Atlanta gay pride parade
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For the past 17 years, Atlanta Pride — anchored by a weeklong festival best known for its extravagant parade — has been centered in the early days of autumn, which is fitting for its proximity to National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.
But Pride celebrations in June may feel more crucial than ever this year due to rollbacks of LGBTQ+ freedoms across the country and in Georgia following President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January.
Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office that rejected gender ideology, proclaiming the United States government will only recognize two sexes: male and female.
Subsequent executive orders prohibited people under age 19 from receiving youth gender-affirming care and banned transgender troops from serving in the military.
In alignment with another Trump executive order, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law last month a bill that restricted trans girls and women from participating in female sports.
Cobb County school districts have continued to restrict literature that references queer experiences.
Mary Wilson, executive director of the Trans Housing Coalition, describes the current spirit in queer communities as resilient as Pride Month begins amid political attacks at both the local and federal levels.
“There’s still a bunch of parties, celebrations, fundraisers,” Wilson told Capital B Atlanta.
Held during National Coming Out Day weekend, the event celebrates LGBTQ+ identity while advocating for ongoing equality in the Southeast. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, then glides north on Peachtree Street before turning onto 10th Street and finishing a block from the Charles Allen Gate of iconic Piedmont Park.
Expect rainbow-wrapped floats, local organizations, and community groups framed by Midtown’s skyline and leafy park views—a quintessential Atlanta experience.
October Colors: Parade Dates & Timetable
Two dazzling days.
Darlene Hudson
In addition to the line-up of celebrated grand marshals, the Pride Parade headliner is global pop sensation Ava Max who’s chart-topping hits and empowering anthems like “Sweet but Psycho,” “Kings and Queens,” and “My Head and My Heart” champion self-expression and individuality.
It’s the perfect way to get in step for Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” tour stops in July.
When: Saturday, June 21, 8 p.m. Highlights include:
- Grand Marshals who champion LGBTQ+ rights
- Vibrant community marches for Trans, Bi & Pan, and Dyke groups
- Concerts featuring regional and national performers
- Starlight Cabaret: America’s largest outdoor drag show
- Over 200 vendors and organizations in the Pride Marketplace
- Free admission for all (donations welcome)
Atlanta Pride is the Southeast’s largest free LGBTQ+ pride celebration, attracting over 350,000 attendees and serving as a beacon of inclusion and joy.
Park & Pride: Stress-Free Arrival Tips
Plan your route, avoid the gridlock, and arrive parade-ready.
- Public Transit: Use MARTA!
to midnight
Where: Echo Room, 705 Echo St. NW, Atlanta
Cost: $5
Vibe Check
This community town hall is billed as a safe space for Black queer and trans folks to get real about politics, housing justice, safety, health care, and other pressing issues and systemic injustices.
(Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden broadened the designation to include bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex identities.)
But the tradition changed in 2008, when the city of Atlanta temporarily prohibited large events at Piedmont Park due to a drought, causing organizers to postpone festivities until October, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The timing stuck.
This is a moment we can all be ‘United With Pride.'”
Atlanta celebrates three Pride events annually.
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Elijah NicholasUp until 2007, Atlanta’s annual celebration of queer identity and rights took place every June, a nod to the Stonewall Uprising in New York City.
It’s sober friendly, too!
When: Thursday, June 12, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Neighborhood Church, 1561 McLendon Ave. NE, Atlanta
Cost: $5 requested donation
Pride Month With Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Performance
Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus — whose performances are self-described as “ranging from campy to earnest and everything in between” — will take the stage for two performances to support the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Pride initiatives.
When: Sunday, June 15, at noon and 2 p.m.
Where: Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta
Cost: $19.95
Prideteenth
For a third straight year, ALT ATL presents a day party that amplifies Black and queer pride.
Max’s entire concert can be heard on Power 105.3, Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of entertainers, community activists, and local artists who are all standing “United with Pride.” Atlanta Pride is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for all attendees, and this year’s festival will continue to prioritize enhanced accessibility services and safety measures to ensure everyone can enjoy the celebration.
“We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable weekend of pride, unity, and celebration,” added McCain.
Limited-edition Pride merch will also be available for purchase with 15% of the proceeds going to local organizations including Lost-n-Found Youth, which provides shelter and support for Atlanta’s unhoused LGBTQ+ youth.
When: June 1-30
Where: Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell
Cost: $35 for a one-day ticket
Alt After
Audiophiles will enjoy this vinyl-only listening experience catering to Black queer Atlantans, with a music menu from DJ Candy Raine that includes soul, funk, jazz, R&B, and contemporary tracks.
This one is specifically for the 40-50 set. DJ collective Lavender Lounge, Mami Popo, and Calypso will be rocking the ones and twos.
When: Thursday, June 19, 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Monday Night Brewing, 670 Trabert Ave. NW, Atlanta
Cost: $15 for general admission ($12 for presale)
Sapphic Solstice: BIPOC + Queer Art Party
Kick off summer with an immersive warehouse experience that features pole dancing, burlesque, music, Black queer vendors, gallery art — and a chance to win Atlanta Dream tickets!
When: Saturday, June 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: 945 Allene Ave.
SW, Atlanta
Cost: $16.20
Boots on the Ground Dance Party and Mix-Her
This one’s for the girls. In 2025, the festival celebrates its 55th year with the theme “Rooted in Resistance”, highlighting both progress and ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Midtown Magic: Where the Rainbow Rolls
Peachtree turns technicolor as Atlanta’s skyline sets the stage for a celebration of love.
Timed around National Coming Out Day, the march anchors the two-day Atlanta Pride Festival, drawing more than 100,000 revelers eager to celebrate love, diversity, and Southern hospitality. Bring your dancing shoes: Miss Milan, who regularly spins for Grammy-winner Doechii, is one of three DJs who will be providing the feel-good soundtrack.
When: Sunday, June 15, 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Westside Motor Lounge, 725 Echo St.
NW, Atlanta
Cost: $11.35
Free AF
With Juneteenth falling within Pride month, it’s only right that Black LGBTQ+ folks celebrate living unapologetically with a party dedicated to liberation. to midnight
Where: Truth Midtown Restaurant & Lounge, 657 Antone St.
NW, Atlanta
Cost: $25.45
Southern Fried Queer Pride 2025 Festival
Southern Fried Queer Pride is putting the “out” in outside with its 11th annual festival — a wide-ranging series of events spread over seven days to celebrate all things that make Black queer Atlanta culture special.
The parade steps off from the Civic Center MARTA Station at 12:00 p.m. Here’s Capital B Atlanta’s round up of events to commemorate Black queer culture as boldly as possible.
Six Flags Over Georgia Pride Celebration
Thrill seekers can hit Six Flags Over Georgia to celebrate the rainbow flag all month long with themed decor, Instagram-worthy photo setups, and LED light shows.
Ride to Civic Center Station for parade start, or Midtown/Arts Center Stations for the festival.