Friday – Sunday, April 11 – 13
The 78th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival brings out thousands of participants this weekend at Piedmont Park, www.dogwood.org
Friday, April 11
Fourth Tuesday hosts a Dogwood Festival picnic from noon to 6 p.m. Gather near the flagpole on the hill at the west side of the meadow. www.facebook.com/FourthTuesdayAtlanta
Kai Lin Art presents Returning Home featuring artists Sam Parker, Larry Jens Anderson and Peter Ferrari. 7 p.m., www.kailinart.com
Topher Payne, DeWayne Morgan, Johnny Drago and more continue with their latest incarnation of “Designing Women Live!” at Onstage Atlanta, 8 p.m., www.onstageatlanta.com
Edie Cheezburger and her usual assortment of special guests present “The Other Show” drag event weekly at Jungle Atlanta, 9:30 p.m., www.jungleatl.com
Atlanta Leather Pride kicks off with Fetish Night, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaleatherpride.com
Destiny Brooks hosts Femme Fatale at 11 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com
Traxx Girls night at My Sister’s Room offers drink specials, great music and lots of beautiful women, 10 p.m., www.mysistersroom.com
The M4M Hardbody Revue, hosted by Envy Van Michaels, is a competition for men with a $100 cash prize weekly, LeBUZZ, www.thenewlebuzz.com
Saturday, April 12
Lost-n-Found Youth hosts the second half of its volunteer training from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Lost-n-Found Youth Center, 2585 Chantilly Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.lostnfoundyouth.org
Activist and author Penny Rosenwasser talks about her new book, “Hope Into Practice: Jewish Women Choosing Justice Despite Our Fears,” 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Mr. and Ms. Atlanta Eagle 2014 Contest takes place at 8 p.m. followed by the Atlanta Leather Pride SWEAT Victory Dance, www.atlantaleatherpride.com
Boybutante 25 – Drag to the Future is the silver anniversary of the Athens, Ga., drag extravaganza, 9 p.m., 40 Watt Club, www.40watt.com
Hairy men everywhere – it’s Bearracuda night, with UK’s DJ Wayne G. making his spinning debut. Doors open at 9 p.m., Heretic Atlanta, www.hereticatlanta.com
Bedlam Presents presents CircquDeCabaret La Suite, a dance party with performance art. Dollhouse Productions, 980 Industry Drive, Savannah, GA, www.hausofbarrybrandon.com
Hot Mess is a weekly dance party at Mary’s tonight, www.marysatlanta.com
Get those boxers clean – Jungle Atlanta hosts a 10th anniversary Underwear Party featuring the local bow of DJ/Producer Romullo Azaro, as well as the Harness anniversary event/party with DJ Pat Scott, www.jungleatl.com
Sunday, April 13
Twisted Dee is the special guest at Xion, 3 a.m., www.cariocaproductions.com
$2 well drinks are on tap all day and night at Sunday Funday at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309
Art for the Arts is a fundraiser for the Atlanta Women’s Chorus. Create an original, music-themed painting of your own, drink, nosh, or hang out. Tickets are $30 (without a painting class) and $50 with, 12 – 3 p.m., Shout Restaurant Lounge, www.h2sr.com/shout
My Sister’s Room hosts the Pitties in the City pets benefit show, hosted by Julie Osborne and Steve Mize. Doors opens at 6 p.m. with the show at 7:30 p.m. Requested donation is $5 at the door, www.mysistersroom.com
Jazz @ 781, a new series sponsored by St. Mark United Methodist Church, runs through June 8, Sundays at 6:30 p.m., www.stmarkumc.org
She Speaks! Inc. presents the Brown Sugar Vibe’s “Partition” Edition, hosted by Lakara Foster. 7 p.m. at Kat’s Cafe, www.katscafeatlanta.com
Monday, April 14
Practice those ditties beforehand – Blue Monday Karaoke with Darlene Majewski is at 10 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com
New Monday Night Trivia, emceed by Wild Cherry Sucret, offers chances to win up to $250 in cash and prizes, 11 p.m. at Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
Tuesday, April 15
