At a Glance
- 18 LGBTQ events hit Austin clubs from Thursday through Monday
- Drag brunches, kiki balls, and fetish burlesque dominate the lineup
- RuPaul’s Drag Race watch parties and Dolly Parton tributes included
- Why it matters: Austin’s queer community flexes its cultural muscle with nonstop parties, performances, and community building
Austin’s LGBTQ community kicks off 2026 with an explosive week of queer culture. From kiki balls to drag brunches and fetish burlesque, the city offers 18 events across five days. Brianna Q. Lockwood at News Of Austin breaks down every party, performance, and community gathering.
Thursday Night: Balls and Watch Parties
**ATX Vogue Nights returns to Swan Dive with House of Lepore’s monthly kiki ball. Miss Girl6 commands the mic while DJ Babidoll provides the soundtrack. The party starts at 11pm.
Queer Film Theory Presents Anime takes over the Highball at 7:30pm. Queer media “professors” dissect favorite Japanese animated features, series, and OVAs.
Drag Bingo: TikTok Rewind hits Industry at 8pm. Vylette Ward and Juliana host while players compete for prizes through viral TikTok tracks.
Friday: Three Major Events
Honkers II Electric Boogaloo celebrates MK Ultra’s birthday at Elysium. The Shock Therapy bash features special guests and DJ BB Crux spinning. Doors open at 11pm.
Vita Vontesse Starr brings RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18 to Highland Lounge. Guest Vita joins host Justice and co-host Eileen Dover for a watch party and meet-and-greet. The viewing starts at 7pm.
Girls on Aux: Freaknik Edition transforms Neon Grotto into Atlanta’s legendary picnic. Jos Tha DJ headlines with VVN guests, reverse happy hour, Jungle Juice, and free lollipops. The party kicks off at 9pm.
ATX Sapphic Chaotic Singles Party pairs with Local Queer ATX at Stargazer Bar. Single, chaotic sapphics aged 21+ get color-coded name tags starting at 8pm.
Saturday: Drag Shows and Community Events
333 at the Tiny Minotaur promises “the heavenly drag show of your trans dreams – or nightmares.” Host Trans Era leads Venus Rising, Hurricane Short King, Stephania Elegonza, and Atlas Mars. Showtime: 9pm.
Drip premieres a new music video at Cheer Up Charlies. 24Cobras and Vertarias host performances by Lucy Lone Star, Leo Von Sol, Miss Girl6, Robbie Lepore, and Vertarias. Plus: a preview of Austin queer nightlife doc I Need Space. The party starts at 8pm.
Lesbian Singles Mixer at 29th Street Ballroom sets up singles for February’s Lez Prom. Promoter Faye Fearless promises dancing, drinking, and ice-breaking. The mixer runs from 7pm.
The Nerve Drag Brunch at Wanderlust Wine Co. features Diamond Dior Davenport and Nazareth with host Cheeki Khant. DJ Arlini provides music starting at 1pm.
Lez in the Capital Presents MLK Day Party at Pop runs all day with Jos Tha DJ. The black & pink themed party includes hookah, flavored mimosa towers, and food from Good Eats With Jeff. The party starts at 4pm.
Frisky Business Burlesque Presents Fet-Tease brings kinky spirits to Captain Quackenbush’s Soundspace. The annual fetish-themed show includes themed drinks, vendors, merch, and a raffle. Doors open at 8pm.
Sunday: Brunches and Community
The Patio Sessions: MLK Weekend at Highland Lounge runs Pride in Black ATX’s usual Sunday kickback. Melissa Bellz DJs from 4pm.
Queer MMA at Black Widow MMA teaches mixed martial arts to LGBTQ community members. Coach Lu Villarreal leads the monthly class starting at 12:30pm.
Dirty Bird Drag Brunch returns to the Austin Eagle with Malibu Imported. Cast members Stella Rey Love, Mz. Cookie Dlux, and Vylette Ward perform starting at 12pm.
Dirty Dynasty Bingo at Oilcan’s features bingo queens Cupcake and Lady Grackle. Prizes come from Adult Video Megaplex, Package, and Vixen Creations. Games start at 4pm.
Austin Idol at Highland Lounge features Aria Rey hosting the singing competition. Cash prizes, guest judges, and “no Simon Cowell plastic surgery jumpscares.” The competition starts at 10pm.
Monday: Anniversary Celebrations
Wide Open Spaces at Sagebrush celebrates the 28th anniversary of the Chicks’ album. DJ Ed West, Country Fried Dance, and Libby & the Loveless perform starting at 7pm.
Ritzy Roulette at Oilcan’s brings Ritzy Bitz back to Monday drag with special guest Eileen Dover. The request-based show features songs on shuffle starting at 10pm.
Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday Blowout at Vinyl Beauty Bar features performances by Brigitte Bandit, Darci Carlson, Hilary York, Jolie Goodnight, Annie Marie Lewis, Danny B. Harvey, Billie Buck, Lindsay Walker, Jeska Forsyth, Jamie Bahr, and Dalynn Grace. The celebration includes a Dolly look-alike contest, chair massages, wig-snatching, a nail bar, and more. A portion of ticket sales benefits Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The party runs from 6pm.
Wednesday: Creative Space
Brushes & Bubbles Paint + Sip at Halcyon provides a biweekly creative space for queer artists. Violet Aziza hosts where artists can drink, create, and connect. The theme changes each session starting at 6pm.
Key Takeaways
Austin’s queer community delivers 18 events across 10 venues in five days. The lineup showcases drag culture, community building, and creative expression. From kiki balls to fetish burlesque, the city’s LGBTQ scene proves its cultural significance through nonstop programming.
Events by day:
- Thursday: 3 events
- Friday: 4 events
- Saturday: 7 events
- Sunday: 5 events
- Monday: 3 events
- Wednesday: 1 event
The celebration demonstrates Austin’s position as a queer cultural hub, with events spanning drag, burlesque, film theory, MMA, and creative arts.
