Highlights of the 43rd annual Atlanta Pride fest offer something for everyone

Check out a calendar of great events taking place this weekend

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

Fifth Annual Official Atlanta Pride Kick-off Party at the Georgia Aquarium
7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
This event is a great way to kickoff the Atlanta Pride weekend with over 4,000 of your closest friends! In 2012, this event won the prestigious event industry ALLIE AWARD for Best Themed Party in Atlanta.

This is an amazing way to experience the Georgia Aquarium with special evening hours and exclusive admission pricing just for Atlanta Pride. Imagine exploring the world’s largest, most magical aquarium with dim lighting and the sounds of Atlanta’s very own DJ Vicki Powell. This year DJ Chris Griswold will be adding to the experience with his signature sound in our Oceans Ballroom located on the second level.

Official Atlanta Pride Kick-off After Party at Jungle Atlanta
9 p.m – 3 a.m.
DJ Ed Bailey heats up the main room starting at 9:00 p.m. with a special live performance by Cazwell. Edie Cheezburger and the Other Show Girls kick off the night in the Jungle Cabaret with a special performance at 9:30 p.m. 18 and up are welcome.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12
Pride Marketplace at Piedmont Park
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Featuring over 200 market vendor booths, the Atlanta Pride Marketplace is the largest expo of its kind in the Southeast and is comprised of non-profit organizations, small businesses, large businesses, and national corporations.

YoGaga (Lady Gaga-inspired yoga) at Piedmont Park Athletic Fields (towards the Bud Light Stage)
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Tough Love Yoga and lululemon athletica are back for an encore, presenting a yoga inspired event by the mother monster herself Lady Gaga! This all-levels class focuses on building strength and flexibility.

Car and Motorcycle Show at Roadway inside Piedmont Park between 12th Street and 14th Street Gates
10:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Come check out this stunning combination of antique, classic, special interest cars and motorcycles owned by members of the Lambda Car Club and the Lost Boys.

Atlanta Pride Commitment Ceremony at W Atlanta Midtown – Altitude (27th floor)
11 a.m. – Noon.

This non-denominational ceremony gives couples the opportunity to pledge their commitment to each other publicly before friends and family. Although registration for this event closes Oct. 4 it’s still a moving event to attend.

Atlanta Pride Trans March
Outside the Visitor’s Center near 12th Street Gate 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. This march celebrates and promotes visibility of the Trans community. The march takes place on the festival grounds and all Trans people and Trans allies are welcome to participate. We encourage people to make and bring signs supportive of the Trans community

Campus Pride LGBT College Fair
presented by PNC Bank in partnership with Atlanta Pride at Large tent near the Playground and Greystone Pool House
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Military Veterans Taps and Wreath Placing Ceremony at Veterans Marker, 1071 Piedmont Avenue NE (near the intersection of 12th Street and Piedmont Avenue)
5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Active duty military personnel will join veterans from World War II to Afghanistan. The ceremony will include the retirement of the flag that flies over the monument, the placing of a wreath, and the playing of taps. Please join us as we honor all the men and women who serve to defend our nation’s freedom, particularly those who have given their lives in defense of liberty, and commemorate the momentous changes in the past years from the repeal of DADT to the fall of DOMA.

Atlanta Pride Dyke March at Charles Allen Gate
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The Dyke March is open to all women loving women (trans-inclusive) of any race, culture, orientation, ability, health, socioeconomic level, family structure, faith or age. You do not have to register for the Dyke March, simply show up at the Charles Allen Gate no later than 6:00 p.m. There will be a trolley with first-come, first-served seating for the elderly, those with mobility impairments, or famiilies with small children.

Queer Your Gender Dance Party at the Bud Light Stage
6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dyke March Folks, Trans March Folks, and queers of all stripes will be getting down to the sounds of DJ Ree de la Vega at this free event.  All are welcome!

Official Atlanta Pride Women’s Party: Crush at My Sister’s Room
7 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Hosted by Whitney Mixter and Sara Bettencourt from “The Real L Word,” Crush will feature DJ Liz Owen and DJ Tina V. MSR will be serving food until 2 a.m. and you must be 21 and up to attend this event. My Sister’s Room is celebrating 17 years and is the longest-running lesbian bar in the Southeast.

Color Our World: Life, Spirit, Magic! at Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Over 200 musicians from 32 different LGBT bands will fill the Ferst Center stage with the latest in symphonic wind music. Atlanta Freedom Bands hosts the Lesbian and Gay Band Association’s international conference during Atlanta Pride weekend, bringing together the largest number of LGBT bands ever assembled in one place at the same time.

The concert also features the world premiere of “Colors: A Celebration!” from Atlanta composer Tim Jansa, specially commissioned for this event. Atlanta author, GAVO columnist and playwright Topher Payne will be the special guest host for the evening.

SUNDAY, OCT. 13
Community Health Expo at Blue Market Row
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The Community Health Expo gathers community health organizations in one central location. Whether you need an HIV test, information on preventing breast cancer, or general information on staying healthy, these organizations can assist you.

Cultural Exhibit at Bridge across Lake Clara Meer
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Atlanta Pride features a retrospective of past exhibits, highlighting different aspects of the LGBTQ experience through culture, politics, and human rights.

JustUsATL Youth Space at Bandstand
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

All LGBT youth aged 13-28 are invited to spend time with members of JustUsATL, a youth-founded and youth-lead organization. Youth can learn more about JustUsATL and their services and meet others in their age group

Pride Marketplace at Piedmont Park
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Featuring over 200 market vendor booths, the Atlanta Pride Marketplace is the largest expo of its kind in the Southeast and is comprised of non-profit organizations, small businesses, large businesses, and national corporations.

Official Atlanta Pride Brunch: 12th Annual HRC Pride Brunch: Fall In Love With Pride at Empire State South
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy two hours of bottomless mimosas, bloody Marys, and a delicious brunch while watching the Atlanta Pride Parade from the best location on the route!. Enjoy good music, great friends, and fall in love with Pride all over again. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and service begins at 12:30 p.m.

Atlanta Pride Parade
Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard to Charles Allen Drive NE and 10th Street
1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Assembly at 10 a.m., steps off at 1:00 p.m. The annual Atlanta Pride Parade is the largest parade in the City of Atlanta. Join tens of thousands of spectators as we celebrate our pride in the streets of Midtown.

Starlight Cabaret at Coca-Cola Stage
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. The best drag entertainment that the city has to offer closes out Pride weekend each year and is always a crowd-pleaser.