Austin Pride Weekend is about to get a little more country as Neon Rainbows, Austin’s original queer honky-tonk experience, celebrates 15 years with a special night of live music, entertainment and plenty of two-stepping at ACL Live.
Neon Rainbows creator Ed West joined Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to talk about how the Austin tradition got started, what fans can expect from Neon Rodeo, and how the community can celebrate Pride through country music and dance.
Neon Rainbows creator Ed West joined Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to talk about how the Austin tradition got started, what fans can expect from Neon Rodeo, and how the community can celebrate Pride through country music and dance.
From dance party to Austin community
Neon Rainbows started 15 years ago as a dance party before growing into a larger community and lifestyle centered around country music, line dancing, two-stepping and Pride events.
If you’ve never been to a Neon Rainbows event, West says there’s no dress code and no experience required .ErikaRichphoto
“It started as a dance party about 15 years ago, and then it really grew into its own community and lifestyle,” West said.
Today, Neon Rainbows continues to create opportunities for people to learn how to line dance and two-step while bringing the LGBTQ+ community together through unique events.
We Are Austin’s Pride Show: Neon Rainbows celebrates 15 years with Neon Rodeo at ACL Live
Neon Rodeo brings the celebration to ACL Live
To celebrate 15 years, Neon Rainbows is taking over ACL Live for Neon Rodeo, featuring a lineup of Austin favorites and performers.
The night includes Next of Kin, Bridgett Bandit and the Cow Gays, along with plenty of opportunities to hit the dance floor. ErikaRichphoto
The night includes Next of Kin, Bridgett Bandit and the Cow Gays, along with plenty of opportunities to hit the dance floor.
“We have Next of Kin, hometown heroes. We have Bridgett Bandit, Austin’s best drag performer,” West said. “And then we also have the Cow Gays coming in from Nashville.”
West says each performer will bring something different to the celebration, creating a night with plenty of variety.
Celebrating 15 years during Pride
For West, celebrating the milestone during Pride is especially meaningful.
If you’ve never been to a Neon Rainbows event, West says there’s no dress code and no experience required .ErikaRichphoto
“It means a lot. It really does,” West said. “This has been, you know, my life’s work.”
He also says he’s proud of the community that has grown around Neon Rainbows and the inclusive space it has created for people who may not have always felt welcome in traditional country environments.
To celebrate 15 years, Neon Rainbows is taking over ACL Live for Neon Rodeo, featuring a lineup of Austin favorites and performers. ErikaRichphoto
“I think it’s all really just comes down to who you want to dance with,” West said. “You want to be and how you want to be seen.”
Queer line dancing and two-step at Sagebrush
Neon Rainbows also keeps the dancing going throughout the year with regular events at Sagebrush.
West says the events take place every Monday, rotating between beginner line dancing, queer two-step and other dance nights.
The beginner line dance nights give people an opportunity to learn the basics, while queer two-step nights offer a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to learn or practice. ErikaRichphoto
The beginner line dance nights give people an opportunity to learn the basics, while queer two-step nights offer a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to learn or practice.
On months with five Mondays, Neon Rainbows also hosts a Pride social, bringing the community together for dancing and special performances.
You don’t need boots or a cowboy hat
If you’ve never been to a Neon Rainbows event, West says there’s no dress code and no experience required.
“You can come as you are,” West said. “You can bust out the boots if you’d like.”
The celebration is also giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from Neon Rodeo will benefit the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Education Fund, helping support its work in the LGBTQ+ community.
That means tennis shoes and a tank top are just as welcome as cowboy boots and a hat. The important part is showing up ready to have fun and, if you want, learn some new dance moves.
A queer vendor market adds to Neon Rodeo
Neon Rodeo will also feature a full queer vendor market before the show begins, giving attendees another way to support LGBTQ+ businesses and creators in the community.
West says vendors including Little Gay Shop and Lonestar Queer will be part of the event.
Supporting the Austin LGBTQ+ community
The celebration is also giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from Neon Rodeo will benefit the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Education Fund, helping support its work in the LGBTQ+ community.
How to get involved
Whether you’re an experienced two-stepper or have never tried line dancing, Neon Rainbows offers plenty of ways to get involved.
For information about Neon Rodeo, upcoming dance nights and future events, visit NeonRainbowsATX.com.
And as Neon Rainbows celebrates 15 years, West says the goal remains the same: creating a space where people can come together, dance and celebrate exactly who they are.
Happy Pride — and happy 15 years to Neon Rainbows!
For information about Neon Rodeo, upcoming dance nights and future events, visit NeonRainbowsATX.com.