June is Pride Month, and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate in downtown Austin! Check out our insider guide for Austin Pride in 2022 for the destinations, events, and businesses supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Gather the girls, gays, and theys to celebrate our community, support queer-owned businesses, and learn more about Pride.
Places Downtown That Celebrate Pride All-Year
Looking for a place to celebrate Pride anytime during the year? Here are some of downtown’s hottest LGBTQ+ spots.
Rain on 4th
In the heart of the Warehouse District is Rain, a dance club that’s served Austin’s queer community since 2004. Whether it’s Sunday Funday, karaoke, the Boys of ATX, happy hour or just a regular night out on the town you are sure to have a blast at Rain.
Oilcan Harry’s
Next door to Rain is Oilcan’s, another popular hangout that has been home to Austin’s gay community for over 30 years. Oilcan Harry’s has three bar areas and an open-air patio with a constant rotation of shows, themed events, and more to keep your soul happy. Bonus points: this venue is gay-owned and operated.
Coconut Club and Neon Grotto
Coconut Club and Neon Grotto are two peas in a pod. Featuring an abundance of drinks, photo ops and dance floors, you can flow between the two venues seamlessly. There is a different DJ in every room, a rooftop that always pops off and is always a good time.
Halcyon
Coffee, cocktails and drag? Say less, we’re there! Not only does Halcyon offer an array of aromatic coffees and refreshing cocktails, but they also have a full menu of tasty foods. The best part? They even host weekly drag brunches.
Highland Lounge
Highland Lounge is celebrating eight years of serving the LGBTQ community in Austin. They have six bars between three floors and have claimed their title as the largest gay club in the city. Here you’ll enjoy drag shows, themed nights, go go boys and more.
Hen House
Hen party at the Hen House! Shake it out on the dance floor, grab a signature cocktail named after the ladies and enjoy the surrounding flowers and neon.
Cheer Up Charlie’s
Cheer Up Charlie’s is a space for everybody in the Red River Cultural District complete with dance parties, kombucha on tap, fresh cocktails, and Arlo’s vegan food truck in the parking lot. The extensive open-air patio allows you to be front and center for bands, DJs and drag shows. If being the life of the party isn’t your style, you can hang out in a quieter area to catch up with your favorites. Whether it’s happy hour, late night, or somewhere in between, Cheer Up’s is the place to be.
The Iron Bear
As you might guess by the name, The Iron Bear on West 6th is a bar for Bears and owned by Bears, although its doors are open to everyone. The kitchen features apps, wings, burgers, sandwiches, and even salads and brunch. This friendly neighborhood bar is laid back and hosts drag events, pub trivia, karaoke, bingo, and more.
Events to Attend Downtown
Wondering what Pride events are happening downtown this month? Don’t worry; we have you covered!
Living Room Sound Check: Pride Edition at the W Austin – June 1, 15, 22, 29
Drag Brunch at Halcyon – Every Saturday
RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Seven Stars Watch Party – Every Friday in June
Them They-tal: A Non-binary Celebration featuring Y2K, Boy Sim, LLORA, Jotan – June 9
Papi Siii: A Gay Latin Night at Mala Vida – June 10
Rainbow on the Creek at Waterloo – June 11
Poetry in the Park featuring KB Brookins – June 11
The Best Drag Show Ever at Oilcan Harry’s – June 11
Drag Brunch at 4th and Co – June 12
Pride Hangout at Cheer Up Charlie’s – June 17
Pride Bar Crawl on 4th Street – June 18
Divina: Noche Drag Latinx – June 15 and 29
RuPaul’s Drag Race Trivia at Irene’s – June 22
Pantheon Pride at Cheer Up Charlie’s – June 24
Pride in Local Music at the Long Center – June 25
Austin D*ke March at Cheer Up Charlies – June 26
Pride Picnic at Pease Park – June 26
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Paramount Summer Classic Film Series – July 1
Queer-Owned Businesses to Support
The Austin LGBT Chamber is a great resource that supports allied businesses and organizations. Here are a few companies with a downtown presence that we encourage you to patronize.
Jo’s Coffee
If you’re like the majority of Austinites, you probably start your day out with a cup of caffeine. During Pride Month, we encourage you to patronize Jo’s Coffee, founded by serial entrepreneur Liz Lambert. Take advantage of the outdoor patio in the 2nd Street District for lunch to try one of their legendary burgers or a meet-up with a friend for a cold beverage or breakfast.
Red Cactus Media
Red Cactus Media is an LGBTQIA-owned creative marketing agency on Congress Avenue. The team of highly skilled marketing experts make it their goal for you to “feel good about marketing” with them.
Swan Dive
Swan Dive, a bar in the Red River Cultural District, features an all-white interior and hosts dance parties, bands, burlesque shows, and even “hipster karaoke”. With a huge back patio shared with neighboring bar Barbarella, vintage cocktails on the menu, and comfortable booths, you’ll want to stay a while.
Barbarbella
The home of Tuesgayz, an event that seamlessly blends dance, electro, and indie music, Barbarella is a video bar unlike any other place in Austin. Other fun events Barbarbella is known for include Grits ‘n Gravy on Thursdays, 80s night on Fridays, and New Noise on Saturdays.
Of we missed any of the queer-owned businesses downtown, be sure to let us know and we’ll add to this ever-growing list! We recommend shopping local for Pride gear this month and know there is always a lot to be found at Austin Rocks.
While Pride Month is in June, you can celebrate Austin Pride and support your favorite downtown queer-owned businesses all year long. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the return of Austin’s annual Pride Parade, which takes place in August.