Our ‘Best Bets’ for the weekend and beyond

Sir Elton John

Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 24

The Atlanta Film Festival runs for two weeks featuring multiple films, opening tonight with “This is Atlanta” short films, “Mud,” “Breakdown Reward” and “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The festival includes its annual LGBT-themed “Pink Peach” offerings, featuring local director Cindy Abel’s “Breaking Through” (March 20). Multiple venues; please see story on Pages 20-21. www.atlantafilmfestival.com

Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17

Atlanta Poly Weekend starts its third annual event with a full slate of activities and guests. Holiday Inn Perimeter, www.atlantapolyweekend.com

Saturday, March 16

Team Friendly presents “Drop the Soap! Wash Away the Stigma!” with Sister Ursula Polari hosting an evening about reducing the stigma of HIV. Features a live auction to wash down onstage local personalities including activist Chandler Bearden, DJ Diablo Rojo, porn star Charlie Harding and more. 6 p.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories perform with special guests Electra and Saul Kaye. 8:30 p.m. at the Variety Playhouse, www.ticketmaster.com

Is it a dance party or performance art? Actually, it’s both. Bedlam Presents stages CirqueDeCabaret, a night featuring acts from aerialist Melissa Re, activist Chandler Bearden and many more, 10:30 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Jungle, www.jungeclubatlanta.com

The Hotlanta Softball spring season, which launches March 17, gets partying early with the fourth annual “Patty 0 Party” Atlanta Talons beer bust. Expect beer, jello shots and a raffle. Amanda Topp and Millicent Pete headline with DJ Joey S on the turntable. 2 p.m., F.R.O.G.S. Cantina, www.frogscantina.com

Get ready for great alterna-grass as the women of Roxie Watson return to Eddie’s Attic. 7 p.m., www.eddiesattic.com

Fiddler’s Green Coffeehouse presents the Irish Brothers and Kevin Spears at 8 p.m. at Anthony’s Pizza and Pasta, 3155 East Ponce de Leon Ave. near Decatur. www.aaffm.org

Hosted by Knomie Moore and Ally Yankadic, the Armorettes Follies benefits the AIDS Vaccine 200/Emory Vaccine Center from 8 -10 p.m. at the
Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Grab your green for a St. Patty’s Glow Party, with lesbian speed dating on the newly finished patio, at 8 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

DJ Escape returns to spin at 10 p.m. at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Enjoy green drinks and great song mash-ups for the St. Patrick’s Day edition of Mash Attacks! 10 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com

A St. Patty’s Day Party featuring a Best Ginger Hair Contest and the Divas Cabaret, from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Le Buzz,  www.thenewlebuzz.com

Sunday, March 17

Want to help raise money for civil rights and the Human Rights Campaign? HRC Athletes for Equality join in the Publix Georgia Marathon, beginning in Centennial Olympic Park, www.hrc.org/athletes-for-equality/

First City Network, Savannah’s oldest LGBT organization, hosts its 25th annual Oyster Roast. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lake Mayer Park, www.firstcitynetwork.net

Get your pancakes on as Occupy Our Home Atlanta hosts a brunch to support their housing justice movement. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 404 Glen Iris, Atlanta, GA, 30308, www.occupyourhomesatl.org

Amsterdam Atlanta hosts its own all-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration, 11:30 a.m. – midnight, www.amsterdamatlanta.com