Best Bets: Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for July 19-August 1

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. Onstage Atlanta’s version of it opens tonight.

Don’t miss the Boys of BJs strut their stuff.

Get ready to celebrate Joining Hearts 32 with two super-star DJ’s, Joe Gauthreaux and Leanh, on-stage creating music magic at the official kickoff party. For ticket information, visit gaboyevents.com.

The Auburn Avenue Research Library in collaboration with Hammonds House Museum will host renowned photographer Adreinne Waheed, who will discuss her book of photography “Black Joy & Resistance.” What can be deemed as a visual representation of Maya Angelou’s “And Still We Rise” through her camera lens, Adreinne Waheed’s “Black Joy & Resistance” masterfully captures “The Souls of Black Folks.”

Come get wet for Joining Hearts 32 to help raise awareness and funds to provide care and housing assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. Since 1987 Joining Hearts has donated more than $2.5 million to various local beneficiaries. Enjoy superstar Rick Braile and an opening set by Andres Vergel. Patrons will all enjoy food by Sun In My Belly and end with a fabulous fireworks display.

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the “pleasantly plump” teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire: to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” She’s a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart who sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams and win the boy she loves. Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, “Hairspray” is piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs.

Atlanta house legend DJ Ron Pullman returns to town, spinning tonight.

The only hoedown in Atlanta! All night dancing to a mix of country, swing, and pop! There’s line dancing, two-step, west coast swing, east coast swing, and more! No cover!

Don’t miss Valley of the Dills with Miz Cracker from “Rupaul’s Drag Race.” This is the Official Season 11 tour afterparty, with performances by Brigitte Bidet, Dotte Com, Iv Fischer, Molly Rimswell, Royal Tee, SHI, Taylor Alxndr, and TJ Maxx.

Michelle Malone’s performances can go from contemplative coffeehouse quiet to rowdy and “Deluxe reverb on 10” at the turn of a dime. Her passionate, uncompromising style has won her loyal following worldwide. Michelle’s new record “Slings and Arrows” is upbeat, defiant, and jubilant, flush with the raw energy, emotion, and slide guitar that’s always been a part of her signature sound all while nudging her deeper into some personal new territory. Malone teams with Linda Bolley for a gig tonight.

DJ Daniel Weaver returns to the Atlanta Eagle for an electrifying night of dancing. Come party with us and support the Atlanta Bucks Rugby team as the club night Sponsor.

Keep the party going with the official Joining Hearts Saturday night party with international DJ Micky Friedmann spinning the beats all night long. Opening set by DJ Mike Pope and a special performance by Phoenix. For ticket information, visit gaboyevents.com.

DJ Pagano returns to Xion after hours to celebrate Joining Hearts weekend.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! As part of the Coca Cola Film Festival at the Fox Theatre, “Mary Poppins” screens today — and it’s the Sing-along version.

After an impactful launch in Miami this spring, the Sweet Spot crew is spreading the love this summer with their new Sweet Spot event. Sweet Spot resident joy-makers Deane and DJ Pride are bringing a different flavor and will be joined by Atlanta’s own Brian Rojas. The trio will be pumping a surprising, unpredictable and joy-inducing blend of modern and classic house, soul-stirring and vintage jams, connected by a yummy base of percussive fierceness.

The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children opens its doors tonight.

It’s All Music Monday with DJ Bill Berdeaux.

Up for some basketball? The Los Angeles Sparks visit the Atlanta Dream tonight.

Enjoy good vibes and great music with

DJ Schilla tonight.

Campy, outrageous and full of showtunes, Twisted Broadway is tonight, hosted by Edie Cheezburger.

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 “The Light of the World” by Elizabeth Alexander. This is a Charis Circle From Margin to Center literary event and the suggested donation is $5.

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

Mix and mingle with LGBTQ+ business professionals, allies, non-profit leaders, and more at the AGLCC (Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) Fourth Friday gathering, sponsored by AARP.

Direct from Broadway! If you want to be part of the party of the summer, get thee to Actor’s Express for the hilarious, sexy Broadway hit “Head Over Heels,” featuring the music of the iconic ’80s band The Go-Go’s. Full of campy fun and romantic entanglements, this wildly entertaining musical romp follows the royal family of mythical Arcadia on a madcap journey to save their kingdom and follow their hearts. Featuring such beloved Go-Go’s hits as “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation” and Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You,” “Head Over Heels” will leave you laughing out loud and humming along.

LADIES OF THE G8YTIES edition! Because “Girl just want to have fun”. Come join us as we celebrate some of the greatest women in music from the ’80s including Madonna, Cher, Whitney Houston, Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, Bananarama, The Bangles, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Jody Watley, Kim Wilde and more. Dj Mike Pope will be spinning all your favorite songs from the divas of the ‘80s. $10 cover all night long.

HRC invites you to their fourth annual tennis social, Serving for Equality. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in this fun doubles event and will receive a commemorative event t-shirt and gift bag. Don’t have a doubles partner? Organizers will pair you up with other players and you can make some new friends along the way. Not a tennis player? That’s okay. Join as a spectator. Players and spectators will enjoy complimentary food, cocktails, a complimentary pop from King of Pops, a silent auction, music and more.

ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.”

The Legendary Children: Royal Court Reunion features the likes of Violet Chachki (Queen), Lavonia Elberton (Royal Mage), Ellisorous Rex (Queen Mother), Brigitte Bidet (Guard of the Royal Stool), Mo’Dest Volgare (Royal Mistress), Hydrangea Heath (Royal Cupbearer), Kryean Kally (Princess), Iv Fischer (Duchess), JayBella Banks (Mistress of Coin), Davey Swinton (Troubador), Molly Rimswell (Court Marshall) and Mystery Meat (Court Jester), with music by Zaida (Pied Piper)

DJ Eric James is bringing HEAT to the dance floor. Hot men — cold cocktails to get the summer party going. No Cover!

Carly Rae Jensen brings her Dedicated Tour to town tonight.

T-Time Atlanta Trans Youth holds its weekly meeting.

It’s Trivia Tuesday night at the Hideaway Atlanta with host DeWayne Morgan.

Enjoy two rowdy events at the Heretic Atlanta — Warp Zone begins at 9pm and then Boys’ Night Out dance party kicks off at 10pm.

Alex Suarez hosts FEMME tonight. FEMME is dedicated to providing a safe space for queer folks, allies, and a range of entertainers to come to together under one roof for a night of performance, drag, and one big ass dance party. Performers include Reptilian Anderson, Calcutta and TJ Maxxx.

Join MAAP for its monthly It’s Friday — Mix, Mingle and Network session. This month’s event will be at the Living Room (Lobby Bar) of the W Atlanta – Midtown. W Atlanta Midtown will graciously be providing drink specials for your enjoyment, light bites, and a DJ to spin some tunes. Grab a friend and a business contact or two and meet us there. Leave the work week behind, start your weekend right, and connect with other like-minded LGBT and straight professionals over drinks, laughter, and good professional conversation. Pre-register now at https://maap080219.eventbrite.com.

DJ Ana Paula returns to Xion after hours to keep the party going into the early morning!

Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender and aspiring allies, providing a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues.

Before the film version comes out later this year, enjoy the national touring version of “Cats” tonight.