Pride is an annual celebration that has the best music, art, entertainment and food available for the gathering community to enjoy. Educational and social events are offered for allies or community members that want to learn more about the triumphs and tribulations of the LGBTQIA+ community. Along with loving and joyful communion, Pride is known for providing a safe space to advocate for equality and freedom.
The celebrations of Pride in Atlanta are quite special because it is a historically significant city, especially considering its extensive history with civil and human rights. Known as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, the city is no stranger to social movements and is considered comparatively progressive. So, if travelers are considering where to visit for inclusive locals and plenty of things to do, look no further than the active city of Atlanta.
While Atlanta’s Pride celebrations attract thousands of visitors each year, during nearly every season, there is still plenty to do in the city. The iconic capital city is home to many important landmarks and has many sites to see. Visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of Atlanta year round while observing the Pride programming that keeps people coming back.
Things To Do at Atlanta Pride in October and Black Pride in September
Atlanta Pride
The Pride celebration in October is great for those that appreciate autumnal weather and comfortable options for both indoor and outdoor events. This celebration lasts a week and is usually during the second week of October. Atlanta Pride is a unique regional celebration and is honored differently year by year, so there are many event offerings to choose from.
Traditional activities like the parades and festivals are always fun. Events hosted by the Atlanta Pride Organization and others are held throughout the week, but the big bang is during the weekend. Check out the annual Bi and Pan or Trans marches on Saturday. Finish off the weekend with the Atlanta Pride Parade, which is the biggest Pride event in the city. The parade steps off at noon in Midtown and ends at Piedmont Park. The festivals and parades hosted by the Atlanta Pride Organization are free of charge and are great opportunities to explore the city.
There are other Pride activities in iconic locations like the Georgia Aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest of its kind in the world and the only aquarium in North America that has manta rays and whale sharks (the largest fish in the world). The aquarium partners with the Atlanta Pride Organization to host a Pride kickoff party in the aquarium, which is sure to be a thrilling experience. Guests can explore the grand aquarium for hours and indulge in two complimentary drinks included in their general admission. Upgrades to lounge admission include private seating, a three hour open bar and light bites.
Black Pride
Labor day weekend in Atlanta is Black Pride, which recognizes the African American members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Since Atlanta is considered the Black mecca of America and has one of the largest Black populations in the country, this celebration is popular. Every year the community is welcomed to participate in educational and advocacy events that promote the equal treatment of minorities within the queer community.
Black Pride is held in September and offers events that vary from film festivals, Greek weekends, Pride brunches, award ceremonies, block parties and red carpet events. The weekend is marked by late night events, high energy and jam packed itineraries, but also has options for younger crowds (like the youth summit and festival). The Black Pride influencer’s dinner is an elegant celebration of prominent figures in the LGBTQIA+ community that provides a chance for ticket holders to network.
What To Do for Fall Fun in the Peach State
There is plenty to do around Atlanta during the fall months. Whether travelers want to enjoy the best of the bustling city or venture out to the surrounding suburban or rural areas to experience all the state has to offer, there is something for every one. With the aggressive Georgia sun out of the way, fall activities are in full swing. Gather the cardigans and polaroid cameras before visiting these locations in the Atlanta metro area.
September
A hallmark of September in Atlanta is that the cool fall air comes and goes. Although some days of September feel like summer and some feel like fall, the ever changing environment provides ample opportunities to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.
A number of festivals occur in September that cater to the interests of different travelers. Among those are the Black Theatre Festival, Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, Music Midtown and Dragon-con. The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival is popular for international foodies that want a taste of the south. Attendees can even explore exclusive culinary creations prepared by the regions best chefs while sipping on their favorite beverage. Music Midtown is a popular annual event that is hosted in Piedmont Park which has musical guests like Pitbull, Niall Horan and Billie Eilish. The park is within walking distance from midtown’s best culinary offerings and the MARTA station, so many festival goers can opt out of the city traffic.
Dragon-con and the Black Theatre Festival are great events for the creative or quirky traveler. Dragon-con is the nation’s largest multigenre pop culture convention, so it attracts gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film lovers from around the globe. The event encourages costumes and has many activities like panels, workshops, a parade, gaming opportunities and an art show. Science fiction or fantasy worlds inspire this weekend showcase in Atlanta, Georgia. The Black theatre festival is an annual gathering of celebrities, artists and fans of the theatre world. The event is somewhat small but offers a line-up of the best entertainment, panels and even a few parties.
October
October is when Atlanta’s weather starts dropping a few degrees, but the weather is still tolerable for outdoor events. Culinary or musical events are some of the best options for Atlanta visitors in the fall.
One of the most popular annual music events in Atlanta is hosted in October. The One Musicfest is a two-day outdoor event that has live musical performances, diverse food vendors and cultural activations. Located in the lush green space of Piedmont Park, which is easily accessible by public transportation, this is one cultural event that should not be missed. The music artists and performances come from many different genres like soul, trap, R&B, house and old school. Some popular artists that have graced the One Musicfest stages are Jazmine Sullivan, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar. Upcoming artists include Janet Jackson, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Lil Kim, Tems, Smino and El DeBarge.
Taste of Atlanta is a culinary event that visitors will appreciate for its delicious flavors. The best chefs gather to showcase sustainable dining and to share hands-on demonstrations for their tastiest creations. Guests are encouraged to try unlimited dishes and beverages and then participate in the fun by voting for the best flavors of the festival. The grand tasting is offered in both September and October, so if a fall trip to Atlanta is in the works, missing this event is out of the question.
