With the Austin Pride festival originally planned for Aug. 14 postponed and no new date on the books, many LGBTQ+ Austinites and UT students are searching for exciting ways to celebrate Pride around the city. The Daily Texan has put together a list of ways to do just that!

Try one of Austin’s many LGBTQ+-owned coffee shops

Austin is known for its vibrant local coffee shop scene and many of its quirky cafés; including Jo’s Coffee, with locations on South Congress Avenue and 41st Street, and Mary’s Cafe on Red River Street, are queer-owned. Want to support small businesses and have a peaceful place to hang out? Counter Culture on East Cesar Chavez Street may be the place. With its extensive vegan-friendly menu and biodegradable dishware, patrons can have fun while keeping Austin sustainable.

Go to a drag show

Over 21 and into a more upbeat, nightlife environment? Head to Cheer Up Charlies at 9th and Red River Streets or Oilcan Harry’s on West 4th Street, for some of the best drag performances in Austin. 

Finally back in action, the Austin drag scene brings performers and audiences together in appreciation of the art, performance and expression of drag. Stick around long enough and experience the excitement of local drag competitions, meet queens and kings and make new friends. 

Visit Bookwoman

Avid readers can enjoy visiting BookWoman, a local queer and woman-owned bookshop on North Lamar. Keeping Austin reading for nearly 50 years while also serving feminists and LGBTQ+ Austinites, BookWoman elevates marginalized voices through literature. Looking to help and engage with the LGBTQ+ community? Support this shop as a Pride celebration! 

Check out The Little Gay Shop

Looking to support LGBTQ+ artists? Go to the The Little Gay Shop! Founded in 2019, this “queer marketplace” seeks to promote queer voices in art and culture, especially those local to Austin. They offer everything from books, art, pins, stickers, patches and more. Before visiting their location on Airport Boulevard, check out their website to learn more about their artists, events and other products. Their blog, which can also be found on their website, gives insight on the happenings of Austin’s queer community.

Have a small picnic at Zilker Park

With wide grassy areas and a stellar view of the Austin skyline, Zilker Park serves as a perfect place for an intimate picnic with close friends. Bring a blanket, snacks and some drinks to celebrate Pride and your friends in a sweet, personal way.