LAVENDER FEST: Bringing together multiple generations of queer performance art

Founded in 2024 by Ty Autry in collaboration with Out Front Theatre Company, the third Lavender Performing Arts Festival is on a mission to give new and experienced queer voices a space to explore and express themselves. As a curated week-long festival, it becomes one of the few spaces in the United States dedicated to the advancement of queer artists.

August 5 — 9 at Out Front Theatre Company

ManBoy
by Nick Eibler
Man-Nick is a proud Queer artist who talks about his journey and overcoming his fear of drag queens on his podcast. Boy-Nick was a proud Disney-fied wannabe princess-witch endeavoring to find his happily ever after. But something happened in the middle that Nick isn’t as proud of. Based on true events, ManBoy is a complicated “coming-of-gay” story that is a fantastical and candid exploration of the adolescent obsession to be seen, accepted, and the journey to find pride in oneself on the other side of shame.
Friday, Aug 7th | 6:00 PM
Sunday, Aug 9th | 2:15 PM

Queer Girl, Straight Guy: Tales from the Polyverse
by Lily Kerrigan & Matthew Marcus
Lily is a queer, polyamorous, professional comedian ... and a menace. Matt is her self-proclaimed himbo boyfriend. Together they share risqué and ridiculous stories about dungeon etiquette, disappointing their moms, and losing a sister in a game of Cranium Cadoo.
You will learn:

• Whether Gaston from Beauty and the Beast is gay
• The FDA paperwork most likely to win a woman’s heart
• How to request a blowjob heroically

This is the information you need! Do not go unprepared into the rest of your life!
"An enlightening and scintillating experience—like no other show I’ve seen!" — MD Theatre Guide
"Raunchy, sharp, fearless and honest" — LA Female Playwrights Initiative
Saturday, Aug 8th | 6:00 PM
Sunday, Aug 9th | 3:30 PM

Mischief & Moonflowers
by John Mabey
Spycraft is an art and a science: lies are partially truths, truths are partially lies, and love is totally taboo. Everything blurs into chaos when these women collide, like shadows in a dance. Sometimes leading, sometimes appearing to be led, but always moving on their target.
Honorable Mention as a Finalist in theB Street Theatre New Comedies Festival
Thursday, Aug 6th | 8:30 PM
Saturday, Aug 8th | 4:45 PM

Then, Eve
by Billie Jane
Her story starts the way TOO MANY stories do... with a man. But armed with nothing more than an apple and a thirst for (r)Evolution, Eve is ready to tell you all about what REALLY went down in Eden.
Award-winning Orlando-based playwright and performer Billie Jane brings her signature blend of humor, vulnerability, and unapologetic perspective to a “thoughtful, intimate and emotionally raw exploration of identity and self-discovery.” (Watermark Out News) Then, Eve refocuses the well-known story of Eden through a queer lens, featuring a "fourth wall-shattering script" (Orlando Weekly) about how God created Adam– and Eve created herself.
Best of Fest (Orlando Fringe 2026)
Critic's Choice: Best Solo Show-- Drama (Orlando Fringe 2026)
Friday, Aug 7th | 8:30 PM
Sunday, Aug 9th | 1:00 PM

Matthew English: Stand Up Live Taping Special
Atlanta's gay standup darling, Matthew English, is recording his first comedy special! Come ready to laugh as Matthew jokes about love, sex, and coffee. You won't want to miss the chance to be a part of this special event.
Thursday, Aug 6th | 6:00 PM
Saturday, Aug 8th | 8:30 PM

The F-Word
by Markell Williams
What happens when a word meant to shame you becomes your freedom? In this electric solo performance, Markell Williams blends comedy, confession, and multiple characters to explore Black queer masculinity, church, love, and survival. The F-Word is hilarious, raw, and ultimately triumphant storytelling about taking back your power.
Thursday, Aug 6th | 7:15 PM
Friday, Aug 7th | 9:45 PM
Saturday, Aug 8th | 7:15 PM

Oop, Can't Say That
by Olive Zhang
What's it like being hired to talk about who you are if you can't talk about who you are? Suzy sure knows! Join her as she works to outsmart the government censors who are trying their hardest to make sure you can't hear her talk about what it means to be redacted and redacted. Oh no, they're here, too?! Well, let's just say we need to find another way to TRANSmit the info. Maybe at Out Front, the redacted theatre in town?
Well, let's just say we're going to have to TRANSfer this discussion to another venue!
Thursday, Aug 6th | 9:45 PM
Friday, Aug 7th | 7:15 PM
Saturday, Aug 8th | 9:45 PM

Another Dimension Girl
by Àse Freed

“Oontz oontz boots-ing” the club down nightly, she’s no Drag Queen, but she DOES lip-sync for her life… as a ventriloquist. In an urgent quest for empowerment, Misha’s wardrobe comes to life as a puppet who has no problem spilling all her tea about the trials of a gender non-conforming Trans-Woman. Facing an exploitative talk show host and an unpredictable club owner, she embarks on a poetic whirlwind of a comedy with newly found self love. Together Misha and her puppet named Pyle, sashay in the face of contradiction, showing that we all deserve to feel at home in our own body!
Saturday, Aug 8th | 1:00 PM

For more information, tickets, and everything else you may need, go to Lavender Fest.