Mary Moore, founder and CEO of The Cook’s Warehouse, and Don Hackett, manager of Cook’s Decatur store and a certified sommelier, come together for “Nourishing Our Community: An Evening of Food, Fellowship and Fermented Beverages ― Benefiting CHRIS Kids.” This evening includes a homemade meal as well as wine selections. 7 – 9 p.m., Cook’s Decatur, $100, http://bit.ly/1mpMdiX
Free dance lessons are on the menu on Two-Step Tuesdays. 8 – 11 p.m., Heretic Atlanta, www.hereticatlanta.com
The Georgia Tech and Agnes Scott Glee Clubs join forces for the Tax Shelter Concert, 8 p.m., Eddie’s Attic, www.eddiesattic.com
Wednesday, April 16
Loosen up and settle in for some exercise with yoga at the MISTER Center, 5:30 p.m., www.mistercenter.org
Two Houses Closing Reception and Award Ceremony for gay artist Aubrey Longley-Cook and Jessica Caldas. Both are Emerging Artist Award Winners for 2014 from the city of Atlanta-Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Two Houses is and immersive show investigating interior and exterior views of family. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Chastain Arts Center and City Gallery Chastain, www.ocaatlanta.com
Dine out for Pride at DaVinci’s Pizza, 7 p.m., www.atlantapride.org
The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) presents AGLCC University: Use Your LGBT-ness To Grow Your Business Presented by The Piedmont Group of Atlanta, LLC, 6 – 8 p.m., Marriott Marquis Atlanta, www.atlantagaychamber.org
Jonah McDonald’s discusses “Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests,” the first guidebook dedicated to hikes in town and in close-in neighborhoods. This is a Charis Circle Urban Sustainability and Wellness Event. The suggested donation is $5, 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Match Game, Family Feud and more are on the bill as part of Second Anniversary celebration of The Big Gay Game Show, benefitting Lost-n-Found Youth, 8 p.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com
The infamous, ubiquitous Ruby Redd hosts Birdcage Bingo at 8 p.m. at Atlanta Hideaway, www.atlantahideaway.com
SkateBoyz ATL “Easter Wkknd” kickoff, 8 p.m. at MetroSkates, www.facebook.com/skateboyzatl
Thursday, April 17 – Sunday, April 20
The Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament is this weekend, celebrating its 32nd year as one of the oldest LGBT tournaments in the country. All matches are at Brunswick Zone. More information can be found at www.dixiebowl.org
Thursday, April 17
SAGE Atlanta hosts Cards and Social Hour, beginning at 10 a.m., Philip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org
10th & Piedmont hosts a fundraiser for Kyle Williams as he runs for State Senate, 5:30 – 7 p.m., $50 minimum to attend, www.communitashospitality.com/10th-and-piedmont/
The Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals (formerly AEN) sponsors Money Matters Buffet, with multiple experts in the financial world on tap to speak, 6 p.m., TEN Atlanta, www.TENAtlanta.com
The Cliterati Open No Mic event, hosted by Karen G and Theresa Davis, this month features YaNi, Mendy Knott and Chelsea Rathburn from the new anthology “Southern Sin.” This is a Charis Circle From Margin to Center Literary event. The suggested donation is $5. 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com
It’s Ladies Night at Friends on Ponce with host Regina, 10 p.m., www.friendsonponce.com
Friday, April 18
Pearl Cleage visits Charis to discuss her first work of non-fiction in many years. “Things I Should Have Told My Daughter: Lies, Lessons & Love Affairs” charts not only her background in a political arena but also the pull she began to feel to focus on her own passions. This is a Charis Circle From Margin to Center Literary Event. The suggested donation is $5. 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com
The Third Friday Film series presents “Inequality For All,” a documentary which follows former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich as he looks to raise awareness of the country’s widening economic gap, co-sponsored by the Social Justice Guild and the Georgia Peace & Justice Coal, First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., http://firstexistentialist.org
