Reader, I love to thrift. In an effort to lower my overall phone usage, I’ve been replacing pre-bed doomscroll time with actual physical reading, and so last night I finally dug into my latest rentals from our very own Sherwood Forest Zine Library. (Next shift’s on Aug. 16, so be there and say hi to Twister the zine cat!) As evidenced by my previous confession, both my selections were about thrifting culture. To be honest, it was such a thrill to read actual inked thoughts on the subject rather than a 40-second video where someone’s telling you the eBay value of their scores. Instead, “Thrift Score” – the 11th issue, published in 1997, to be precise – comprised both its author’s and readers’ many adventures within thrift stores all over the country, as well as researched info about jeans trends across the decades, a good luck thrifters’ token, and multiple odes to what secondhand shopping does for one’s soul.
In a sense, I think of my event curation here as a sort of thrifting operation. I’m navigating a wide sea of organizers, PR reps, and social media posts to find what best suits the Qmmunity interests. And you, dear Reader, are on the same journey: You’re dropping in to party after social after fete in an attempt to score that coveted community engagement all the infographics inform us about. Thrifting and queer events have similar risks, ya know: Not every occasion cashes out in a rare vintage steal or found family adoption, so to speak. But when you do find what you’re looking for, all the hours poured in previously get paid off. So what’ll be the big get this week? Scoring some sexy new gear at Sir Rat Kink Bingo? (See Sunday.) Or maybe the move is you learning linoleum print skillz with Thee Gay Agenda. (See Wednesday.) Whatever the case, I’ll try to find it for ya. And your end of the bargain? Try to arrive on time.
Don’t Let Me Go
Thursday 31, the 13th Floor
Louisianna Purchase salutes Cigarettes After Sex with castmates Jenna Talia, Damiana Divine, and Salem Purchase. 10pm.
The Living Room Experience
Thursday 31, Firehouse
It’s all familiar faces in the Living Room this week, as the show features performers returning to their stage like Gothess Jasmine, Night Lili, and Kitty McSparkles. Plus, co-host Eli Arbor behind the decks for their going-away DJ set. 9pm.
IPSlay Beer Launch Party
Friday 1, St. Elmo Springdale
The Little Gay Shop collabed with St. Elmo on this new fruity IPA, whose purchase benefits Equality Texas. Kick off the new brew as well as Austin Pride month at this party featuring drag, Queer Vinyl Collective, and – obvi – a queer vendor market. 7pm.
Swaggy Daddy Chair Workshop
Friday 1, OutWellness
Expert in sensual chair-sitting Zoja Exotica leads this class on “how to embody your masculine with some filthy Magic Mike inspired moves.” 7pm.
Body Mechanics
Friday 1, 4211 Todd Lane
Have yourself a hedonistic summer with East Coast special guests Vileblood, Fruitbat, and Sissies of Mercy coming to destroy DJ sets all the way from NYC. Plus, TX talents K23, debut DJ Lyssette’s Missing, and Dream Days closing out this rave. 10pm.
Castle Grackula
Friday 1, Tiny Minotaur Tavern
Finalist for Best of Austin LGBTQIA Bar the Minotaur gives it up for Austin’s favorite birds at this grackle party featuring costumes, games, and “chicanery.” 7pm.
Bite Me
Friday 1, Cheer Up Charlies
Enjoyers of sapphic pop star Reneé Rapp are invited to celebrate her latest album at this listening party-slash-drag show hosted by Cassie Opeia, with DJ Angel Doll behind the decks. 9pm.
Bootback
Saturday 2, the Austin Eagle
Put on your cowboy hat and go dancing at this afternoon roundup featuring Country Fried Dance lessons, queer country spins by DJ Boi Orbison, and the Eagle’s full menu on offer. 1pm.
Brew Paul’s Drag Show
Saturday 2, Meanwhile Brewing
Hop on over to enjoy Dolls & Dudes at this drag show with performances by Moxie, Houston’s own Mari Jane and Maria Maria, Alexander the Great (King of Drag), and host Eileen Dover. Plus, TJ the DJ doing a, you know, DJ set. 9pm.
Va Va Vino!
Saturday 2, C.L. Butaud Tasting Room
Cheers with the Jigglewatts at this wine-stained soiree featuring drink specials and a mini-show. Tix run $60 with 10 dollars knocked off for Wine Club members. 7pm.
