The Front Festival is making its annual return to celebrate women and queer creatives across Texas as summer draws to an end. Organized by Future Front Texas, the 4-day festival from August 31 to September 3 prominently features musical performances, films, and creative experiences by Texas-based women and LGBTQ+ artists.

Formed from a predecessor in 2019 to tackle gender inequality in the Texas arts community, Future Front supports marginalized creators through events, mentorships, and networking. The annual Front Festival is a core part of its programming to amplify underrepresented voices.

The festival kicks off on Thursday (August 31) with a splashy pool party under the stars at the LINE Austin hotel. Revelers can dance the night away while sipping cocktails poolside and enjoying DJ sets by Sussie Ramirez, better known as Suxxy Puxxy. A promoter, manager, and DJ from Monterrey, Nuevo León, she will be the headlining act for The Front Festival's Perreo Club Pool Party on the first day.

This pool party is part of a recurring event series by Ramirez, who started out producing underground events featuring local and international acts. Connecting with Austin's Latinx collective Peligrosa led her to DJ and host her own perreo parties, later morphing into the inclusive, Texas-based Perreo Club.

Day Two delivers a diverse lineup of independent films. Audiences can experience indie movies, shorts, and documentaries from emerging directors, with a special focus on works by women and LGBTQ+ filmmakers in Texas.

Adding to the excitement of the festival, musician Caroline Rose will preview their highly-anticipated new album, The Art of Forgetting, during the Film Showcase, tying in an interconnected short film comprised of music videos. Depicting Rose's personal journey through heartbreak, the stunning video series utilizes continuous shots and nonlinear storytelling to achieve an atmospheric, Old Hollywood style.

Before its debut at The Front Festival, Rose's ambitious short film has already garnered acclaim, winning Best Music Video at the Hollywood Shortsfest.

The Music Showcase takes center stage on Day Three at the legendary Cheer Up Charlies. Attendees can expect an engaging lineup of performances from both local Austin musicians and touring acts spanning a wide range of genres.

One artist to watch out for is Grace Sorensen, a rising independent R&B sensation hailing from Austin. With her young career already making waves, Sorensen has landed features on projects by Empire Record's BLK ODYSSY, opened for Diana Ross, and surpassed 500k streams on her single "Digits."

As the festival comes to a close, the official afterparty will be held at the LINE Austin, offering one last chance to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere. Future Front resident DJs will provide chill beats as party-goers can take a final dip in the pool, providing the perfect laidback wrap-up to four days of nonstop entertainment and camaraderie in the heart of Austin.

Tickets (starting at $10) are available for presale at thefrontfest.com. Each ticket type comes at a minimum price, with an option to contribute more to fund the organization's grant program.

  

Photo courtesy of The Future Front

The Front Festival presents a diverse schedule of fun annually, for some of the city's best celebrations of queer, femme, creative joy.