Hey: Anyone else out there reading books? I find real-deal paperbacks and hardcovers to be my favorite – and honestly best-acting – escape from social-media induced mania. Can’t click any weird links if there’s literally no interactive capabilities, right? Plenty of strange and unusual queer-written and -centric tomes to pick from for the last few days of October, so here’s my personal recos for the horror-minded homosexual.
Tell Me I’m Worthless by Alison Rumfitt, which is a UK-based transgender haunted house story that not only digs into the way a country’s unresolved evils infect its citizens but also lends credence – indirectly and definitely not on purpose – to the whole “J.K. Rowling became like that because of black mold” theory.
“His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood” by Billy Martin (under his previous pen name, Poppy Z. Brite), which is an erotic gay vampire short story that plays in similar grotesque yet sensual imagery as most of Martin’s other pieces with a fun fang-centric spin. I also recommend his novel, Exquisite Corpse, but only to those with a strong stomach.The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker, which isn’t textually gay, but pretty much everything Barker does carries that wonderful queer zest to its graphic depictions of bodies decomposing or reanimating. If you love Hellraiser but haven’t touched the novella it’s based on, now’s the time to crack the spine!
Sister Fisters Resurrection
Thursday 30, Swan Dive
Don’t call it a Halloween party: Call this all-star all-trans drag showcase a reanimation of party power featuring beats by Ruby Knight and Xoy on hosting duties. Dress code? “Just come looking like the hottest version of yourself.” 10pm.
Noxx’s Nightshade Nerdlesque Presents: Horrorween
Thursday 30, Vigilante Gaming Bar
Scare up a sensual evening with this nerdy troupe, who’ll perform their signature burlesque based around iconic characters beloved and niche in a special Halloween show. Plus trivia, a raffle, a costume contest, and so much more. 7pm.
Summoning Mariah Pre-Halloween Party
Thursday 30, The Austin Eagle
In the distance you hear the first notes of “All I Want for Christmas,” as you approach this festive séance that features beats spun by DJ Joze, Vylette Ward as your holiday hostess, and the chance to win $250. Benefits Project Transitions and NS3 Health. 8pm.
The Best Little Whorror House in Texas
Thursday 30, Elysium
Fear is here and queer at this Brigitte Bandit-hosted horror night that features drag delights by Bubu, Travis Randy Travis, Solovino, Gemma Nye, and Traumada; DJ spins by Turito; and a costume contest for all y’all slayers out there. 10pm.
Wicked: The Untold Story of the Bitches of ATX
Thursday 30, Highland Lounge
Defy gravity by flying off to Fourth for a drag spectacular hosted by Lady Grackle with performances by Jeffica Fox, Cupcake, and Felesia Lucia. 11pm.
La Spookychanga
Thursday 30, Coconut Club
Featured player Scam Likely calls this event “like a Pachanga but Spooky,” so if that’s your vibe you better creep on over to this BeeBee Blvnt-hosted party packed with tunes, a costume contest, and photo booth fun. 10pm.
Hallowed Graves: Boneyard Burlesque
Friday 31, Sterling Stage Austin
Haus of Brimstone and Velvet Nox Productions performers bring you burlesque, cemetery-style! Expect incredible dance, drag, and more with a full bar, raffle, and vendors as well. 7pm.
Zines for LGBTQ+ Stories
Friday 31, Yarborough Branch Library
Cut it up with fellow queer zinesters at this afternoon of workshops, line-dancing, performances, free food, and henna. Plus, community resources aplenty. 1pm.
2026 Person of Gear Contest Weekend
Friday 31 – Saturday 1, the Austin Eagle
Gear up to find out who will represent Austin Gears for the next year. Competition is open to any who ID as queer and are 21 years or older. 7:30pm.
Murder! on the Dancefloor
Friday 31, Hotel San Jose
Booo-gie your Halloween away with scary spins from Queer Vinyl Collective as well as a costume contest hosted by the frighteningly fun Cheeki Khant. 8pm.
Nocturnal Temptations
Friday 31, ColdTowne Theater
Have a spirited yet sensual time this Halloween with a creepy cabaret show from Wonderland Burlesque. Stick around for an afterparty as well, which promises a costume contest, live DJ and dance floor, photo booth, and more. 8pm.
Halloween: Heaven & Hell
Friday 31, Coconut Club
Get down, divine-style, with this night of DJ delights where you choose your afterlife: up with the angels SuxxyPuxxy and Dragonnqueen on the rooftop or groovin’ with the devilish Ella Ella, Lavender Thug, and Lord Gemini. Plus, photo booths on both floors.
Halloqween
Friday 31, 21st Street Cooperative
A collab between 21st Street Co-op and QTBIPOCA, this graveyard gathering features live drag, bands, and DJs to liven up your afterlife. Costumes required, so make sure you at least throw on some kitty-cat ears. 8pm.
Haunted Heels
Friday 31, the Austin Eagle
Get eerie over at the Eagle for this drag show featuring “high heels and haunting performances” from Malibu Imported, Louisianna Purchase, Targét Queen, and Petty Cakes. 9pm.
