Celebrate Pride in Atlanta: 10 events supporting LGBTQIA+ community in October
Atlanta celebrates Pride month in October, and with that observation comes numerous opportunities to support the city’s LGBTQ community members. Catch the legendary Pride Parade through Midtown, shop artisans’ handmade items, or dance the night away at various venues on dates throughout the month. Here are our picks:
POWER2THAPPL Artist Market and Day Party
This afternoon event celebrates QTBIPOC artists against the background of live DJ sets. Stroll and shop while you enjoy coffee and refreshments from Cafexito. And don’t forget your yoga mat! Yoga with Crystal Monds of Osatyam begins at 2:30 p.m. outdoors.
Location: Create ATL; Website: southernfriedqueerpride.com; Dates: Oct. 5; Times: 1-5 p.m.; Admission: Free
Out on Film
LGBTQ stories are on the big screen at this 11-day film festival. Subjects range from explorations of the AIDs crisis to living transgender in Mexico to shorts focused on the many facets of human relationships.
Location: Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema; Website: outonfilm.org; Dates: now-Oct. 6; Times: Times vary - see website; Admission: $60-$195
Pride Pawty + Costume Contest
Atlanta Dog Mom and Peach City Sapphics are collaborating on this fundraiser costume contest. Dress your pet in their Halloween or Pride-themed best, and join the contest with a team or on your own! Come on out for music and a fun time with fur babies!
Location: 10th Street Dog Park; Website: givebutter.com; Date: Oct. 6; Time: 2-6 p.m.; Admission: Free
Crys Matthews - Live
Crys Matthews will help you get Pride weekend off to a positive start with her brand of country, folk and gospel music with a focus on LGBTQ rights and social justice. Come on out to St. Luke Lutheran Church (ELCA) to catch the message!
Location: St. Luke Lutheran Church (ELCA); Website: stlukeatlanta.org; Date: Oct. 11; Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Admission: Free
Official Pride Kickoff party
This age 18-plus event is the official start of the Atlanta Pride Festival, and it takes place against one of Atlanta’s most recognizable backdrops - the Georgia Aquarium. Entertainment features DJ Kitty Glitter, DJ Wild Cherry and The Perry Twins - they’ll be stationed at different spots throughout the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere. This LGBTQ+ party also marks the aquarium’s 15th anniversary.
Location: Georgia Aquarium; Website: georgiaaquarium.org; Date: Oct. 11; Times: 7-11 p.m.; Admission: $56
Pride on the Square
See some of the city’s most prominent drag queens deliver their renditions of pop icons like Cher, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Britney Spears. This age-18-plus event is first-come first-served seating with guests encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and purchase food and drink from surrounding restaurants.
Location: The Plaza; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Oct. 11; Times: 6-8 p.m.; Admission: Free
Park Tavern Big Gay Brunch
Venture out for brunch and come away fabulously entertained. Witness a full cast of drag queens under the climate-controlled garden tent. A special brunch menu alongside cocktails and mimosas will round out the experience.
Location: Park Tavern; Website: parktavern.com; Dates: Oct. 12; Times: noon to 4 p.m.; Admission: $30-$65
T4T! A Trans and Non-Binary Dance Party
This age-18-plus event brings together trans and non-binary participants to dance the night away! See DJs Gorp, Taylor Alxndr and Abby Dear alongside performers Lola Mami, Boy Howdy, Mr. Elle Aye and Yutoya Avaze Leon.
Location: 529 Bar; Website: southernfriedqueerpride.com; Date: Oct. 12; Time: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Admission: $10-$12
Atlanta Pride Festival
There’s something for multiple generations at the Atlanta Pride Festival this year. On Saturday, that lineup includes the Electric Circus, the official Pride Women’s Event; kids will enjoy face painting, a pop-up library, games and crafts in the family fun zone; and young people will find empowerment and community at the You(th) Belong … At Pride event. Also on Saturday, don’t skip the several parades promoting various members of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community. Two cabarets, a dance party, burlesque entertainment and a variety show will round out the weekend. Premium passes include access to the Premium Lounge.
Location: Locations vary - check website; Website: queeryme.com; Dates: Oct. 12-13; Times: Times vary - check website; Admission: Free (Premium passes - $89-$149)
Atlanta Pride Parade
Technically, this parade is part of the Atlanta Pride Festival, but it’s worth noting as its own event on your calendar. Join an anticipated 100,000-plus spectators and show your support for the LGBTQ community as this extravaganza steps off down Midtown streets.
Location: Atlanta Civic Center MARTA Station; Website: atlantapride.org; Date: Oct. 13; Time: noon; Admission: Free
