Check out our Bets of LGBT events for July 4-18 and beyond

FRIDAY, JULY 4-SUNDAY, JULY 6
The annual Atlanta BearFest, sponsored by Southern Bears and welcoming hairy men from around the Southeast, continues at the Courtyard Marriott with all sorts of events over the four day holiday weekend including appearances by George Unda, star of the web series “Where the Bears Are,so” www.atlantabearfest.com

FRIDAY, JULY 4
Edie Cheezburger and her usual assortment of special guests present “The Other Show” drag event weekly at Jungle, 9:30 p.m., www.jungleatl.com

It’s Pump Friday Nights at the Heretic, 10 p.m., www.hereticatlanta.com

The Atlanta Eagle hosts the Panther Leather/Levi club Night, 10 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com
Monica Van Pelt presents Synergy at 11 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

SATURDAY, JULY 5
The Atlanta Gender Variations: Parents of gender variant/trans children support group meets in Atlanta today from 2 – 4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, www.uuca.org

Legendary Children: In Heat is a hot and sweaty summer night featuring some of your favorite local artists serving you good ol’ southern queer drag, installations, photos, film, drawings, performance, sexy go-go boys/slaves, music, dancing and shameless innuendo. Entertainers include Brigitte Bidet, Edie Cheezburger, Ellisorous Rex, Jai’Ne Van Michaels, Kryean Kally, Lavonia Elberton, Mo’Dest Volgare and Violet Chackhi, 8 p.m., the Mammal Gallery, http://www.legendarychildrenatlanta.com, www.Mammalgallery.com

Southern Bears and Atlanta Eagle present 
the Mr. Atlanta Bear and Atlanta Cub contests. 9 p.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantabearfest.com

The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and The Atlanta Eagle bring to you a night of fun and frolic the first Saturday night of the month
with Jockstrap Sister Twister, 9 – 11 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

SUNDAY, JULY 6
In the Life Atlanta, which sponsors Atlanta Black Pride, hosts Partying with a Purpose Fourth of July celebration, a free event with music, entertainment and nibbles, Piedmont Park.
For more information – www.inthelifeatlanta.org

Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer holds its inaugural “Babes for Boobs” party with a
DJ on the patio, frozen drinks, half-price chicken wings and more. 6 p.m., Hobnob, http://www.communitashospitality.com/hobnob/, www.itsthejourney.org

$2 well drinks are on tap all day and night at Sunday Funday at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309

The Ready for Hope Harness/Red Hot and Blue Party celebrates the holiday in style with DJ Vicki Powell, 7 p.m. – midnight, bckspce atl, http://jungleatl.com

MONDAY, JULY 7
The mellow sounds of Lionel Richie come to town as part of his All the Hits All Night Long tour, 7:30 p.m., Chastain Park Ampitheatre, http://www.ticketmaster. com/Lionel-Richie-tickets/artist/735972

The Atlanta PFLAG Support group meets today from 7:30 – 9 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, www.uuca.org

TUESDAY, JULY 8
“Under the Sea!” The stage version of “The Little Mermaid” makes its ATL debut at the Fox Theatre tonight at 7:30, running until Sunday, July 13, http://foxtheatre.org/

Stories on the Square, an open mic storytelling event for true personal stories that must be told not read, with a max time limit of seven minutes. Theme for this show is “May the Force Be with You,” 7:30 p.m. in the back room of The Famous Pub, www.stories-on-the-square.com

Ruby Redd and Angelica D’Paige are the emcees of Drageoke, 10:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9
“Chips, Cookies & Cheese Sticks: An Education Revolution in the Making” is a public gathering about the new Pride School, an LGBTQQIA school opening in Atlanta. To be discussed are a location, start date and format for the 2014-2015 school year. 6:30 p.m., Charis Books & More, www.facebook.com/prideschoolgeorgia

Get leied at Luau Bingo with emcees Bubba Dee, Kimora Layou and Brent Star, 7:30 p.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

Actor’s Express opens the cult favorite “The Rocky Horror Show,” directed by out Freddie Ashley, running through August 9, with a show tonight at 8 p.m., www.actorsexpress.com

