Best Bets 04.27 – 05.10

Friday, April 27

Enjoy a spring wine tasting, mingle with friends and nibble on light bites from Highland Bakery with a fundraiser for Chairs Circle, the non-profit arm of Charis Books and More. $30 pre-sale at Charis, $50 for two. $40 each at the door. 7 – 10 p.m. at Highland Bakery, 655 Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.charisbooksandmore.com, http://chariscirclewinetasting.eventbrite.com

The Augusta Pride Committee hosts the “Hollywood Glam” Mr. and Ms. Augusta Pride 2012 Pageant to help raise money for the annual festival. Doors open at 7:30, pageant begins at 8:30 at Sky City, 1157 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, http://on.fb.me/HLRC0E

“The Chamber” reunion party brings back the days of Atlanta’s punk-goth club. 10 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

Julie Osborne Entertainment presents Funny Friday with DJ Tina V and comedians A.K. Bjorn, Angela Miller, Shirley Ingram, Shep Slater and more. $10. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave. SE., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Broadway’s “Les Miserables” wraps its Atlanta run tonight and tomorrow. 8 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org

The boys at Mary’s in East Atlanta are “calling all you butch badasses to take off your shirts and put on yer skirts” for Peep Peep presents “Men in Skirts.” ManShaft’s DJ Diablo Rojo spins; Atlanta Talons take over the Boozy Cougar lounge. 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 303016, http://on.fb.me/HSgcgH, www.marysatlanta.com

Saturday, April 28

Former Decatur resident Ronnda Cadle, who still organizes music festivals at Georgia’s lesbian Swiftwaters Campground, plays two shows to celebrate the release of her new CD, “Will’s Embrace.” 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

The Ladies at Play host a Spring Fling dance party with DJ Periodic at the Park Bar Loft. Free before 10 p.m., $10 after at Park Bar, 150 Walton Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/ladiesatplayfanpage

The Health Initiative hosts a Spring Health Fair for all LGBTQs featuring health screenings and, if needed, consultations with an onsite doctor and follow-up referrals. Uninsured or under-insured LGBTQ participants can learn more about the Health Fund for follow-up care. Wellness information sessions on a variety of topics are also scheduled. 12 – 4 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.healthinitiative.org

The MEGA Family Project hosts a potluck cookout for your whole LGBT family. 3 – 6 p.m. at the Curtis-Davidson home. Contact MEGA’s Kathy Kelly: kathy@megafamilyproject.org for details.

Hotlanta Softball’s Mudcats host a “Thirsty Games” beer bust with all you can drink beer and raffle. 3 – 7 p.m. at F.R.O.G.S. Cantina, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/HYPaAd

Lesbian social group Fourth Tuesday joins the Women’s Outdoor Network for a “Sport Spring Soiree,” an evening of dancing and games with a fire pit on the back patio. $5 covers soda, water, finger food and desserts. BYOB. 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.facebook.com/FourthTuesdayAtlanta

LGBT homeless youth services group Lost-N-Found hosts a Clippers Party where barbers, a massage therapist and bootblack will be  on hand to raise funds for their mission. 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/HRhEev, www.lost-n-found.org

The Court of Kings presents “Once Upon a Time,” the Mr. and Miss Kingdom Come pageant. 8 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave. SE., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

“Banging Soul” with DJ Kmixx takes over Mixx at 10 p.m., 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

DJ Chad Jack brings the beats at Jungle. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Sunday, April 29

For the Kid in All of Us, the folks behind the annual Toy Party and Backpack in the Park host a “Brainstorm Lab Brunch” to discuss ideas for the organization’s 10th year and beyond. $15 includes a brunch buffet and a mimosa. 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Fifth Ivory, 794 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://bit.ly/J0lsiz, http://on.fb.me/JdMQ7k

Monday, April 30

Mondays are Happy Bear Cocktail Hour, where patrons can watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Absolutely Fabulous” with half-price appetizers 5 – 8 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com

Watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race” at 9 p.m. followed by the Manic Monday show at 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Catch NBC’s musical drama “Smash” on the screens at 10 p.m. at Amsterdam, 502-A Amsterdam. Ave. NE, Atlanta GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com

Niesha Dupree’s Stars of the Century takes the stage on Mondays at 11 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Every Monday, catch the “Martini Girls Cabaret” featuring hostesses Jealouse and Charlie Brown with Elea Atlanta and “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” alum Mariah Balenciaga. $5 martini’s all night. 11 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Beluga Martini Bar. 3115 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.belugamartinibar.com

Tuesday, May 1

Play “Let’s Make a Deal,” with host Ken every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Friend’s on Ponce, 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.friendsonponce-atl.com

Sing along as pianist David Reeb tickles the ivories every Tuesday. 8 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

3 Legged Cowboy night at Heretic means free dance lessons at 8 p.m., then open dance from 9 – 11 p.m. 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324,
www.hereticatlanta.com

Jerry hosts “I Gotta Sing!” karaoke. 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Angelica D’ Paige hosts Trivia Tuesday Karaoke at Burkhart’s, where you’ll have your turn on the mic and a chance to win free shots by answering trivia questions throughout the night.  11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Wednesday, May 2

The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon. 11:55 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Carpe Diem, 105 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.atlantagaychamber.org

Thursday, May 3

Charis Books & More hosts an evening of Southern literary fiction featuring Carter Sickels, author of “The Evening Hour” and Elizabeth Anderson, a Charis employee who reads from novel-in-progress “Paradise Park.” 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Thursdays are the Unexpected Cabaret featuring Envy Van Michaels, Jasmine Antoinette, Celeste Holmes, Jaylish and Dylan Michael. 11 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Atlantic Station’s Movies in Central Park offers a free, outdoor screening of “Moneyball.” Film starts at sundown in Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA 30363, www.atlanticstation.com, http://bit.ly/HQxNjT

Friday, May 4

B.I.G. Productions presents “Bear Invasion” with DJ Sean Mac and NYC’s DJ/Producer John LePage. 9 p.m. at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com, www.bearinvasiongroup.com

Got Leche welcomes special guest DJ Cubanito spins for a night featuring performances from “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” alumni Jessica Wild and Mariah Belinciaga. 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. at Club Rush, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30041.

Enjoy Femmistry Fridays with Traxx Girls, 10 p.m. at Encore, 2520 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.traxxgirls.com

The guys at WassupNAtl get the party going with three levels of fun at Trio Fridays. 10 p.m – 4 a.m. at Mengo’s. 91 Broad Street, Atlanta, GA 30303,
www.wassupnatl.com

Join the guys at Mixx for a Grown & Sexy Party with DJ Smash. 10 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

DJ Lydia Prim spins every Friday at the Heretic. 10 p.m. 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Kitty LeClaw’s Meow Mix gets catty at 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Every Friday, Destiny Brooks, Jasmine Antoinette, Monica Van Pelt, Iysis Dupree, Eva Destruction and an ensemble cast from Dragstar Season 2 star in “Divas Get Schooled,” a cabaret production. 11 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067. www.thenewlebuzz.com

Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6

OutlantaCon 2012 once again unites gay gamers, sci-fi enthusiasts, fantasy lovers and the general “Queer Geek audience” for a weekend of special guests and games.  Details TBA at the Holiday Inn Hotel Select Atlanta-Perimeter/Dunwoody, 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, www.outlantacon.org

“Music in the Mountains” brings three days of performances to Swiftwaters, a “womanspace” campground near Dahlonega, Ga. Swiftwaters, 830 Swiftwaters Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533, http://on.fb.me/J7svzF

Saturday, May 5

Expect appearances from Nichelle Paris, Shavonna B. Brooks, Necole Luv Dupree, Isabella Diamante and more at the Miss Atlanta Devine Continental drag pageant 2012. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.atlantadevine.com

The 25th Annual HRC Dinner Gala and Auction takes over the Hyatt Regency Atlanta featuring beats by DJ Mike Pope, a performance by Frenchie Davis and a keynote from U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin. 6 – 11 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 www.atlantahrcdinner.org

Brushstrokes and Mixx host readings by three writers who are part of Outlantacon, the “queer geek” gaming and sci-fi convention taking place all weekend. J.P. Barnaby, Shae Connor and Eden Winters read from 7-8:30 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.brushstrokesatlanta.com, www.mixxatlanta.com 

The Atlanta Bucks gay rugby team continues its First Friday beer and wing bust at the Heretic. 8 p.m., 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/atlantabucks, www.atlantabucksrugby.org

Saturday, May 5 – Sunday, May 6

Join 175 artists, artisans and live acoustic musicians for the Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival, a part of the gay owned and operated Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces series of festivals. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Dr., Atlanta, GA 30327

Sunday, May 6

Kelli’s Childcare Collective of Atlanta hosts children’s author S.J. Tindal for a family reading of her book “Nairobi and the Firefly,” reminding readers to honor and respect the freedom of all the living. 1 – 2:30 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

The Piedmont Bark Yappy Hour presents the 2012 Pet Cotillion, the annual crowning of the PALS “spokespet” and a fundraiser for the non-profit that helps pet owners with HIV/AIDS. Fenuxe Magazine’s Tyler Calkins and DAVE FM’s Mara Davis host the pet costume-optional event. 3 – 6 p.m. at Piedmont Bark, 501 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.palsatlanta.org

Hear ye, hear ye! The Georgia Renaissance Festival hosts an official “Gay Day” for all LGBT princesses, queens, wenches and kings. 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Rain or shine. I-85 at Exit 61 – Fairburn. www.garenfest.com

Monday, May 7

“T&F Transitionz: a Project of the Feminist Outlawz” is an open forum to discuss gender and facilitating dialogue and activism around social issues led by social justice minded feminists Buttonz and SJ. 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Meak Productions hosts dine-out fundraiser for the Atlanta International Day Against Homphobia event on May 17. 7 p.m. at Ilan Breeze, 537 Gresham Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.meakproductions.com, http://on.fb.me/I2PUmp

The First Monday of every month means PFLAG Atlanta hosts a support meeting for LGBTQ friends and family. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, slightly beyond 1587 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.pflag.org

Tuesday, May 8

Lesbian singer-songwriter Catie Curtis performs at 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Wednesday, May 9

It’s Trailer Park Prom Night for this month’s PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious and Brent Star. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org

If you missed lesbian singer-songwriter Catie Curtis at Eddie’s Attic on Tuesday, catch her tonight at 7 p.m. at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com

Bonnie Raitt gives ‘em something to talk about with her Slipstream Tour 2012. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.bonnieraitt.com, www.cobbenergycentre.com

Thursday, May 10

Atlantic Station’s Movies in Central Park offers a free, outdoor screening of “Singing in the Rain.” Film starts at sundown in Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA 30363, www.atlanticstation.com, http://bit.ly/HQxNjT

“Sexualities in Education: a Discussion with Dr. Jillian Ford” is an evening of conversation and critical thinking about the role of sexuality in contemporary educational contests. $5 suggested donation. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com