First Splash Austin 2026

First Splash Austin 2026

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

• Friday 22nd May, 2026  – Sunday 24th 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 the Saturday of the weekend – From 1 pm –  Saturday Splash Pool Party with guest DJs. 
• Venue to be confirmed – previous events have been held at the East Austin Hotel.
• We love the East Austin Hotel, with its spacious retro rooms, super cool rooftop bar and pool and close proximity to downtown.

Hippie Hollow Splash Days Barge

• Sunday 24th May, 2026 – 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.

Other Parties

• A host of events take place during the weekend including Splash Days Strip-Off – Strip competition to kick off the weekend, international circuit events, after hour parties and a closing event.
• Events take over some of Austin’s leading venues and famous gay bars and clubs.
• Check out the top hotels in Downtown Austin.

Party Venues

• Coconut Club is a tropical-themed nightclub located at 310B Colorado Street in downtown Austin’s Warehouse District. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere with hot pink seating, lush greenery, and both indoor and outdoor dance floors. Its spacious rooftop offers views of the Austin skyline.
• Situated in the heart of the Warehouse District, Coconut Club is within walking distance of several other LGBTQ+ venues, including Oilcan Harry’s and Rain on 4th. This proximity places it squarely within Austin’s primary gay nightlife area .
• Highland Lounge is a multi-level LGBTQ+ nightclub located at 404 Colorado Street in Austin’s Warehouse District. It features three stories, six bars, a large dance floor, drag shows, go-go dancers, and an outdoor patio. The venue offers VIP bottle service and hosts events like themed nights and amateur strip competitions
• Situated within the Warehouse District, Highland Lounge is part of Austin’s main gay nightlife area, with venues like Rain on 4th and Oilcan Harry’s just a short walk away.
• Oilcan Harry’s is Austin’s longest-running gay bar, located at 211 W 4th Street in the Warehouse District. Established in 1990, it offers nightly events including drag shows, karaoke, bingo, and themed parties. The venue features a spacious layout with a dance floor, multiple bars, and an outdoor patio.
• It’s situated directly within Austin’s main LGBTQ+ nightlife area, alongside venues like Rain on 4th and Highland Lounge.
• Rain on 4th is an upscale LGBTQ+ lounge situated at 217 W 4th Street in Austin’s Warehouse District. The venue features a warehouse-style interior with exposed brick and ductwork, with multiple bars and a spacious dance floor.
• Located in the heart of Austin’s main gay nightlife area, Rain on 4th is within walking distance of other popular LGBTQ+ venues such as Oilcan Harry’s and Highland Lounge.

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