Qmmunity: Pre-Halloween Stretch

Phew! We’re in the pre-Halloween stretch now, Reader, and that means fitting as many freaky functions into your planner as possible. Since I’ve left trick-or-treat age, I’ve found the real fun is all the days before October 31 – the horror movie screenings, the drag show tributes to horror movies, the bakeries making cookies shaped like characters or items from horror movies, etc. Maybe you’ve caught on, but I just love this entire monthlong excuse to talk scary cinema. You’ll find several events within that genre on this week’s Qmmunity curation, but feel free to take a solo trip down Elm Street with an at-home queer horror marathon. Might I suggest checking out this ol’ listicle I made back in 2019? There’s obvi been some new additions to the canon since, like this year’s meta masterpiece Camp Miasma, but this is a rich vein for the discerning viewer to mine. Happy hauntings, and I’ll see you next week on All Hallows’ Eve-eve. 

Slaybill Thursday 22, Neon Grotto

Arinna Dior Heys surrenders the stage to all Broadway hopefuls this week at her drag open mic. DM her to sign up for your chance at Fame. 10pm.

Sapphics & Spirits Halloween Bash Thursday 22, High Noon

Local sapphic event calendar – Sapphic Weekly ATX – offers a spooky sensation featuring flash tattoos, tarot readings, oddities vendors, and tooth gems. 8pm.

Bug & Bunny Present the High Priestess Friday 23, Cheer Up Charlies

Enjoy moonlit crafts and artistic engagement at this exhibition & party benefiting SAFE Austin. 9pm.

Halloween Hoedown Friday 23, Lightnin’ Bar

Get yourself to Elgin – or around, if you’re already there – to see this Bastrop Pride and Howdy Meowdy presented drag show featuring hot talent and chilling fun. 8pm.

Curated by Coy: Haus Party Friday 23, Oilcan’s

DJ Xoy turns her Friday night DJ party into a Central Texas kiki scene fundraiser with live performances by Vertarias, Majesty, She23, and Favour Abel. Babyface JD 007 plays host. Category? Leather & lace. 9pm.

The Hannah and Spencer End Homophobia Halloween Special  Friday 23, Fallout Theater

From the team that brought you Hannah and Spencer End Homophobia comes a sketch comedy show that’s a real scream! Featuring Andrew Miculka, Katy Matz, Natalia Rubio, Sam Pike, Syd Goin, Tanner Bench, and Will Stauber – and, of course, Hannah and Spencer. 10pm.

Carnival of Carnal Desires Friday 23 – Saturday 24, Austin Playhouse

Get weird and freaky with ErotiQueer BurlesQue’s sideshow-inspired performances including ensemble numbers and solo shimmies. 8pm.

Bonerween: A Halloween Tribute to John Carpenter Saturday 24, Come and Take It Live

The filth flingers of Boner Bizarre take a walk on the Carpenter side with this blood-soaked send-up of the director of Halloween, The Thing, and Escape From New York – among many other awesome flicks, all represented by the multi-talented cast of this variety show. Snake Tits and Dean Zaggler host. 9pm.

Club Chub Presents Austin Horror Story: Coven Saturday 24, the Iron Bear

The party that’s all about the big and beautiful brings a little chubby magic into the mix for their Halloween edition. Dress in your most frightening fit, as long as it accentuates that bodacious bod.

Hairpins Halloween Saturday 24, Stargazer

Get into the horror holiday spirit with Hairpins at their Halloween triple feature of dance floor vibes by Queer Vinyl, a costume competition, and copious candy. 9pm.

Bad Influence Album Release Party Saturday 24, Rain on 4th

Diamond Dior Davenport celebrates the release of her second studio album by hosting this party catered by Trap House Caribbean. 8pm.

Becca Blackwell: Dandelion Saturday 24, CrashBox Theatre

Rude Mechs presents this solo show from actor and comedian Becca Blackwell, which they describe as “part stand-up, part meditation exploring Becca’s adventures in (mis)gender.” Co-written with Madeleine George and featuring “light” puppet work designed by Greg Corbino. 7pm.

Spooktacular Extravaganza Saturday 24, Highland Lounge

Presented by the Austin Gay Flag Football League, this Halloween party and costume contest is hosted by the one and only Mistress Isabelle Brooks. 7pm.

The Austin Vampire Ball Presents the Vampire Lestat Saturday 24, Elysium

Austin’s fanged community features the most iconic bloodsucker to ever rock blond bangs – sorry, Spike – with drag, live music, vamp cocktails, a photobooth, and much more. 9:30pm.

Peek Time Saturday 24, Vibehaus

Travel through space and sonic time with legendary Texan DJs spinning their stuff, including Sewa Choki, Geli, Switch Positions, Lavender Thug, and Veneer. The sounds? Sensational, as in you’ll be feeling these tunes through every sense. 8pm.

Yes Sir Saturday 24, the Baths

Back after a successful start in August, this new party returns for just as much red light, house music, and dark corners. Clothes check offered, so feel free to strip down to your skivvies. 9pm.

