Celebrating Austin’s Hot, Historic Pride Event in Photos

Austin is an oasis in Texas, hence the “Keep Austin Weird” motto seen on placards in the parade. August in Austin can be brutal, so scheduling the Austin Pride Parade at night is wise. Plus, everybody just looks better in moonlight.

An estimated 350,000 people attended the nighttime Pride parade this year. And you can see by these great festival and parade photos by James Cano that it got pretty steamy. History was made this year, according to Austin TV station KTBC, as Vegas Van Cartier won the title of the Miss Austin Pride Pageant — the first time the contest has been won by a transgender woman.

Also of note: the Werk Fashion Show (photos included here by Harrison Roberts). Celebrities included Lance Bass, Coco Peru, and Chad Michaels.