Best Bets 09.14 – 09.27

Friday, Sept. 14

Join the social networking ladies of Fourth Tuesday for their monthly lesbian happy hour, every second Friday. 6 – 9 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.theheathinitiative.org, http://bit.ly/N4t58F

The Indigo Girls play a sold-out show to wrap up this year’s Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Concerts in the Garden series. 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Friday nights mean fall softball for the Decatur Women’s League, with play at Kelly Cofer Park in Tucker. www.decaturwomensports.com

The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Awards Dinner with recognition given to gay Business Man and Business Woman of the Year, Corporate Ally, Guardian Angel and Member of the Year. Black tie optional. Cocktails at 7 p.m., awards at 8 p.m. at the W Midtown, 188 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30361, www.atlantagaychamber.org

Kai Lin Art presents Autumnal, a new exhibit featuring artists Carl A. Linstrum, Wallace DuVall, Dale Clifford, Tom Francis and Greg Noblin. 7-10 p.m. at 3096 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.kailinart.com

Gay actors are among the cast of “1776,” a musical take on the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Opens tonight and runs through Oct. 7 at Dorsey Studio Theatre, 3593 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30319. www.1776themusicalatlanta.com

Special guest Lauren LaMasters joins the cast of Optical Delusion for a show of movie numbers, plus DJ Cody Nation spins dance music. 10 p.m. at Asylum, 543 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.asylumatl.com

It’s Pride Night at BJ Roosters, with volunteers on hand to sell Jell-o shots to raise funds for Atlanta’s largest LGBT event. 10 p.m. at BJ Roosters, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.atlantapride.org

Friday Sept. 14 – Sunday, Sept. 16

The IGNITE 2012 Queer and Trans Youth Convening provides dialogue, political education, skill shares, networking and more to LGBTQ youth of color at this three-day conference at the Georgia State Student Center. Lambda Legal also joins in with its second annual “South Star: Safe Schools Convening of the South.” http://ignite.sparkrj.org

Saturday, Sept. 15

The MEGA Family Project hosts a Baby/Toddler Meet Up Group for dues-paying members in Roswell. Learn more at www.megafamily.org or email
mindy@megafamilyproject.org

The annual East Atlanta Strut means a kooky-good parade followed by revelry in the streets of Atlanta hippest neighborhood. Stop by Mary’s, the local gay bar, for an Atlanta Talons (Hotlanta Softball) fundraiser and beats by DJ Joey. The infamous Mary-oke takes partygoers into the night. Parade at 2 p.m., party afterwards at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, http://on.fb.me/OhRK76, http://on.fb.me/HTQVSN

Help homeless LGBT youth today at the Model T by bringing donations including cash, gift cards, blankets, sleeping bags, tents and emergency first aid kids. Donation collection begins at 3 p.m., with a fundraiser from 8 p.m. to midnight at Model T, 699 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.modeltatlanta.com

Relive the days of your youth with sack races, egg tosses and other events at Atlanta Field Day to benefit Jerusalem House and Camp Twin Lakes. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at West Minster Presbyterian Church PCA, 1438 Sheridan Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.atlantafieldday.org

After a season of raising money for AID Atlanta, the Atlanta Cotillion XI takes over the Foundry at Puritan Mill with its annual drag ball to crown this year’s highest fundraiser. This year’s theme? “Le Bal en Robe Rouge.” Special guests include host Randy Roberts and the legendary Varla Jean Merman. 7 – 11 p.m. at the Foundry at Puritan Mill, 916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30318,  www.atlantacotillion.org

The Southern Softpaw Softball League kicks off its fall season at 10 a.m. at Southside Softball Complex on Jonesboro Road in Atlanta. The league is open to all skill levels and raises funds to support animal charities. www.southernsoftpaw.com

South Georgia Pride brings performances from Spikey Van Dykey, Julie Schurr and others, along with food, games and pet show to Valdosta. 12 – 6 p.m. at John W. Saunders Park. www.southgapride.org

A new “coming out” support group for LGBT adults starts today and meets on Saturdays through Nov. 17; 4 p.m. at First MCC Community Center, 1379 Tullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. www.firstmcc.com

SAGE Atlanta hosts a potluck social for lesbians ages 50 and older. Bring a dish to share, plus your own plate, utensils and beverage. 6 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org

Lesbian-inclusive “alterna-grass” band Roxie Watson plays a show at Decatur’s famed acoustic hotspot. 9:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Celebrate the one year anniversary of 3-Legged Cowboy nights at the Heretic with a night of country music and dancing. 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

The party peeps at Bedlam get down at “Hawt Mess,” another “Messy. Trashy. Disaster. Perfect. Chic. Couture” event. 9 p.m. at Asylum, 543 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316

