Happy Pride, Atlanta!
Fifty-five years ago, a group of local activists came together and made a choice to organize and push back on the threats and challenges facing LGBTQ+ people.
In the wake of the Stonewall Uprising and Atlanta’s own “Lonesome Cowboys” raid, our community chose to gather – and that gathering grew into what is now the largest free Pride celebration in the nation.
From the start, Atlanta Pride has been more than a festival: it is a declaration that our community’s roots run deep and our resolve endures.
In a moment when LGBTQ+ people in Georgia, and across the country, are facing renewed political attacks on our rights, our families, and even our history, our 2025 theme, Rooted in Resistance, reminds us that choosing Pride is not a neutral act. That choice is a declaration that we will not be erased, a commitment that we will not retreat, and a promise that we will move forward – together.
When you march in the parade, cheer for your favorite drag performer, bring your kids to the Family Fun Zone, or hold hands with someone you love in Piedmont Park, you make a choice—and that choice is resistance. Each time you choose Pride, you create a future where authenticity, joy, and equity are not up for debate.
Atlanta Pride is a space for the community, and we are grateful that you have chosen to join us. This weekend, we hope you reconnect with old friends, discover local artists, tap into new ways to advocate, and recharge for the work ahead. We are strongest when we show up for one another – when we choose Pride.
This weekend is possible thanks to our sponsors, community partners, performers, and especially the dedicated volunteers who chose to make this weekend unforgettable. To every person who chooses to contribute, thank you. Your contributions of time, talent, and treasure ensure that Atlanta Pride remains accessible and free for all to attend.
Choose to imagine what is possible when we remain rooted in resistance and refuse to give up. Choose resistance. Choose Pride.
Chris McCain (he/him)
Executive Director
Atlanta Pride
Party With Pride!
Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party
Friday, Oct. 10
7 to 11 p.m.
Georgia Aquarium
Celebrate pride, connection, and pure party vibes at one of Atlanta’s most iconic LGBTQ+ events! Georgia Aquarium is transformed into an electric, underwater playground filled with dazzling décor, high-energy music, and thousands of aquatic animals as your backdrop. Whether you’re reuniting with old friends or making new ones, this award-winning celebration promises an unforgettable night in the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.
Feel the beat with four live DJs spinning across unique spaces throughout the Aquarium, turning every corner into a dance floor. For 2025, we’re amped to welcome DJ Shane Marcus (New York City), DJ Kevin DuRard (Atlanta), DJ Brian Rojas (Deep South), and DJ Amy Alderman (Richmond, VA). One of these sets will be tucked away in a hidden location—beneath 6.3 million gallons of water—for a truly immersive dance experience you won’t want to miss.
Official Kickoff After Party
Friday, Oct. 10
11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
The Heretic
Don’t miss the biggest party of the weekend!! DJ Joe Gauthreaux and DJ Stan Jackson perform at the Official Pride Kickoff After Party.
Electric Circus (Official Atlanta Pride Women’s Event)
Saturday, Oct. 11
10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
My Sister’s Room (MSR)
Hosted by My Sister’s Room (MSR), this is the main event for nonbinary, trans, and queer women.
Fun For The Whole Family
Family Fun Zone
Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12, 1 to 5 p.m.
Picnic Pavilion
Kids of all ages are welcome! The Family Fun Zone offers a safe space for families. Enjoy Drag Story Hour, a pop-up library, face painting, crafts, games, and much more!
Drag Story Hour
Saturday, Oct. 11
Noon to 1 p.m.
Picnic Pavilion
Bring your friends and family to enjoy stories, coloring sheets, and lots of fun! Drag Story Hour Atlanta invites you to join our host, Tugboat, who will be reading books and serving looks.
Teen Lounge
Saturday, Oct. 11
3 to 5 p.m.
Greystone Patio
Atlanta Pride offers a safe and affirming space for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and are allied with the community. Our younger community members (youth aged 11-17) are invited to relax on Greystone’s Patio. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the Festival while finding connection and community with old and new friends.
Marches & Parade
The Atlanta Pride Festival is the largest annual LGBTQ+ event in the South. While Atlanta Pride boasts the largest parade in the city, the Festival also offers the opportunity for three marches during the weekend – the Trans, Bi+Pan, and Dyke marches.
Trans March and Rally
Saturday, Oct. 11
1:15 p.m.: Assembly and Rally
1:45 p.m.: March steps off
Charles Allen Gate
A community-led march that honors, celebrates, and raises visibility for Trans and nonbinary people. This march uplifts the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the Trans community while creating space to demand visibility, equity, and justice. All trans people and trans allies are invited to join us with positive banners and signs. We encourage individuals to make and bring signs supportive of trans issues. This march is hosted with the support of numerous community organizations.
Bi+ Pan March and Rally
Saturday, Oct. 11
3 p.m.: Assembly and Rally
3:30 p.m.: March steps off
Charles Allen Gate
Organized by and for the community, this march celebrates Bisexual and Pansexual identities, affirming their place and pride within the LGBTQ+ family. Bi+ Pan folks of all gender identities, expressions, and allies are welcome to march! This march is hosted with the support of Bi+ Georgia. Participants are encouraged to bring signs and banners with messages that support the Bi+ Pan community.
Dyke March and Rally
Saturday, Oct. 11
4:30 p.m.: Assembly and Rally
5 p.m.: March steps off
Charles Allen Gate
A community-driven march dedicated to the empowerment of women, femmes, and their allies. This inclusive event brings together women-loving women (trans-inclusive) and femme-identified people to foster solidarity, strength, and visibility. This march is dedicated to empowering the women of Atlanta and beyond. The Dyke March, with its focus on women, unites to create an atmosphere of inclusion and community. This march is hosted in cooperation with Atlanta Dykes on Bikes, who lead the march on their bikes. You’re welcome to walk if you prefer!
