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Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Austin
Austin is known for its progressive culture and strong local GLBT community. Texas’ capital city boasts a state-of-the-art convention center, multiple entertainment districts, a walkable downtown and prominent annual events such as PRIDE parade and festival, Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF), Gay Rodeo and Splash Day celebrations. There’s always something playing in Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World®.
Get Here
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, named the third best performing airport in North America, is a convenient, world-class facility. Once in Austin, you’ll find 5,500 downtown hotel rooms all within a short walk of the Austin Convention Center and distinct entertainment districts lined with unique restaurants, lively bars and trendy retail shops.
Plan Your Meeting
The 900,000-square-foot Austin Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown, is recognized as one of the most technically-advanced convention facilities in the country and is also working toward a LEED EB certification. The four-story Austin Convention Center is equipped with five, column-free exhibit halls, seven ballrooms and 54 meeting rooms.
Playing host to smaller meetings and events is the award-winning Palmer Events Center. The two-story facility offers two exhibit halls and five meeting rooms, for a total of 131,000 square feet of flexible space.
Austin continues to grow as a premier meetings and conventions destination. Look for up-and-coming hotels and event facilities such as The Westin Austin at The Domain and the Austin City Limits Studio Theatre in the Block 21/ W Hotel development. To book your next meeting in Austin, visit www.austintexas.org/meetaustin or call 1-800-926-2282, ext. 7269.
Experience Area Attractions
Part of Austin’s draw is its distinctive attractions. Austin is home to the State Capitol, standing at 302 feet tall – 14 feet higher than the nation’s capitol in Washington, D.C. Check out the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and experience interactive exhibits, an IMAX® Theatre and the multi-sensory Texas Spirit Theatre.
After brushing up on Texas history, head over to the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge where more than 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight at dusk from April to October. Or make your way to Lady Bird Lake where you can jog along the 10-mile hike and bike trail or rent a kayak and paddle out onto the lake for a great view of the skyline. Visit the beloved Zilker Park, which is also home to Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming hole that is 68 degrees year-round.
Austin is recognized as one of the top golf destinations in the country. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy world-class amenities at area resorts and daily-fee courses such as Barton Creek Resort, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa and Grey Rock Golf Club. Book your rounds of golf, hotel accommodations and activities through Austin Golf Trail, www.austingolftrail.com, an online golf travel package “concierge.”
For the shopaholic, South Congress Avenue offers eclectic boutiques, antique stores and an assortment of restaurants. High-end shops can be found in the 2nd Street District, a six-block stretch of stylish clothing and jewelry boutiques, trendy furniture stores and fine dining surrounding Austin City Hall. For a complete list of Austin attractions, visit www.austintexas.org/visitors.
Tune In to Live Music
Austin is known for its thriving music scene, with nearly 200 live music venues. Experience six entertainment districts, including the Warehouse District, where you’ll find the hottest gay nightlife in Austin. Hip and chic, Rain on 4th is where you can dance to the latest rhythms and club music spun by popular DJs. Oilcan Harry's has been revered as one of the top gay bars in Austin, and in America, for more than 15 years. The upscale club is home to cutting-edge music, karaoke nights and a friendly staff.
Popular festivals add to Austin’s music landscape each year. Check out two of the city’s biggest music events, Austin City Limits Music Festival in October and South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences & Festivals in March. Additional festivals include Urban Music Festival, Pachanga Latino Music Festival and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Get more information on Austin music at www.austintexas.org/timeline/music.
Partake In Cultural Arts
Don't miss the Capital City Men's Chorus, Austin's premier gay ensemble. Hear ethereal musical renditions throughout the year as these men entertain around town. Find out about upcoming events and purchase tickets online at www.ccmcaustin.org.
Catch performances by Ballet Austin, Austin Lyric Opera and the Austin Symphony at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, the city’s first true community performing arts venue. Or visit the Zachary Scott Theatre, which specializes in local performances in an intimate setting. For a taste of ethnic music and multicultural shows, check out One World Theatre, Austin’s premier world-arts venue. Visit www.austintexas.org/now_playing/events for a complete list of area events and performances.
The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF) is the Southwest's oldest and largest GLBTQI film event. This widely popular festival features more than 150 films spanning topics that include culture, race, immigration status, class, gender identity and expression, age and region. Check the aGLIFF calendar of events at www.agliff.org for the latest volunteer opportunities, monthly film screenings and independent filmmaker labs.
Stay Connected
The Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) provides extensive information on GLBT-friendly businesses and events in the Austin area. An online directory points people in the best direction to find places to eat and shop, and offers tips on where to find Austin's hottest happenings. In addition, a large number of local nonprofit organizations are active in the GLBT community and provide resources for visitors. Each June, the AGLCC hosts PRIDE, a family-friendly parade and festival that continues to grow in popularity. For more information, visit www.aglcc.org.
Learn More
To see what else is playing in Austin, check out www.austintexas.org/welcome or call 866-GO-AUSTIN. To book your next meeting in Austin, visit www.austintexas.org/meetaustin or call 800-926-2282, ext. 7269.
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