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Next week on National Coming Out Day, 11 October, we’ll honor and celebrate the brave humans within the LGBTQ+ community who have had the courage to live authentically, even when faced with ignorance, homophobia, transphobia, and societal prejudice. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and self-expression in the fight for equality and acceptance.  48 Hours in LGBTQ Austin: A Weekend ItineraryDAY 1Morning Austin is all about the outdoors, so why not join fellow joggers on the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which winds along Lady Bird Lake's shimmering waters and offers picturesque views of Austin’s skyline. Or, get out on the water with a stand-up paddleboard or kayak available from a local rental company. Also check out Zilker Park, a 360-acre dog-friendly oasis in the heart of downtown that’s the site of festivals like Austin City Limits and free performances at Zilker Hillside Theatre. Plus, it’s home to the Zilker Botanical Garden (reserve tickets online in advance), UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum and Barton Springs Pool, a historic spring-fed swimming spot that’s also great for people watching.
Afternoon Next, make your way downtown to the Mexic-Arte Museum to view traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latin American art in a renovated historic building. Be sure to get a snap of the nearby With Liberty and Justice for All (A Work in Progress) installation by Jim Hodges on the rooftop of The Contemporary Austin at the Jones Center. Before leaving downtown, stop for a picture in front of the tallest piece of public artwork in Austin, the 103-foot rainbow mural Tau Ceti by Josef Kristofoletti. Take time to shop at some of Austin’s gay-owned stores. Pick up apparel and home accessories exclusively designed by LGBTQIA+ designers at The Little Gay Shop. Find all your fancy picnic fixins’ at Tiny Grocer, which sells locally produced specialty foods and wine. Buy a summer feminist read from BookWoman or discover a new author at Reverie Books. Pick out a colorful wig and sparkly party outfit at Coco Coquette. Then, discover vintage T-shirts and jeans at Never Knew. And be sure to bring home a toy for your favorite furry friend from Paws on Chicon. Evening After dinner, get ready to hit the clubs. There are several gay bars centered in the Downtown Warehouse District. Don't miss Highland Lounge, Oilcan Harry’s (a drag queen destination for more than 25 years), the upscale Rain on 4th and The Iron Bear for a Tito's cocktail, cold beer, drag shows and dancing to live DJs.
DAY 2Morning Then take a shopping stroll along South Congress Avenue, known for its funky stores and chic boutiques. Check out the leather-lined shelves at Allens Boots, one-of-a-kind gifts and clothing by local artisans at Paperwork, and modern menswear at Stag. Shop for stylish retro apparel for men and women at both Prototype Vintage and Feathers Boutique. Keep caffeinated with an iced Turbo from the see-and-be-seen Jo's Coffee and snap a souvenir selfie in front of the I love you so much mural painted on the coffee bar’s wall. For a midday treat, stop in the gay-friendly Hotel San José and enjoy a refreshing frosé or michelada in the leafy courtyard lounge. Afternoon Continue your shopping spree in the trendy West Sixth District, where you can wander the bookshelves at BookPeople, spend hours flipping through rare vinyl at Waterloo Records, and stop in for a healthy snack or glass of wine at the Whole Foods Market flagship store.
Evening After the show, head back to East Austin for theater, live music, dives, mezcal bars and plenty of late night eats. See an experimental play at The VORTEX and have a drink at the adjacent, beautiful Butterfly Bar. Dress it up for dinner at the sultry Justine's Brasserie or enjoy upscale ranch-to-table fare at gay-owned Jacoby's. Then, hop down the road for drinks on the patios of Lustre Pearl East, Violet Crown Social Club and The Grackle. Or sip a locally brewed beer on the patio at Zilker Brewing Company. For even more ideas, check out our guide to LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Austin. Tags LGBTQ Austin |
Austin Motel, Credit Haley Plotkin.
Cheer Up Charlies. Credit Inti St. Clair.