Friday, June 22 – Saturday, June 23
Sunset Garden is a series of summer events benefiting various organizations. This weekend the party is a fundraiser for the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus. 7-10 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309. www.burkharts.com.
Saturday, June 23
Everyone is welcome at East Side Pride’s annual Pride Picnic. DJ Duck keeps the dance floor hopping, the kids get a play zone and LGBT-friendly vendors and organizations will unhand for your perusing. It’s potluck, so bring something to share or grill if you can. 3 – 8 p.m. at Milam Park, 3867 Norman Road, Clarkston, GA 30021, http://eastsidepridenews.blogspot.com, http://on.fb.me/LPBhV4
Fiona Zedde brings her newest book “Nightshade” back to Atlanta for a fun and sexy discussion. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Co-sponsored by the Atlanta Front Runners and Atlanta Pride, the 2012 Pride Run celebrates its 22nd year. The year’s walk/run 5k benefits Jerusalem House and Atlanta Pride. Race starts at 8 a.m. at the Aquatic Center in Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.eteamz.com/frontrunnersatlanta/, www.atlantapride.org
Grab the kids and join the MEGA Family Project for a play date. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Glenlake Park, 1211 Church St., Decatur, Georgia 30030, www.megafamilyproject.org
The hot men of the Hotlanta Softball League strut their stuff at the Mr. Hotlanta Softball Hunk Pageant, a benefit for the city’s largest gay softball league. 6 – 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hotlantasoftball.org
Trans/Queer Nation hosts a “Staches & Lashes” Prom. DJ Missy and JackDaddi serve as DJs with small bites provided. It’s BYOB, but bartenders will be provided. 16 to enter, 21 to drink and don’t miss speed dating early in the night. 7 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.tqnation.com
“Out with the Stars” is the first annual PFLAG Atlanta fundraiser and awards dinner honoring several local parents, teachers, students and straight allies working toward a better LGBT Atlanta. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. at Labella at Lambert Place, 800 Lamber Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30324, www.pflagatl.org
The Atlanta Radical Faeries host their annual “Once Upon a Midsummer Night,” a day long event and party that begs costumes, glitter, dramatic lighting and lots of free-loving fun. 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. at the Arts Exchange, 750 Kalb Street, SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://on.fb.me/K80gBW
Easy listening goddess Norah Jones plays an Atlanta show. 8 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org.
Lesbian singer/songwriter Jen Foster plays Eddie’s Attic. 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com
DJ Michael Tank spins aJungle Beach party with a special performance by Phoenix. Buy a swimsuit from Brushtrokes June 14-June 23. Wear it to the party and get free admission before midnight. There’s a clothes check so you don’t have to arrive half naked. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 4115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Special guest and former Miss Gay USofA at Large Tahjee Iman joins the girls at Burkhart’s Extravaganza drag show. 11 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com.
It’s a night of comedy at My Sister’s Room with a showcase of comedians including Kim Huapaya, Michelle Ramsey, Ian Aber, Sue Ryerson and Katrina Braxton. Hosted by Julie Osborne. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10. Dance party after. MSR, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com
Sunday, June 24
The Mr. and Miss Black America Newcomer Pageant takes over XS Ultra Lounge with several categories including “All that glitters and shines” presentation. 7 p.m. at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/JLWcIP
“For the Foodie in All of Us” is part of a new series of chef-inspired events every month through October. Today’s event features Executive Chef/Partner Linda Harrell of Cibo e Beve. Limited to 30 guests. $75 per person with a chef demo, cocktails and menu. 2-6 p.m., Cook’s Warehouse, Merchant’s Walk Shopping Center (next to Whole Foods), 1311 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 568, Marietta, GA 30068. http://bit.ly/NHl2A5
AID Atlanta will be providing free HIV testing for gay, bisexual and trans men at Piedmont Park as part of National HIV Testing Day. Free testing and information from 4:30-7 p.m. Near the dock at Lake Clara Meer. Call 1-800-551-2728 for more information.
Monday, June 25
Writing With Intent is open to writers of fiction and creative non-fiction; group offers motivational exercises, constructive criticism and more to keep you on track. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com