Mr. and Mrs. Atlanta Eagle Bar Night with DJ Ron Pullman, 10 p.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com
Saturday, April 19
Free Texas Hold Em poker is available from 4 – 8 p.m. followed by various DJs at 10 p.m at Mixx Atlanta, www.mixxatlanta.com
The Lesbian 50+ Potluck and Social offers great food and the opportunity to meet new people, 6 – 8 p.m., Philip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org
Food, drink, dancing and great music – Atlanta Freedom Bands presents Spring Swing with the MetroGnomes Stage Band as its annual fundraiser, 8 – 10 p.m., Hudson Grille Midtown
Georgia’s Queen of the Blues – Francine Reed – headlines an evening at Red Clay Theatre at 8 p.m., www.eddieowenpresents.com
Monica Van Pelt hosts Synergy at Burkharts beginning at 11 p.m., www.burkharts.com
Kings, queens and femmes come together for My Sister’s Room Drag Race competition, hosted by Tiff-Nay, Romeo Lee, Chase Daniels and Jami Atlanta, www.mysistersroom.com
Sunday, April 20
Lips Atlanta is the home for Gospel Brunch, with the Sisters of Sequin, hosted by Bubba D. Licious, with a brunch special and $5 show cover, with brunch at 12:30 p.m. and entertainment at 1:30 p.m., www.lipsatl.com’
Grab your best bonnet and hurry to the Annual Easter Drag Races with the Armorettes, ione of gay Atlanta’s most sacred traditions. Registrations for the gams start at 2 p.m. with the games beginning at 4 p.m. in the Burkhart’s parking lot. Get there early – spaces go fast. All tips will go to the Armorettes PWA Fund, http://tinyurl.com/lhz5lcu
Third Sunday PFLAG Meeting, 2:30 – 5 p.m., St. Mark United Methodist Church (UMC), www.stmarkumc.org
Get to Church (It’s a Bar!) for Easter Sunday. DJ Vicki Powell returns with a special Easter Sunday Service at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium. 7 p.m., www.sisterlouisaschurch.com
It’s double feature time, as the Atlanta Rollergirls hosts a twin bill, at 5:00 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m., Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30308
Lateasha Shante Shuntel, Nicole Paige Brooks, Shawna Brooks and more divas host Cell Block Sunday at 8 p.m. at Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com
Monday, April 21
Dine Out for Charis Circle, 6 – 11 p.m., Wrecking Bar, 292 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30307
Trans and Friends: a Project of the Feminist Outlawz is a support group for youth focused group for trans*people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com
“The Lion Sings Tonight” is a benefit concert for Joining Hearts, featuring cast members of the stage musical “The Lion King” and classic songs from Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, Ike and Tina Turner and more, 7:30 p.m., Woodruff Arts Center, www.woodruffcenter.org
Tuesday, April 22
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons, hosted by Michelle Visage and featuring Jinkx Monsoon, Sharon Needles, Ivy Winters, Carmen Carrera, Pandora Boxx, Phi Phi O’Hara and DJ Mimi Imfurst, is tonight, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and show at 9 p.m., Center Stage Atlanta, www.centerstage-atlanta.com
Jungle Atlanta hosts Dance night featuring EDM. Doors open at 10 p.m., www.jungleatl.com
Wednesday, April 23
Bring an empty stomach to Taco, Tequila and Beer Night at Amsterdam Atlanta, with $5 tacos, 6 – 11 p.m., www.amsterdamatlanta.com
Georgia Equality, WonderRoot, Charis Books & More, TILTT and JustUsATL invite you to participate in Deconstructing Binaries, a community-based public art project that will explore and challenge binary representations of gender identity on public restroom signage, 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Woofs Atlanta’s Trivia begins at 8 p.m., www.woofsatlanta.com
Traxx Atlanta presents Primetime Wednesdays with hip hop all night, $3 martinis and $5 well drinks, Sutra Lounge, 1136 Crescent Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309
Thursday, April 24