Monica Van Pelt, Angelica D’Paige and Viola Chachki are the hosts for Lips Atlanta’s Bitchy Bingo event, with show time at 8:45 p.m., www. lipsatl.com

Primetime Wednesdays dance party revs up from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Sutra Lounge, 1136 Crescent Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309., www.sutraloungeatl.com

THURSDAY, JULY 10
Girlz Retro and Aunt Judy’s Social Circle Join forces for a combined event which includes specialty drinks, dancing and a diverse group of women (and guy friends are always welcome). 5:30 p.m. at Bad Dog Taqueria, www.baddogtaco.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 galore, TEN Atlanta, www.tenatlanta.com

FRIDAY, JULY 11
Fourth Tuesday hosts its July happy hour, 6 p.m. at Mixx, www.facebook.com/FourthTuesdayAtlanta

The Plain White Ts open for Goo Goo Dolls & Daughtry, Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 7 p.m., www.ticketmaster.com

Onstage Atlanta opens “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” featuring a character with gay parents tonight at 8 p.m., running through August 16, www.onstageatlanta.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

The Goat Farm Arts Center presents Dad’s Garage and Friends, a kickass celebrity-filled (Tim Meadows, Kevin McDonald) summertime arts event, with performances on Friday, July 11th at 7:30 & 10:30pm, Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.facebook.com/ events/733195936738490

Meak Productions in partnership with the Atlanta Underground Music Awards present the inaugural LGBT Music Night, 9 p.m., 2241 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://tinyurl.com/lreqhct

Traxx Girls night at My Sister’s Room offers drink specials, great music and lots of beautiful women, 10 p.m., www.mysistersroom.com

Hotlanta Rubber Gear Club Bar Night w/ DJ Nat, 10 – 11 p.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com

Destiny Brooks gets the crowd worked up at Femme Fatale at 11 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

SATURDAY, JULY 12
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” continues at Serenbe Playhouse, directed by out Brian Clowdus, through August 2, with an 11 a.m. performance today, www.serenbeplayhouse.com

WRFG 89.3 Birthday Block Party starts at 2 p.m. in Little Five Points, www.wrfg.org

In collaboration with the Smoke School of Art, a nonprofit art collective based in Atlanta, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will host Masterpieces: The Intersection of Visual Art and Postcolonial Racial Supremacy. Facilitated by Atlanta Metro- politan State College Assistant Professor of Art, Jason Sweet and conceptual artist and educator, Christopher Hutchinson, this community lecture will examine the connection between the visual arts and racial supremacy, exploring the historical roots of this relationship and the contemporary impact on art produced by communities of color. 3:30 p.m., Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History, http://www.afpls.org/ auburn-avenue-research-library

“Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Ken, is on tap tonight at Friends on Ponce, 6 – 10 p.m., www.friendsonponce-atl.com

It’s a double bill at the Atlanta Roller Girls — an All Star Bout between the Dirty South Derby Girls and the Naptown Roller Girls at 5:30 p.m. followed by Apocalyp- stix vs the Denim Demons at 7:30 p.m., Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30308

SUNDAY, JULY 13
For those who can stay up all night, Xion Atlanta gets cranking at 3 a.m. with DJ Dan de Leon, www.cariocaproductions.com

Angelica D’Paige and friends — including Brent Star and Destiny Brooks — purr up fun at Sex Kitten, with $5 burgers and Smirnoff cocktails, 8 p.m. at 10th and Piedmont, www.communitas hospitality.com/10th-and-piedmont/promotions/ Sex-Kitten-with-Angelica-DPaige

MONDAY, JULY 14
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, JULY 15
Two Step Tuesdays offer free two-step, waltz and swing lessons from 8 – 9 p.m. before an open dance from 9 – 11 p.m., Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Cockpit Atlanta is the home for You Tubesday ‘90s mix, with VJ Ayem, www.thecockpit-atlanta. blogspot.com/

Will Solange be there? Beyonce and Jay Z bring their “On the Run” tour to the Georgia Dome at 8 p.m., www.ticketmaster.com/on-the-run- tour-beyonce-and-atlanta-georgia-07-15-2014/ exchange/0E004C98A818B03D

