21 out and proud things to do during Atlanta Pride weekend

Jessica Cramblett, 27, from Dahlonega, Ga., who identifies as pansexual, holds a "Born This Way" flag as she watches the city's annual Atlanta Pride parade on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Robin Rayne)

Atlanta Pride returns this weekend with an array of festivities, performances and community engagements that commemorate the rich LGBTQ+ history that has been cemented into the fabric of metro Atlanta.

The Atlanta Pride Committee is Georgia’s oldest nonprofit agency dedicated to serving queer residents both in Atlanta and the Southeastern United States.

This year’s Atlanta Pride theme “United With Pride” celebrates “the power of coming together to celebrate diversity, inclusion and acceptance,” according to the organization.

“We are beyond excited to welcome everyone to this year’s Atlanta Pride Festival. This weekend is all about celebrating who we are, embracing our diversity, and coming together as a community,” said Atlanta Pride Committee Executive Director Chris McCain in a press release.

Here are several events to keep in mind for this weekend:

Oct. 11

Pride on the Square (6-8 p.m.) – Colony Square

Crys Matthews (6:30-8:30 p.m.) –  St. Luke Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party (7-11 p.m.) – Georgia Aquarium

Electric Circus: Hosted by My Sister’s Room (10 p.m.) – DOMAINE

SUGAR SHACK! A Queer Pride Dance Party (10 p.m. – 2 a.m.) – 529 Bar

Oct. 12

Yoga with Kashi Atlanta (9 a.m.) – Piedmont Park – Dockside

Car and Motorcycle Show: Presented by Lambda Car Club and Lost Boys Motorcycle Club (10:45 a.m.) – Piedmont Park – Between 12th and 14th Street gates

Artist Market (11 a.m.) – Piedmont Park – Mayor’s Grove

Park Tavern Big Gay Brunch (noon – 4 p.m.) – Park Tavern

Drag Story Hour (noon – 1 p.m.) – Piedmont Park

You(th) Belong… At PRIDE (noon – 5 p.m.) – Piedmont Park – Picnic Pavilion

Teen Lounge (3 p.m.) – Piedmont Park – Greystone Patio

Shooting Stars Cabaret (4:15 p.m.) – Piedmont Park – Community Stage

Queer Your Gender Dance Party (6:30 p.m.) – Piedmont Park – Community Stage

T4T! A Trans and Non-Binary Dance Party (10 p.m. – 2 a.m.) – 529 Bar

Oct. 13

Atlanta Pride Parade (noon) – Kicking off from Civic Center MARTA station/ending at Charles Allen gate at Piedmont Park

Family Fun Zone (1 p.m.) – Piedmont Park – Picnic Pavilion

LGBTQ+ History Display: Presented by Georgia State University (3 p.m.) – Piedmont Park Visitor’s Center

CandyBox Revue (4 p.m.) – Piedmont Park

Sweet Tea (5:15 p.m.) – Piedmont Park – Community Stage

Starlight Cabaret (7:15 p.m.) – Piedmont Park – Coca-Cola Stage

In addition to these weekend events, Emory University is offering two post-Pride weekend events later this month.

Oct. 16

International Pronouns Day button-making activity (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – Robert W. Woodruff Library – Emory University

Oct. 26

Atlanta’s 1990s LGBTQ+ and Arts Scene: A talk with artist Royce Soble and curator Randy Gue (1-2 p.m) – Robert W. Woodruff Library – Emory University