By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos courtesy of Georgia Aquarium
It’s a decade-long tradition that virtually blasts off Atlanta’s Pride weekend: Atlanta Pride Official Kickoff at the Aquarium. Ever since its inception, John Walker has been at the heart of the celebration since it was just an idea he toyed with. Today, the event not only draws thousands of visitors, but the scope of the event has grown to include multiple DJs, celebrity performers and guests, and, of course, award-winning décor that transforms large parts of the aquarium into a Pride-themed extravaganza. We got a chance to talk to John Walker about how he keeps the event fresh and current year after year, and what’s in store for us at this year’s kickoff party at the aquarium.
Many know that you are one of the main characters behind this party, but what many don’t know is that this party was your idea! Tell us how you came up with it?
It all started with a rainbow—literally. About 16 years ago, I was walking through Georgia Aquarium early one morning before we opened. The lighting crew was testing the light show, and suddenly, the lights burst into this giant rainbow across the space. I just stopped and thought, “Okay, this is not a drill—this is the universe telling me PRIDE belongs here.”
At the time, Atlanta Pride was facing some stormy weather—both literally and figuratively. Years of unpredictable weather, shifting venues, rising costs… it was a rough patch. But Georgia Aquarium was all in. We approached APC and said, “Hey, what if PRIDE Friday night had a home with controlled climate in the most iconic attraction in Atlanta?” We all took a leap in 2009, and here we are—still making waves (and rainbows) every year since.
Tell us about how the party has grown over the years. How many are you expecting to host this year?
It’s honestly amazing to look back and see how far we’ve come. The very first Kickoff was a complete unknown. We believed in the idea, but we weren’t sure if the community would support an event outside of Midtown. We planned for 700 guests—we sold 700 tickets in advance—and then, on the night of the event, another 1,000 people showed up at the box office. It was overwhelming in the best and worst ways.
Truthfully, that first event was really tough. In my eyes, it felt like a bit of a disaster—we faced so many unexpected challenges, and it just didn’t match the vision I had hoped for. But instead of giving up, we took every piece of feedback to heart. We had long conversations with APC, with our vendors, with our staff, and together we made a commitment to learn from our mistakes and make the next year better.
And we did. Every year since, we’ve improved, grown, and built something the community can truly be proud of. What started with 1,700 guests in 2009 has now grown to a forecast of over 4,200 guests for 2025. It’s incredibly humbling. I never imagined the event would become what it is today—but I’m so grateful that it has.
If you have ever attended this party, you know that it transforms the aquarium into a Pride extravaganza. Can you reveal what you have in store for us this year?
OHHHHHH, you know me—no spoilers! That’s part of the magic! But what I can say is that the Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff is deeply important—not just to me, but to our entire team. This isn’t just an event we produce; it’s something we pour our hearts into every single year. The Georgia Aquarium Events team, YES Event Designs, Active Productions and Design, and Wolfgang Puck Catering are the true stars behind this event, their hearts and souls are woven into each part of this event!
One thing we always promise: no two years are ever the same. We completely reimagine the experience every time—new layout, groundbreaking décor, immersive lighting, cutting-edge technology, and always a lineup of incredibly diverse talent that reflects and celebrates our whole community. Each year, I push myself—and my team—to go bigger, be bolder, and create something even more unforgettable than the last. So, while I won’t give anything away just yet… let’s just say, you’re not ready for what we’ve got planned. 😉
And just because people like to dress up according to the theme: Can you reveal what the theme for the ballroom is this year?
Themes are something we take very seriously. Our community deserves more than just a party—they deserve to be transported. Every year, our goal is to create a space where our guests can drown out the negativity of the world, and—for just a few hours—escape to a place that feels safe, welcoming, joyful, and full of love.
This year, given the heavy emotional and mental toll so many in our community are feeling, we knew we needed to go big—not just visually, but emotionally. The 2025 theme will be an assault on the senses in the best possible way: whimsical, uplifting, vibrant, and fantastical. Think of it as a magical world that blooms—a place where hope, beauty, and joy grow wild. And for the eagle-eyed among you: yes, our event graphics always drop little hints about the theme. So, pay attention—you might just spot something blooming already.
