Friday, July 20
The Third Friday Film Series presents “The End of Poverty?” $1-$10 sliding scale donations. Doors at 7 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/Il753W
Neko Case, with special guest Kelly Hogan, plays an intimate show for the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Concerts in the Garden. 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Gay telenovela star and pop music singer Christian Chavez performs live during Club Rush’s fourth annual Got Leche White Party. 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. at Club Rush, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/MaTz7J
Tonight’s Fab Five drag show doubles as a victory party for Ashley Kruiz, the newly crowned Florida Entertainer of the Year. 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com
Start the party weekend off with Heretic’s official kickoff party featuring DJ Joe Gauthreaux. $1 of your cover goes to Joining Hearts. Doors at 9 p.m. at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com, www.facebook.com/hereticatlanta
Friday, July 20 – Saturday, July 21
Sunset Garden, the weekly summer fundraiser series at Burkhart’s, teams up with Boy Next Door for two nights to benefit GA Voice’s 2012 Best Local Nonprofit, Lost-n-Found Youth. Friday night features a Boy Next Door swimsuit fashion show with the men of Atlanta’s gay swim team, the Rainbow Trout. Half of the proceeds from the Smirnoff signature tea go to the homeless LGBT youth advocacy organization. 7 – 10 p.m. both nights at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/NIkXd4, www.burkharts.com
Saturday, July 21
The Renee Labelle Andrus Foundation hosts a “You Can’t Get this on E-Bay” yard sale with hard to find bar and restaurant items and silent auction. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Parker’s on Ponce, 116 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, http://on.fb.me/OJre5n
DJ Don Bishop opens for DJ/Producer Roland Belmares at Joining Hearts 25 Pool Party. The sold-out event raises funds for AID Atlanta and Jerusalem House. 4 – 11 p.m. at the Greystone and Aquatic Center in Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.joininghearts.org
DJ Tony Moran spins an after party starting at 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com, http://on.fb.me/MrMX6G
Stroll over to the members-only Xion for DJ Jalil Z. Doors open at 3 a.m. on Sunday morning at Xion, 2241 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/Me5diq
The B-52s celebrate their 35th anniversary with a tour that, of course, stops in their home state. 8 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.theb52s.com
The Atlanta Rollergirls play two roller derby bouts starting at 5 p.m. at Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantarollergirls.com
The Heretic gets things going early with a performance by the Armorettes at 8 p.m., a 3-Legged Cowboy country night from 10 p.m. to midnight, then DJ Mike Pope takes over the turntables for late night dance. No cover tonight. 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com,
www.facebook.com/hereticatlanta
DJ E spins for her own birthday bash hosted by Ladies at Play, a nightlife group for women who love women. 9 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. at Park Bar Loft, 150 Walton St., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.ladiesatplay.com, http://on.fb.me/LLtevc
WestSide Pie hosts “Flirt,” a new monthly women’s event. DJ Ree De La Vega spins with $5 house cocktails, $6 flirtininis, ping pong, Pac-Man and ladies on the prowl. 8 p.m. at WestSide Pie, 1133 Huff Road, Atlanta, GA 30318, http://on.fb.me/MyFQZ1
Julie Osborne Entertainment brings “Insane Saturday” to My Sister’s Room with several showcase comedians. DJ Liz Owen takes over after the last laugh. 8:30 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, http://on.fb.me/PZ87t4, www.mysistersroom.com
Saturday, July 21-29
Tons of restaurants are on board for the 2012 Downtown Restaurant Week, each offering either $25 or $35 three course dinners per person, plus tip and tax. Check out the details and list of restaurants: www.atlantadowntown.com/fun/restaurant-week
Sunday, July 22
Marietta PFLAG hosts the monthly fourth Sunday support meeting. 1 – 3 p.m. at Pilgrimage United Church of Christ, 3755 Sandy Plans Road, Marietta, GA 30066, http://community.pflag.org/mariettapflag
GA Boy Productions presents a tea dance with DJ Scott Anthony and Alyson Calagna. 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. at Opera, 1150 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.gaboyproductions.com
Tuesday, July 24
