Oilcan Harry's

One of the newest additions to Austin’s gay nightlife, LUXX has quickly established itself as a late-night and after-hours dance venue. The intimate club has an underground feel, with DJs and house-heavy parties stretching beyond the usual night out; major queer events including Splash Days have already adopted it for official after-hours sessions. The address couldn't be more central to Austin’s gay scene. LUXX is at 207 W 4th Street, effectively next door to Oilcan Harry’s at 211 and Rain on 4th at 217. Expect a late-night LGBTQ+ clubbing crowd, particularly gay men and visitors looking to keep dancing after the more established bars begin winding down.

Three different levels give Neon Grotto a bit more flexibility than the average nightclub: DJs and dancing downstairs, a more relaxed lounge above and an open-air rooftop looking across Downtown Austin. Regular drag, karaoke and DJ events keep the atmosphere firmly queer, with a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd rather than one particular niche. It forms part of the same nightlife complex as Coconut Club, so moving between the two is easy. From there, the established gay bars around West 4th Street — including Oilcan Harry’s, Rain on 4th and Highland Lounge — are virtually around the corner, making this a natural addition to a downtown gay bar crawl.

There's a place for everyone at Charlie's, which unsurprisingly attracts a diverse and slightly hipster crowd. The bar is located in a colourful cabin and serves vegan food alongside fresh organic juice cocktails and a selection of local beers. Behind the bar you can find a large outdoor music venue, where events are hosted nightly and you can enjoy a drink in the shade of an afternoon. There are also regular movie screenings and storytelling events.

Oilcan Harry's is Austin's oldest and most famous LGBTQ+ bar. Since 1990, this venue has provided a fun and safe environment for all sorts of people to get together and enjoy themselves. Providing entertainment from drag shows to male dancers, and with live DJs keeping the party going on the dance floor, everyone can have a fun night here. The bar serves classic draft beer, which you can enjoy out on the patio or alongside a performance on the stage.

Rain on 4th is Austin's upscale gay lounge, located in the historic Warehouse district. The space plays hosts to a great range of entertainment in a super social atmosphere, including drag shows, comedy, and all your favourite dance music. Friendly staff serve a menu of high quality drinks including wine, beer, and spirits, and strive to make your night one to remember. Rain knows that professional service is integral to the perfect night out.

As the name suggests, The Iron Bear is primarily a place for Austin's bear community, but its doors are open to anyone. It's a space to relax and make friends with no drama or attitude, as laid-back staff create a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy cold beer on tap and chat with butch guys at the bar or join the (often topless) crowds on the dance floor. Live DJs make sure there's always something going on for you to enjoy