Austin, Texas, is great for LGBTIQ+ visitors because of its progressive and creative vibe. The city welcomes variety and provides many delicious food options, thrilling events, and lively nightlife.
Austin is a weird and wonderful place. It’s a college town and a hippie outpost, but it’s also a booming metropolis and the capital of Texas. It’s a city of contrasts and dichotomies. It’s big yet small, filled with high-paying tech jobs but also artists and creatives, and it’s an incredibly liberal and progressive town… in the middle of Texas.
Austin’s top LGBTIQ+ pubs and clubs
The fact that Austin’s LGBTIQ+ community is centred around West 4th Street downtown is among its most impressive features. This makes going from bar to bar during the evening enjoyable and straightforward.
My acquaintance promised to provide me with a guide while I was in the city. He said this guide was eager to show me a good time and that they knew Austin inside and out. I had no idea that Vylette Ward, one of Austin’s most well-known drag queens, would be my guide for the evening.
Oilcan Harry’s, the pub where Ward started her drag career, was our first stop on Ward’s tour of 4th Street. According to Ward, this homosexual pub has been operating for more than 25 years, making it one of Austin’s oldest. It is well-known for its weekly lineup of drag performances. Every night of the week, drag queens and kings present a range of concerts and events, including talent showcases, karaoke nights, and more.
When we arrived, the pub was holding its early performance at nine o’clock, which features mostly newer queens. This kind of early evening performance is how Ward broke into the scene, whispering into my ear that it gives them time to refine their craft and establish their stage character. Even though it was a smaller audience than the one the later concert drew, the audience enjoyed it. The audience cheered with each death drop, sashay, and wig reveal.
We went to Rain on the 4th, conveniently next door, later in the evening. Rain is the best place for Austin residents to dance the night away because of its packed dance floor, amazing DJs, outdoor terrace, and monthly celebrations. Naturally, Ward was hailed by practically everyone we passed at the club, including the bartenders, DJs, and patrons.
Usually, I wouldn’t say I like dancing at clubs, but Rain had a great atmosphere and a great selection of music so that I couldn’t help myself. A disco ball glinted under a blue spotlight, casting tiny luminous prisms over the dance floor. They did play mainstream gay club fare like Ariana Grande, but they also played some fantastic, unexpected tunes like The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” and a remix of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).”
In a homosexual club, rock music? It was great, and the audience also appeared to think so. The well-known guitar riff of the song made us all jump in time, and several of us—including myself—began singing along. There was something so wonderful and very Austin about that moment. You seldom hear anything other than pop, dance, or trance music at homosexual clubs.
Most of the activity on West 4th between Lavaca and Colorado streets occurs on a single block. Neon Grotto and Highland Lounge are only a few of the establishments, along with Oilcan Harry’s and Rain. The sidewalks are brought to life by groups moving from club to club, pals hugging before going inside, and Ubers lining up along the curb.
However, Austin’s LGBT community extends beyond West 4th Street. Cheer Up Charlie’s is a well-known and hospitable nightclub in the city. The pub is famous for drawing in and accepting members of the LGBTIQ+ community and for being a gathering spot for transgender and nonbinary individuals, as well as gay men and lesbians.
The bar, which bills itself as “Vegan + Queer,” maintains the counter-culture ambiance that Austin is known for. With its fantastic drinks, changing DJs, and musical guests, Cheer Up Charlie’s is ideal for anybody who thinks they don’t fit in with the mainstream ambiance of most LGBTIQ+ pubs and clubs.
Discover Austin, Texas: The Perfect Travel Partner for LGBTIQ+ People. Explore the lively LGBT clubs, thrilling drag shows, and priceless local knowledge.
Great places for LGBTIQ+ people outside of bars
No place better illustrates that Austin offers more than simply LGBTIQ+ nightlife than Halcyon. Situated among the bars and clubs on West 4th Street, Halcyon serves as a calm lounge at night and a coffee shop during the day. They provide coffee, tea, and delicious salads and sandwiches in the morning and afternoon.
Their panini press-warmed chicken pesto sandwich, accompanied by sun-dried tomatoes and provolone cheese, was my favorite. I sat on the terrace facing 4th Street on Halcyon’s covered patio. On a steamy Texas day, it’s the ideal place to sip on something refreshing and people-watch. Due to the popularity of bachelor and bachelorette parties in Austin, large crowds—mostly intoxicated—often ride party bikes or stroll around the streets.
It’s a laid-back and friendly place for those looking to establish a community without going to a bar. The staff is mostly LGBT. Weekly activities hosted by Halcyon include drag brunches in the afternoons, live music events, and more.
Situated in the fashionable SoCo district of Austin, the campy and eccentric (and very queer-friendly) Austin Motel is located on South Congress. Furnished with retro-style furnishings, neon lights, and a large Pride flag hanging in the lobby window, the Austin Motel is an exciting and eccentric place to stay. The best part is that visitors not staying at the hotel may buy day tickets for the outdoor pool and lounge area, designed in the 1950s style.
