Best Bets: Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ Events in Atlanta for July 5-18

Friday, July 5

Atlanta Bear Fest continues tonight and offers four days of events for grizzlies, cubs, etc., including pool parties and nightly happenings at the Atlanta Eagle.

 

Hussy presents the second annual Mix Crunchwap Supreme. Do you have what it takes to be the next Supreme? Rounds include repurposed evening looks, talent, Q and A and a mysterious mystery round.

8:30 – 11pm

Mother Bar+Kitchen

 

Saturday, July 6

Bulge presents “How Big Is Your HotDawg” featuring Onyx. This day party will be filled with a host of fun games emceed by Onyx’s premiere MC, Dominion Onyx. DJ Calvin will be the DJ for this event. Added fare includes the Best Wet Bulge contest, The Put the Hotdog in the Hole contest and the Hotdog Eating contest.

3 – 8pm

The Hideaway Atlanta

 

Sunday, July 7

A new and campy offering, The Supersized Sunday Show is hosted by Edie Cheezburger (right) with guests Shawna Brooks, Raquel Rae Heart, Raquell Lord, Michelle Paris and Chavon Scott.

8:30pm

Blake’s on the Park

 

Elevate your nightlife Saturday with music by DJ Mike Pope! No cover!

10pm3am

Heretic Atlanta

 

Come celebrate the birthday of Ella/Saurus/Rex tonight at Mary’s Atlanta.

11pm

 

Monday, July 8

The Atlanta Eagle is the home for Mutt Mondays, hosted by the League of Atlanta Pups. Pup gear is encouraged. 7:30pm

 

Tuesday, July 9 

Where’s the party? Do you believe in life after love? What’s love got to do with it? Find out when Bubba D. Licious, Erica Lee, Desiree Storm, Patsy and the rest of the PALS (Pets Are Loving Support) queens celebrate Diva Night: Madonna, Cher, and Tina! Oh My! Drag Queen Bingo.

7:309:30pm

Lips Atlanta

 

Wednesday, July 10

It was one of the company’s biggest hits ever and now the musical “Hair” is back at Serenbe Playhouse. Running through August 18, the musical plays tonight.

8pm

Wild Flower Meadow at Serenbe

 

Get your Lady Gaga on as Thad Stevens hosts karaoke at My Sister’s Room every Wednesday night.

9pm

 

Thursday, July 11

MAAP (Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals), Bill Kaelin Marketing, Georgia Voice, and Out On Film team up to host the Southeast Emmy Awards’ Truth Talk, a “Ted Talk” style event, presenting Jana Shortal.

7pm

Lilli Midtown

 

The New Kids On The Block: “The MixTape Tour” packs your favorite ‘80s and ‘90s hits into one evening with New Kids on the Block, Salt N Pepa, Debbie Gibson, Tiffany & Naughty By Nature.

7:30pm

State Farm Arena

 

Friday, July 12 

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the “pleasantly plump” teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire: to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. She’s a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart who sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams and win the boy she loves. Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, “Hairspray” is piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

8pm, through July 21

City Springs Theatre Company/Byers Theatre

 

Saturday, July 13

The Georgia Writers Museum, a nonprofit and exhibit space that educated the public about the state’s rich literary heritage, will host a one-day celebration of Alice Walker’s 75th birthday today. Walker, who was born in Eatonton, GA, will travel to her hometown for the festivities. Among the day’s activities will be a screening of the documentary “Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth.” Filmmaker Pratibah Parmar and scholar Salamishah Tillet will discuss the documentary and take audience questions after the screening. Esteemed writers and artists paying tribute to Walker with live readings and musical performances include playwright Pearl Cleage, New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones, gospel violinist Melanie R. Hill and Walker’s daughter, writer and activist Rebecca Walker. A cocktail reception will also take place with a champagne toast and cake cutting ceremony, followed by a conversation with author Valerie Boyd, author of Walker’s upcoming journals.

10am9:30pm

Eatonton’s The Plaza Arts Center

 

Hannah Thomas is bringing her own style of music to the roots rock world with a voice reminiscent of young Bonnie Raitt, grit and bravado that draws comparisons to Melissa Etheridge, and the southern rock soul of Chris Robinson. Born in Covington, she grew up on classic rock and country music. Tonight she shares songs from her new LP “Fault Line.”

9pm

Eddie’s Attic

 

Sunday, July 14

Superstar DJ and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season One Runner-up, Nina Flowers, returns to Atlanta to serve up fierce beats at Xion after hours.

3am7am

BJ Roosters

 

Don’t miss the “Drag Me to the Brunch” event today at My Sister’s Room, with a fabulous buffet and $3 mimosas.

2pm

 

Monday, July 15

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.

6:308pm

Charis Books and More

 

WUSSY MAG + Out On Film and Plaza Atlanta present “Queers on Film,” a new monthly series of LGBTQ arthouse and independent classics at the Plaza Theatre. Tonight’s screening is the 1991 Gus Van Sant classic “My Own Private Idaho,” starring Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix, featuring a post-film discussion with Jim Farmer of Out On Film.