Join Rabbi Pamela Gottfried for a Lunch and Learn series and a discussion about the biblical prohibitions on same-sex relations, using modern and ancient commentaries. discussion about the biblical prohibitions on same-sex relations, using modern and ancient commentaries.discussion about the Biblical prohibitions on same-sex relations, using modern and ancient commentaries, sponsored by Sojourn, 12 – 1 p.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.com
Velvet Lips Presents the Advanced Sexuality Series on Fantasy & Fetishism. This is a Charis Circle Urban Sustainability and Wellness event. The suggested donation is $15. 7:30 – 9 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Decadence: A Night of Drinking and Debauchery is every Thursday starting at 10 p.m., hosted by Adam Bland and Ashley Mitchell with beats by DJ Daryl Cox. A wet underwear contest begins at 11 p.m, with a cash prize and dancers aplenty, TEN Atlanta, www.tenatlanta.com
Ruby Redd brings Dirty Boy Bingo to Cockpit at 10 p.m., www.thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com
UPCOMING
Friday, April 25
DJ superstars Chus and Ceballos bring their beats to Opera nightclub. A Chris Coleman Enterprises LLC event. Proceeds benefit AID Atlanta, 10 p.m., www.operanightclub.com
Saturday, April 26
The second annual Ready for Hope Patio Bear-B-Q. $15 cover with money raised going towar the Atlanta AIDS Walk. 2-6 p.m. at Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com
The Men of David contest is a benefit for AID Atlanta, with an 8 p.m. VIP reception and the show at 9 p.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com
Beloved Community dialogue on marriage equality, moderated by Fulton County Commissioner Joan Ganer and with panelists Robin Shahar, Mayor Kasim Reed’s LGBT liaison; Dr. Susan Barrett; Branden Mattox; and Conrad Honicker. Hosted by Friends School of Atlanta. 6 p.m. at Friends School of Atlanta, www.friendsschoolatlanta.org
Ruby’s Redd Light District presents Lady Bunny, 8 p.m., Jungle, www.jungleatl.com
Sunday, April 27
The Big Gay Anniversary Beer Bust benefits Joining Hearts, Joe’s on Juniper. 1 – 5 p.m., www.joesonjuniper.com
Wednesday, April 30
Recording artist Christina Perri comes to the Buckhead Theatre, 7 p.m., www.thebuckheadtheatre.com
Thursday, May 1
Green Day’s Broadway sensation “American Idiot” makes it Atlanta debut at the Fox Theatre, running through May 4, 7:30 p.m., www.foxtheatre.org
Saturday, May 3
HRC Atlanta hosts its annual Gala Dinner, with a silent auction and special guests, 5 p.m., Hyatt Regency Atlanta, http://www.atlantaregency.hyatt.com. More information – http://hrcatlanta.org
Tuesday, May 6
The one and only Lady Gaga visits Philips Arena, www.philipsarena.com
Saturday, May 10
Atlanta Pride hosts its Pride Ride, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Alexander Lake Pavillion, 5089 Flat Bridge Road Southwest, Stockbridge, GA 30281
Broadway and “Smash” star Megan Hilty comes to the Cobb Energy Centre, 8 p.m., www.cobbenergycentre.com
Monday, May 12
It’s the official gay ticket of the year! Cher un-retires and comes to Philips Arena, with Cyndi Lauper as her opening act, www.philipsarena.com
Thursday, May 15
Out artists Tegan and Sara perform at Buckhead Theatre, with special guests Lucius and The Courtneys, 8 p.m., www.thebuckheadtheatre.com
Tuesday, June 3
Recording artist Morrissey visits Atlanta as part of his new U.S. tour, with special guest songwriter and keyboardist Kristeen Young, 8 p.m., Cobb Energy Centre, www.cobbenergycentre.com
Friday – Sunday, June 6 – 8
Atlanta Poly Weekend is a three day international conference for the polyamorous and non-monogamous community, their friends, and allies, hosted by Relationship Equality Foundation and Atlanta Polyamory. In its 4th year, the event features over 20 educators from all across the globe, including experts in the field of non-monogamy research such as Dr. Elizabeth Scheff and Dr. Susan Mayer, to advocates and community leaders such as Franklin Veaux and Samantha Frazier. $60.00 at the door or via pre-registration, Holiday Inn Perimeter-Dunwoody. www.atlantapolyweekend.com