Hallow-Queen
Friday 31, Drinks Backyard
It’s a frightening first anniversary for show host Maxine LaQueene, so celebrate the spooky season and a year of Drinks Backyard drag with her and performers Kelly Kline, Simone Riviera, Arianna Venti, Devonna St. James, and Cookie St. James. 8:30pm.
Barbarella Halloween Party
Friday 31, Barbarella
It’s a three-party stack over on Red River for those ready and willing to scare up a good time as Barbs promises Eighties spins inside, DJ Kid Slyce serving slasher on the patio decks, and a Vaciosur set over at sister club Swan Dive. 9pm.
Girly Pop Halloween Special
Friday 31, Moontower Cider
This “ladies night” variety show of comedy, smut reading, lip syncs, and more goes creepy this week with host Moe Christine. 8pm.
Butch Prom: the Monster Ball
Saturday 1, Cheer Up Charlies
From mad scientist labs to fantasy realms comes a party of monstrous proportions from the masc masterminds of Butch Prom. Bobby Pudrido does hosting duties, presenting y’all with drag by Flex Brojas, Atlas Mars, and Sir Beau Elliot; DJ spins from Miho and Cryst6l; karaoke with DJ Marybluu; vampires vs. werewolves arm-wrestling; and much more. Dress code requires a costume, so make yourself a real monster mash. 9pm.
Queens of Sin City
Saturday 1, Neon Grotto
A year in the books just hit for monthly urban lesbian party series Lez in the Capital, so celebrate with ’em at this Day of the Dead-inspired shindig. There’ll be local DJs on deck like Jos Tha DJ, Dragonnqueen, and DJ High Class Chaz (HTX), as well as L.A. performers Killem and Kelzz. 9pm.
Country Fried Dance Lesson
Saturday 1, University Hills Branch Library
Everyone can learn a little boot-scoot at this queer-friendly line dance lesson, where Country Fried’s own Nico Osier plays teacher to those in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. 1pm.
Pflugerville Pride Fourth Annual Pfestival
Saturday 1, Downtown Pflugerville
That’s right, pfolks! You’re invited to have some Pflug pfun at this autumnal Pride fest that features food, entertainment, and – in keeping with their Dia de los Muertos theme – a special public ofrenda and luminary lighting. Plus, a 10pm after-dark function at Hanovers Draught Haus hosted by Vegas Van Cartier. 5pm.
Twinks vs Dolls
Sunday 2, Barton Springs
The fated fight continues at this head-to-head function featuring lube wrestling, cigarette races, mini games, and more as well as performances by Riotgirl, Gemma Nye, Star Anise, Slaylem Cholula Cuntress, Haunted, Daitte Picante, Ivanna C. Destruction, Calor, Iggy Bank, Mars Morningstar, Whoopsie Daisy, Titty Androgynous, Ethel Institution, and Marliyn Moonlight. Bring a chair and get ready to get wet. 12pm.
Awesome! Drag Show
Sunday 2, Rain on 4th
Kick the Sunday scaries to the curb with this delightful drag show featuring a rotating queen cast. This week’s players include Vylette Ward, Alysha Pretty, Sierra Mykels, Nadine Hughes, Maeve Haven, and Grandma Steven. 5pm.
Annual Day of the Dead Community Altar Exhibit & Celebration
Sunday 2, allgo
Celebrate and honor those who’ve passed on before us at this intimate gathering hosted by allgo for QTBIPOC folks and allies. In addition to sharing a hot meal, expect to engage with death not as a taboo but as “another sacred phase in the journey of life” through performance and an exhibit of several altars to the dearly departed. Feel free to bring items to leave as offerings, or utilize provided paper to write down the names of passed loved ones. 4pm.
Soup Group
Sunday 2, Ani’s Day & Night
Soup up your Sunday with this potluck party for queer folks and friends. Bring a soup and you’ll receive a sampler platter of other brothy, creamy, chunky, and smooth soup selections. Can’t stir the pot? Bring a can of soup to donate to ATX Free Fridge Project instead. Breadsticks also welcome. 7pm.
Here to Pee
Monday 3, ColdTowne Theater
Catch the first-ever all-trans comedy tour across all 50 states as it hits its Austin stop, where proceeds help support Trans Texas. 7:30pm.
Monday Night Jammie Jam: Masc-erade
Monday 3, Kick Butt Coffee
This month’s show’s all about boys, boys, boys as the Jammie Jammers explore the masculine side of burlesque from “dapper dandies to dashing daddies and beyond.” 8:30pm.
Mexicunt
Thursday 6, Highland Lounge
Kick off the weekend with DJs Petrolera, Boy Dimension, Amador, and Chicago’s El Brujo as they turn on the techno, neo-perreo, Latintek, and reggaeton. 10pm.
Bye Bye Brandi
Thursday 6, Cap City Comedy’s Red Room
Here’s your final chance to wave farewell to funny person Brandi Davis before they fly off to NYC. They’re joined in this last lineup by Angelina Martin, Irielle Wesley, and Brett Vervoot. 7:30pm.
This article appears in October 31 • 2025.
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