Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (ABPW), one of the country’s leading annual celebrations of Black LGBTQ+ community, returns to Atlanta from Sept. 2 to 7 with a week of entertainment, empowerment and community engagement.
ABPW includes an expansive lineup of signature events, including the 14th Annual Pure Heat Community Festival at Piedmont Park, Influencer’s Dinner, R&B Brunch, empowerment brunches, the all-new Atlanta Black Pride Blood Drive, and nightly parties at some of Atlanta’s premiere venues.
Tickets, festival registration, and a complete schedule of activities are available at Atlanta Black Pride’s website.
“For 20 years, Atlanta Black Pride Weekend has been more than a celebration, it has been a space where our community can come together to be seen, supported, empowered and celebrated,” Atlanta Black Pride Weekend co-founders Melissa Scott and Julius James said in a statement. “This milestone represents the countless individuals, organizations, artists, advocates and allies who have helped us build something that reaches far beyond one weekend. As we honor this year’s trailblazers and welcome thousands of people back to Atlanta, we remain committed to creating spaces that celebrate Black LGBTQIA+ excellence, strengthen our community and inspire the next generation to live boldly and authentically.”
Related story: The History of Black Pride in Atlanta and Beyond
Highlights of the weekend include the fifth annual Black Excellence Influencer’s Dinner at the Starling Hotel, hosted by Derek J on Sept. 4. The 2026 honorees include Jesseca Harris-Dupart, Vinny Watson, Carlos King, Jerome Trammel, SG, Cliff Vmir, MC Fatha Flex, Karen “KD” Douglas, Niesha Dupress, and Dr. Felicia Ivey. The gala will also pay tribute to the late Sharell Canty, honoring her life, legacy, and lasting impact on the Atlanta community with the ICON Award posthumously.
On Sept. 6, Atlanta’s iconic Piedmont Park will welcome thousands of attendees for the 14th Annual Pure Heat Community Festival, ABPW’s signature festival celebration. The 2026 festival will feature performances by Terrell Carter, Billy The Goat, Jhonni Blaze, Oliver Twixt, Steezo, 4N Yardi, Ty The Beyonce Slayer, Big Boss Vette, and more. Additional information on the Pure Heat Community Festival can be found on the event’s website.
ABPW Calendar
Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Skate Kick Off Party (Female)
Sept. 2, 8 p.m.
Skate Towne
Atlanta Black Pride Mayor’s Reception
Sept. 3, 6 p.m.
City Hall
CareFree Fest ATL (Female)
Sept. 3, 6 p.m.
Guardian Works
The Official Welcome to ATL Pride Party (Female)
Sept. 3, 9 p.m.
My Sister’s Room
Motion Kickoff party (Male)
Sept. 3, 11 p.m.
Aura
Stripher Day Party (Female)
Sept.4, 3 p.m.
Magic City
Black Excellence Dinner and Influencer Gala
Sept. 4, 5 p.m.
The Starling Midtown
Who Framed the Von Dutches: Southern Region House Ball
Sept. 4, 5 p.m.
Guardian Works
Speed Friending for Black Queer and Trans People
Sept. 4, 7 p.m.
The MURPH
Hot Boy Take Over (Male)
Sept. 4, 10 p.m.
Opium
Sept. 4, 10 p.m.
Cover Sports and Shows
Sept. 5, 3 p.m.
Believe Music Hall
Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
Ace on Auburn
Sept. 5, 10 p.m.
4 Elements
Overly Loaded Main Event ft Summer Walker
Sept. 5, 10 p.m.
The Bank Event Center
We Rock Pride Vixens Drag Brunch
Sept. 6, noon
The Starling Midtown
Sept. 6, 3 p.m.
Palm Beach
Sept. 6, 10 p.m.
Revel
Sept. 6, 10 p.m.
Bamboo
Sept. 6, noon
The Starling Midtown
Sept. 6, noon
Piedmont Park
Stasha Sanchez and Friends Drag Brunch
Sept. 6, noon
Cirque
Pressure Party ft Dolly Babe
Sept. 6, 11pm
Bamboo
Stomp the Yard Adult Field Day
Sept. 7, 2 p.m.
Piedmont Park
Sept. 7, 4 p.m.
Georgia Beer Garden
Sept. 7, 10 p.m.
Revel
Forever I Love Atlanta All White Finale
Sept. 7, 10 p.m.
FLO
RNB Monday ft Saucy Santana
Sept. 7, 10 p.m.
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