Take in skyline views at the Ponce City Market by attending yoga on the roof, enjoying rooftop dining at 9 Mile Station, or playing boardwalk style games in Skyline Park. A fall weekend at Ponce is the perfect plan for those that like to shop and explore the culture of a city. While Ponce City Market offers a variety of shops and unique food spots, the rooftop is a lesser-known attraction which can host family friendly day visits (like the Halloween On the Roof annual events) or nightly outings for those over 21 years of age.
Winter Pride in ATL
Winter Pride falls on or around the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While the weather sets the scene for a more conservative celebration of Pride, the cold season also means that visitors will be able to enjoy plenty of indoor events.
Observers of winter Pride will note that there are more nightlife events available. Visitors can attend Pride brunches and dance parties throughout the week. Beyoncé’s recent world tour visit to Atlanta has been significant to the culture, so visitors can experience Renaissance themed Pride events and parties. Following her film release set for December, there is a Club Renaissance Tribute and dance party during winter Pride where ticket holders can dance the night away to her whole discography. There is also an annual Pride brunch usually held on Sunday at the popular Truth Midtown Restaurant and Lounge. Reservations can be made on Open table through the winter Pride website.
Winter Wonderland Adventures in the City of Atlanta
The Coziest Things To Do During Winter in Atlanta
Although Atlanta is not known for thick snow or steep temperatures during winter, visitors can still enjoy the season in their own way. Check out all the best activities in the city that will become favorites.
Check out the holiday lights at the Botanical Gardens, which run through November and December. The exhibition will brighten up your visit to Atlanta with illuminated sky nets and woodland creatures. The music and choreography for the holiday lights change yearly and there are a variety of ticket options for those who want to see the lights. If hologram glasses, a complimentary drink ticket and flexible rescheduling sounds ideal, purchase premium tickets to the Botanical Gardens to see the holiday lights.
Ice skating is another popular winter activity in Atlanta. Though substantial snow does not happen often in Atlanta, visitors can still have picturesque icy fun. There are plenty of winter pop ups like the Ponce City Market’s Skate in the Sky which runs from November to January. The rooftop terrace has a nearly 4,000 square foot ice skating rink that is open daily in the Winter. Reservations are available online and ice skating admission costs $15 (plus the cost of entry into the rooftop).
Art lovers can visit the High Museum of Art for many cool program offerings and winter themed exhibits. The museum offers themed art classes for kids, holiday mixers for professionals and family programs that cater to all ages. The Illuminarium is a newer attraction in Atlanta that offers unique interactive experiences that are digitally immersive. Guests can enjoy exciting themes like Alice in Wonderland and wild safari or watch live sports at the unprecedented sensory experience.
National Pride Month in the Summer
June is National Pride Month and is the most commonly celebrated observance of Pride in the United States. There are a variety of Pride events during this time in the metro Atlanta area, including concerts, parties, drag shows, regional festivals and even Pride proms.
Some stand out events include the Zoo Atlanta Pride Night and the Six Flags Pride celebration. Thrill seekers and animal lovers will enjoy these unique Atlanta events that occur during National Pride Month.
Zoo Atlanta Pride is held in June and is a part of the zoo’s after hours summer series. The night starts with a complimentary cocktail and viewing of the animal habitats. After that, guests can enjoy drag bingo, country line dancing, a village of vendors and a DJ. The Pride night lasts a few hours and is a great way to spend an exceptional night out in Atlanta.
For thrill seekers who want to really shake it up, the Six Flags Pride celebration is the perfect thing to do in Atlanta during a visit. Six Flags over Georgia hosts the Out in the Park Day Party in June for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies. The experience is ticketed prior to the gathering and admission includes lunch and parking (which is great, since parking at the amusement park can be a huge hassle). Six Flags has many different experiences like water park rides, go karting and traditional roller coasters. Visitors can buy their tickets to this group event on the Six Flags or Atlanta Pride websites.
Another fun activity during National Pride Month is the Southern Fried Queer Pride Festival in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta. Southern Fried Queer Pride is an organization that empowers southern POC of the LGBTQIA+ community. The festival hosts multiple events throughout the third week of June. Self defense and community safety workshops, open mic events, pageants, dance parties, film nights, artist markets and thrift shops are only some of the fun events that occur during the festival.
How To Spend Summer and Spring in A-Town
Visitors of Atlanta should expect clear skies and warm days during the spring and summer. Beat the heat at some of the coolest attractions in the city that will keep you coming back.
Your 3rd Spot (or Y3S) is an innovative social dining spot with over 70 games. Visitors can play games like corn hole, bowling, darts and arcade games with any size group or enjoy activities solo and make friends. Table games and high-tech games (as well as everything in between) are available for guests to book. Visitors can reserve experiences online before visiting Y3S to guarantee space for groups so that there is no delay in beginning the friendly competition.
For those that want to wind down and enjoy the sun, tubing is a great relaxing activity. Tubing is a fun activity for groups or families, so make sure to pack swimwear and sunscreen for a lazy journey on the water. Visitors can rent out closed or open bottom tubes and life jackets, will be transported to the water entrance point by shuttles and can bring activities to do while floating on the river. Bring (or rent) speakers to enjoy music, some water and snacks, games and phone protector pouches to avoid accidents. The best locations to tube in Georgia are the Chattahoochee, Toccoa and Chestatee rivers.
Visit the Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta for exciting entertainment. The performing arts venue is a prime location in the historic district and hosts great comedy, dance and musical events. The Coca-Cola Summer Film Fest is during the last week of August and is hosted at the Fox Theatre. The film fest showcases movie screenings on a 26 by 56 foot screen and offers locally sourced food options. But this is not just any film fest, movie lovers can enjoy pre-show entertainment experiences like trivia, special character appearances and exclusive film tours of the theatre.