Splash Days Austin 2025

SPLASH DAYS AUSTIN 2025

Splash Days Austin is a Labor day weekend party raising funds from the LGBT community in Texas. It is the hottest and sexiest party in the lone star state!

• Austin is a popular Labor Day Weekend Escape, so book early. We recommend you stay in the downtown district. Guests love the Fairmont Austin giving the hotel a “Superb” rating with a stunning rooftop pool and features spacious rooms and a central location.

Splash Days (Second Splash)

• Next Edition: Thursday 28th August – Monday 1st September, 2025.
• Each year, during the Labor Day Weekend, the people of Austin head to the lake at Hippy Hollow to escape the heat and cool down in one of the few nudist-friendly bathing areas in Texas.
• The gay exodus to Hippy Hollow is known as Splash Days, a one-day trip to Lake Travis, that has since morphed into a weekend of circuit parties, drag brunches and barge parties. 
• The gay section of Lake Travis is at the very end of the park. Keep on the paved walkway until it runs out … and you’re at the gay area.
• Stay right by Lake Travis – check out the hotels closest to the party.

Barges and Wristbands

• Sunday, August 31st, 2025 – Each year, several of Austin’s gay bars come together, load up a couple of barges with booze, bartenders and deejays, and head out to the cove.
• If you want to grab drinks from the party barge, you’ll need to grab a wristband from one of the sponsor bars.
• The barges are at Hippie Hollow from 9 AM to 8.30 PM. Times can vary each year, depending on lake levels.
• Splash party at the lake is open to everyone, 18 and up – that’s the rule at Hippie Hollow.
• Stay at the LGBT run Hotel Saint Cecilia offering swanky suites and bungalows, plus a stunning terrace with a lap pool.

Last Splash Party Barge sponsored by Otter Fest

• Enjoy a 45 minute boat ride to Hippie Hollow where you’ll spend the day enjoying Last Splash. Lunch, Snacks and Bottled Water will be provided by Otter Fest, you’re welcome to bring your alcohol beverage of choice. (No Glass Containers)
• GET YOUR TICKETS

Full Schedule of Events

• This year events are spread out from Thursday to Sunday with a series of circuit parties, meet ups and pool parties, along with the traditional Barge Event:

Thursday, Aug 29

• Bobby Cook’s Splash Days Strip-Off @ Rain on 4th, 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Friday, Aug 30

• Rooftop Disco Tea Dance @ Neon Grotto, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Sumberged Party & Oasis Splash Dance @ Rain on 4th & OCH Dark Bar, 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Saturday, Aug 31

• Official Splash Pool Party @ East Austin Hotel, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Mexico’s Jubileo Luxxury Party, Main Event @ Cedar Street Courtyard, 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Sunday, Sep 01

• First Splash Lake Day & Barges! @ Hippy Hollow Park, 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
• JLP’s AfterSplash Official Closing Party w/ International DJs Isis & Oscar Velazquez @ Cedar Street Courtyard, 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• JLP’s AfterSplash After Hours @ Alibi, 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM (early Monday morning)

The Pool Party

• Saturday 31st August, 2024 – From 1 pm to 7 pm – The Official Second Splash Pool Party at the East Austin, a gay hotspot thanks to its proximity to the downtown district, hikes and trails, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
• Downtown Austin is full of a range of dining, nightlife, and entertainment options, including several gay bars and clubs.

The Park – Hippie Hollow

• Hippie Hollow Park is located on the shores of Lake Travis in western Travis County, approximately 20 miles from downtown Austin. It is usually a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. If driving, use the address 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732 on your navigation app.
• Entry to the party is free, BUT there is a fee to get into the park. It’s $15 per vehicle if you drive in or $8 per person if you walk or bike in. Cash or check only, no credit/debit cards.
• There is no fee if you come off the lake on a boat. Please note that Hippie Hollow Park generally reaches capacity on holiday weekends.
• The park is closed for the remainder of the day when at capacity. So don’t be surprised if you’re turned away at the gate when you show up late in the afternoon.

The Venues

• Neon Grotto – Neon-themed nightclub has great rooftop views, regular drag shows and DJs spinning late into the night.
• Rain on 4th – Popular gay bar and lounge with dancefloor, friendly bar staff, theme nights and great location.
• Cedar Street Courtyard – Performance and event venue with open air space, bars and more, located in the warehouse district in the heart of downtown,
• Alibi – Upscale bar with event spaces and host of the official after party on Sunday.
• OCH Dark Bar – Located in Oil Can Harry’s and open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 9pm. Satisfy all of your carnal desires in the sexiest and darkest entertainment venue in Austin!

Where to stay during the Austin Splash Weekend

Most of the gay bars are located in Downtown and you can walk from one to the other. The following hotels are currently trending with our readers:

JW Marriott Austin,    Otis Hotel,    Austin Motel,    Hotel ZaZa