LGBT Atlanta Best Bets for July 2-July 9

Thursday, July 2 – Sunday, July 5

Grizzlies, otters and cubs aplenty will be at Atlanta Bear Fest, with events all throughout the weekend, http://atlantabearfest.com

Thursday, July 2

The Sisters Night of Nunsense celebrates Independence Day by honoring members of AVER – American Veterans for Equal Rights, Inc. 7 – 9 p.m., Woofs Atlanta, www.woofsatlanta.com

Friday, July 3

Get ready for the number one dance party every Friday night with Blue Diamond Entertainment and Traxx Girls. Doors open at 9 p.m., My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

Pick up your flowers for the season at Garden*Hood and feast on snacks and wine provided by Stone Soup Kitchen. Donations benefit Atlanta Pride Committee. 5 – 8 p.m., http://atlantapride.org/venue/gardenhood

Saturday, July 4

Not watching fireworks somewhere? Then come to the 4th of July party at Publik Atlanta, with DJ John Michael, 654 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308

Sunday, July 5

Wake up and make joyful noise with the Sisters of Sequin at Gospel Brunch with performers Bubba D. Licious and Justice Counce, 12:30 p.m. followed by a 1:30 p.m. show, Lips Atlanta, www.lipsatl.com

The Atlanta Dream take on the Seattle Storm at Philips Arena today at 3 p.m., www.philipsarena.com

Monday, July 6

Trans and Friends: a Project of the Feminist Outlawz is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender and aspiring allies. Charis provides a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. This is a project of the Feminist Outlawz, 7 – 8:30 p/.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Tuesday, July 7

Angelica D’Paige hosts Drageoke at 10:30 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

Wednesday, July 8

The Icarus Project Atlanta is a local support network and media project by and for people who experience the world in ways that are often diagnosed as mental illness. This group seeks to advance social justice by fostering mutual aid practices that reconnect healing and collective liberation. 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Thursday, July 9

SAGE Atlanta hosts a social hour and games at 10 a.m. and then a general meeting at 11 a.m., Phillip Rush Center Annex, www.rushcenteratl.com

The Hideaway hosts Ian Aber for Hot Mic comedy nights, 10 p.m., www.atlantahideaway.com

UPCOMING

Friday, July 10

Actor’s Express opens the classic musical “Rent,” with Freddie Ashley directing, tonight at 8 p.m. with shows through August 9, www.actorsexpress.com

Saturday, July 11

Join CHRIS Kids at the annual White Party, formerly known as Premiere Party, at Mason Fine Art from 6- 10 p.m., featuring live performances by Pandora Boxx and Courtney Act from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” www.masonfineartandevents.com

Friday, July 17

The documentary “Do I Sound Gay?” opens at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema today, with director David Thorpe down for a Q and A on Sunday, July 19, after the 7:15 p.m. screening, www.landmarktheatres.com

Friday, July 18

Joining Hearts offers up its annual pool party, this year titled Dive, at Piedmont Park, 4 – 11 p.m., www.joininghearts.org

Friday, July 25

Porsha Daniels will be crowned as the first ever Miss Georgia Pride of America at Fuzions Bar and Grill in Monroe, 10 p.m., https://www.facebook.com/MissGeorgiaPOA?fref=ts