Atlanta Pride Parade
Sunday, Oct. 12
Noon: Parade steps off
Peachtree Street / Tenth Street
The annual Atlanta Pride Parade, presented by Delta Air Lines, is the largest in Atlanta. Join tens of thousands of spectators as we stand “Rooted in Resistance!” Celebrate your pride in the streets of Midtown with your family, friends, and neighbors!
Atlanta Pride is committed to ensuring these events remain safe and inclusive for all participants. Hate speech, harassment, and targeted disruption, whether verbal, written, or symbolic, have no place here. This includes language or actions that demean, intimidate, or incite harm toward individuals or groups based on identity.
Our Community Standards Apply Here:
- Be kind and respectful to all
- Celebrate without disrupting others
- Stay in public areas and follow staff guidance
- Support authorized vendors only
- Help keep this space safe and inclusive
Any violation of these community standards may result in immediate removal from the event at the sole discretion of Atlanta Pride.
The marches take place on public city streets, and all state and city laws will be enforced along the route. All participants and spectators must follow lawful instructions from festival staff and public safety officials.
If you need help or see something concerning, notify a staff member or volunteer immediately. Together, we can keep these marches spaces of empowerment, visibility, and solidarity.
Festival Areas
Yoga
Saturday, Oct. 11
9 to 10 a.m.
Dockside
Join us for an all-levels yoga class on the dock.
AIDS Memorial Quilt
Saturday, Oct. 11
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oak Hill
Featuring panels specific to Georgia, this display is part of the National AIDS Memorial’s efforts to bring the Quilt to communities across the United States to raise greater awareness and education about HIV/AIDS and to remember those lost to the pandemic.
LGBTQ+ History Display
Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12, 3 to 8 p.m.
Visitor’s Center
Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community has a rich and vibrant history that is “Rooted in Resistance!” Atlanta Pride is all about celebrating and preserving our past, and we’ve partnered with Georgia State University’s Library Special Collections and Archives to make it happen. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to check out an exciting display of archival treasures that tell the story of LGBTQ+ life in Georgia and the journey of Atlanta Pride itself. Discover how you can leave your own mark on history by donating your personal mementos to keep our community’s legacy alive!
Car and Motorcycle Show
Saturday, Oct. 11
10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Roadway inside the Park between 12th and 14th Street Gates
Special thanks to the Lambda Car Club and the Lost Boys Motorcycle Club. Antique, classic, specialty-interest cars and motorcycles will be displayed.
Artist Market
Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mayor’s Grove
Atlanta Pride partners with various local artists to showcase their wares. Enjoy the art and purchase something to take home with you!
Pride Recovery Meetup
Saturday, Oct. 11
Noon to 2 p.m.
Greystone Patio
Atlanta Pride strives for all community members to feel supported during the festival. This intentional space will serve as a time to gather and find mutual support. The meeting is open to those on all paths of recovery. This event is offered in partnership with Inclusive Recovery Athens and will take place on the Greystone Patio.
Wellness Zone
Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12, 3 to 8 p.m.
As an outdoor event, Atlanta Pride recognizes that warm weather conditions may impact sensory experiences. We know that having a place to take a break and a respite from the heat and sounds can be critical for those with sensory sensitivities and make the difference for someone wanting to attend Pride. This year’s Wellness Zone is available for those needing a haven, respite, and a place to decompress and relax. The Wellness Zone will be located by the Coca-Cola Stage and our Family Fun Zone.
Surrounded by curtains to create shade and separation, the wellness tent is enclosed to allow guests to enjoy the cooler, dark space while our volunteers welcome you with noise-canceling headphones, sensory and fidget toys, and a space to calm yourself.
Community Entertainment Highlights
Shooting Star Cabaret
Saturday, Oct. 11
4:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Community Stage
Hosted by Mona Lott, the Shooting Star Cabaret features the rising stars of local Atlanta drag and performance art.
Queer Your Gender Dance Party
Saturday, Oct. 11
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Community Stage
Queers of all stripes will be getting down to the sounds of DJ Ganymede at this free event. All are welcome!
The CandyBox Revue
Sunday, Oct. 12
4 to 5 p.m.
Community Stage
The Candybox Revue redefines Burlesque entertainment by challenging society’s perspective on what is worthy of being represented onstage and in the performing arts community. These performers are Rooted in Resistance, showing that Burlesque is a vital, vibrant, and powerful art.
A Chaka Moment… in the Park
Sunday, Oct. 12
3 to 7 p.m.
Coca-Cola Stage
Chaka Khan Hacienda, one of Atlanta’s favorite queer parties, comes to the park and closes out Pride weekend with AJA, from RuPaul’s Drag Race Allstars Season 10, Jonte’ Moaning, Divoli S’Vere, Montre, Ree de la Vega, JB Gotit, and La Cochino!
Sweet Tea: A Queer Variety Show
Sunday, Oct. 12
5:15 to 6:45 p.m.
Community Stage
Join us for an Atlanta Pride installment of SWEET TEA, produced by TAYLOR ALXNDR of the House of ALXNDR, Atlanta’s longest-running queer variety show.
Starlight Cabaret
Sunday, Oct. 12
7:15 to 9:15 p.m.
Coca-Cola Stage
Closing out the yearly Atlanta Pride Festival on the Coca-Cola stage, the Starlight Cabaret is the LARGEST outdoor drag show in the United States. Hosted by Phoenix, Atlanta Icon, and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, the Starlight Cabaret boasts over 20 drag acts at the top of their craft who live and work in the Atlanta Metropolitan area.
For more information and updates about all Atlanta Pride events, visit atlantapride.org and on Instagram @atlantapride.