Busy weekend ahead
Thursday, Sept. 24 — Out on Film, AIDS Walk Atlanta, and Macon Pride are all on the calendar this weekend. Keep scrolling for more information on each of these events. Looks like temperatures are finally cooling off a bit, too, since we’re now officially in autumn. Personally, I’m ready for sweater weather.
Here are some news headlines:
⚠️ U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday said there is a “comprehensive onslaught” against LGBTQ+ and intersex rights around the world.
⚖️ A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to send a lawsuit over transgender troops’ revoked retirements to an Air Force records board, keeping the dispute in the courts.
🙄 Anti-LGBTQ+ U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert was accused of having sexual relationships with members of her staff, including two women.
🎨 The City of Atlanta is seeking art from LGBTQ+ artists or work that explores the LGBTQ+ experience for the annual Mayor’s Pride Exhibit. The deadline is Sept. 28.
I’ll provide the answer…
Collin
Out on Film begins tonight with ‘Before I Do’
🍿 The 39th annual Out on Film festival opens tonight, Sept. 24, with a screening of Gary Jaffe’s “Before I Do” – a rom-com about a groom and best man rekindling their feelings at a bachelor party (pictured) – at Midtown Art Cinema.
More than 150 films will be shown through Oct. 4, including the Billie Jean King documentary “Give Me the Ball” and closing night film “La Bola Negra.”
➡ Read Sammie Purcell’s interview with Jaffe here and see the full Out on Film festival lineup here.
From Hitchcock’s Shadows to Copland’s Wide Horizons
SPONSORED BY EMORY SCHWARTZ CENTER
🎻 Celebrate creativity, individuality, and the power of artistic expression with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts on Oct. 2.
Distinctive American voices are highlighted, from trailblazing composer Amy Beach to the expansive vision of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. At its center is Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho: A Narrative for String Ensemble, a riveting concert work adapted from the iconic Hitchcock score.
→ Blending drama, innovation, and emotional depth, this program showcases music that challenged conventions and continues to resonate today. Reserve your seat today.
Kelly Rowland headlines AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run
🏃🏾♂️ Thousands of runners, walkers, and music lovers will gather at Piedmont Park on Sat., Sept. 26, for the annual AIDS Walk, featuring a headlining performance by Kelly Rowland (pictured).
The event raises money to support local HIV/AIDS service organizations, with a dozen designated beneficiaries this year.
Warm-up begins at 9 a.m. with DJ Sed the Saint, followed by the run and walk at 11 a.m. Algebra Blessett opens the music festival at noon, followed by Rowland at 12:30 p.m.
➡ Get all the details and information about the event here.
☀️ Atlanta’s liveliest cemetery music festival returns to Oakland for its 48th year! The iconic Sunday in the Park ft. Tunes from the Tombs festival is back Sun., Sept. 27. Live music, history, and family fun in one unique experience. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Macon Pride returns with a four-day festival
🏳️🌈 The Macon Pride Festival begins today, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m. with the Lively Libations Beer Release at Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen.
The festivities continue on Friday with the Haus Party at Churchills on Cherry, featuring “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall.
The Pride in the Park celebration kicks off on Saturday along Cherry Street Plaza, with performances, vendors, and community groups from 2-8 p.m. before the after-party at the Tubman Museum.
The weekend concludes on Sunday with an Interfaith Service and Family Picnic at Rosa Parks Square from 4-8 p.m.
➡ See the full schedule of events and get more details here.
Best Bets
🎨 FRANK, Atlanta’s collective of LGBTQ+ artists, will present an outdoor exhibition, “Taking Space,” beginning today, Sept. 24.
🪩 The Big Pride Dance Party is Fri., Sept. 25, starting at 10 p.m. at Reboot Retrocade & Bar in Macon in conjunction with the city’s weekend Pride festival.
🦋 Jolene Jolene in Atlanta is hosting a Dolly Parton drag tribute, “Dream More,” on Fri., Sept. 25, at 8 p.m.
🕺 Blake’s on the Park in Midtown Atlanta is hosting a weekend-long grand opening party for its new upstairs area with DJs, drag, and The Men of Mistr.
💍 The 2026 LGBTQ+ Wedding Expo is Sun., Sept. 27, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at The Georgian Terrace in Midtown Atlanta.
➡ Find many more events and activities in our IG stories @thegeorgiavoice.
