Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Atlanta is a vibrant hub for LGBTQ+ culture, offering a rich tapestry of queer and queer-friendly festivals throughout the summer. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, here’s your guide to the must-attend events in and around the city, along with a spotlight on national celebrations like WorldPride in Washington, D.C.
Atlanta’s Queer Summer Festivals
Pride Run ATL
June 1, 2025
Kick off Pride Month with the Pride Run ATL, a 5K run/walk through Piedmont Park. Organized by Front Runners Atlanta, this event has been uniting the community since 1991 to raise awareness and funds for those impacted by HIV. All proceeds benefit local HIV charities, making it a meaningful way to celebrate pride and support vital causes.
Southern Fried Queer Pride
Late June 2025
Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP) is a five-day festival celebrating queer and trans people of color. Expect a mix of art shows, drag performances, dance parties, and workshops held at various DIY venues across Atlanta. SFQP provides a safe and inclusive space for the community to express and celebrate their identities.
Atlanta Black Pride
Labor Day Weekend, August 28 – September 1, 2025
Recognized as the world’s largest Black gay pride celebration, Atlanta Black Pride attracts over 100,000 attendees annually. The festival features a range of events, including cultural activities, parties, and educational forums, highlighting the rich diversity of the African-American LGBTQ+ community.
Atlanta Pride Festival
October 11–12, 2025
Mark your calendars for the 55th annual Atlanta Pride Festival, the largest free Pride event in the Southeast. Held in Piedmont Park, the festival features a vibrant parade, live entertainment, and a variety of vendors and activities. Coinciding with National Coming Out Day, it’s a powerful celebration of unity and visibility.
National Spotlight: WorldPride 2025
This year, Washington, D.C., hosts WorldPride from May 17 to June 8, 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in the capital. Under the theme “The Fabric of Freedom,” the event brings together millions to honor LGBTQ+ history and advocate for equality.
Key Events:
- WorldPride Parade: June 7, featuring vibrant floats and performances along Constitution Avenue.
- Street Festival and Concert: June 7–8, with performances by artists like Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan.
- International March on Washington & Rally: June 8, culminating in a closing concert with acts like Doechii and Khalid.
WorldPride 2025 promises to be a historic and unifying event, celebrating the progress and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community on a global stage.
Whether you’re participating n local festivities or traveling to national events, these celebrations offer opportunities to connect, celebrate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.