What Gay Events are Happening in Atlanta?

Atlanta has one of the most robust LGBTQ+ event calendars in the country, with major events nearly every month. As the self-proclaimed Gay Capital of the South, the city draws huge crowds from across the Southeast.

Major Annual Events

• April — Atlanta Bear Pride: Three days of bear parties, tea dances, and after-hours events centered around Woofs Sports Bar and Blake's On The Park. 11th annual in 2026 (April 24-26).
• April — SouthEast LeatherFest (SELF): Regional leather conference with 150+ activities, centered around Atlanta Eagle.
• June — Southern Fried Queer Pride: Week-long Black and QTPOC-centered arts festival in Little Five Points (June 22-28, 2026). Now in its 12th year, with a vendor market, performances, and community events.
• July — Joining Hearts: Atlanta's flagship HIV/AIDS fundraiser since 1987. A sell-out pool party at The Greystone at Piedmont Park with DJs, food, and drinks. 100% volunteer-run, having raised over $3 million.
• September — Atlanta Black Pride Weekend: One of the largest Black Pride celebrations in the world (September 4-7, 2026). Over 135,000 attendees. The centerpiece is the Pure Heat Community Festival — a free event in Piedmont Park on Sunday from noon to 8 PM.
• September-October — Out on Film: Oscar-qualifying and BAFTA-qualifying LGBTQ+ film festival, now in its 39th year. 150+ films over 11 days (September 24 - October 4, 2026).
• October — Atlanta Pride: 350,000+ attendees for the parade and festival in Piedmont Park (October 9-11, 2026).
• July — Atlanta Leather Pride: Weekend celebration at Atlanta Eagle with gear swaps, contests, and drag performances.

Weekly Events

Atlanta's gay bars keep a packed weekly calendar:

• Tuesday — Karaoke at Lore (8 PM)
• Wednesday — Trivia at Lore (8 PM); Bitchy Bingo at Lips (7 PM)
• Thursday — Drag Bingo at Lore (8 PM); Atlanta's Angels drag show at Blake's; Country night at The Heretic (free dance lessons); Karaoke at Atlanta Eagle
• Friday — The Other Show drag cabaret at Lore (9 PM); Femme Friday at MSR
• Saturday — Dirty POP at X Midtown; Cabaret at Atlanta Eagle; Drag Brunch at Lips
• Sunday — Tossed Salad at Lore (9 PM); Mixed Tape Sundays at Friends on Ponce; Drag Brunch at Lips

Browse what's happening right now on our Atlanta events page.