Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for August 31- September 14

Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for August 31- September 14
Friday, Aug. 31
The adorable “Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood,” about Scotty Bowers — sexual procurer to the stars — opens today at the Midtown Art Cinema.
Various showtimes
One of the biggest local events of the year — Atlanta Black Gay Pride — lasts through Monday, bringing thousands to town.
Various area venues
Also opening today and bringing the masses to town is Dragon Con, now in its 32nd year as the universe’s biggest multi-genre conference.
Marriott Marquis
Aurora Theatre’s excellent version of the musical “Newsies,” adapted by Harvey Fierstein, continues tonight.
Running through September 2
8pm
Saturday, Sept. 1
The Peach International Tennis Championships, hosted by Atlanta Team Tennis Association, begins today and lasts through Monday, with singles, doubles, and mixed doubles action.
Various venues
Come down to the Yard at Ponce City Market for a dunk tank party with Chubbies today. For $1, you get three (maybe four) chances to hit the target and send someone near and dear into the deep abyss. All proceeds from the dunk tank will go to Atlanta’s own Best Friends Animal Society.
1-7pm
Start your Saturday night with drinks, fun, games, and prizes with host Arica Love Royal at Tranny BingoFelix’s Atlanta.
6–8pm
“Tales of the City” author Armistead Maupin appears at the Decatur Book Festival two times this weekend, co-sponsored by GPB and Out On Film. Maupin will do a Q and A after a screening of the film “The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin” tonight at 7pm at the Decatur Public Library, and then read from his memoir “Logical Family” from 1:15–2pm at the First Baptist Decatur Sanctuary. Both events are free, but tickets are needed for the film and Q and A.
Come out to AMEN: The Beyonce Show tonight at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium as the best drag show on Edgewood serves up a show spanning Bey’s entire discography, featuring the talents of Dotte Comm, JayBella Banks, LaLa Ri.Daniel, Molly Rimswell and more.
10:30pm–2am
Sunday, Sept. 2
The High Museum of Art has opened the major touring exhibition “Outliers and American Vanguard Art.” The show brings together more than 250 diverse works by more than 80 trained and untrained artists, and includes sections and featured works by artists including Greer Lankton, Zoe Leonard, Forrest Bess, and Henry Darger that examine sexuality and gender. Together, the works on view offer an unprecedented overview of the profound impact of American self-taught artists on the evolution of modern and contemporary art over the past 100 years. They also reveal how these artists galvanized the mainstream art world to embrace difference and diversity across race, region, class, age, and gender. Running through September 30.
Monday, Sept. 3
The acclaimed “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” — directed by Desiree Akhavan, starring Decatur’s Chloe Grace Moretz, and winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance — continues in Atlanta today.
Midtown Art Cinema
Various showtimes
Tuesday, Sept. 4
Trying to make a deep playoff run this year, The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics.
McCamish Pavillion
7pm
Out artist Sonia Leigh plays tonight at Eddie’s Attic.
7:30pm
Join Charis in welcoming Charlene A. Carruthers and Mary Hooks for an intimate conversation about black, queer, feminist movement building for this moment and for what comes next, and celebrating the release of “Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements” by Carruthers. Drawing on black intellectual and grassroots organizing traditions, including the Haiti Revolution, the U.S. civil rights movement, and LGBTQ rights and feminist movements, “Unapologetic” challenges all of us engaged in the social justice struggle to make the movement for black liberation more radical, more queer and more feminist.
7:30-9pm
Charis Books and More
Wednesday, Sept. 5
TEN Atlanta will once again transform from a crowded dance club into a cozy NYC Cabaret for consecutive Wednesday nights tonight with Boys Night “OUT” on Broadway, a one hour musical and comedy revue written by Broadway veteran performer Robert Ray.
7pm and 9pm
TEN Atlanta
In a setting that even Shakespeare himself couldn’t have imagined, the Alliance Theatre will produce a whimsical, outdoor production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Atlanta Botanical Garden tonight, running through October 21.
7:30pm
Thursday, Sept. 6 – Saturday, Sept. 8
On Sept 8, the Sex Down South Conference provides sexuality workshops taught by educated and amazing presenters from around the world. Enthusiasts join in the fun and learn from the best — all while doing it in an inclusive and loving environment. This year’s theme is REBEL! Sexual Politics in a New Era. Subjects to be addressed and explored include: sacred/spiritual/tantric sexuality, religion and sexuality, BDSM/kink, costume play, polyamory/non-monogamy, aging and sexuality, trans and genderqueer sexualities, and communication and healthy relationships.
9am
Hilton Atlanta
Thursday, Sept. 6
The next Gay Group Happy Hour is tonight at Joe’s on Juniper with free appetizers, door prizes and an art showing by Ronnie Beets.
