Merry Christmas, happy Chanukah, and a happy Kwanzaa! Next week kicks off a series of holiday dominoes that'll crash us right into the new year. Can't say I'm "ready" for 2025, although how much could I say I was raring to go into 2024? Yet that sweet melancholy indicative of a year's slow dwindle downward does take me from time to time - a feeling I like despite how contemplative it leaves me. What I love about my life foams at the rim while past failures settle at the bottom, lying in wait for when the season ends, I finish drinking, and a big glob of bad-time sentiment fills my mouth. Before life goes on, let's enjoy all the world offering us a moment to celebrate. See you next week, babes, when the stars say a classic Qmmunity column format may return.
Thursday 19, Wanderlust Wine Co. Shady
Free to play but worth much more, Aira Juliet and the Little Gay Shop reflect on a year of trivia trauma, treasures, and talent with a night dedicated to what happened this ding-dang year.
Thursday 19, ColdTowne Theater
He-he, ha-ha, ho-ho-ho: Here's the sounds you'll make whilst enjoying this stacked seasonal lineup of local queer comics hosted by Sarah Spear. Holiday outfits are a must - perhaps a debut venue for your ugliest sweater?
Thursday 19, Elysium
Rock around the Christmas tree with your favorites, the Boyz of Austin, as they celebrate seasonal icons, featuring special guest artist Rosalind Hussel. Plus: a drag/clothing swap.
Friday 20, Drinks Backyard
Bells will be ringing and tips should be flowing as this holiday drag show pulls into town, with an Austin Artisan Market popping up so you can finish gift shopping. Plus: Kelly Kline and her Pink Santa Toy Drive put in an appearance.
Friday 20, Firehouse Lounge
Queer socialites collective West of Lincoln settles into Downtown's behind-the-bookcase bar for their holiday party. Ticket price covers a welcome shot as well as your first tipple of the night.
Friday 20, Cheer Up Charlies
Connect with your trans peers at this holiday happening, where all can enjoy tunes from p1nkstar and DJ Angel Doll, a seasonal market, crafts, and a photo op featuring Tranta Claus.
Friday 20, Eileen Dover
Drag your brat green crop-top out again for a holiday last hurrah - just kidding; next week there's like three different brat NYE parties. This party's still a star, though, with host Eileen Dover heading up a lineup featuring Serena Blake and Petty Brooks. Plus: Santa selfies, flash tattoos, a market, and an ugly sweater contest.
Saturday 21, Cheer Up Charlies
Round two of Neon Rainbows' tribute to country divas promises just as much "spur-sparkin', ass-clappin', barn-burnin' beats" from DJ Boi Orbison alongside pop-up drag on the hour.
Saturday 21, the Ballroom
Faye Fearless invites you to "dyke the halls" with all local lesbians, with burlesque and drag performances, a gift exchange, and a best-dressed contest.
Saturday 21, Progress Coffee - Buda
Yes, yes: It's mildly out of town, but that's how far you need to get away so that no one gets visually injured from your incredibly ugly holiday sweater. Sweetening the long-drive deal are a Frida Friday ATX market, a tamale demonstration, delicious food, and the chance for your freaky fashion to win ya a $100 gift card.
Saturday 21, Stargazer Bar
Eastside Pop-Up brings holiday cheer to your year at their last 2024 market: delicous refreshments, cute craftspeople, and vintage vendors all gathered in one place. Last minute shoppers welcome!
Saturday 21, Wanderlust Wine Co. Shady
Lady Grackle hosts a lineup of legendary drag stars for a Grinch-themed brunch that'll grow your heart three sizes - as well as bring a Gorge Wellness pop-up on-site for pre-Xmas glow up.
Saturday 21, DAWA HQ
After the recent loss of allgo Program Manager Bryan Artemio Garcia, the org provides space for queer and trans BIPOC to "learn a practice for self-ritual" around grief ahead of the winter holidays.
Saturday 21, Fallout Theater
Moe Christine hosts a seasonal session of their monthly queer standup showcase, where Christine says to "Come for the laughs, stay for the community, and leave with a pocket full of poppers."
Sunday 22, St. Elmo Brewing - Springdale
Get all your last-minute gifting done at this Frida Friday curated market - but that's not all. Enjoy music, art activations, and drag queen loteria, as well as on-site food trucks Pueblo Viejo and Spicy Boys.
Sunday 22, Cheer Up Charlies
Gothess Jasmine and DJ BabiBoi jingle the R&B bells with special performances by Amber Nicole Davenport, Leia Sakura Dior, and Cherry LaFae.
Sunday 22, MASS Gallery
They're back! Jasmania treks back to Bat City to teach y'all drag kings a tip or two for $15-25 sliding scale donations. "Let's unlock your gender fantasy <3," Jasmania writes, "which may mean me showing you how to look like your dad."
Tuesdays, Cheer Up Charlies
Head-to-head hotness hits your weekday schedule when Gothess Jasmine hosts this competitive drag open mic and market. Prizes promised are $50 cash and a future Role: Kawl special guest spot.