Last Updated on September 25, 2025
Celebrate Pride Month With These Sober Activities in Austin
At a Glance: Pride Month Sober Activities in Austin
- Highlights inclusive, alcohol-free celebrations during Pride Month in Austin.
- Features events such as live music festivals, film screenings, and family-friendly gatherings like Rainbow on the Creek.
- Encourages participation in sober spaces, including Austin’s first sober bar and new recovery meetings.
- Promotes community connection, cultural appreciation, and fun while maintaining sobriety.
Table of Contents
‘The Live Music Capital of the World’ Has a Place For Everyone
Austin is known for its beautiful location in the Texas Hill Country, laid-back atmosphere, and welcoming LGBTQ environment, and is often referred to as ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’ for good reason: the city is home to more than 250 venues where live music can be heard year-round every day of the week.
Nova Recovery Center operates two drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment facilities in Austin and the surrounding area and offers gender-specific and LGBTQ treatment options to suit unique individual needs in a professional yet empathetic environment. With Pride Month in full swing during June and Austin’s own Pride festival scheduled for August, be sure to check out the following fun, sober activities Austin has to offer.
Pride in Local Music Festival 2025
The Pride in Local Music Festival has grown into one of Austin’s signature LGBTQ community celebrations. Now in its sixth year, the event is presented by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 3TEN ACL Live in downtown Austin. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with performances from local LGBTQ musicians and creative talent running through the evening. General admission is free with RSVP, while VIP tickets are available for $50 and include special perks. A portion of the proceeds continues to benefit the Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund, supporting scholarships and community programs that empower and uplift LGBTQ individuals across Central Texas. This vibrant event blends music, culture, and advocacy, offering an inclusive space to celebrate Pride while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Watch a Screening of the Iconic Film “Paris is Burning” at the Paramount Theatre
The 1990 documentary film “Paris is Burning” follows the stories of drag queens in New York in the ballroom scene of the late 1980s. This film is widely considered by many to be one of the most important films in LGBTQ history.
he landmark documentary Paris Is Burning continues to be featured across Austin’s queer film and cultural events. In 2024, the Paramount Theatre screened it as part of their 50th Summer Classic Film Series, pairing it in a double-feature with Kokomo City on Thursday, June 20; doors opened at 6:00 p.m., and Paris Is Burning began at 7:00 p.m. More recently, a screening is confirmed for Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Austin Liberation Center, offering another opportunity to experience this influential film in community settings.
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Rainbow on the Creek Returns to Waterloo Park
Rainbow on the Creek continues as Austin’s beloved, free, family-friendly Pride celebration held at Waterloo Park / Moody Amphitheater. In 2023, the event took place on June 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and featured live music, drag performances, dance showcases, and curated programming by local LGBTQ artists and community partners.
Although previous years included daytime programming (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) and evening performances (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), recent iterations have centered on the evening window alone. The celebration continues to spotlight resources, health and wellness activations, artisan markets, and performances that uplift queer voices and cultures. Admission remains free and inclusive, welcoming attendees of all ages, identities, and companion pets.
Take Part in the Inaugural Colors of Pride Festival
What began in 2022 as the inaugural Colors of Pride celebration honoring LGBTQ people of color and their allies has evolved into an annual Colors of Pride Gathering. In 2025, the event is scheduled for August 9, held indoors in a wheelchair-accessible, air-conditioned venue. This updated format maintains community building with amenities like mocktail and cocktail bars, a free community meal, speed-friending, and performances, all free to attend. The focus remains on uplifting QTPOC voices through cultural expression, support, and connection across Central Texas.
Enjoy Drinks With Friends at Austin’s First Sober Bar
Sans Bar launched in 2017 as a series of monthly pop-ups around Austin offering zero-proof (alcohol-free) drinks and inclusive social gatherings. Over time it gained momentum, and in 2018 it established a physical location on East 12th Street. Later, the bar relocated downtown to 918 Congress Ave, moving into Suite 100.
In its current form, Sans Bar operates as Austin’s first dedicated alcohol-free bar, open Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. in downtown Austin. The venue offers a curated menu of signature mocktails and nonalcoholic twists on classic cocktails such as the “Nada Colada” and “SoCo Spritz.” In addition to its downtown location, Sans Bar has announced plans to expand: it now operates a Sans Bar Academy, a structured 10-week program that trains entrepreneurs in launching non-alcoholic beverage or bar ventures.
In 2025, Sans Bar also operates a National Tour across multiple cities, spreading their concept of sober social nightlife. The bar frequently collaborates with wellness groups — for instance, launching a “Texas Wellness Oasis” concept in partnership with local event organizers, integrating sound baths, meditation, and other wellness activations before mocktails begin.
