Paramount Theatre and the Little Gay Shop Host Big Gay Nights Out

Just in time for Moontower Just for Laughs comedy festival, Paramount Theatre and The Little Gay Shop present their collaborative effort Big Gay Nights Out. A joint production, each night creates a “queer celebratory space” to enjoy before attending an event with LGBTQ comedy, drag, music and more.

Combining the historic Paramount and the iconic TLGS means connecting classic Austin institutions with great queer talent. Events in the Big Gay Nights Out series will take place at the Paramount’s Houdini Lounge, the Stateside, and Moontower Comedy clubs across Austin. These spaces will be transformed prior to shows, according to a press release, and feature “good vibes, good music, specialty cocktails, and an exclusive chance to browse unapologetically gay merch” from on-site TLGS vendors.

Justin Galicz, co-founder and co-owner of TLGS, says that partnering with the Paramount helps to continue their shop’s mission “to support and uplift queer identifying creatives in all mediums.” Hyping up audiences before the shows of queer icons like Cameron Esposito and Billy Porter is another way TLGS can highlight LGBTQ creators. “For too long, queer artists, comics, musicians, performers, and creators have been overlooked, and underrepresented,” Galicz says, “so we are so excited to help break down these barriers to give them the recognition and platform they deserve.”

For the Paramount, this partnership with TLGS is a chance to party with purpose. “We want you to get rowdy, we want you to feel comfortable, we want you to feel just how much this space is for you,” explains Ryan Thompson, Paramount Theatre’s marketing, communications, and partnerships manager. “It’s for the girls, the gays, the allies, the queers and everyone in-between.”

Below are the currently announced Big Gay Nights Out events, with more to be announced soon. Make sure to check out The Little Gay Shop and the Paramount on Instagram for chances to win day-of show tickets.

Big Gay Nights Out Schedule

Stand Up Stars

Guy Branum | Wednesday, April 19 at 9:30pm | Higbie’s

Ashley Gavin | Thursday, April 20 at 8pm | 800 Congress

Punkie Johnson | Saturday, April 22 at 9pm | Parker Jazz

Cameron Esposito | Saturday, May 6 at 7pm | Stateside at the Paramount

Showcases and Podcasts

“Cheers, Queers!” Showcase | Wednesday, April 19 at 6pm | The Creek & The Cave

Y’all Gay Podcast Live | Friday, April 21 at 7:30pm | Higbie’s

“Cheers, Queers!” Showcase | Friday, April 21 at 9:30pm | Higbie’s

Musical Magic

Billy Porter | Tuesday, May 9 at 8pm | Paramount Theatre

Emily King | Tuesday, May 23 at 8pm | Paramount Theatre