The Broadway classic “The Producers” opens tonight and runs through July 29 at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org
Lesbian social networking group Fourth Tuesday hosts a dinner on the day of its namesake. This month, it’s Garlic Thai & Sushi Bar. 6 – 10 p.m. at Garlic Thai, 340 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30033, www.thehealthinitiative.org, http://bit.ly/N4t58F
In the LIfe Atlanta, the official planning body of Black Gay Pride, and Out on Film present a free wine and cheese social and evening of short films. Expect a DJ and a preview of what to expect from Black Gay Pride’s “See Us In the Life” film festival. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/MvYkEp,
Wednesday, July 25
The MEGA Family Project hosts a Baby/Toddler Meet Up Group for dues-paying members. 9 – 11 a.m.. Learn more at www.megafamily.org or email director Kathy Kelly at Kathy@megafamilyproject.org
Jungle hosts its monthly Fantasy Girls Cabaret featuring local performers Savannah Leigh, Summer Knight, Envy Van Michael, Starr Sanchez Sherrington, Nicole Paige Brooks and special guest performer and “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” fan favorite Latrice Royale. 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
“Get Your Heart On” with Lifeforward as it invites everyone out for a night of fun, free food and a raffle as part of its efforts to find an HIV vaccine. Lifeforward will also be seeking those eligible to participate in trials. 7 – 9 p.m., Joe’s on Juniper, 1049 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.hopeclinic.emory.edu
,Gary Stamper visits Charis with “Awakening the New Masculine: the Path of the Integral Warrior,” a book that examines ‘the possibilities of a healthier and balanced masculinity through discussion of archetypes and sacred masculinity/sacred femininity. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Friends on Ponce presents “Dirty Laundry,” a one-night pop-up art show featuring a performance by the El Caminos. 8 p.m. on at Friends on Ponce, 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.friendsonponce-atl.com
Kick off Marietta Pride 2012 with a roast of drag legend Charlie Brown. Expect a few jabs from longtime performance friends Heather Daniels, Bubba D. Licious and more. The night benefits Brown’s longtime friend Lily White in the wake of White’s tragic house fire. 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Frankling Road, Marietta, GA 30067, http://on.fb.me/Nv0SGc, www.thenewlebuzz.com
Wednesday, July 25 – Saturday , July 28
The 3rd annual Marietta Rainbow Festival will be a “Circus” this year. The four-day event hosted by the North Georgia Rainbow Coalition and Lebuzz features special performances from more than 100 entertainers, a vendor area and more at Lebuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067, www.thenewlebuzz.com
Thursday, July 26
“Meet Your Orgasm” at a facilitated discussion and exploration of orgasm and sexuality. The host, the Feminist Women’s Health Center, is working to facilitate a safe space and will be screening the participants. RSVP to www.feministcenter.org/RSVP or e-mail nextwave@feministcenter.org for more details.
Atlantic Station’s Movies in Central Park offers a free, outdoor screening of “Clueless.” Film starts at sundown in Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA 30363, www.atlanticstation.com, http://bit.ly/HQxNjT
The gay-owned Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces hosts the Chastain Park Summer Movie Series every Thursday in July. Tonight’s feature: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Sundown at the hilltop meadow just off Park Drive in Chastain Park, http://on.fb.me/LzOhjM
“!GLITZ!: It’s Hot as Hell” is a queer variety show and dance party with drag, performance art, burlesque, bands, comedians, ass shaking contest and more. Dax Exclamation Point, Devin Liquor and Fonda Lingue are among those slated to appear, and guests are asked to celebrate the heat with skimpy outfits. 10 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, http://on.fb.me/OK9abj
Thursday, July 26 – Saturday, July 28
Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre presents “The Issue Plays,” an evening of one act plays on various social issues by award-winning writers Ethan Coen, Kenneth Lonergan and more. 8 p.m. each night on the Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.pnotheatre.org
Friday, July 27
GO Atlanta, a project of AID Atlanta, hosts a “Coffee Talk” info session where the first drink comes compliments of the organizers. 4 – 6 p.m. at the new Starbucks on Ponce, 650 Ponce De Leon Ave., Suite 700 Atlanta, GA, http://on.fb.me/O0r0rv, contact steven.igarashi@aidatlanta.org for more information.
