13 ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Austin in June
With the arrival of June comes the start of summer break, the start of blazing Texas heat and the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebrations.
Pride dates back to after the Stonewall riots in 1969, and it's celebrated across the nation in June. While the official Austin Pride doesn't take place until August, there are still plenty of events — from brunches to performances — celebrating pride around the city this month.
Check out some of these Pride Month events this June:
Drag Brunch at Electric Shuffle
This high-tech shuffleboard bar will offer drag brunch every Sunday in June beginning at noon. The brunches will feature not only drag performers but live DJs, bacon jam pizzas and "an entire bottle of bubbly per person." Electric Shuffle will donate 10% of brunch profits to Austin's QWELL Community Foundation, which aims to connect and support LBGTQ+ individuals in need of health and self-actualization resources.
(91 Red River St. Suite 102)
Black Queer Emancipation Open Mic Poetry Night
On June 2, For a suggested $2 or $5 donation, attendees can enjoy open mic poetry from community members as well as hosts Ebony Stewart, KB Brookins and Jeaux. Sign-up for the event begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Vortex, and performances begin at 7 p.m.
(2307 Manor Road)
Round Rock Pride
The nearby city's second-ever Pride festival will take place June 3 from 3-8 p.m. The free event will feature drags performers such as Cynthia Lee Fontaine, a mental health panel, vendors and food trucks.
(301 W Bagdad Ave.)
Under the Neon Rainbow: An Austin Motel Prom for All
From 6-10 p.m. on June 3, drag queen Cheeki Khant and Deep Eddy Vodka will host a free-with-RSVP prom celebration at Austin Motel. Prom goers can enjoy prizes, music from DJ Boyfriend, drink specials and photo opportunities.
(1220 S Congress Ave.)
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St. Elmo Brewing Pride Party and Drag Show
This free event takes place from 5-8 p.m. on June 3 and features drag performers Louisianna Purchase, Mandy Quinn and Tatiana Cholula. The brewing company will also re-release their West Coast IPA beer "Louisianna Purchase" and feature a pop-up from The Little Gay Shop. A portion of the profits from beer sales will go to the Transgender Education Network of Texas.
(440 E Saint Elmo Road)
Art in ATX: Pride Market
More than 20 LGBTQ+ artists will display their creations at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches from noon to 5 p.m. on June 4. The market will also feature music from Javijuu, Female Gallery and DJ Damino.
(3220 Manor Road)
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Waterloo Pride in the Park Event Series
Waterloo Park will offer a variety of Pride events from June 5-11. They include:
Exercise Your Pride outdoor workout series from June 5-11 at varying times
Tales on the Trail: Intersectionality of LGBT & Black Identities on June 8 from 6-8 p.m.
Pride is for Families on June 10 from 10 a.m. to noon
Rainbow on the Creek performances on June 10 from 6-10 p.m.
(403 E 15th St.)
UMLAUF After Dark: PRIDE
The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum will offer a special night of LGBTQ+ celebration from 6-8 p.m. on June 6. For a $12 admission ticket, attendees can enjoy a poetry reading from Christia Madacsi, musical performance from Miguel St. Michael, local vendors such as Las Ofrendas and Sunshine Dimension and all-night beer, wine, cocktails and food.
(605 Azie Morton Road)
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Pride Day
An inaugural event, the center's Pride Day will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 11. Activities include a Pride Hike through the arboretum, rainbow nature bracelet making, drag bingo and drag story time. Dogs are welcome and encouraged to come dressed up.
(4801 La Crosse Ave.)
Austin Public Library Pride Prom
This prom event is for those 18+ and will take place June 16 from 7-10 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a 1920s theme, drag performances and DJing from the Queer Vinyl Collective. While the prom is free, registration is required.
(710 West Cesar Chavez St.)
Feels So Good Pride Festivities
Feels So Good, an embroidery and screen-printing shop, will host a two-part celebration on June 17. The first event is Feels So Gay: A Pride Celebration with Brigitte Bandit and Little Gay Shop. The celebration runs from 5-10 p.m. at the Feels So Good store and features a vendor market, drag performances and live music. The event is free with an RSVP, but donations go to Equality Texas.
Then, from midnight to 5 a.m. in the same space, Feels So Good and DRUNKLUCK will present DISCOTHEQUE Pride Edition. For a $30 ticket, those 21 years and older can enjoy free drinks, a performance from music group SMV and DJing from MajestyofDivinity, Lavender Thug with House of Lepore and more. The party will also showcase clips from Hannah Vernell's documentary "I Need Space," looks from DASHE Co. and visuals from Drip Cuts.
(211 E. Alpine Road)
Pride in Local Music
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce will present a festival of music and more on 4th Street between Colorado and La Vaca from 4-10 p.m. June 24. General admission price is by donation, but VIP tickets have firm pricing. Performers include Gina Chavez, Primo the Alien, promqueen, Glass Mansions and Heyoncé.
(200 West 4th St.)
Pride of Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs will host its third-annual Pride celebration on June 24 from 1-5 p.m. The 18+ Pride After Dark show will then begin at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets for both portions of the event are available on the Pride of Dripping Springs website.
(1042 Event Center Drive)
Editor's note: This story originally listed the Long Center as the site for Pride in Local Music. This has been corrected to reflect the accurate location, which is on 4th Street.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 13 LGBTQ+ Pride Month events in Austin in June