Treasure City Celebrates 20 Years Saturday 24, Treasure City Thrift

They may be at a new location, but this thrift’s still hitting their decade b-day in style with free coffee from Texas Coffee Traders, sweets by Zucchini Kill, and free pizza. Plus everything in-store is 20% off! 11am.

Vixens Present Satan’s Sissies VI Sunday 25, Hotel Vegas

Join the Vixens on the Vegas patio for a special brunch and “bitchcraft” brouhaha featuring spins by DJ Killgxrl. 1pm.

The Return of the Midnight Monster Pageant Sunday 25, Highland Lounge

Lady Grackle hosts this local Halloween drag pageant open to everyone from kings to queens to shambling zombies with a $666 grand prize and crown. 8pm.

Sungays Presents: Room Temperature Sunday 25, We Luv Video

New(er) movie alert at WLV’s queer deep cuts series, with directors Zac Farley and Dennis Cooper’s 2025 indie horror about a DIY haunted house getting unhinged screening twice this Sunday.

Queer MMA Free Open Mat Sunday 25, Black Widow MMA

Coach Lu takes you through padwork and grappling, no experience necessary. 11am.

MASS 20th Anniversary Alumni Panel Sunday 25, MASS Gallery

Continuing on their decade-hitting celebration, local cool & gay art gallery MASS holds a member panel featuring Andrea Calo, Jules Buck Jones, Xochi Solis, and Erin Gentry as moderator. Subject matter includes the gallery’s history; running a volunteer, democratic collective; and MASS’ impact on the wider Austin contemporary art community. 4pm.

Little Shop of Horrors Sunday 25, Cheer Up Charlies

Soft Focus ATX opens up Mr. Mushnik’s Flower Shop for a screening of this Eighties musical smash. Singing along encouraged! 5:30pm.

The Death of Muse Sunday 25, Firehouse Lounge

Called “a drag show to die for,” this finale to their residency has hosts Embry Officially and Riotgirl doing it up morbid style with guests Calor and Ethel Institution. 9pm.

Little Gay Shop of Horrors Sunday 25, the Little Gay Shop

Shop your heart out for horrifically haunting and slayful items at this market with 25+ indie vendors. 11am.

Queer Two-Step Monday 26, Sagebrush

Another two-step shindig, another chance to prove you’ve got the best boots in town: Learn footwork from Driftin’ Cowpoke and jam to live music by Emily Herring at this Neon Rainbows swing. 7pm.

Swalloween 2026 Tuesday 27, Barbarella

Tuezgayz gets scary with their 16th annual Halloween celebration. Come in costume for a special discounted cover ($10) or pay the ultimate price ($22). 10pm.

Khush ATX Gupshup: The Art of Drag Wednesday 28, Genuine Joe’s 

This queer South Asian social group gathers for a Halloween-themed hang while also learning about drag history through reading this visual history of the art. No pre-reading required, but please RSVP. 6pm.

Caged: Austin’s Chastity Social Wednesday 28, the Austin Eagle

Just because you’re wearing a cage doesn’t mean you’re caged socially! Join your caged compatriots for Chastity 101 with Sir Roger, a raffle, and plenty of fet fun. 7pm.

And They Were Roommates: Ghouls, Gays & Theys Wednesday 28, Rain on 4th

The roomies have returned, so celebrate this spooky season with Tiny Taurus and Miss Steelya Girl all night long. 10:30pm.

Totally Ghoul Wednesday 28, Shangri-La

Basura amps up the frights at this drag show featuring Aqua Marie Pardi, Gator Gorr, Eileen Dover, and Salem Doll as horror icons, reimagined. 10:30pm.

Top Drawer Thrift Rainbow Ribbon Cutting Thursday 29, Top Drawer Thrift

The gayest little thrift store benefiting Project Transitions brings out the big scissors for their induction into the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. 4:30pm.

Fiasco Halloween Party Thursday 29, Chess Club

A horror hurrah featuring haunting drag by Louisanna Purchase, Tatiana Cholula, Jenna Talia, and specially resurrected guest Bubu also offers scream-worthy spins by MK Ultra and Fenner. Plus go-go dancin’. 

In This Week’s Calendar Now It’s Dark Tuesday 27, 29th Street Ballroom

In January 2025, about four days before his birthday, dream weaver and director David Lynch left this mortal lodge for the great Big Boy in the sky. Yet this very October his spirit returns in local legend Louisianna Purchase’s drag tribute to his work. Electrifying performances by Tatiana Cholula, Bubu, Rosalind Hussell, Lady Lola Lestrange, MK Ultra, Kitty Von Quim, Traumada, and Sticky Gold guide you through the red curtains with inspiration drawn from all across the Lynch catalog. Desired Objects and ADD Daddy vend, DJ Fenner spins vinyl, and the magician? Longs to see. One chants out between two worlds… fire… walk with me to Fruth Street. – James Scott 

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