Atlanta, October 11, 2025

News Summary

The Atlanta Pride Festival is set to take place this weekend at Piedmont Park, attracting hundreds of thousands for the largest free LGBTQ+ celebration in the country. The event will feature performances from FloMilli, Perfume Genius, and Bob the Drag Queen. Key remarks include the cultural significance of the event and an increased police presence for safety. The festival and parade promote LGBTQ+ visibility and community spirit, showcasing unity and activism since its origins in 1970 as a small protest.

Atlanta

The 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival is set to draw hundreds of thousands of attendees this weekend at Piedmont Park, making it the largest free LGBTQ+ celebration in the country. This highly anticipated event will feature performances from rapper FloMilli, along with Perfume Genius and Bob the Drag Queen, creating an exciting atmosphere for festival-goers.

Members of the LGBTQ community from across the South are expected to attend both the festival and the parade scheduled for Sunday. The event is known not only for its lively activities but also for its significant cultural and historical importance. Traffic congestion is anticipated along Peachtree Street in Midtown throughout the weekend, as many congregate to celebrate.

Steven Igarashi-Ball, spokesperson for Atlanta Pride, noted that this festival is the largest free Pride festival in the nation while emphasizing that the parade is the largest in Atlanta. This year’s celebration continues an October tradition that began in 2009. Unlike most U.S. cities that celebrate Pride in June, Atlanta moved its festivities to October due to a drought that required relocating the festival from Piedmont Park. The October timing also aligns with National Coming Out Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

The cooler October temperatures are generally considered more suitable for outdoor events compared to the sweltering heat of June. To ensure safety during the weekend, the Atlanta Police Department is increasing patrols and encouraging attendees to stay aware of their surroundings.

For those attending the festival, parking will be limited, and organizers advise against driving if they plan to consume alcohol. Instead, they suggest utilizing options such as designated drivers, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), or rideshare services to navigate the city easily.

Festival activities will kick off at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, wrapping up by 10 p.m. each night. Notably, Jere Chang, a prominent teacher and TikTok creator, will serve as one of the grand marshals this year, emphasizing the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility during the event. Approximately 350,000 people are expected to attend the festival, showcasing a spirit of community and activism that has grown significantly since the event’s inception.

The Atlanta Pride event has a rich history, beginning as a small protest in 1970 before evolving into a major celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and culture. This year, more than 200 vendors will participate in the festival, providing a wide array of food, merchandise, and resources for attendees.

The highly anticipated parade, which marks a high point of the weekend, will commence at noon on Sunday, marching up Peachtree and concluding at Piedmont Park’s Charles Allen Gate. Kicking off the weekend festivities, Mayor Andre Dickens hosted the Seventh Annual “Mayor’s Pride Reception,” where he joined various business leaders and influencers to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and community spirit.

Key Features of the 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival:

• Date: This weekend, Saturday and Sunday.
• Location: Piedmont Park, Atlanta.
• Attendance: Hundreds of thousands expected.
• Headliners: FloMilli, Perfume Genius, Bob the Drag Queen.
• Start Times: Activities commence at 10 a.m. and conclude at 10 p.m. each night.
• Parade: Noon on Sunday, along Peachtree Street.
• Safety Measures: Increased police presence and reminders to stay aware of surroundings.
• Parking: Limited; alternative transportation advised.
• Vendors: Over 200 participating.
• History: Originated in 1970 as a small protest.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta: Thousands Expected to Celebrate Atlanta Pride Weekend
• Wikipedia: Pride Parade
• AJC: Atlanta Pride Pageantry, Celebration, and Protest in the Heart of Midtown
• Google Search: Atlanta Pride Festival
• 11Alive: Atlanta’s 55th Pride Festival Kicks Off in Piedmont Park This Weekend
• Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ Activism
• WSBTV: Thousands Attend Atlanta Pride Festival at Piedmont Park This Weekend
• Google News: Atlanta Pride 2025

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.