For alternative housing alternatives, Marriott is an LGBTIQ+ inclusive business committed to embracing the community. The firm operates three impressive buildings in downtown Austin, the Marriott, JW Marriott, and the W, all with rooftop pools. The W has its monthly themed drag brunch, often hosted by my new friend, Vylette Ward.
One of Austin’s oldest culinary traditions is barbecue, and the city is well-known for restaurants like Terry Black’s and Franklin BBQ. However, la Barbecue, a relative newcomer to the rivalry, has swiftly established itself as a favorite in Austin. It has also revolutionized the mostly male-dominated BBQ sector. LeAnn Mueller and Alison Clem, who are married, own this female-owned, LGBTIQ-focused BBQ restaurant, which has established itself as one of the finest in the city.
Wunderkeks is a gay-owned cookie business run by spouses Hans Schrei and Luis Gramajo, perfect for anybody with a sweet craving. It has gained popularity because of its celebrity fan base, which includes Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds, Busy Phillips, and Tori Spelling. It ships nationwide. Wunderkek’s kitchen door is often knocked on by locals who stop by to chat and stock up on brownies and cookies.
Where the LGBTIQ+ community is located
Visitors and residents of Austin who identify as LGBTIQ+ will discover a strong feeling of community in various beautiful ways. Local feminist bookshop BookWoman in Austin has been a welcome place for queer women in recent years, and it has genuinely embraced tales of intersectionality. In addition to selling books, BookWoman organizes poetry readings, talks, and open mic nights every week.
The LGBTIQ+ community creates all the fun and unusual gifts and commodities sold at The Little Gay Shop. The store has fantastic items, including candles, books, magazines, stickers, etc.
The Little Gay Shop has an outside dining area and offers coffee as well. I thought this was a great addition to the shop as it makes people want to get together and drink. Everything from drawings that say “Y’all means all” to t-shirts that read “Hope will never be silent” can be found by anybody wishing to purchase. Their assortment of bumper stickers, including witty sayings like “Sorry, Gay Driver,” made me giggle. The Little Gay Shop organizes activities like book club gatherings and gay trivia to foster community.
The Iron Bear, the neighbourhood bear bar in Austin, is an excellent place for those who want a competitive edge. Every Thursday, they have a pub trivia event called Geeks Who Drink. It’s a great way to make new friends, form a team, and enjoy a friendly rivalry.
Things LGBTIQ+ visitors should know before visiting Austin
Even though Austin is a very progressive city, it’s vital to keep in mind that Texas is also a state that actively works to deny LGBTIQ+ persons their rights. Fortunately, Austin’s youthful, progressive populace and city-level groups that assist in providing the resources that Texas doesn’t on a state level make it unlikely that you will run into any problems. One of the most progressive, liberal, and LGBT-friendly cities in the whole nation is undoubtedly Austin.
Although Austin is a very forward-thinking city, it’s important to keep in mind that you are still in Texas, a state actively working to take away the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. However, you are unlikely to face any issues while in Austin due to its young, progressive population and the city-level organizations that provide resources that aren’t available on a state level. Austin is one of the most liberal, progressive, and queer-friendly cities in the entire country.
You and your partner have so much to explore in this vibrant, creative city. With an open and welcoming environment, beautiful outdoor spaces, and exciting events happening all year long, Austin offers a romantic getaway where you can truly be yourselves. As you continue your journey, remember to lean on the supportive local LGBTQ community. They’ll guide you to the hidden gems and help you create memories to cherish. Wherever your Austin adventure takes you next, soak up every moment together. This is your time to connect, have fun, and discover the magic.
Romantic and LGBTQ-Friendly Things to Do in Austin for Couples
Take a Stroll Along South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
This hip stretch of South Congress Avenue is filled with quirky shops, food trucks, and vintage stores perfect for a casual date. Grab a coffee at Jo’s Coffee and stroll past iconic murals, then pop into trendy boutiques like Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds or Allen’s Boots.
Watch the Sunset at Mount Bonnell
For a romantic sunset view, head to Mount Bonnell, one of Austin’s highest points. After a short hike, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Find a secluded spot, cuddle up and watch the sunset over the rolling hills.
Catch a Show at The Paramount or Stateside Theatres
Downtown Austin’s historic theatres feature a line-up of comedy shows, live music, dance and theatre performances. Check their schedule for an LGBTQ-themed or hosted show. Before the show, dine at a nearby romantic restaurant like Jeffrey’s or Perla’s.
Go Two-Stepping at The Broken Spoke
Learn the Texas two-step together at this legendary honky tonk. While The Broken Spoke is an iconic Austin institution, their weekly LGBTQ dance lessons and friendly staff make it welcoming for people of all backgrounds. Two-stepping with your sweetheart is a fun way to experience Austin’s culture together.
The most extraordinary LGBTIQ+ events in Austin
There’s always something going on in Austin, but those who identify as LGBTIQ+ will want to visit the city during Austin Pride every summer. Other noteworthy events include South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin’s yearly tech and entertainment festival that has grown dramatically in size and popularity over the last ten years. Typically, SXSW occurs in the early spring.
The well-known Austin City Limits music festival, which takes place every fall, is also worth seeing. In addition to drawing tourists from around the globe, the event also draws gay performers like SZA and Lil Naz X.