Scream Club is a DJ set. Nicky Click is a live show of “stoping, latex and garter belts.” Kin 4 Life will blow your lady socks off. All in one night at Atlanta’s only lesbian bar. 10 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, mysistersroom.com

Re-live the glory days of gay Atlanta’s nightlife with the Backstreet Reunion featuring DJ Rob Reum, DJ Bill Berdeaux, and Charlie Brown’s Cabaret; this is also a Stride into Pride event. Show begins at 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Go “Man 2 Man” every Saturday night at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring Street Atlanta, GA 30308, www.xcessultralounge.com

Saturday Sept. 15 – Sunday, Sept. 16

The Festival on Ponce, part of the gay-owned and operated Foundation for Public Spaces festivals, offers local arts and crafts at Olmsted Linear Park. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Olmstead Linear Park near the intersection of Ponce De Leon and Moreland Ave., Atlanta, GA. www.festivalonponce.com

Sunday, Sept. 16

PFLAG Atlanta hosts its monthly Third Sunday meeting at 2:45 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329. Also, check the PFLAG Atlanta website for upcoming meetings this month in Macon, Johns Creek, Athens, Peachtree City and Marietta. www.pflagatl.org

The annual Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament isn’t until Easter weekend, but the Miss Dixie sign-up event includes a beer bust with all-you-can-eat nachos, hot dogs and pizza for $10. 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hideaway, 1544 Piedmont Ave. Suite 124, Atlanta, GA 30324. www.atlantahideaway.com

Queer-loving comedian Margaret Cho brings her “Mother” comedy tour to Atlanta. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at The Punchline, 280 Hilderbrand Drive Atlanta, GA 30328, www.punchline.com

Get a hands-on cooking demonstration with Janine Falvo of “Top Chef,” executive chef of Atlanta’s Briza restaurant. Part of the “For the Foodie in All of Us” series, the event benefits For the Kid in All of Us. Tickets are $50. 2 p.m. at the Cook’s Warehouse- Decatur, 180 West Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030. www.forthekid.org

Monday, Sept. 17

“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

Join the Obama Victory Fund 2012 and the LGBT Leadership Council for a fundraiser to re-elect Barack Obama, hosted by Jeff Cleghorn at the home of Dr. Craig Fisk, DDS. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $100. For more details: http://on.fb.me/Op90tX

Tuesday, Sept. 18

Turner and Out & Equal present “No Dumb Questions,” a documentary about three sisters struggling to understand why their Uncle Bill is becoming a woman. Beer/wine and heave hors d’oeuvres will be served. There is no cost to attend. 5 – 6 p.m. registration and networking, 6 – 7:30 p.m. film screening and discussion at Turner Entertainment Network, 1050 Techwood Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, http://bit.ly/nodumbquestionspanel

On Tuesdays, the new NBC gay-themed sitcom “The New Normal” screens at 9:30 p.m. at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com

Wednesday, Sept. 19

Tonight begins competition in Jungle’s “Dragnique” re-boot “Dragnificent.” There’s $1,000 up for grabs at the end of the seven week amateur competition. The new show is presented by the Fantasy Girls team, Phoenix producing and Nicole Paige Brooks on the mic. First night judges include Phoenix, Edie Cheezburger and special guest Nina Flowers. Tonight’s tips benefit Lost-n-Found Youth. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

“Creating Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace” is an educational seminar presented by Turner and Out & Equal for all HR, diversity and inclusion, employee resource leaders and interested parties to learn about work place issues that surround trans employees. Free CNN tours will be available after the free seminar. Registration is required. 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at CNN Center, 190 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, http://bit.ly/inclusionworkshop

“Waiting for the Stork” is a group discussion of information, ideas and support to those going through IVF, adoption, surrogacy or donor insemination. This event is for members only. 7 – 8:30 p.m. Learn more and join: www.megafamilyproject.org

Every third Wednesday, Lost-n-Found Youth hosts the Big Gay Game Show, a fundraiser for their mission to help Atlanta’s LGBT homeless youth. Games include Family Feud, the Newlywed Game, Match Game and more. Stick around for “Dragnificent” at no extra charge. 7:30 – 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.lost-n-found.org

Thursday, Sept. 20

The Atlanta Executive Network for LGBT professionals hosts its monthly networking event with featured speaker Leslie Williamson, “a specialist in leadership, communication, team-building, career development” and more. $20 Guests, free for members. 6 – 8 p.m. at Hudson Grille Midtown, 642 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.aen.org

See a live taping of NPR’s famed “Wait wait… Don’t Tell Me!” 7:30 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org

Tonight’s Cliterati Open No-Mic features hosts Karen G. and Theresa Davis with special guest Carrie Ludzinski. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

