Splash Days Austin 2025

SPLASH DAYS AUSTIN 2025

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 28th August – Monday 1st September, 2025.
• 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, August 31st, 2025 – Each year, several of Austin’s gay bars come together, load up a couple of barges with booze, bartenders and deejays, and head out to the cove.
• If you want to grab drinks from the party barge, you’ll need to grab a wristband from one of the sponsor bars.
• The barges are at Hippie Hollow from 9 AM to 8.30 PM. Times can vary each year, depending on lake levels.
• 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 31st August, 2024 – From 1 pm to 7 pm – The Official Second Splash Pool Party at the East Austin, 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

• Thursday 28th – 10PM – Bobby Cook’s Splash Days Strip-Off – Rain on 4th
  A cheeky and crowd-pleasing opener hosted by Bobby Cook.
• Friday 29th – 10PM – Summer House Party – Oil Can Harry’s
  The energy builds with a sweaty, packed Friday night throwdown.
• Saturday 30th – 10PM – Splash Weekend Main Event with DJ Isis Muretech – Location TBA
  High production, big crowd, and a peak-night set from a global favorite.
• Sunday 31st – 2AM – After Hours with DJ Vicky Kuba – Location TBA
  For those still going strong, deep into the night.
• Sunday 31st – 9PM – Official Closing Party – Location TBA
  Final push before the afters. Expect a joyful mix of friends new and old.
• Monday 1st – 2AM to 6AM – After Hours with DJ Alex Ramos –
  Location TBA One last sunrise session to say goodbye to Splash Days with style.

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. It’s $15 per vehicle if you drive in or $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.
• 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.
• Cedar Street Courtyard – Performance and event venue with open air space, bars and more, located in the warehouse district in the heart of downtown,
• Alibi – Upscale bar with event spaces and host of the official after party on Sunday.
• OCH Dark Bar – Located in Oil Can Harry’s and open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 9pm. Satisfy all of your carnal desires in the sexiest and darkest entertainment venue in Austin!

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