Atlanta Black Pride Weekend: Schedule and Highlights

Since the 1980s, Black queer Atlantans have gathered during Labor Day Weekend to celebrate their own Pride. What started as pop-up picnics hosted at alternative spaces to the white-dominated Pride celebrations has since grown into a blowout weekend attracting Black LGBTQ+ people from around the world.

Last year, Atlanta served as the host city for Global Black Pride, and this year, while the global celebration travels to Paris, Atlanta Black Pride will build on the momentum of last year’s success with new events and returning favorites from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1. 

“As we stand looking at the scope of what legislation is doing to us, Atlanta Black Pride has always been an opportunity to reflect on queer existence from the Black and African-American perspective, because it’s really different,” George Daigle, the radio personality and performer bringing his show “Disco Heat: A Sylvester Musical Tribute” back to Atlanta for Black Pride, told Georgia Voice. “Atlanta Black Pride gives us the opportunity to exist and enjoy Pride with our own perspectives in mind.” 

Daigle steps into the shoes of Black queer disco icon Sylvester on Saturday, Aug. 30 at The Atrium to raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention. The one-night-only event will feature live performances of hits like “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” and “Do You Wanna Funk,” and Daigle brings Sylvester’s voice and spirit alive to recount the history of his life and music. Tickets to “Disco Heat” are available via Eventbrite.

“Before there was a Billy [Porter], before there was a Little Nas X, there was Sylvester, all alone on the stage, touring the country and wowing people,” he said. 

But before the disco fun, there’s an offical kickoff event for the weekend with the annual Mayor’s Reception at City Hall on Thursday, Aug. 28 before the party starts at Truth Midtown at 11 p.m.

The celebration continues on Friday and Saturday with the vendor marketplace at the Starling Hilton Midtown Atlanta from noon to 8 p.m. and the the Black Excellence Influencers Dinner on Friday, Aug. 29. Influential members of the community will receive awards for their contributions to the community; the 2025 honorees include attorney Jasmin Robinson; director, filmmaker, and writer Des Grey; actor, designer, and stylist Carter The Body; former WNBA player Ty Young; social media influencer Big Sexy; journalist and co-founder of Gaye Magazine K. Keith McRae; fashion designer Reco Chapple; state senator Rashaun Kemp; and acting Executive Director of NAESM R. Wayne Woodson.

Also making its return this year is the 5th Annual Trans Life Awards on Saturday, Aug. 30. The community will gather for the formal gala honoring the accomplishments and contributions of the Black trans community with awards, dinner, and drinks at 6 p.m. at The Starling. RSVP for the free event here. 

The weekend continues with R&B Brunch, Empowerment Mental Health and Wealth Brunch,  and nightly parties before culminating on Sunday, Aug. 31, with the 13^th annual Pure Heat Community Festival at Piedmont Park. There, transgender reality star TS Madison, who opened a local reentry house for formerly incarcerated trans women earlier this year, will receive the annual Humanitarian Award, and celebrity wardrobe stylist Ryan Christopher will receive the annual Trailblazer Award.

Previous festival honoree Saucy Santana will perform a medley of favorites and new music at Sunday’s festival, which will also include market and food vendors, live entertainment, and educational forums.

Other celebrity appearances will include Tiffany Evans, Suki, Terrell Carter, Milan Christopher, Tesekhi, Ivori, Diamond The Body, Miss Sophia, Melissa Scott, Steezo, 4N Yardi, and Damez.

Other events include the annual We Rock Pride drag brunch at Truth Midtown on Sunday at 1 p.m., featuring performances by Stasha Sanchez, Niesha Dupree, Jazelle Royale, and Akeria C. Davenport and hosted by Miss Sophia; the return of the Andro Fashion Show Sunday evening; the annual Booze Cruise at Lake Lanier on Monday; and, of course, parties, day and night, all weekend long.

Atlanta Black Pride Party Calendar 

Friday 

Atlanta Black Pride Day Party: Cirque Daiquiri Bar, 4-8 p.m.

SheFest: Naked Hustle: Onyx Gentleman’s Club, 4-9 p.m.

LUXE: Friday Night Grown Folks Takeover (25+): Truth Midtown, 9 p.m.

White Diamonds: Lore, 10 p.m.

Official Influencer Dinner Afterparty: Opium Nightclub, 11 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Saturday 

Saturday WetHer Pool Party: Bamboo Atlanta, 3-8:30 p.m.

Heavy Hitters Day Party: Mixx Atlanta, 4-8 p.m.

All White with a Splash of Color: Belly Restaurant and Lounge, 9 p.m.

Upgraded Saturday Pride Edition Nightlife Party: 11 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Sunday 

Goodies R&B Day Party: Palm Beach ATL, 3-8 p.m.

Down to the Bar: Truth Midtown, 5-9 p.m.

LGBTQ+ Caribbean Fete: SIA Lounge, 9 p.m.

Pride Mixtape: SIA Lounge, 10 p.m.

Massive Night Life Party: 11 p.m. – 3 a.m. 

Monday 

Annual Pride BBQ/Day Party: Location TBA, 3-8 p.m.Annual White Party: Revel, 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

For the full Atlanta Black Pride weekend calendar, visit atlantaprideweekend.com.

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• Atlanta Pride announces festival entertainment