Whether you prefer gala dinners, singing around a campfire, tipping back margaritas or traveling back in time, Atlanta’s packed LGBT schedule has something for you this weekend.
Sure, Atlanta’s queer calendar is brimming almost every day. But this weekend is especially filled with major events.
Here are just a few of the biggest you can choose from this weekend. Click on the links for full stories about each.
Queer geek gathering: Uniting gay gamers, sci-fi enthusiasts and more for a weekend of “queer geek” fun, OutlantaCon heads to the the Holiday Inn Hotel-Select, Atlanta Perimeter.
Girls and guitars: The eighth annual Women’s Music in the Mountains runs Friday through Sunday at Swiftwaters, the “womanspace” campground near Dahlonega, Ga.
More than margaritas: Saturday is Cinco de Mayo, another great excuse, er, reason to party in LGBT Atlanta. Las Margaritas leads the schedule with a Carnaval starting at noon, and multiple local gay bars get in on the act with special performers and parties.
Posh and political: Get out your tuxedo or gown on Saturday evening for the 25th annual Atlanta HRC Dinner, a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT political group. This year’s gala features keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who hopes to be the nation’s first openly gay senator; actor Sean Hayes of “Will and Grace” fame; former “American Idol” and “The Voice” performer Frenchie Davis; and more.
Debutante dogs: Hosted by Piedmont Bark, the annual Pet Cotillion includes the crowning of the 2012 “spokespet” for PALS, which helps people with HIV and other conditions keep and care for their pets. Pets, including in costume, are welcome at this Sunday afternoon event.
Go back in gay time: A trip back in time to the Georgia Renaissance Fair is always fun, but promises to be even more adventurous on Sunday, the second annual Gay Day.
Art festival fun: On Saturday and Sunday, join 175 artists plus acoustic musicians for the Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts festival. The event, held at Chastain Park, isn’t exclusively gay, but it is put on by gay life partners Patrick Dennis and Randall Fox, the duo behind the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.
Still looking for more fun? Check out our Best Bets column, with even more listings of LGBT events.