Try Something Different by Attending a New Recovery Meeting
There are regular meetings held in different locations throughout the Austin area and surrounding Hill Country for those who want to meet new, sober friends. Not only can these meetings help you become more open about your struggles and support you in your recovery, but they may also introduce you to more people who can join you in some of the activities listed above (or even recommend others.)
There is Life After Addiction
Although at times addiction may seem all-consuming, it’s important to know that there is hope for a new beginning after problems with substance abuse and any possible underlying issues which may have led to it have been properly treated.
Nova Recovery Center is an LGBTQ-friendly environment that fosters acceptance for all, encourages honest and open communication, and can meet unique individual treatment needs. If you feel that you or a loved one need help to overcome addiction and want to learn more about how inpatient drug rehab in Austin or Houston, TX, can help you begin your lifelong journey to sobriety, please call Nova Recovery Center at (888) 427-4932 or contact us online today.
FAQ: Sober Nightlife & LGBTQ Pride Events in Austin
What is a “sober bar,” and how does Sans Bar fit in?
A sober bar is a social venue that serves zero‑proof (nonalcoholic) drinks in an alcohol‑free environment, emphasizing connection, music, and inclusive fun without spirits. Austin’s Sans Bar helped popularize the concept locally after launching in 2017 with pop‑ups and then opening a brick‑and‑mortar space, showing that the full bar experience doesn’t require alcohol.
Where is Sans Bar located in Austin, and what are the hours?
Sans Bar’s current address is 918 Congress Ave., Suite 100 in downtown Austin. The bar’s posted public hours are Fridays, 6:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. (Check their site or socials for special events.)
Do sober bars serve alcohol? What will I find on the menu at Sans Bar?
No—by definition, sober bars do not serve alcohol. Expect thoughtfully crafted mocktails/zero‑proof cocktails, plus NA beer and wine options; Sans Bar’s program focuses entirely on alcohol‑free drinks.
Are there other alcohol‑free bars or zero‑proof hangouts in Austin?
Yes. In addition to Sans Bar, Austin’s NA landscape includes concepts like Taano House (nonalcoholic cocktail bar) and Bula Tulum (plant‑based, alcohol‑free bar). Many restaurants and bars also offer strong mocktail lists citywide.
Where can I find the best mocktails in Austin?
Roundups from local outlets highlight numerous spots across the city (from casual patios to chef‑driven dining rooms) with standout mocktails and zero‑proof lists that change seasonally. These guides are a reliable starting point when you want alcohol‑free options beyond sober bars.
When is Austin Pride 2025, and is it free?
Austin PRIDE 2025 took place on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The festival was free to attend at Fiesta Gardens, and the parade stepped off that evening. (Austin Pride also hosts events year‑round; check their site for upcoming dates.)
Why is Austin Pride in August instead of June?
Austin shifted its main Pride celebration to August years ago to better align with the local calendar—capturing returning students and improving talent availability—while many Pride‑month events still happen in June.
What is “Pride in Local Music,” and when is the 2025 edition?
Pride in Local Music® is the Austin LGBT Chamber’s music festival spotlighting LGBTQ+ artists and the city’s live‑music ecosystem. The 2025 festival was scheduled for September 21, 2025 at 3TEN ACL Live.
What is “Rainbow on the Creek,” and how do I attend?
Rainbow on the Creek is a free, family‑friendly Pride celebration at Waterloo Park/Moody Amphitheater featuring performances, community resources, and activations. The most recent fully confirmed listing on official channels was June 10, 2023 (evening program). Watch Waterloo Greenway for the next date.
What is “Colors of Pride,” and is there a 2025 event?
Colors of Pride Gathering centers LGBTQIA+ people of color and allies, fostering community through culture, food, and programming. The organization posted a “Save the Date” for August 9, 2025.
Where can I keep up with LGBTQ Austin events (including sober options)?
For a rolling view of LGBTQ Austin events, check the city’s tourism calendar and local event listings; both frequently feature Pride‑month happenings, sober‑friendly gatherings, and queer film/music nights.
- Community Impact. (2025, January 8). Austin’s alcohol-free bar Sans Bar creates inclusive experiences downtown. Community Impact. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/business/2025/01/08/austins-alcohol-free-bar-sans-bar-creates-inclusive-experiences-downtown/
- Sans Bar. (n.d.). Sans Bar Academy. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.thesansbar.com/sans-bar-academy
- Yelp. (n.d.). Sans Bar (Austin, Texas). Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.yelp.com/biz/sans-bar-austin
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Austin Pride Foundation. (n.d.). Pride 2025 – The Austin Pride Foundation. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://austinpride.org/pride-2025/
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Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. (n.d.). 6th Annual Pride in Local Music at 3TEN ACL Live. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.austinlgbtchamber.com/
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Statesman. (2025, [September/25th]. Austin Pride Festival is free this year; plus more August LGBTQ+ events. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.statesman.com/entertainment/article/what-austin-august-pride-celebrate-events-20794107.php