Team Trivia with Wil, 9 – 11 p.m., Atlanta Hideaway, http://www.atlantahideaway.com/

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Loosen up and settle in for some exercise with yoga at the MISTER Center, 5:30 p.m., www.mistercenter.org
Ten Atlanta sponsors Dinner and a Movie every Wednesday at 8 p.m., www.tenatlanta.com

THURSDAY, JULY 17
SAGE Atlanta hosts its weekly social hour/games and conversation event, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org

Go Hillary! The big Atlanta is Ready for Hillary pep rally, with some high profile speakers, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, is tonight, Park Tavern at Piedmont Park, 6 – 8 p.m., www.readyforhillary.com

GA Voice’s Best of Atlanta party includes light bites by Henry’s and Campagnolo, sweet treats by Southern Sweets and complimentary cocktails and wine by Green’s and Barefoot Wine.DJ Vicki Powell will be providing the beats with the evening hosted by comedian Ian Aber. 6:30 p.m. at Georgian Terrace, www.thegavoice.com

Brent Star hosts Game Night at G’s Midtown every Thursday from 9 – 11 p.m., http://www.communitashospitality.com/gs-midtown/

UPCOMING
FRIDAY, JULY 18 AND SATURDAY, JULY 19
Indigo Girls hit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens as part of the Concerts in the Garden series, 8 p.m. both evenings, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

SATURDAY, JULY 19

It’s back! The annual Joining Hearts pool part raises awareness and funds to provide housing assistance to Atlanta nonpfrofit HIV/AIDS services organizations for people living with HIV/AIDS. World renowned DJ/remixer/producer Manny Lehman will be headlining the main event with an opening set by Atlanta’s own DJ Travis. 4-11 p.m., Piedmont Park Aquatic Center, www.joininghearts.org

Thomas Hynds leads an identity theft seminar at 11 a.m. at the Phillip Rush Center Annex, www.rushcenteratl.org
Jungle hosts DJ Aron and vocalist Beth Sacks from 9 p.m. – 3 a.m., benefiting Joining Hearts, www.jungleatl.com

TUESDAY, JULY 22
Recording artist Beck visits the Fox Theatre, tonight at 8 p.m., http://foxtheatre.org/

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
Sara Bareilles sings some of her greatest hits with her Little Black Dress tour at 7 p.m. at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 7 p.m., http://www.ticketmaster.com/ Sara-Bareilles-tickets/artist/978402

The Advanced Sexuality Series: Transfolks Talk Sex is a panel of trans identified folks will talk candidly about their sexual experiences, what they’ve learned about their bodies during their transition and how cis- gender people can do better when approaching trans- gender folks about sex. This event is co-sponsored by Velvet Lips and Charis Circle’s Urban Sustainability and Wellness series. The suggested donation is $10. 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

SUNDAY, JULY 27
Backpack in the Park is a fundraiser for For the Kid in All of Us, with admission $30 online or $40 at the door, Cator Woolford Gardens, 815 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308

Frankly, you’ll give a damn – “Gone With the Wind” screens at 2 p.m. as part of the Coca Cola Film Festival, Fox Theatre, http://foxtheatre.org/

THURSDAY, JULY 31
The 5th Annual Marietta Rainbow Festival/ Marietta Pride will be hosted by The North Geor- gia Rainbow Coalition and LeBUZZ today through Sunday, August 2, www.rainbowgeorgia.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
The Inaugural 5k Run/Walk, part of Marietta Pride, will take place in the historic Marietta Square, beginning at 8 p.m., benefitting the Health Initiative, www.5kequalityrun.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
Phish plays the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 7:30 p.m., www.ticketmaster.com Thursday,

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
The Guys as Dolls show is a drag extravaganza featuring a bevy of beauties to raise money for the 2014 AIDS Walk. Featured performers include Tara Kotta, Kymora Layou, Sue Nami, Paige Turner, Stella D’oro, Misti Shores, Charlene Boufontaine, Regina Carter, Jordan Mathews, East Point Possums, Berlinda Wall, Holly Walden and the comedy talents of Bob Killough. Proceeds donated to Ready For Hope. TIckets are $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Doors open at 5:30 and showtime is 6:30 p.m., www.jungleatl.com