Everything you need to know about Austin Pride 2019 Parade and Festival

The 2019 Austin Pride Parade and Festival is coming up fast (it’s Saturday!). If you’re completely pumped about checking out everything but wondering about the nitty gritty of navigating a daylong set of events that is expected to be attended by more that 400,000 people—or if you just have a question or two—read on. We have answers.

Priorities: What is this year’s theme?

It’s “Boogie Wonderland.” You are hereby challenged to dress as finely as Earth, Wind & FIre did in this live video of the song. Not really—dress however you want. But the disco is strong with this one.

When and where does stuff start?

The Austin Pride Festival is at Fiesta Gardens (2101 Jesse Segovia Street) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Austin Pride Parade starts at the Texas Capitol at 8 p.m. Our route and street closures map will show you where to go.

How much does it cost?

Tickets to the festival range from $17 to $150, depending on how VIQ you want to be, and can be purchased online. They’ll cost $20 ($10 for ages 7-17 and free for kids under the age of 6) at the gates on Saturday

The parade is free and open to the public.

What is the parking situation?

Well, it’s not good. If at all possible, plan on getting there via public transportation, ride-hailing, biking/walking/scootering, or carpooling at the very least. Some spaces for cars will be available in city parking lots on Jesse E. Segovia Street north of Fiesta Gardens, and there’s more parking east of the festival, at the baseball fields adjacent to Roy G. Guerrero park.

What’s the accessibility situation?

Austin Pride has a pretty thorough-looking list of accessibility information for the festival and parade on its website (scroll down to near the bottom of the page), as well as for many of the events that precede it.

For every event, it answers questions about wheelchair access, ASL interpreters, services for the blind, service dogs’s admittance, designated and open seating, known triggers/warnings, known site limitations, and available bathroom details.

Can I bring a picnic? Some tallboys? What about my dog? Can I smoke/vape out?

No outside food or drinks are allowed, and smoking is prohibited in city parks. You can bring a pet, but they must be on a leash, and you must clean up their poop—come prepared.

What kind of stuff is happening at the festival?

In addition to a broad array of musical performances on two stages—you can see the lineup on the Eventbrite page—there will be inflatable games, carnival rides, Drag Queen Story Time, and more—all covered by your entrance ticket. There will also be lots of vendor booths and places to purchase food and drink.

I’m special. Is there a special place I can go to see the parade?

Yes, indeed. You can purchase tickets for Austin Pride’s Parade VIQ Viewing Area with grandstand seating and access to a bar, food truck, snow cones, and restroom when you buy your tickets online—or upgrade at the VIQ area at the festival.

Oh no! I can’t make it to the parade! What to do?

Local ABC affiliate KVUE will livestream the event on YouTube.