7:30pm

 

The official opening of Moon Bar, a week-long event, starts tonight. “Lunar” is an immersive art show featuring videos, installations, specialty drinks and a midnight countdown to lift off. This show is put on by Alan Steadman, Dave Hughes, Cody DeMatteis and Linda McNeil. This night will also feature the official release of Moon Zine, a tribute to the moon landing. Artists include: Albrica Tierra, Candii Allen, Sarah Lashinsky, Jamie Hopper, Lizzy Johnston, Andrew Lawandus, Amanda Schrembeck, James Abercombie, Nate Sekulich, Luke Webster, Katie Greene, Rachel Hortman, Mike Netland, Sam Wagstaff, Estela Semeco, Zachary White, Jason Clarke, Linda McNeil, Mike Bailey, Matt Perry, Ross Zietz, Yoon Nam, Jonny Warren, Jud Vaughan, Brooke Spirckman, Alan Chiang, Beca Grimm, Gray Chapman and Natalia Montoya.

8pm2am

Mother Bar+Kitchen

 

Tuesday, July 16

Join DJ Diva Darlene for karaoke.

9pm

Felix’s

 

Wednesday, July 17

Direct from Broadway! If you want to be part of the party of the summer, get thee to Actor’s Express for the hilarious, sexy Broadway hit “Head Over Heels,” featuring the music of the iconic ’80s band The Go-Go’s. Full of campy fun and romantic entanglements, this wildly entertaining musical romp follows the royal family of mythical Arcadia on a madcap journey to save their kingdom and follow their hearts. Featuring such beloved Go-Go’s hits as “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation” and Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You,” “Head Over Heels” will leave you laughing out loud and humming along.

8pm, through August 15

 

Thursday, July 18

Get your kicks at Dance Floor Divas tonight, hosted by Phoenix with special guests Destiny Brooks, Trinity Bonet, CiCi Nicole, Alissah Brooks and Angelica D’Paige Brooks.

11:30pm

Midtown Moon

 

UPCOMING

Friday, July 19

Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Spring Awakening” is a provocative exploration of the journey from adolescence to adulthood told through an electrifying contemporary musical with a pop/rock score. Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play of the same name, it follows the interweaving lives of a group of German teenagers as they navigate issues of sexuality, morality, and adulthood. Although set in late-19th century Germany, the angst, emotion, desire and romance still ring true today. Onstage Atlanta’s version of it opens tonight.

8pm, running through August 24

 

Get ready to celebrate Joining Hearts 32 with two super-star DJ’s, Joe Gauthreaux and Leanh on-stage creating music magic at the official JH kickoff party! For ticket information, visit gaboyevents.com.

10pm3am

Heretic Atlanta

 

Saturday, July 20

The Auburn Avenue Research Library in collaboration with Hammonds House Museum will host renowned photographer Adreinne Waheed, who will discuss her book of photography “Black Joy and Resistance.” What can be deemed as a visual representation of Maya Angelou’s “And Still We Rise” through her camera lens, Adreinne Waheed’s “Black Joy & Resistance” masterfully captures “The Souls of Black Folks.

3pm

 

Come get wet for Joining Hearts 32 to help raise awareness and funds to provide care and housing assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. Since 1987 Joining Hearts has donated more than $2.5 million to various local beneficiaries. Enjoy superstar Rick Braile and an opening set by Andres Vergel. Patrons will all enjoy food by Sun In My Belly and end with a fabulous fireworks display.

410:30pm

Greystone at Piedmont Park

 

Keep the party going with the official JH Saturday night party with international DJ Micky Friedmann spinning the beats all night long. Opening set by DJ Mike Pope. Special performance by Phoenix! For ticket information, visit gaboyevents.com.

10pm2:45am 

Buckhead Theatre

 

Atlanta house legend DJ Ron Pullman returns to town, spinning tonight at Mixx Atlanta.

9pm

 

Sunday, July 21

DJ Pagano returns to Xion after hours to celebrate JH weekend!

3am7am 

BJ Roosters

 

Can’t quite satisfy that sweet tooth? You’re in luck because Sugar is back for Joining Hearts weekend as the Official Sunday Tea Dance! DJ/Producer Dan De Leon will spin the beats all afternoon long! For ticket information, visit BeyondProductions Facebook page.

49pm

Loca Luna

 

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! As part of the Coca Cola Film Festival at the Fox Theatre, “Mary Poppins” screens today — and it’s the Sing-along version!

2pm

 

After an impactful launch in Miami this spring, the Sweet Spot crew is spreading the love this summer with their new Sweet Spot event. Sweet Spot resident joy-makers Deane and DJ Pride are bringing a different flavor and will be joined by Atlanta’s own Brian Rojas. The trio will be pumping a surprising, unpredictable and joy-inducing blend of modern and classic house, soul-stirring and vintage jams, connected by a yummy base of percussive fierceness.

27pm

District Atlanta

 

The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBTQ children opens its doors tonight.

2:30 – 4pm

Atlanta International School 

 

The official closing party of JH weekend welcomes Dan Slater with an opening set by Kevin DuRard! For ticket information, visit gaboyevents.com.

7pm – Midnight

District Atlanta

 

Friday, July 26

Mix and mingle with LGBTQ+ business professionals, allies, non-profit leaders, and more at the AGLCC (Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) Fourth Friday gathering, sponsored by AARP.

5:30 – 7:30pm

Urban Foodie Feed Store

 

Sunday, July 27

ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.” Don’t miss the show tonight.

8pm

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre