The Amp is honored to highlight the second annual OUTLaw Pride Fest, Texas’ first queer country festival. Headliner and longtime industry favorite Sarah Shook & the Disarmers will take the stage September 24 at Rustic Tap in Austin, TX. LGBTQ+ supporting artists include Joy Clark, Julie Nolen, Paisley Fields, Andrew Sa, the Secret Emchy Society, Mya Byrne, Mercy Bell, Lilly Milford, Mary-Charlotte Young, and Stephanie Cash.

“We are super excited to be hosting the second OUTlaw Pride Fest event and honored to be the first queer country fest in Texas!” says founder and performer, Julie Nolen. “It's my privilege and honor to help bring the community together to raise funds for queer organizations here. We had a full house all day last year and I'm expecting the same this year. Nothing's more outlaw than being queer in country music.”

The inaugural OUTlaw Pride Fest, held last October, welcomed headliner Jaime Wyatt, queer country pioneers Lavender Country, and other noteables from across the country including Alden Hedges and Adeem the Artist. The event raised over $5,000 for Out Youth, an Austin-based 501(c)(3) which provides a safe space for local queer youth.

“I’m beyond proud to perform at the second annual OUTlaw fest and contribute to the growth of a community that amplifies the work of queer artists like myself.” - Joy Clark

Founder Julie Nolan of Pearlsnap Music Group continues, “This fest brings visibility and community to a group of folks who haven't always felt very welcomed, especially in country music. Country music isn't just for one specific type of human being. It's our genre too! Hopefully some young [people] can look at these artists and see a reflection of themselves.”

This weekend’s performance, anticipated to be the largest-ever gathering of LGBTQ+ artists and fans, is not one to miss. Wondering what to wear? Vogue presents a haute take on cowboy-inspired denim fall fashion but I’ll just be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Tickets are a suggested donation of $15 benefitting local non-profit organizations Out Youth, Allgo and TENT and are on sale at outlawpridefest.com now. VIP Tickets are $99 and include seating, food, and a “swag bag.” If you can’t make it to Austin, the event will be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/RusticTap/