loss of poet Andrea Gibson on Mon., July 14, Kristina Puerto hosts a space to mourn the artist. Those interested in reading one of Gibson’s poems may sign up via slotted.co/livingproof. 6pm.
This article appears in July 18 • 2025.