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Splash Days Austin 2026

It is the hottest and sexiest party in the lone star state!

  • Event Dates

    From: Thursday, September 3, 2026
    To: Monday, September 7, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • The barges
    • Splash party
    • Barges with booze
    • Bartenders and deejays
    • Party out on the lake

SPLASH DAYS AUSTIN 2026

Splash Days Austin is a Labor day weekend party raising funds from the LGBT community in Texas. It is the hottest and sexiest party in the lone star state!

  • Austin is a popular Labor Day Weekend Escape, so book early. We recommend you stay in the downtown district. Guests love the Fairmont Austin giving the hotel a “Superb” rating with a stunning rooftop pool and features spacious rooms and a central location.

Splash Days (Second Splash)

  • Next Edition: Thursday 3rd September, 2026 – Monday 7th September, 2026.
  • Each year, during the Labor Day Weekend, the people of Austin head to the lake at Hippy Hollow to escape the heat and cool down in one of the few nudist-friendly bathing areas in Texas.
  • The gay exodus to Hippy Hollow is known as Splash Days, a one-day trip to Lake Travis, that has since morphed into a weekend of circuit parties, drag brunches and barge parties. 
  • The gay section of Lake Travis is at the very end of the park. Keep on the paved walkway until it runs out … and you’re at the gay area.
  • Stay right by Lake Travis – check out the hotels closest to the party.

Barges and Wristbands

  • Sunday, 6th September, 2026 – Party barge tickets can be purchased on the Splash Days website
  • The main Lake Day event at Hippie Hollow runs from 10 AM to 8:00 PM. Important note: The park entrance is not a Splash-hosted event, so you must BRING CASH to enter the park!
  • Entrance fees are paid directly to the park upon arrival, and admission is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If you snooze, you cruise—once they hit capacity, the only way in is by boat.
  • The parking lot fills up extremely quickly, so arrive early! The splash party at the lake is open to everyone, 18 and up – that's the rule at Hippie Hollow.
  • Stay at the LGBT run Hotel Saint Cecilia offering swanky suites and bungalows, plus a stunning terrace with a lap pool.

The Pool Party

  • Saturday, 5th September, 2026 – From 1 pm to 7 pm – Featuring International DJs.
  • Tickets always fly fast and sell out a week to two weeks in advance.
  • The Official Splash Pool Party is hosted at the East Austin Hotel, a gay hotspot thanks to its stunning pool deck and proximity to the downtown district, hikes, trails, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Downtown Austin is full of a range of dining, nightlife, and entertainment options, including several gay bars and clubs.

Signature Events and Parties

  • Full program to be confirmed.

The Park – Hippie Hollow

  • Hippie Hollow Park is located on the shores of Lake Travis in western Travis County, approximately 20 miles from downtown Austin. It is usually a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. If driving, use the address 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732 on your navigation app.
  • Entry to the party is free, BUT there is a fee to get into the park. $8 per person if you walk or bike in. Cash or check only, no credit/debit cards.
  • There is no fee if you come off the lake on a boat. Please note that Hippie Hollow Park generally reaches capacity on holiday weekends, so parking lot will close between 11am and 2pm.
  • The park is closed for the remainder of the day when at capacity. So don’t be surprised if you’re turned away at the gate when you show up late in the afternoon.

The Venues

  • Neon Grotto – Neon-themed nightclub has great rooftop views, regular drag shows and DJs spinning late into the night.
  • Rain on 4th – Popular gay bar and lounge with dancefloor, friendly bar staff, theme nights and great location.
  • Oil Can Harry's Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 9pm. Satisfy all of your carnal desires in the sexiest and darkest entertainment venue in Austin!
  • Highland Lounge – Three-story LGBTQ+ dance club with six bars, drag shows, VIP bottle service and a sprawling Warehouse District dance floor
  • Speakeasy Cabaret – Downtown Austin entertainment venue running since around 1997. Known for its multiple levels—Music Lounge, Bowling Mezzanine, Kabaret Room, and the rooftop Terrace59—it offers live music, vintage bowling lanes, games, and panoramic skyline views Fever +9

Where to stay during the Austin Splash Weekend

Most of the gay bars are located in Downtown and you can walk from one to the other. The following hotels are currently trending with our readers:

JW Marriott Austin,    Otis Hotel,    Austin Motel,    Hotel ZaZa

Gay Map of Austin

The gay clubs in Austin are largely centered around the 4th street gay district and don’t get going until around midnight. Most of  the city's gay bars are within walking distance not only of each other but of dozens of other cool mainstream bars and clubs downtown, mostly in the hip Warehouse District that's between the Texas Capitol building and the Colorado River. The gay scene in Austin is well integrated with the town so people mix and you'll often spot gay folks hanging out at the music clubs, trendy lounges, coffeehouses, and restaurant bars that everyone else in town likes.

Also, Austin is home to a very popular and scenic gay sunbathing area, Hippie Hollow Park, a county-operated, clothing-optional park that's about a 30-minute drive northwest of downtown, on the rocky but scenic shore of Lake Travis.

