Gay Place

Queer hip-hop pioneer Tim'm West, co-founder of Pink Elephant Festival (Photo by Jus Geo)

Though the official kickoff doesn't happen until next Friday, this week is already feeling its SX oats with one unofficial showcase (see Wednesday), and the inaugural Pink Elephant Hip-Hop Festival. Presented by Allgo and located at the Victory Grill, Pink Elephant is more than SXSW warmup, it's a space-making for and by Austin's QPOC community. Eyeing to be the the largest annual LGBTQ hip-hop music festival in the world, Wednesday and Thursday will celebrate the lavish culture that is queer hip-hop.

GAYDAR

As You Like It Shrewd Productions presents one helluva gender-bending performance of Shakespeare's already gender-bendy classic, As You Like It. Directed by Lily Wolff with original music by T. Lynn Mikeska, the play stars nine women, five men, and 24 cross-gender roles. Through March 6. Thu.-Sun., 8pm. Trinity Street Theatre, 901 Trinity. $25. www.shrewdproductions.com.

Sucia: A QTPOC Party for Jotas y Slotas Doing the Mostest DJ Boyfriends is getting sucia all over Cheer Ups. A QTPOC party that's serving up a li'l bit of everything: Beyonce, cumbia, pu$$y pop, etc. Thu., March 3, 9pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River, 512/431-2133. www.fb.com/suciafiesta.

Kiya Heartwood's Palo Duro CD Release Kiya Heartwood with Tejas-Anna Harris and Jana Pochop recreate the alt.country folk singer's most recent release, Palo Duro. Fri., March 4, 7pm. BookWoman, 5501 N. Lamar Ste. 105-A, 512/472-2785. www.ebookwoman.com.

Dina Martina's Sitting Ovations Rebecca Havemeyer and Fusebox are proud to announce the showstopping arrival of Dina Martina. Her dragout comedy has been described as ludicrous, horrifying, and magical, so surely it's not to be missed. Havemeyer opens cuz it's important to warm up before working out. Fri., March 4, 8pm. The North Door, 502 Brushy, 512/485-3002. $15 to start. www.dinamartina.com.

Pretty Witches: A Ladies Only, No Alcohol Dance Party A space for all ladies (trans, cis, genderdiverse: If you identify then you're invited) to get glammed up (or down) and dance like no one's grabbing. Because no one is. Be consensual and considerate. With DJ Bianca Oblivion. Now go ahead, lez get witchy. Fri., March 4, 8pm. 7904 FM 969. $10 presale only. www.prettywitchesatx2.bpt.me

HAIL YASSS! Parton My Beauty (A Dolly Drag Tribute) PooPoo Platter's drag stars are at it again – Zane Zena, Louisianna Purchase, Mandy Quinn, Kitty Buick, and more – doning their biggest wigs and push-ups in honor of the one and only Dolly Parton. Arcie Cola gets her host on. 18 and up welcome. Fri., March 4, 10pm. Elysium, 705 Red River, 512/478-2979. $5. www.fb.com/poopooatx.

Country LezzDance with The Susan Arbuckle Band Start off two-steppin' with dance lessons from Becky Clark, then take your lessons to the dance floor. Sat., March 5, 6pm. One-2-One Bar, 1509 S. Lamar, 512/473-0121. $10.

Abe Louise Young's Heaven to Me Chapbook Release Local writer, educator, social justice fighter, and all around badass, Abe Louise Young celebrates the release of her latest queer-centric book of poems. It's a poetry party with victuals, games, and maybe a surprise guest. Sat., March 5, 7pm. BookWoman, 5501 N. Lamar Ste. 105-A. www.ebookwoman.com.

Gender Fuck It All Let's Dance! From the witch who brought us that one unspeakable party and Pretty Witches brings us a new D.P. for the genderless future. For all queerz, fairies, genderf*ckers, and everyone in between. Dream interpretation, DJ Boyfriends, and some special performances to boot. And don't forget the BYOB code. Sat., March 5, 9pm. 7904 FM 969. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. www.fb.com/events/220699851606236.

Color Me Queer Need a little X-rated fun in your Sunday funday? Sarah Juana and the Four Horsemen host an afternoon of day-drinking, adult coloring books, and queer chit-chat. Plus, $2 mimosas. Sun., March 6, 2pm. The Four Horsemen, 310 E. Sixth, 512/845-1306. www.fb.com/thefourhorsemenatx.

TGQ Social XXIV Sometimes ya just need a social free from gender binaries. This is that social. All people and gender identities welcome, but if yer new, get there early and mingle! Sun., March 6, 6-9pm. Butterfly Bar at the Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd. Free. www.fb.com/tgqsocial.

Noiserock Treehouse, Bitter Heart Society, Missyfits, & Roughkast Pop- punk q-lady trio Bitter Heart Society gets emo – not screamo – on the Lucky Lounge stage. Bring yer black eyeliner and good vibes. Sun., March 6, 7pm. Lucky Lounge, 209-A W. Fifth. www.fb.com/bitterheartsociety.

TBS Men's Cocktail Mixer Like lookin' sharp? Get styled with BILF Nights cocktails and barber party. Beards clipped, ears lowered, and free drinks with Master Barber Jason Borkowski. Mon., March 7, 8pm. Texas Barber Service, 2301 E. Riverside Ste. 400-A. www.fb.com/bilf-nights-183625301988032.

Glitterbeard Unofficial SXSW Showcase Queer music lovers rejoice – this unofficial showcase promises a sparkly mess of facial hair. And some bands too. If you're into that. Tue., March 8. Swan Dive, 615 Red River. www.fb.com/swandiveaustin.

The Pink Elephant Hip-Hop Festival Pink elephants rejoice! The largest LGBTQ hip-hop music festival is happening right here in ATX! Conference in the morning, music at night. 25 performers, two days, one fabtastic event. See website for lineup. March 9-10, noon-11pm. Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11th. $10-15. www.pinkelephantfestival.com.

GAYLY AHEAD

Hill Country Ride for AIDS Join the ride, end the stigma, raise some money, and make a difference. Bikers choose between 13, 27, 43, or 65 miles, with a celebratory swim at Krause Springs. Dive in. Ride on. Sat., April 30. www.hillcountryride.org.

Austin International Drag Festival ATX Drag Fest year two is upon us. Spend the days dolling around Drag Village, spend those nights stunned by stunning showcases. Plus a welcome dinner and show on the first night and a Bye Felicia Breakfast the final morning. It's a glamorama good time. See website for full schedule. Thu.-Sun., April 28-May 1. $30-99. www.austindragfest.org.