Editor’s Note: For our 2016 Atlanta Pride Event guide, click here.
Friday, October 7
Beginning tonight, arts patrons will have a new option to kick off the weekend with First Fridays, which will feature combinations of music, art-making workshops, performances, films, artist talks and more on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. Part art party, part happy hour, the evenings will also feature drinks and light bites for purchase. High Museum of Art, www.high.org
The Official Atlanta Pride Kick Off Party starts the festival off tonight. For the eighth year, the Georgia Aquarium hosts the sure-to-be-crowded event, 7 – 11 p.m., www.georgiaaquarium.org/convention/atlantapride
Sketchworks Comedy, Atlanta’s award-winning sketch comedy troupe, presents Heels – Hilariously Entertaining Electric Lady Squad, an all-new live sketch comedy show featuring some of Atlanta’s funniest women. It’s directed by Casey Holloway and stars Jean Alexander, Bonita Elery, Abbey Finch, Ashlee Heath, Tian Li, Maria Liatis, Crystal Lo, Summer McCusker, and Julie Shaer. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. through October 8 at the Village Theatre, www.facebook.com/events/1723878531086888/
Join My Sister’s Room for the Atlanta Pride Glow Hookup Party tonight. Hundreds of the sexiest ladies in the community will help the bar celebrate being the longest running lesbian bar in the Southeast. In addition to promotions and giveaways, two DJs will spin – DJ Rapko from 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. upstairs and DJ Liz Owen from 11 p.m. – 3 a.m. on the main level. The Maria Gabriella Band will play on the main level from 9:30 – 11 p.m. and the Belles of Burlesque Show will take place upstairs at 11 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission to the main level or front patio and $20 to all levels. www.mysistersroom.com
Saturday, October 8 – Sunday, October 9
The largest event of its kind in the Southeast, Atlanta Pride presents its annual two-day, jam-packed celebration in the park, culminating in the traditional parade on Sunday, www.atlantapride.org
Saturday, October 8
The 3rd annual #TRANSFitCon Bodybuilding Competition Show is back, bigger than ever, with judges Bucky Motter, Shawn Stinson, Paulo Batista, Ramada Plaza Capitol Park Hotel, Piedmont Ballroom, 450 Capital Ave. SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30312, www.transfitcon.com
Sunday, October 9
Wrap up Pride weekend at Woofs with $5 Smirnoff vodka beginning at 6 p.m., with all sorts of promotions and giveaways, www.woofsatlanta.com
Monday, October 10
Project Love ATL, created by Atlanta Ballet Company dancer Alessa Rogers, showcases Atlanta’s best artists to support a local cause. This year’s unique collaborative performance will benefit Lost-n Found Youth and the show will celebrate a diverse mix of the best of Atlanta’s music, theater, dance and visual arts coming together for one evening to support Atlanta’s homeless LGBT youth. This year’s artists include Jericho Brown and Theresa Davis, 7:30 p.m. tonight at Park Tavern, www.projectloveatl.com/index.html
The Stars of the Century show, led by Natasha Dupree, features some of the best drag in the Southeast. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com
Tuesday, October 11
Play Let’s Make a Deal with Ken tonight from 6 – 10 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, www.friendsonponce-atl.com
Wednesday, October 12
Ruby Redd’s riotous Birdcage Bingo begins at 8:30 p.m. tonight, with all sorts of drag performances by local entertainers. Proceeds benefit Atlanta charities. No cover, www.atlantahideaway.com
Enjoy free pool and rotating DJs at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Thursday, October 13 – Friday, October 21
This year’s ELEVATE public art festival will feature work by some Atlanta’s most interesting and thought-provoking artists. Adding international flavor to the festival, France-Atlanta is partnering with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs to bring in some special guests. French choreographer and dancer Noé Soulier will perform with his troupe on Saturday, October 15 at 5 pm. Throughout the festival there will an exhibition entitled “The Art of Democracy” which will include work by Cartooning for Peace cartoonists Jean “Plantu” Plantureux and Michel Kichka, along with Atlanta’s Mike Luckovich. The festival will take place primarily on Broad Street, in Atlanta’s emerging cultural district downtown. www.ocaatlanta.com/?programs=elevate
Thursday, October 13
The Pretty Girl Hideout Thursdays is tonight, hosted by Mook Dahost, Soul Bar at Pal’s Lounge, 254 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.traxxgirls.com
UPCOMING
Sunday, October 16
The annual AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run kicks off today. Now commemorating 26 years of walking and running, the event continues to raise much-needed funds for AIDS service organizations in the metro-Atlanta area. These organizations provide essential programs and services for men, women, and children who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The run and walk begins at 1 p.m. and winds up in Piedmont Park, www.aidswalkatlanta.com/AIDSWalkAtlantaHome
Thursday, October 20
Out Front Theatre company, dedicated to producing LGBT-themed theatrical work, opens “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical,” based on the cult classic movie about drag queens Tick, Bernadette and Adam, 8 p.m., through November 6, www.OutFrontTheatre.com
Wednesday, October 26
The 2016 GLAAD Atlanta event, a celebration of national and local leaders accelerating LGBT acceptance through the media, will take place tonight. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with great drinks, fabulous food, a silent auction, performances by Ty Herndon and others. Radio personality Melissa Carter will be the Master of Ceremonies, 6 – 9 p.m., Atlanta History Center, www.facebook.com/events/1069875913060408/