6–8pm
Building on the activist tradition of consciousness-raising groups, each month Charis Books and More invites community members to join The Personal is Political: Feminist Vent to talk about personal issues or societal issues they are trying to deconstruct. The group will use intersectional feminist strategies as tools to talk through these issues.
7:30–9pm
The Process Theatre opens the Terrence McNally play “It’s Only a Play” running through Sept.22.
8pm
Out of Box Theatre
Five-time Grammy Award-nominated Michael Feinstein joins forces with vocalist Storm Large to present an unforgettable evening of music. Performing music ranging from the Great American Songbook to the music of the James Bond and “Mad Men” era, Michael and Storm will delight you with their brilliant singing and amusing anecdotes.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
8pm
Tonight is a casting call for all transgender entertainers, both FTM and MTF, for ATL Production’s themed shows.
My Sister’s Room
10pm
Friday, Sept. 7
Another acclaimed film based on a book, “We the Animals” starring Raul Castillo from “Looking” opens today.
Midtown Art Cinema 
Various showtimes
The My Sisters Room family is throwing a beer bust to Celebrate the Woo Woo and help create new video content for the Woo Woo and the women who love her. $10 pays for a wristband to tap the Budweiser Keg all night long.
9pm-3am
Every Friday at midnight, it’s time to slip on those fishnets and makeup for the greatest live troupe in the city, Lips Down On Dixie, Inc., for a righteous party in front of the big screen for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” 
Midnight
Plaza Atlanta
Saturday, Sept. 8
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with the Atlanta Symphony Associates, invites you to a special gala evening of dinner, dancing, and a high-profile auction benefiting the Orchestra and its education and community engagement initiatives.
6:30pm
Sunday, Sept. 9
The Auburn Avenue Research Library, in partnership with the Baton Foundation, Inc., will screen a short film: “Man of the House.” The screening will be followed by a moderated conversation about mental health and suicide in the Black community.
3pm
An annual party since the opening of the big deck at HENRY’S Midtown Tavern in Atlanta, Canines & Cocktails is an event not to miss. Rain or shine, you’ll enjoy the fun disco/old school dance tunes while sipping on your favorite cocktails. Enjoy Tea Dance at its best with DJ Zack Falls, as well as a silent auction and swag from Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
3-7pm
Monday, Sept. 10
It’s All Music Monday at Blakes tonight with DJ Bill Berdeaux.
Tuesday, Sept. 11
Don’t miss Trivia Tuesdays with DeWayne Morgan.
The Hideaway Atlanta
8:30–10:30pm
Wednesday, Sept. 12
WUSSY returns with its monthly campy feature fantastico, with the 1994 John Waters classic “Serial Mom.” Prizes will be awarded for the best Homicidal Housewife and Pussy Willow looks. Doors open at 7pm, when patrons can grab a cocktail, grab a snack, and take some photos before the film starts.
Plaza Atlanta
8pm
Thursday, Sept. 13
SAGE Atlanta’s bi-monthly meetings occur from 10:30am-1pm on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
Phillip Rush Center Annex
Join Charis in celebrating Rev. Connie Tuttle’s book “A Gracious Heresy: the Queer Calling of an Unlikely Prophet” and celebrate its debut with good food, wine and people. Connie will be around to sign copies of the book. The event takes place at Julia Thompson Smith Chapel on the campus of Agnes Scott College. Free parking is available on the deck on McDonough St.
7–9pm
UPCOMING
Friday, Sept. 14
MAAP (Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals) hosts Friday – Mix, Mingle and Film tonight, offering a preview of Out On Film. MAAP has teamed up with Bill Kaelin Marketing for a really exciting event, which will feature networking, movie trailers and giveaways, as well as complimentary light bites as well as beer and wine. MARTA and ride sharing is highly encouraged, but if you must drive, there is paid valet at Stove Works and $5 self-parking available at the corner of Krog St. and Lake Ave
6-8pm
Atlanta Beltline Center
Saturday, Sept. 15
Saturnalia Party Productions presents: ROME. Come experience a Roman festival like never before. New shows, additional hosts, great music, and a festival atmosphere will make for an amazing evening. Costumes are strongly encouraged.
10pm–3 am
Heretic Atlanta 
WUSSY presents ICON a celebration of Rihanna + Sia starring Shea Couleé of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 9. The event is a dance party with the sickest show in all of the land featuring drag, aerial, dance, burlesque, and more. Expect performances from Michael Robinson, Brigitte Bidet, Dotte Com, T-Rex, Bella Dorado and Porter Grubbs.
10pm-3am
Deep End
Monday, Sept. 17
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.
7–8:30pm
Charis Books and More