It’s the !Glitz! Paris is Burning edition with Ellisorous Rex at your fave gay dive bar, Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Friday, Sept. 21

SAGE Atlanta, for LGBT elders, hosts chair yoga every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org

The Third Friday Film Series presents “Tree of Life.” $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

Hosted by Jungle, the I Am Divine Foundation (named for John Waters’s legendary muse) and fasionado.net to benefit Pets Are Loving support, the Divine Rules Pageant is hosted by drag legend Sherry Vine with judges Fred Schneider of the B52’s, Nicole Paige Brooks and Michelle Visage from RuPaul’s Drag Race. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30334, www.palsatlanta.org

Saturday, Sept. 22

ZAMI NOBLA, the National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging, hosts a free one-day conference to discuss breast health, education, self-exams and strategies for mental-well being for black lesbians 35 and older. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard Decatur, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.zami.org

Join old friends at the 2012 Sports Page Reunion, where regulars at the old bar meet to remember the glory days of Atlanta’s old gay sports bar. 1 – 8 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Celebrate the first anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” with a fundraiser for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network presented by the Law Firm of Kitchens New Cleghorn and sponsored by the Law Firm of Koehler and Riddick. Suggested donation $100, $150/couple. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the home of Jeff Cleghorn, Esq. For more information: http://on.fb.me/ReCDec

DJ Alyson Calagna spins to end the evening at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Sunday, Sept. 23

Join the Armorettes for Red Ribbon Day: A Festival of Giving, as the camp drag charity troupe pushes to hit the $2 million fundraising mark. Includes midway games, a dunk tank, a cake walk, and more. 2 p.m. – 11 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Lambda Legal hosts their annual cocktail reception fundraiser. Hosted at the home of supporter Harry Harkins, celebrate the gay legal group’s achievements and discuss the challenges faced in Georgia and across the country. $40 ticket, $500+ sponsors. 4 – 6 p.m. at a private residents. Contact Lambda Legal’s Mitch Mathias for more information: 212-809-8585, ext. 288, mmathias@lambdalegal.org or visit www.lamdalegal.org/atlanta

The LGBT-centered Health Initiative hosts their annual Fall Garden Party fundraiser. The organization will honor the Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with the Healing Angel Award. New to this year’s line-up, a premium Host Committee ticket gains entry to a VIP reception an hour before the main event. VIP 3 – 4 p.m., general admission 4 – 8 p.m. at Einstein’s, 1077 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.thehealthinitiative.org

Tuesday, Sept. 25

Starting tonight, Blake’s hosts speed dating from 8-10 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309. www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Jennifer Knapp made headlines when she came out as a lesbian after success in the Christian music scene; she now brings her folk tunes to Eddie’s Attic, 515-B McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Tuesday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 30

Maybe you saw the Oscar-winning film, or you’re familiar with the ingenious puppetry behind the live show. “War Horse” is the imaginative drama that brings viewers on an “emotional journey that charges through the battle fields of history.” Most shows at 8 p.m. with matinees on the weekend at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org

Wednesday, Sept. 26

Charlie Brown hosts “Drag Idol 5” every Wednesday at 10 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, http://on.fb.me/MYbqiy

Thursday, Sept. 27

Apres Diem “Feeds the Soul” by donating 20 percent of tonight’s recepits to A.R.C.A., the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta. Apres Diem, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.apresdiem.com

Fort Worth City Councilmember Joel Burns, who drew national media attention when his story of surviving bullying went viral, comes to Atlanta to support “Breaking Through,” a documentary about openly LGBT elected officials by local filmmaker Cindy Abel. Tonight’s event is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. at a private home in Midtown. The suggested minimum donation is $100. There is also a private dinner with Burns set for the night before.  For locations and other details on the events, email cabel@atlantismoon.com

Tonight is the start of the new 18-and-up College Night at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Saturday, Sept. 29

The beefy men of the traveling Bearracuda party stop in Atlanta for another romp at the Heretic. DJ Hifi Sean makes his Atlanta debut. 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.bearracuda.com.

UPCOMING

Friday, Sept. 28

Hey, man, Atlanta Pride volunteers will be there to collect your groovy donations at ‘70s & ‘80s night at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

Saturday, Sept. 30

The first annual Ansley Fall Festival includes food, shopping, entertainment, local artists, an antique car show, and more. 1-7 p.m. www.ansleyatlanta.com

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Join GA Voice and Equally Wed Magazine as we celebrate our new publication, Atlanta Gay Weddings. Admission, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are complimentary, so come learn about this groundbreaking annual gay wedding/reception/honeymoon guide. 6 – 10 p.m. at Opera, 1150 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/O2p0zY