As a perfect “send off to summer,” Splash Days has always been a festive way to celebrate the Labor Day weekend. Although open to all, the weekend is heavily attended by men from Austin and about an equal number who make Austin their destination for the weekend. This year the celebration takes on even more purpose as the organization producing this weekend long event is now a non-profit with full 501(c)3 designation. Founders Rick Luisi and Erik Wilson have always been philanthropic and given back to numerous local non-profits in the past giving thousands of dollars to AIDS Services of Austin, Equality Texas, Project Transitions and others. Before, it was the right thing to do, now it is the thing to do.
This all volunteer organization was just designated “Best Circuit Value” again this year by JustCircuit.com which is no surprise and the value is even better this year with another night of festivities added for the same weekend pass ticket price of $110. With five distinct events covering three nights, the team even figured a way to make the Friday night opener free to all. With over half of the attendees coming in from out of town, Rick and his team knew that this first night was important to help make introductions and connect with old friends.
Splash weekend in numerous and various forms has been a staple of the summer scene over the past 30 years with First Splash, Last Splash and more. With this non-profit designation, Splash Days simply has more structure and purpose while not giving up a bit of the fun. Additional opportunities are being added for hosts and sponsors to participate and show their support for the community and the fun.
Most well known for the fun and frolicking at Hippie Hollow on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, there are now four high-energy dance parties associated with the festivities. Friday night’s welcome party is truly a free for all with DJ Robbie Rob. Saturday moves into the main event with Splash Dance and Adult Swim. Crowd favorite DJ Roland Belmares returns from LA and Dallas’s DJ J Warren will close out the night with crowds expected to top 1,000 revelers. Closing party, aptly named High Tide featuring DJ Wayne G of London will welcome all of the revelers back from the lake and dance their Sunday night away.
Splash Days – Music, Dance, Unity
Labor Day Weekend – September 4 – 7
Tickets available online beginning June 1st