Spill the Tea
Saturday 2, OutWellness
Critters across the pet-play – and gender presentation – spectrum can sip tea, enjoy treats, and participate in a clothing swap at this here happening. 3pm.
Pork’d
Saturday 2, the Iron Bear
Package Austin brings another of their monthly gear/fetish party to the Bear, with a new theme, go-go dancers, and clothing check all part of the fun. 9pm.
Slide in the DMs
Saturday 2, Fallout Theater
Stand-up comics share the dark secrets of their direct messages – well, okay, not that dark – that improv experts then turn into delightful funny fodder. Hot jock host Angelina Martin leads the way. 10pm.
Body Mechanics Movie Night
Sunday 3, Hyperreal Film Club
Get to know each other beyond the rave lights with Body Mechanics’ double feature of dance-centric films Groove (2000) and Beats (2019) at HFC. 7pm.
Where the Girls Are
Sunday 3, 1972 Pub
Alison Tucker hosts this live-music moment at Austin’s only women’s sports bar. This weekend features patio-side strums from Tucker and special guest Nancy Scott – plus whatever ball kicking/throwing/hitting action’s on the indoor screens. 6pm.
Yeehawties
Sunday 3, Austin Motel
Splish, splash, you’ll be taking a bath in a pool full of queer fun at the last Yeehawties ’til next summer. DJ Boi Orbison spins with Brigitte Bandit and Moxie on drag-guard duty. 2pm.
Pirates of the Carabiners
Sunday 3, Colton House Hotel
Get wet with the Human Rights Campaign at their second annual sapphic swim featuring performances by Kino Kino, Venus Rising, Becky Bullard, Jewels, and Rose Goldfish – plus DJ sets by Kshal and VirgoAmbitchous as well as a guest speech by Melodia Gutierrez. 2pm.
It’s Brunch Bitch
Sunday 3, Stargazer
Celebrate the women of rap, hip-hop, and R&B with host Eileen Dover and special guests Aria Rey and Juliana Ross. 2pm.
A League of Their Own
Sunday 3, Paramount Theatre
Despite the queerness here being entirely subtextual, there’s still a lot for a lesbian to love in the Geena Davis-led classic – like Geena Davis being in it, as well as our current prez’s archenemy Rosie O’Donnell. Plus, after the film came the gay-ass Amazon Prime TV show! 2pm.
Sir Rat Kink Bingo
Sunday 3, the Austin Eagle
Score fabo kink prizes from your favorite gear spots at this bingo night hosted by Randy Surratt, Hexa Dulce, and Simone Riviera. 4pm.
Spritz Sprint 2025
Through September 2, multiple locations
Hospitality group New Waterloo celebrates Austin Pride with this monthlong bar crawl that kicks off Friday, Aug. 1. Snag a challenge card from any participating hot spot (listed on newwaterloo.com/spritz-sprint) and start sipping the signature spritz cocktails offered at each joint. Once you’ve completed your card, turn it in for a swag bag and raffle entry.
Monday Night Jammie Jams: Flower Power
Monday 4, Kick Butt Coffee
Stay in your sleepwear for this burlesque show hosted by Rusty Grindstaff, this month themed around groovy countercultural movements. Peace and love, y’all! 7:45pm.
Trans Gender Expansive Linoleum Print Workshop
Wednesday 6, ICOSA
Thee Gay Agenda and artist Veronica Ceci partner for three workshops centering the linoleum arts. Carve your creations this coming Wednesday, or snag a spot at their other two times & locations: Aug. 9 at the Self Help & Advocacy Center or Aug. 16 at Central Market North Lamar. 6pm.
All Ages Storytime: Rainbow PRIDE
Wednesday 6, Little Walnut Creek Branch Library
Austin Pride month kicks off at the library with a special storytime featuring all LGBTQ kids books as well as songs and a rainbow bead bracelet craft. 10:30am.
Eagle Karaoke
Wednesday 6, the Austin Eagle
Have a shameless time singing your faves at this karaoke night hosted by the Eagle’s Jay Balcon, LTJ Reads, and Mark Salinas. 8pm.
And They Were Roommates
Thursday 7, the 13th Floor
CanDeStroy Movement presents a burlesque show centered around LGBTQ stories throughout history – real, fictional, and even animated. Performers include Ruby Lamb, Reignbow Riot & Phoenyx Fyre, Jewels, and many more. Tix for the 21+ event run $24.54, so snag soon. 8pm.
This article appears in August 1 • 2025.