Austin Pride 2025
- 21-24 Aug 2025
- Austin, TX
Austin Pride 2025 takes place on August 23, 2025 at Fiesta Gardens in Austin, Texas. Under the theme “Silence = Death,” the Austin Pride Foundation emphasises that Pride is both celebration and protest and invites attendees to speak up and fight back against attacks on lgbtq+Q+ rights. In 2025, organisers are calling for the community to march and celebrate while remembering those who have fought for lgbtq+Q+ equality before us. The festival and parade are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators, continuing the growth of Austin Pride, which has become one of the largest events of its kind in Texas.
The Pride festival and parade will be staged at Fiesta Gardens on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Festivities begin earlier in the week, with Pride events running from Thursday, August 21 through Sunday, August 24. In addition to the main parade, Austin Pride week features a packed calendar of parties, circuit nights, pool parties and drag brunches. The run‑up events allow visitors to sample Austin’s vibrant nightlife and queer culture before the culmination of Pride weekend. Many of the official events are held around the downtown entertainment district, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.
Austin’s parade is unique because it is held after dark. On Saturday evening, floats and marching groups assemble near the Texas State Capitol and proceed down Congress Avenue, finishing at Fourth Street/Bettie Naylor Street. The parade begins at 8:00 pm and runs until approximately 11:00 pm, giving spectators a chance to see illuminated floats and performers under the city lights. Two emcee stages along the route provide commentary and music, and the parade features more than 120 entries ranging from community organisations to corporate sponsors and lgbtq+Q+ advocacy groups. After the parade, the downtown area around Fourth Street hosts official after‑parties at bars and clubs, keeping the celebration going into the early hours.
The festival at Fiesta Gardens runs during the day on Saturday and offers activities for families and adults alike. Guests can explore more than 140 vendor booths offering crafts, information and local products. Carnival games, inflatable attractions and other entertainment appeal to visitors of all ages, while a Drag Queen Story Time under the shade of a large tree provides family‑friendly entertainment. Food trucks and drink vendors serve local cuisine and refreshments throughout the day. The festival grounds are usually open from late morning until around 6:00 pm, giving attendees plenty of time to enjoy performances from local musicians and drag artists before resting ahead of the nighttime parade.
Austin Pride was established as a response to ongoing challenges faced by lgbtq+Q+ Texans and continues to serve as a platform for activism and community building. The 2025 theme, “Silence = Death,” recalls the AIDS activism of the 1980s and emphasises the importance of speaking out against discrimination. Organisers encourage participants to be loud, visible and proud, urging allies and members of the lgbtq+Q+ community to stand together against legislative attacks and hate. At the same time, Pride remains a joyful celebration. The city expects over 400,000 attendees, and previous years have brought record numbers of parade participants and spectators. In addition to the official events organised by the Austin Pride Foundation, local businesses host countless parties, drag shows and brunches across the city, providing something for everyone during Pride week.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead because Austin Pride weekend draws large crowds and accommodations fill quickly. Fiesta Gardens is located along the banks of Lady Bird Lake, just east of downtown. Public parking at the festival is limited, so the organisers recommend using bike and walking trails, public transportation or carpools to access the venue. Attendees should bring water and sun protection for the daytime festival and prepare for large crowds at the parade and after‑parties. By participating in Austin Pride 2025, visitors and locals alike will join a growing movement that blends celebration with activism, sending a message of resilience and unity from the heart of Texas.
The Pride festival and parade will be staged at Fiesta Gardens on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Festivities begin earlier in the week, with Pride events running from Thursday, August 21 through Sunday, August 24. In addition to the main parade, Austin Pride week features a packed calendar of parties, circuit nights, pool parties and drag brunches. The run‑up events allow visitors to sample Austin’s vibrant nightlife and queer culture before the culmination of Pride weekend. Many of the official events are held around the downtown entertainment district, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.
Austin’s parade is unique because it is held after dark. On Saturday evening, floats and marching groups assemble near the Texas State Capitol and proceed down Congress Avenue, finishing at Fourth Street/Bettie Naylor Street. The parade begins at 8:00 pm and runs until approximately 11:00 pm, giving spectators a chance to see illuminated floats and performers under the city lights. Two emcee stages along the route provide commentary and music, and the parade features more than 120 entries ranging from community organisations to corporate sponsors and lgbtq+Q+ advocacy groups. After the parade, the downtown area around Fourth Street hosts official after‑parties at bars and clubs, keeping the celebration going into the early hours.
The festival at Fiesta Gardens runs during the day on Saturday and offers activities for families and adults alike. Guests can explore more than 140 vendor booths offering crafts, information and local products. Carnival games, inflatable attractions and other entertainment appeal to visitors of all ages, while a Drag Queen Story Time under the shade of a large tree provides family‑friendly entertainment. Food trucks and drink vendors serve local cuisine and refreshments throughout the day. The festival grounds are usually open from late morning until around 6:00 pm, giving attendees plenty of time to enjoy performances from local musicians and drag artists before resting ahead of the nighttime parade.
Austin Pride was established as a response to ongoing challenges faced by lgbtq+Q+ Texans and continues to serve as a platform for activism and community building. The 2025 theme, “Silence = Death,” recalls the AIDS activism of the 1980s and emphasises the importance of speaking out against discrimination. Organisers encourage participants to be loud, visible and proud, urging allies and members of the lgbtq+Q+ community to stand together against legislative attacks and hate. At the same time, Pride remains a joyful celebration. The city expects over 400,000 attendees, and previous years have brought record numbers of parade participants and spectators. In addition to the official events organised by the Austin Pride Foundation, local businesses host countless parties, drag shows and brunches across the city, providing something for everyone during Pride week.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead because Austin Pride weekend draws large crowds and accommodations fill quickly. Fiesta Gardens is located along the banks of Lady Bird Lake, just east of downtown. Public parking at the festival is limited, so the organisers recommend using bike and walking trails, public transportation or carpools to access the venue. Attendees should bring water and sun protection for the daytime festival and prepare for large crowds at the parade and after‑parties. By participating in Austin Pride 2025, visitors and locals alike will join a growing movement that blends celebration with activism, sending a message of resilience and unity from the heart of Texas.