The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly 4th Friday Networking and cocktail event, this month at Advantage Graphics. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Advantage Graphics, 2054 Briarcliff Road, #103, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.atlantagaychamber.org
The annual Leo Party celebrates Dan Givens’ astrological home boys and girls. DJs Mike Pope and DJ Vicki Powell spin as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Phoenix and Atlanta legend Shawnna Brooks perform. Proceeds go to CHRIS Kids. 10 p.m. at Amsterdam, 502-A Amsterdam Ave NE., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com, www.facebook.com/amsterdam.atlanta
Gay artist extraordinaire Jon Arge and his colorful paper works return to Atlanta for the opening of “POP!”, a four-artist show at Kai Lin Art. The show runs through Sept. 7. Opening reception: 7 – 10 p.m. at Kai Lin Art, 3069 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.kailinart.com
If you love kd lang or the Indigo Girls, you’ve gotta give lesbian singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile a listen. She plays an ATL show with Josh City & the Royal City Band. 8 p.m. at Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327, www.classicchastain.com
It’s Summer Camp with Scout Master Johnny Castle. Expect campy music video and naughty summer camp games. 10 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.facebook.com/mary.heylady
Friday, July 27 – Sunday, July 29
Lenz Marketing presents “Poverty is Real,” a three-day benefit concert to benefit the Decatur Cooperative Ministry. Maria Gabriella of the lesbian-popular Maria Gabriella Band is one of more than a dozen acts scheduled. Varying times at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com
Saturday, July 28
F-L-Y Society Entertainment is looking for models and designers for an all-stud lesbian fashion show. Organizers seek 15 masculine-identified females and six femme models with headshots, full body shots and resume — no experience is required. Potential designers: bring samples. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Dance 411 Studios, 475 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.allstudfashionshowtour.com
Sweet Honey in the Rock, the Grammy-winning a cappella women’s group known for raising their voices for equality, perform a benefit for the Fund for Southern Communities. 8 p.m. in the Horizon Sanctuary of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 407 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.sweethoney.com
For the Kid in All of Us presents the annual “Backpack in the Park,” a school supplies and gift card drive for local students in need. DJ Vicki Powell spins and the event features a performance by Dramatech Theatre. 4 – 7 p.m. at the Greystone Pavillion in Piedmont Park, www.forthekid.org
Enjoy “Vive la France,” a guided musical tour of French composers by the LGBT Atlanta Freedom Bands. Expect historic selections from as far back as 1794, as well as pieces by Francois Gossec, Jaques Offenbach and Claude Debussy. $10 adults, $5 students and seniors. 8 p.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St., NE Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantafreedombands.com
Known for delightful Shakespearean parodies, gay playwright Timothy Gray and his Shakespeare Follies troupe present “The Romeo & Juliet Show.” Cocktails at 8 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. at the Arts Exchange, 750 Kalb Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.oddmanouttheater.com, https://bitly.com/
DJ/Producer Alex Acosta brings his SONAR Tour 2012 to Jungle for a “Superhero Blackout Glow Party,” with a performance by Phoenix. 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/NV5dmz, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Black-Off Burlesque’s “Taboo-La-La: Reform School Girls” features special guests Vanity’s UnCanney and Poly Sorbate for a night of burlesque with a screening of “Reform School Girls,” Reform School Girl costume contest and DJ Westwood A-Go-Go. 9 p.m. pre-show, 10 p.m. event at the Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.blastoffburlesque.com
Sunday, July 29
IGNACIO Premium in partnership with Meak Productions, Inc. presents the “Jazz and Gents,” an evening of jazz and soul for the grown and sexy. The night features a live jazz band, guest performers, drinks specials and more. 6 – 11 p.m. at Star Theatre, 840 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30310, www.meakproductions.com
Tuesday, July 31
Today is Election Day. With all the gay candidates across the region and TSPLOST at stake, let your voice be heard. Head to http://mvp.sos.state.ga.us/ to find your polling place.
Author Lynn Garson brings “Southern Vapors,” a memoir tracing her life from childhood in a prominent Atlanta family to therapy, institutions and beyond. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Cliterati Open No-Mic favorite and Emerging Artist Grant Recipient Theresa Davis releases “Simon Says,” a new book of poems about teaching. The evening includes a short performance followed by a panel discussion about bullying in schools and closing remarks by Alice Lovelace. Teachers, students, administrators, caregivers and parents are all encouraged to attend. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/Ow6ltC
Wednesday, Aug. 1
Expect aerialists, pole dancers, DJ Peep Peep, Positive Impact stud Chandler Bearden and more at Jungle’s “Circus.” A portion of the night’s proceeds benefit the MISTER Center. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com, http://on.fb.me/Mw2QCW
Thursday, Aug. 2
Atlantic Station’s Movies in Central Park offers a free, outdoor screening of “The Notebook.” Film starts at sundown in Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA 30363, www.atlanticstation.com, http://bit.ly/HQxNjT ´