Splash Days Austin 2026

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, 2025 – Party barge tickets can be purchased on the Splash Days website
• The event at Hippie Hollow from 9 AM to 8.30 PM. Parking lot fills up early so arrive early to the park or plan to arrive by sea!
• 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 – TBC  – From 1 pm to 7 pm –Featuring International DJs. Tickets can sell out a week to two weeks in advance so buy early.
• The Official Second Last Splash Pool Party at the East Austin Hotel, a gay hotspot thanks to its proximity to the downtown district, hikes and 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