Although National Pride Month has come and gone, Austinites have had a month to recover and get ready for more local festivities leading up to the signature Austin Pride Parade and Festival on August 12. There are many ways to celebrate, but the most important thing is to recognize the struggles and triumphs queer folk have faced over the last several decades.

Austin is a very queer-friendly city, so while you enjoy a few of the city's fun pride festivities, let's remember that there is still work to be done to ensure the equality of LGBTQIA+ citizens all over the nation.

Before August 12

The Little Gay Shop – "ATX Pride Market"
August 6
There's no better way to support small businesses and celebrate Austin Pride Month than by shopping at a local craft market led by queer artists and creatives. The second annual ATX Pride Market will take place from 11 am to 5 pm at Distribution Hall, featuring over 70 local makers and vendors. There will be free drinks during the event thanks to a partnership with Bacardi, as well as food from local chefs. Additional activities include an art gallery and on-site screen printing.

Mandola's Italian Kitchen
August 6-13
This casual Italian restaurant is bringing back its signature rainbow heart-shaped cookies for Austin Pride. It'll be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from the cookie sales to OutYouth, an Austin nonprofit that has been creating safe havens for LGBTQ+ youth for 33 years.

Playland Skate Center – "Rainbow Skate Pride Week Edition"
August 7
Live your neon rollerblade Barbie dreams at this Austin Pride takeover from 2-5 pm. DJ Chorizo Funk will provide the music for this event while attendees celebrate the "Keep Austin Queer'd" theme. No need to worry about bringing your own skates to this fun shindig, as the ticket price ($14) includes a roller skate rental. More information can be found on austinpride.org.

Saturday, August 12

W Hotel Austin – "Pride Warm Up"
Do your makeup and treat yourself to a cocktail while having the ultimate GRWM moment alongside Austin's favorite queens: The Beckies are hosting their Pride Warm Up at the W Hotel from 5-9 pm. A live DJ will help amp guests up for the evening while they jazz up their outfits to perfection. Don't forget to check out the hotel's pop-up market. Guests can RSVP via Eventbrite.

Stephen F's Bar and Terrace at Austin Royal Sonesta – "Pride Watch Party"
A terrace along the parade route welcomes guests to sit outside for the bar's second annual Pride Watch Party, beginning at 7 pm and lasting throughout the duration of the Austin Pride Parade. Stephen F's will have plenty of Pride-themed cocktails during the event. Plus, for the first time, a livestream of the parade will play inside the bar. Guests can reserve a table by emailing bridgette.boltowski@sonesta.com. As a bonus, the Austin Royal Sonesta is offering 15 percent off hotel rooms with the discount code "PRIDE."

After August 12

Hotel Indigo – "Papi Siii Pride Pool Party"
August 13
The first-ever Papi Siii Pride Pool Party, a celebration of the gay Latin community, will be held from 1-6 pm at the Hotel Indigo, a short distance away from the dance-turned-pool party's original birthplace at Mala Vida. Co-founder and party co-host DJ Gabby Got It and DJ Stylz will entertain and provide a safe space for attendees all afternoon. Guests can also enjoy delicious cocktails like the Guapa Guava Margarita, Peso Pal-uma, and Tito's Limonada. VIP cabanas have sold out, but tickets ($25 per person) can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Thinkery – "Community Spotlight: LGBTQ+ Family Pride"
August 15
A beloved children's museum will host an LGBTQ+ Family Pride night from 4-6 pm to celebrate queer families and adults. A few of the festivities include drag story time, a museum parade, and more. Rainbow Connections ATX will also be on-site to provide community resources. This event is free to the public. More information about the event can be found at thinkeryaustin.org.

Meanwhile Brewing Co. – "Brew Paul's Drag Show: Austin Pride Edition"
August 26
To help bring Austin Pride Month to a close, Meanwhile will host a special Brew Paul's Drag Show from 9-11 pm. Attendees are encouraged to show up early to get the best seating and shop at the Austin Flea pop-up market from 6-9 pm. Equality Texas will also be at the brewery to share more information about their organization and the important work they do to support queer Texans. This event is free, and guests can RSVP via Eventbrite.