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Guide to Pride: Where to party and see the parade

Here’s how to sip, sashay, and play your way through the weekend.

August 6, 2024 • 
Morgan O’Neal
Three colorful cocktails sit on a table with a Pride flag behind them overlooking Congress Avenue in Austin.

Sip a cocktail while you watch the parade from Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace.

Photo courtesy Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace

It’s time to celebrate Pride in Austin, which we’re lucky to do twice a year.

Austin’s official Pride parade and festival will paint the town rainbow on Saturday, Aug. 10. This year’s theme is “Queer Cabaret” — a celebration of all things glamorous and extravagant.

Following suit, local businesses will host special performances and parties to help Austinites commemorate colorfully.

Here’s your Pride weekend itinerary:

ATX_Cheer up charlie

You know it’s Cheep Up Charlie’s when you see that cute little neon face.

Photo by @nataliecguillot

Thursday, Aug. 8

Cheer Up Charlies will get the party started at 7 p.m. with an 18+ Pride Kickoff Party. Brigitte Bandit, KindKeith, Grace Gardner, Barb, The Past Lives, and DJ DragonnQueen will take the stage.

A Pride party at Esov also begins at 7 p.m., featuring drag performances, DJ sets, rainbow Jell-O shots, and raffle prizes. RSVP here.

Friday, Aug. 9

W Austin will host a reservation-only Pride Drag Night Swim from 5 to 9 p.m. at its WET DECK. Expect live performances by Vylette Ward and Lavender Thug.

Cheer Up Charlies will keep its celebrations going with a “Girls, Gays, and Theys” party starting at 9 p.m. Van Mary and Glitter Cult will perform.

A group of people participating in a Pride parade walking around with banners, balloons, and flags in downtown Austin

Austin’s official Pride parade is in August for several reasons, including a lower chance of rain.

Photo by siyan li on Unsplash

Saturday, Aug. 10

Austin Pride Foundation’s official festival takes place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Fiesta Gardens. Grab tickets here, and don’t miss the headliner, Saucy Santana.

The official Pride parade begins at 8 p.m. If you’re seeking an elevated experience, consider Stephen F’s Bar and Terrance, which overlooks the parade’s route on Congress Avenue. Try special cocktails like The Pride Inferno (its proceeds benefit Out Youth) and The Unicorn Sour. Reserve a table by calling 512-721-2021.

Upstairs at Caroline will also have a stellar view of the parade and a specialty cocktail, the Rainbow Ranch Refresher.

Sunday, Aug. 11

End the weekend at El Raval‘s Que Cute! drag show at 6 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.

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