Address: 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Fairmont Austin is a large luxury hotel in downtown Austin.
  • The tower sits beside the convention center and Palm Park.
  • Rooftop pool, spa and multiple restaurants add resort feel.
  • Rainey Street bars are a short walk from the hotel.
  • You can reach Austin’s gay nightlife by quick ride or walk.
  • A polished high-rise base for exploring central Austin.
  • Website

Address: 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

  • The LINE Austin is a boutique hotel beside Lady Bird Lake.
  • Rooms feature modern design and large city or lake views.
  • Rooftop bar P6 and Arlo Grey add strong food and nightlife.
  • Sixth Street entertainment is within easy walking distance.
  • Austin’s gay nightlife on 4th Street is a short walk away.
  • A stylish downtown base with views and social energy.
  • Website

Address: 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Austin Marriott Downtown is a large modern hotel in central Austin.
  • The tower sits beside the convention center and Lady Bird Lake.
  • Rooms are contemporary with skyline views from higher floors.
  • Sixth Street bars and downtown nightlife are a short walk away.
  • You can reach Austin’s gay nightlife district in minutes.
  • A convenient high-rise base in the heart of downtown.
  • Website

Address: 211 E 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Hyatt Place Austin Downtown sits in the heart of downtown Austin.
  • Rooms are spacious with a sofa-bed lounge area.
  • The hotel includes a lobby bar and indoor pool.
  • Sixth Street nightlife is only a few minutes away.
  • Austin’s gay bars on 4th Street are within easy reach.
  • A convenient downtown base close to the nightlife districts.
  • Website

Address: 404 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701.

  • Highland is a large gay nightclub in downtown Austin.
  • The venue is spread across three floors and six bars.
  • Drag, dancers and bottle service shape the night here.
  • It feels bigger and louder than Austin’s smaller queer bars.
  • A strong pick for a full club night in the Warehouse District.
  • Open: Thu 9:30pm-2am, Fri-Sat 9:30pm-3:30am, Sun 9:30pm-2am
  • Website

Address: 404 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

  • The Jackalope is a downtown Austin dive bar, not a gay venue.
  • It sits close to the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife on 6th Street.
  • Big burgers and cheap drinks are part of its draw.
  • The mood is loud, dark, and more rock bar than club.
  • A good crossover stop before or after nearby gay bars.
  • Open: Daily 12pm-2am
  • Website

Address: 900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Cheer Up Charlie's is a gay Austin staple on Red River.
  • The venue mixes patio drinks, drag, DJs, and live music.
  • It feels more alternative than Austin’s polished club spots.
  • The crowd is broad, local, and tied to the arts scene.
  • A strong pick for a social night with real Austin character.
  • Open: Thu-Sun 4pm-2am
  • Website

Address: 301 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

  • The Iron Bear is a downtown Austin gay bar with a bear focus.
  • Food, karaoke and pool give it a more social bar feel.
  • The crowd leans bears, admirers and long-time regulars.
  • It feels friendlier and less clubby than Austin’s bigger venues.
  • A solid pick for drinks, events and a more grounded night out.
  • Open: Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am.
  • Website

Address: 217 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Rain on 4th is a long-running gay bar in downtown Austin.
  • The venue sits right on the city’s main 4th Street gay strip.
  • Drag, dancers and karaoke give it a show-led identity.
  • It feels more polished than Austin’s rougher dive-style spots.
  • A classic stop for a full night out in the gay district.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 4pm-2:30am, Fri-Sun 3pm-2:30am.
  • Instagram

Address: 211 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Oilcan Harry's is a long-running gay bar on Austin’s 4th Street.
  • The venue is tied to the city’s historic gay nightlife strip.
  • Drag and party nights keep the room busy late.
  • It feels classic, central, and built for bar-hopping.
  • A key Austin stop with real local nightlife history.
  • Open: Mon-Sun 2pm-2am
  • Website

Address: 310 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Coconut Club is a gay rooftop bar in downtown Austin.
  • Drag brunches and DJs give it a playful party feel.
  • The rooftop setup makes it stand out from 4th Street bars.
  • It feels newer and more open-air than Austin’s old guard.
  • A strong pick for dancing with skyline views.
  • Open: Wed-Fri 9pm-2am, Sat 1pm-2am, Sun 5pm-2am
  • Instagram

Address: 318 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Neon Grotto is a queer downtown Austin nightlife venue.
  • The rooftop gives it a more open-air party feel.
  • DJs, drag and themed nights shape the calendar.
  • It feels newer than Austin’s old 4th Street bars.
  • A strong pick for dancing in the Coconut complex.
  • Open: Tue-Sun 4pm-2am, Mon Closed
  • Instagram

Address: 8201 Cross Park Dr B2, Austin, TX 78723

  • The Austin Eagle is a gay leather bar in Northeast Austin.
  • The crowd leans bears, kink, rubber and leather regulars.
  • It feels more destination venue than downtown walk-in bar.
  • Events and title culture shape the room’s identity.
  • A niche Austin stop with a strong scene following.
  • Open: Fri-Sat 7pm-1am
  • Website

Recommended Hotels in Austin By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in the old town of Austin that keep you close to all the shops and restaurants

Fairmont Austin Gold
5 Star, Great Pool

Fairmont Austin Gold Experience
Booking.com
  • 5 Star, Great Pool, Downtown luxury, extravagant dining.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • 5-star, luxury accommodation.
  • The epitome of downtown luxury with superb dining options, a relaxing spa, & meeting facilities.

Hyatt Place
4 Star – Central

Hyatt Place
Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Pool, fitness center, light appetizers.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV.
  • Central location with cozy rooms, offering activities like cycling & hiking nearby.

The LINE Austin
4 Star, Nice Pool

The LINE Austin
Booking.com
  1. 4 Star, Pool – Free bikes, outdoor pool.
  2. Close to the gay district.
  3. Lake, city views, minibar.
  4. Situated in the heart of Austin, offering picturesque lake and city views &  variety of amenities.

Austin Marriott
4 Star, Location

Austin Marriott
Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Seating area, safety deposit.
  • Comfortable stay with modern amenities in a perfect location for exploring Austin's downtown area.

Video Gay Austin

Discover the best of Gay Asutin with Ravi.

Hotel Za Za Austin

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