Best Bets: Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for August 16-29

Friday, August 16

The Big Queer Sizzle III is an annual fundraiser for Charis Circle featuring a night of performances by local queer artists. Join in for a dance, poetry, porn, songs, and lyrics featuring the likes of hostess Kathleen Delaney Adams, Collin Kelley, Connie Tuttle, Sid Robinson, Norwood LeVough, Franklin Abbott, Xt Venus Valentine, Adriana Chiknas, Al Schlong, Katie Farris and more. 7:30 – 10pm Charis Books and More

Out of Box is proud to kick off its Beta Test Series with a developmental production of Topher Payne’s “Entertaining Lesbians.” All Rowena Tuttle wants is a place in polite society. But as a cisgender heterosexual white woman, no one finds her interesting anymore. If she wants to gain admission for her daughter into the uber-exclusive School for Young People, she’s going to require a more compelling personal narrative and a more diverse group of friends. Aided with significant hesitation by her husband and her personal assistant, Rowena sets her sights on Atlanta’s most powerful lesbian couple, determined to forge a friendship. But just before the lesbians arrive, Rowena’s past catches up with her. 8pm, through August 17.

Saturday, August 17

Project RED Paint presents its 2nd annual Splash Party event. The afternoon will feature a variety of water games, round table discussions, entertainment, food, and cool drinks. The event is free but organizers will be accepting donations which can consist of monetary donations, bags of ice, drinks, utensils, and food. 3 – 8pm South Bend Park

My Sisters Room presents Her HRC, a night of cabaret. 6pm

It’s a trio not be missed! Michelle Malone joins forces with fellow musicians DeDe Vogt and Caroline Aiken for a rousing set, including some of Malone’s classic blues songs 7pm Eddie’s Attic

Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe attends the Macon Film Festival – running through tomorrow – for a 10th anniversary screening of the film “Precious.” 7 – 10pm Grand Opera House

Let the sunshine in! It was one of the company’s biggest hits ever and now the musical “Hair” is back. 8pm, through August 18 Serenbe Playhouse

It’s the Glamorous one-year anniversary, Bold and Gold party, with DJ/ producer Yinon Yahel from Tel Aviv! DJ Neon the Glogobear will set the tone of the night on Atlanta’s best dance floor! Tickets available at bbproductions.
ticketleap.com. 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta

Sunday, August 18

DJ Alex Acosta returns to Xion to serve up intense after-hours beats until the sun rises! 3am – 7am BJ Roosters

The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children opens its doors today, 2:30 – 4pm Atlanta International School

East Tiger Events hosts its Annalyze event tonight, with no cover. 5 – 9pm My Sister’s Room

Monday, August 19

WUSSY MAG + Out On Film and Plaza Atlanta present “Queers on Film,” a new monthly series of LGBTQ arthouse and independent classics at the Plaza Theatre. Tonight’s screening is the 1982 Julie Andrews classic “Victor/Victoria,” featuring great performances, the unforgettable number “Le Jazz Hot” and a post-film discussion. Singa-long with the film, shady dames. 7pm

Tuesday, August 20

Looking for some exciting hoop action? The Chicago Sky take on the Atlanta Dream tonight. 7pm State Farm Arena

Wednesday, August 21

If you are looking, hiring or just want to extend your network in the Health and Wellness industry, join MAAP tonight for its first-ever health and wellness-focused Mix & Mingle. Take a break from the work week, have a good laugh and make the connection that will move your career forward while enjoying a complimentary chair-massage, wine, and artwork by local artisans. RSVP now at https:// maap082119.eventbrite.com. 6 – 8pm Art of Touch Massage

Thursday, August 22 Do you want to read books by amazing Black women writers? Do you want to discuss works from a Black feminist perspective(s)? Do you want to do all of this in an awesome gem of a feminist bookstore? Then the Black Feminist Book Club is for you. Charis Circle board chair Susana Morris is the facilitator of this group. This spring and summer Black Feminist contemporary memoirs are on tap and tonight it’s “Ordinary Light” by Tracy K. Smith. This is a Charis Circle From Margin to Center literary event and the suggested donation is $5. 7 – 9pm Charis Books and More

The Auburn Avenue Research Library, in collaboration with 90.1 WABE, will host Guns & Black Southern Life, a groundbreaking new reporting collaboration focused on a single issue: the role of guns in American life. Hosted by WABE reporter Lisa Hagen and Dr. Regina Bradley, Kennesaw State University Assistant Professor of English and African Diaspora Studies, the conversation will consider a range of topics including Southern history, self-defense, identity, violence, safety, and survival. The discussion is in coordination with the Guns & America reporting collaborative. Panelists will include representatives from the National African American Gun Association, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and the featured guest, professor and award-winning author Kiese Laymon. 7pm

Join TEN Atlanta tonight for its Sexy Swimsuit contest. 10pm

Friday, August 23

Help Atlanta Pride raise money at its Paint With Pride event tonight, with painting, drinks and raffle prizes. 7pm Sips N Strokes

Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Spring Awakening” is a provocative exploration of the journey from adolescence to adulthood told through an electrifying contemporary musical with a pop/rock score. Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play of the same name, it follows the interweaving lives of a group of German teenagers as they navigate issues of sexuality, morality, and adulthood. Although set in late-19th century Germany, the angst, emotion, desire, and romance still ring true today. 8pm, through August 24 Onstage Atlanta

The G8YTIES ’80s Dance Party: EUROTRASH edition brings you your favorite ’80s dance classics with a ripple of New Wave music. Inspired by the punk rock movement in the UK. and later in the US. Come join us as Dj Mike Pope will be spinning all your favorite dance songs and new wave hits of the ’80s from artist including Depeche Mode, Dead or Alive, Pet Shop Boys, Culture Club, Duran Duran, New Order, Billy Idol, Blondie, Missing Persons, Flock of Seagulls, Erasure and more. $10 cover all night long. 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta

Saturday, August 24

Get ready to crank the energy up to full blast as Beyond Productions brings you Atlanta’s newest circuit party, Circuit Breaker, featuring International DJ/Producer Jack Chang all the way from London. Tickets available on event Facebook page. 10pm – 3am Believe Music Hall

Big hair, high heels, and a lot of duct tape are part of the fun as part of Glitz & Glam, hosted by the legendary Mr. Charlie Brown. 6:30 and 9pm Lips Atlanta

Based on true events, “A Southern Fairytale” artfully illuminates the challenges facing a young, gay Christian growing up in the Deep South. Written and performed by Ty Autry, the show explores the trauma of rejection by those we love through the character of Alex Belmont. 8pm Out Front Theatre Company

DJ Daniel Weaver presents Submission – Reload! Will you submit? Domination and resistance come back to the Atlanta Eagle!. Are you a Sir or Boy? Bring it on! 10pm – 3am

Sunday, August 25

Still up and ready for more partying? Get your late-night dance on at Xion with Twisted Dee Martello. 3am

Monday, August 26

Atlanta Black Pride officially kicks off tonight with a week-long series of parties, events, panels and more at various venues.
Tuesday, August 27 Join Tony for Happy Hour and stick around for Dragnificent, Atlanta’s drag competition produced by local drag queen, Phoenix. The event is hosted by Celeste Holmes. 9pm Heretic Atlanta

Wednesday, August 28

Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe. It’s also gay as heck, with a line-up this year that includes George Takei, Colton Haynes of “Arrow” and many more performers.

Thursday, August 29

Elevating Voices will be staging the finale of the LGBT stage play “Love Sex and Marriage” this weekend. “Love Sex and Marriage” follows superstar, Darrin – who the ladies love and the guys want to be. Little does everyone know, Darrin is a closeted gay man, signed to a homophobic music label. When Darrin meets a guy at one of his concert, matters spiral out of control. 7pm, through September 1 7 Stages

UPCOMING
Friday, August 30

The Atlanta Team Tennis Association (ATTA) kicks off its annual Peach International Tennis Tournament today, hosting players from across the country at various venues.

The Decatur Book Festival opens tonight and runs with Sunday with a large slate of LGBTQ writers and representation. The 8pm keynote panel is Effecting Change in a Changing World: Latinx Writers on Immigration, 8pm at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. Other events will take place in the Decatur Square.

Saturday, August 31

Decatur Book Festival in partnership with Poetry Atlanta and Java Speaks presents the Local Poets Stage today. Poetry Atlanta was created by Atlanta Review editor Dan Veach to help promote poetry and spoken word in Atlanta. The non-profit organization hosts open mics, readings, workshops, and events around the city. Java Speaks Open Mic is a weekly series celebrating 18 years. The open mic originated at Java Monkey Coffee House, destroyed in a fire November 2018, Java Speaks continues at Ammazza Decatur. 10am – 6pm

The Children of the ’90s house music event is today, celebrating music from the famed decade, with a terrific line-up of DJs. Noon – 8pm Piedmont Park at the large pavilion by the pool

Bear Invasion returns to Atlanta for Labor Day Weekend with DJ Eric James. NO COVER ALL NIGHT LONG!! 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta

The Atlanta Eagle welcomes BEARBUST Party! Since 1990 BEARBUST has been held at the Parliament House Orlando, it’s the largest gathering of Bears and their admirers in Florida! Tonight, they bring the bears to Atlanta! Come dance the night away with DJ Moose, Resident Eagle DJ and BEARBUST DJ. 10pm – 3am Atlanta Eagle

Sunday, September 1

DJ Ed Wood returns to Xion for a morning of sweaty dancing and mingling! 3am – 7am BJ Roosters

Labor Day Sunday Heretic will be OPEN AND POURING for all night long!! The amazing ALEXANDER will spin the beats for an unforgettable night! Get here early for a night you won’t forget! 10pm – 3am Heretic Atlanta

Monday, September 2

Atlanta Premier Events presents its signature LGBT celebration: the 10th anniversary reunion and return of Rainbow Days at Six Flags over Georgia, in partnership with Meak Productions, Inc., Atlanta Black Pride, Inc and other partners. The event will feature the closing pool party of Atlanta Black Pride (at 6pm) and featuring a dazzling set of DJs and a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. 2:30am – 8:30pm