By Mikkel Hyldebrandt, Editor-in-Chief of David Magazine
Atlanta Pride is here—and I honestly wish I could clone myself to be everywhere at once. The city is about to explode with color, music, and community, and the lineup is nothing short of amazing. From wild nightlife to daytime celebrations and everything in between, there’s so much I want to do (and plenty I’ll definitely be at). Below is my personal list of can’t-miss events—some I’ll see you at in person, and others I just have to shout out because they’re too good to skip.
Thursday, October 9
The Warmup
The Mayor’s Annual Pride Reception
This recognition by the city of Atlanta means a lot to the community, and it is always a good time!
7 – 9 PM at City Hall (invitation only)
Pride 25’ Kickoff with iCharlie
DJ iCharlie is back for Pride and is ready to fire up those Pride engines and get you amped up for a rainbow-colored weekend.
10 PM – 3 AM at the Atlanta Eagle
Friday, October 10
Pride Kickoff & Opening Parties
Official Pride Kickoff at the Georgia Aquarium
DJs Shane Marcus, Kevin DuRard, Brian Rojas, and Amy Alderman spin across multiple aquarium rooms, including a set under 6.3 million gallons of water!
7-11 PM at Georgia Aquarium
Pride Kickoff After Party
It’s the official kickoff after party, and DJ Joe Gauthreaux is ready to receive you on the dance floor.
Horse Meat Disco presented by Queen Butch × Deep South
A late-night dance spectacle, hosted by Queen Butch and the iconic Horse Meat Disco.
10:00 PM–4:00 AM at Underground Atlanta
Saturday, October 11
Festival & Nightlife
Piedmont Park Festival
There is so much going on at the park, so I definitely recommend taking your time to walk through and take it all in! Pride Yoga in the morning, the Trans March and Bi + Pan March in the afternoon, and the highly recommended Shooting Star Cabaret hosted by Mona Lott in the afternoon. This year’s headlining entertainment includes Bob the Drag Queen, Flo Milli, Perfume Genius, 2AM Ricky, and more. Check out atlantapride.org for programming and timing.
Kween On the Green
A fun and friendly gathering in the park during Atlanta Pride.
12:30 – 7 PM at Piedmont Park
Ansley Square Pride festival
All the bars and all the fun at Ansley. Expect lots of outdoor activities and performers.
Saturday and Sunday, All Day!
Queen Butch × Deep South:
Club Bad feat. Roi Perez
An electrifying flagship nightlife event featuring international DJs and Atlanta’s fiercest crowd. Music by Roi Perez (Berghain | Panorama Bar Berlin) + Bearcat (Dweller NYC | Berlin) and Deep South’s Brian Rojas and Wild Cherry.
10 PM – 4 AM at Underground Atlanta
Club Saturn feat.
Asphodèle and Jellyfish
Atlanta’s new Technosexual Order and Club Saturn are collaborating on this queer dance party to nring you two dance floors with additional support by DJ Mike Bradley, DJ Neighbor, Escuincle, Geexella, and more.
9 PM – 3 AM at 404.EXE
Phox & Friends Pride Edition
This day-into-night celebration of queer joy, radical love, and chosen family will feature sounds by Phox, Waly, brendy Knadylion, and more – plus special performances!
3 PM – late at Boggs Social Supply
Sunday, October 12
Parade & Grand Finale
Atlanta Pride Parade
March through Midtown with thousands of marchers and floats, ending at Piedmont Park, or pick a spot along the route to watch the whole parade. It’s a sight to behold and always so special.
Pride Sunday Tea by Stroke and Deep South
Deep south and Stroke come together to bring you a classic Pride-themed tea dancereminiscent of the fabled Sunday Service. Enjoy Deep South resident DJs along with DJ NSA, and the headliners Jeffrey Sfire and Nolia.
4 – 9 PM at Lore Atlanta
2025 Atlanta Pride Starlight Cabaret
As a tradition,the Starlight Cabaret closes out the Pride weekend in the park. It is the largest outdoor drag show in the United States hosted by Phoenix, and features over 20 drag performers from the Atlanta Metropolitan area.
7 – 9 PM at the Main Stage in Piedmont Park
Pride 25’ at the Eagle
Close out the weekend with a hot dance party at the Eagle featirng DJ James Anthony.
9 PM – 3 AM at the Atlanta Eagle