This party is so good that is has won numerous awards for its concept and décor. How do you keep it fresh and current year after year?
I’m incredibly grateful for my team—truly, they’re the reason this event continues to grow and evolve. For the past 16 years, the same core group has stood by me to bring this vision to life. Every year, we lock ourselves in conference rooms, throw out wild ideas, challenge each other, and push boundaries.
I’ll admit—my sketches are terrible—but we brainstorm, research trends, build vision boards, and dream up something new from the ground up. Then, I step back and let the team work their magic.
Since 2016, the Pride Kickoff has won over 12 prestigious event awards, which is surreal. But here’s the thing—once you’ve won, the bar only gets higher. So, every year, we push even harder to innovate, to surprise, and to create something unforgettable. We don’t just want to keep up—we want to set the standard.
You have obviously scaled up the entertainment factor over the years as well. Tell us about what’s in store for us at this year’s party?
Oh, we’re definitely turning up the volume this year—literally. The entertainment lineup for 2025 is stacked, and we’ve curated it to bring a little something for everyone.
We’re featuring four incredible DJs who will keep the energy pulsing all night long across multiple spaces: DJ Shane Marcus, DJ Brian Rojas, DJ Amy Alderman, and DJ Kevin Durard.
And yes—queens are back! We’re thrilled to welcome three iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race alums for exclusive meet & greets: Phoenix, Jorgeous, and Detox
But that’s not all. Our official media partner, DAVID Atlanta Magazine, is leveling up your selfie game with an upgraded photo booth experience located in our newly upgraded Lounge area. Let’s just say—you’ll want to dress for the theme and the cameras.
From music to drag to moments worth capturing, this year’s party is designed to be an all-out celebration of joy, community, and creativity.
It all sounds incredible. You must get a lot of requests from friends and acquaintances about tickets? Has that already begun?
Lawd, YES! The requests started rolling in the moment tickets went live! The LOUNGE option sold out two weeks ago, and let’s just say—my inbox, texts, and DMs have been working overtime ever since.
At this point, my closest friends know better than to even try me. I love them dearly, but fair is fair! The demand for this event has grown so much, and while I wish I could hook everyone up, the truth is—we want to make sure the experience is amazing for everyone who planned ahead and secured their spot. So, if you are reading this and have not grabbed your ticket yet… don’t wait. Seriously.
You are always great at “warning” everyone that the event will sell out if you don’t get your ticket in time: Tell us where to get a ticket (if you don’t have one already)?
Listen, I say it every year because it’s true: this event will sell out. And honestly, it’s an incredible deal. Your ticket is the same price as general admission to Georgia Aquarium—but with a whole lot more included.
You’re getting:
- Full access to the Aquarium
- Live entertainment, special celebrity guests and stunning décor
- An unforgettable Pride experience
- And two complimentary cocktails
But there is only one official way to get your ticket: www.georgiaaquarium.org/pridekickoff
Besides putting on this momentous party, what else are you planning to do during Pride?
Atlanta is hands down the best city for Pride collaborations, and I’m all about supporting our community all weekend long. After the Pride Kickoff, I’ll be heading to the Official After Party at The Heretic—Alan Collins always goes above and beyond to make our guests feel welcome and keep the celebration going.
Saturday is all about tradition for me—I’ll be at Kween on the Green in Piedmont Park supporting my chosen family and best friend Mike Woodside. This has been a Saturday Pride ritual for us for years, and it’s always a highlight.
From there, I’ll swing by Vicki Powell’s Deep South events and then close out the weekend at a Georgia Boy events with my dear friend Keith Young.
And of course, don’t forget to cheer on the Georgia Aquarium float in the Pride Parade! Our incredible LGBTQ staff is going to take that float to the next level this year, and I couldn’t be more proud!
Anything you would like to add?
Honestly, words just don’t do it justice—I am so friggin’ excited for Pride this year! It’s going to be a celebration of love, joy, and community like no other. I can’t wait to see everyone on Friday, October 10th—let’s make memories, spread love, and dance the night away. Pride is our time to shine, and this year, it’s going to be unforgettable!