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First Splash Austin 2027

First Splash is when Austin gays kick off summer over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

  • Event Dates

    From: Thursday, May 27, 2027
    To: Monday, May 31, 2027

  • Key Highlights

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

First Splash Austin 2027

First Splash is when Austin gays kick off summer over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The party takes place out on the lake at the gay section of Hippie Hollow on the Sunday of the holiday weekend.

  • Visiting Austin for Memorial Day Weekend? The city fills up fast so book your hotel early.  Stay at the Fairmont Austin with a “Superb” rating,  featuring spacious rooms and excellent location.

The Event

  • Next Edition: Thursday 27th May, 2027 – Monday 31st May, 2026 – First Splash has grown into a weekend series of events, circuit parties and and the perfect excuse to throw a party as the Texas heat gets everyone hot and bothered!
  • Events culminate at Hippy Hollow on the Sunday of the weekend.
  • Stay at The Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, a boutique hotel offering guests spacious rooms, a great pool and the famous gay-friendly Kimpton welcome.

Splash Pool Party

  • Awaiting dates, typically on Saturday – From 1 pm –  Saturday Splash Pool Party with guest DJs
  • Held at the East Austin Hotel, with its spacious retro rooms, super cool rooftop bar and pool and close proximity to downtown.

The Parties – Full Schedule

Hippie Hollow Splash Days Barge

  • Sunday 30th May, 2027 – The gay section of Hippie Hollow is located at the very end of the park. Just keep on the paved walkway until it runs out … and you’re at the gay section.
  • Each year, on the Sundays of Memorial weekend, you can rent barges or boats and head out to the cove. Arrive by 10 am to ensure entry.
  • The lake event runs from 9am-8pm.  It’s advised people BYOB but no glass.
  • There is no cost to go the Splash party at the lake, BUT there is a fee to get in to the park. It’s around $20 per vehicle if you drive in or $10 per person if you walk or bike in. Cash only, no credit/debit cards. There is no fee if you come in off the lake on a boat.
  • From 10 pm to 4 am.

The Venue

  • Hippie Hollow is a 30 minute ride from the gay bars of downtown Austin, located on the shore of Lake Travis in northwest Austin. It is the only legally recognized clothing-optional public park in the State of Texas.
  • Stay close to Hippie Hollow (11 min drive) at the Hyatt Place Austin, recently refurbished with spacious rooms and a modern gym.

Party Venues

  • Rain on 4th – Austin's long-running upscale gay lounge in the Warehouse District, right in the heart of the 4th Street gay strip, so the distance from the gay district is effectively 0 minutes.
  • Highland Lounge A big multi-level gay club built for drag, DJs and late-night circuit energy in the Warehouse District, about one block east of the main 4th Street gay bar cluster, roughly a 5 minute walk.
  • LUXX – A compact downtown event space on West 4th with a club setup that works well for after-hours, right beside the gay district, so you are basically already in it.
  • East Austin Hotel – Stylish pool-hotel energy with a social courtyard feel in East Austin on East 6th, around 1.5 miles from the 4th Street gay district, about 7 to 10 minutes by car.
  • Cedar Street Courtyard – An open-air downtown courtyard made for big music-driven nights in the Warehouse District, just a short stroll from Austin's gay bars, around 2 to 5 minutes on foot.
  • Hippie Hollow Park – The legendary clothing-optional lake spot on Lake Travis with the Splash Days daytime crowd spread across the rocks and water, northwest of downtown and about 20 miles or 35 to 40 minutes from the 4th Street gay district.
  • Vulcan Gas Company – A dark, high-production downtown room on East 6th with strong sound and big-night scale, just east of the Warehouse District and about 0.8 miles or a 15 minute walk from the gay bars.

Recommended Hotels in Austin

The Following Austin Hotels are close to the city's top attractions and a short ride away from most of the First Splash Events:

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 Asutin Guide

Join Broadway Husbands as they explore the best of Austin.

Hotel Za Za Austin

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