Not only is Austin the state capital of the Lone Star State, it's also one of the most progressive and gay-friendly cities in the southern United States. So it's only fitting that this fast-growing city's Austin Gay Pride Festival and Parade continues to grow in attendance and popularity. The event is a combination of what used to be two different but concurrent events, the Pride of Texas Festival and the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Pride Parade, which combined forces a few years ago to create one all-inclusive, popular event. Last year Austin Gay Pride made a few big changes. First, the date of the event moved from June to mid-September - the date of Austin Gay Pride this year is September 22, 2012, a bit later than last year.
Organizers explained the move by pointing out that fewer Pride events take place in September than in June, meaning this event will be competing with fewer others (Dallas Gay Pride, incidentally, takes place a week later on September 16, and with Austin's date change, it would now be quite easy and fun to make a longer trip to Texas this time of year to attend both Pride celebrations). Another plus is that Austin Gay Pride will now be taking place when University of Texas is in session, meaning more students will be likely to attend, and it now comes just a week after Labor Day Splash Weekend at Hippie Hollow.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Austin during Gay Pride.
Details about Austin Pride 2012 will be posted here as they become available. Meantime, here's a look at last year's celebration:
Pride kicks off this year on Saturday bright and early at 8 am with a 5K Austin Pride Rainbow Run through downtown Austin
. This is a noncompetitive, untimed event - you can even walk if you choose. The event starts at Riverside Drive and South 1st Street.At 10:30 am on Saturday, the Austin Gay Pride Parade takes place in downtown Austin. The parade runs in a loop through the Warehouse District, beginning on the south side of Lady Bird (Town) Lake at Riverside and South 1st, crossing into downtown.
The Austin Gay Pride Festival takes place following the parade at Fiesta Gardens, on Lady Bird Lake just east of downtown (at 2101 Jesse E Segovia St.). Festivities commence at noon and last until 6 pm. There will be a vendor expo, plenty of food and drink, a pet parade, volleyball tournament, kids/family diversions, and live entertainment with performances by The Bluebonnets, Cherie Lily, Jacinta, Leslie and the Lys, Elephant, Yo Majesty, and others.
Preceding Pride weekend, there's a special Multifaith Service on Thursday, at 7 pm at University United Methodist Church at 2409 Guadalupe.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers and resources, such as Austin Chronicle's Gay Texas Fun Guide, This Week in Texas GLBT paper and the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for details. Also take a look at the excellent travel site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Austin CVB.
