ATLANTA — The Atlanta Pride Festival will officially begin honoring members of the LGBTQ+ community this weekend.
This year's theme is "United with Pride," which aims to reinforce the idea of standing together. The theme was also paired with a new logo, which shows descending triangle shapes in colors representing inclusivity.
The festival will begin with a kickoff party and will be followed by multiple parades to celebrate specific communities.
What is the Atlanta Pride Festival?
Atlanta Pride was created in 1971 following the Stonewall Inn raid in 1969 and the protests that followed, according to the Atlanta Pride website.
The festival overlaps with National Coming Out Day.
Where is it?
Like every year, the festival is being held at Piedmont Park.
When and what time is it?
The festival will be held on October 12 and 13. Various events start at different times.
Is it free? How to get a premium pass?
It's free to attend the festival, but for an upgraded experience, it will cost $89 – $149, according to the festival's website.
Passes are available for purchase on the Atlanta Pride website.
The “Premium Pass” for the event is available at a discounted price through June 30. The “Premium Pass” gives Festival-goers access to covered seating, premium bathroom trailers and opportunities to schedule meet-and-greet experiences with entertainment headliners, among other perks, according to the website.
Who are the performers?
To learn more about the other performers outside the event schedule, click here. Most performers will be at the community stage and Coca-Cola main stage.
Where to stay?
If you don't live in the city, you can stay at multiple hotels around Piedmont Park. The Atlanta Pride Festival organizers have put together a list of hotels here.
Who are this year's grand marshals?
Here is a list of some of the grand marshals for this year's parade:
- TAYLOR ALXNDR, Southern Fried Queer Pride
- Lost n' Found Youth
- R. Darlene Hudson, Southern Unity Movement
- Atlanta Freedom Marching Band
- Amber Moore, Real Bois Talk, Inc.
- Dr. Elijah Nicholash, The Global Trans Equity Project
Where to stay?
If you don't live in the city, you can stay at multiple hotels around Piedmont Park. The Atlanta Pride Festival organizers have put together a list of hotels here.
Event Schedule
Oct. 11
Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party
- It will begin a day before the festival at the Georgia Aquarium on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.
- The afterparty for the kick-off party will follow at The Heretic at 9 p.m.
Oct. 12
Electric Circus
- It is considered the official Atlanta Pride women's event and will take place at the Domaine Atlanta from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Drag Story Hour
- The event will begin at noon and last until 1 p.m. at the Picnic Pavilion.
Trans March and Rally
- This event will start at the Charles Allen Gate to celebrate and promote visibility for the trans community. Assembly will start at 1:15 p.m. and the march will step off at 1:45 p.m.
You(th) Belong... At PRIDE
- This event will be held at the Picnic Pavillion in the Pride Festival's Family Zone from noon to 5 p.m.
Teen Lounge
- This event offers space for teens ages 11 to 17 who identify as LGBTQ+. It will start at the Greystone Patio from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Bi+ Pan March and Rally
- The march will start at the Charles Allen Gate Assembly at 3 p.m. and step off at 3:30 p.m.
D*ke March and Rally
- This march will focus on all women who love women, including transgender women. It will start at 4:30 p.m. with assembly, and the march will step off at 5 p.m.
Yoga with Kashi Atlanta
- The event is an all-level yoga class at Dockside from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt
- The quilt features panels specific to Georgia to raise awareness and education about HIV/AIDS and remember those affected by the pandemic. It is available in Oak Hill from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Car and Motorcycle Show
- The Lambda Car Club and Lost Boys Motorcycle Club will show off antique and classic cars for display starting at 10:45 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. It will be at the roadway inside the park between the 12th and 14th Street gates.
Pride Recovery Meetup
- Those who need to attend a meeting of mutual support during the festival can do so at the Greystone Council. It will be available on Saturday from noon until 2 p.m.
Shooting Stars Cabaret
- This event features stars of the local Atlanta drag and performance art. Performers will be available to view at the community stage from 4:15 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.
Queer Your Gender Dance Party
- This a free event from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the community stage.
Oct. 13
Atlanta Pride Parade
- The annual parade will start at noon on Peachtree Street and Tenth Street on Sunday.
The CandyBox Revue
- This event redefines Burlesque entertainment, according to organizers. It will start at 4 p.m. on Sunday and end at 5 p.m.
Sweet Tea: A queer variety show
- The show will start at 5:15 p.m. and end at 6:45 p.m. at the community stage on Sunday.
Starlight Cabaret
- This event will close out the pride festival on the Coca-Cola Stage with the largest outdoor drag show in the country, according to organizers. It will start at 7:15 p.m. and end at 9:15 p.m.
Available both days
Family Fun Zone
- The zone is available on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
LGBTQ+ History Display
- The event is at the visitor's center and will take visitors on a journey through Atlanta Pride and its history. The Georgia State University's Library Special Collections and Archives are bringing the display.
- It is available to view on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Artist Market
- Festival goers will be able to buy from various local artists. It is available to view on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Mayor's Grove.
Wellness Zones
- The zones are provided by Northside Hospital and are there for those who need to take a break from the sound and heat.
- They will be available by the Coca-Cola Stage and the family fun zone on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.