The official and unofficial parties as well as suggestions for dining and drinking in Atlanta during Pride

Where to Eat, Drink, and Party During Atlanta Pride

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Atlanta is a city that lives its LGBTQ Pride all year long, but when National Coming Out Day rolls around in October, the capital of the queer South pulls out all the stops and puts on the Southeast’s largest Pride celebration. With three official parades, countless parties, and an overabundance of incredible festival offerings, this year’s Atlanta Pride promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Here are some of the essential official and unofficial Pride events to check out around town this weekend, along with maps to the best LGBTQ bars, where to grab brunch, and other guides to dining in Atlanta. — Robbie Medwed

When: October 12-14, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Where: Piedmont Park in Midtown

Pride Marches

Most people are familiar with Sunday’s massive parade down Peachtree Street, but the Trans and Dyke marches and rallies have been important events in their own right for years during Atlanta Pride.

Trans March and Rally

What: Celebrating and promoting the visibility of Atlanta’s Trans community

When: Saturday 1:15 p.m. (assemble); 1:45 p.m. (march)

Where: 10th Street from the Charles Allen Gate at Piedmont Park up to Peachtree

Dyke March and Rally

What: Creating an inclusive community with a focus on women loving women

When: Saturday 4:30 p.m. (assemble); 5 p.m. (march)

Where: 10th Street from the Charles Allen Gate at Piedmont Park up to Peachtree

Atlanta Pride Parade

What: Main festival parade

When: Sunday, 12 p.m.

Where: Peachtree Street from Civic Center MARTA to 10th Street at the Charles Allen Gate

Special Festival Events to Know

Sobriety Meet Up

What: A gathering space for those on all paths of recovery for mutual support

When: Saturday, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Overlooking the dock near the 12th Street gate at Piedmont Park

Youth Liberation Space

What: A space for queer and trans people aged 14-25 to hang out and relax

When: Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Meadow at Piedmont Park

Sweet Tea: A Queer Variety Show

What: A special Pride edition of the long-running show

When: Sunday, 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Heineken Stage at Piedmont Park

Parties and Celebrations

Atlanta Pride extends far beyond the gates of Piedmont Park in Midtown. Here are some of the best bets for parties happening throughout the weekend.

Amen: The Pride Show (21+)

What: Drag as spiritual practice with the Amen Gurlz and the Kourtesans

When: Thursday, 10:30 p.m.

Where: Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room, Ping Pong Emporium, Edgewood Ave

How Much: Free

The upstairs room at Church is not ADA accessible.

Sugar Shack: A Queer Pride Dance Party from Southern Fried Queer Pride (18+)

What: A night of dancing, music, drag, and more. No shame, all pride.

When: Friday, 9 p.m.

Where: 529 Bar, East Atlanta Village

How Much: $7

Heaven Pride Party With DJ FreeCity

What: Pride party at Piedmont Park

When: Friday, 9 p.m.

Where: Park Tavern, Midtown

How Much: $25

Official Aquarium After Party (21+)

What: Official Pride post-kickoff party

When: Friday, 9 p.m.

Where: Heretic Atlanta, Cheshire Bridge Road

How Much: $25

Femme! Dance, Music, and Performance Art! presented by Wussy Magazine

What: A celebration of women in music and art

When: Friday, 10 p.m.

Where: The Deep End, Old Fourth Ward

How Much: $10

Drag Queen Brunch

What: Annual drag queen brunch with Sandy Springs, Amber Divine, and DJ Shailon

When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Westside

How Much: $25, call 404-350-5500 for reservations

Electric Circus presented by My Sister’s Room (18+)

What: Official women’s event of Atlanta Pride

When: Saturday, 9 p.m.

Where: Opera Nightclub, Midtown

How Much: $25+

Alaska Thunderfuck Peep Show (18+)

What: Live pin-ups, burlesque, and drag

When: Saturday, 9 p.m.

Where: The Deep End, Old Fourth Ward

How Much: $5, more at the door

GEARED with DJ Neon the GlowGoBear (21+)

What: Leather and gear party

When: Saturday, 10 p.m.

Where: Atlanta Eagle, Midtown

How Much: Free

“Untitled” (21+)

What: A party for the unapologetically black & queer

When: Saturday, 10:30 p.m.

Where: Space 2, 485 Edgewood Avenue

How Much: RSVP for free before 11 p.m.

HRC (Human Rights Campaign) brunch at Empire State South

What: Official Pride festival brunch

When: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Empire State South, Midtown

How Much: General admission $100

Pride on the Terrace

What: Pride parade brunch on the terrace with live DJ

When: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Livingston Restaurant at Georgian Terrace Hotel, Midtown

How Much: $75, reservations required: info@thegeorgianterrace.com or call 404-898-8300.

Papi’s Unlimited Pride Love Sunday Brunch

What: Unlimited food and drinks at the Latin classic restaurant

When: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Las Margaritas, Cheshire Bridge Road

How Much: $15-$25

Tossed Salad hosted by Brigitte Bidet (21+)

What: Sunday night official after party

When: Sunday, 10 p.m.

Where: My Sister’s Room, Midtown

Check out the list of maps below for suggestions on where to grab breakfast and coffee in the morning to the city’s essential LGBTQ bars to Atlanta’s best late night and 24-hour restaurants.