Stride into Pride. Atlanta Pride Announces Official Pre-Pride Events Listing

STRIDE INTO PRIDE.  ATLANTA PRIDE ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL PRE-PRIDE EVENTS LISTING

 Atlanta, Georgia. – Today the Atlanta Pride Committee (APC) released the Stride Into Pride lineup, a listing of events leading into the 2012 Pride Weekend.   The schedule of events, which begin this weekend, features something for everyone.
“We are excited that there are so many events surrounding the Pride Festival,” said APC Board Chair, Glen Paul Freedman. “These activities offer a wide range of options for anyone who may build their vacation around the Pride Festival, or for those local residents looking to get involved in a community activity prior the festival weekend,” Freedman added.

 Schedules and locations are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date schedule information, visit www.atlantapride.org

 NFL Kick-off Sunday

Sunday, September 9: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

My Sister’s Room: 1271 Glenwood Avenue

The Atlanta Falcons take on the Kansas City Chiefs in this regular season opener. Volunteers from Atlanta Pride will be on hand to collect donations for the organization.

Pride Night

Friday, September 14: 10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

BJ Roosters: 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road

The dancing men of BJ Roosters will put on a show for you while volunteers from Atlanta Pride sell Jell-O shots and accept donations to raise money for the organization.

 Backstreet Reunion
Saturday, September 15: Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show begins at 9:00 p.m.
Jungle Atlanta: 2115 Faulkner Road

Re-live the glory days of gay Atlanta’s nightlife with DJ Rob Reum, DJ Bill Berdeaux, and Charlie Brown’s Cabaret, complete with filming for a documentary about Backstreet. Cover is $5.00 before 11:00 p.m. and $10.00 after 11:00 p.m.

Dragnificent
Wednesdays, September 19-October 31: Doors open at 9:00 p.m., show begins at 10:00 p.m.
Jungle Atlanta: 2115 Faulkner Road

Formerly known as Dragnique, Atlanta’s drag talent competition is back with a vengeance. Each week, tips from the contestants will be collected and donated to a local charity.

 Divine Rules Pageant for Pets Are Loving Support and I Am Divine Foundation

Saturday, September 22: 8:00 p.m.

Jungle Atlanta: 2115 Faulkner Road

Nicole Paige Brooks hosts this fundraiser for PALS and the I Am Divine Foundation with judges Michelle Visage, Fred Schneider of the B-52’s, and Phoenix from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

70s/80s Disco Party

Friday, September 28: 10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Atlanta Eagle: 306 Ponce de Leon Avenue

Shake your groove thing and do the robot at this retro dance party. Volunteers from Atlanta Pride will be on hand to collect donations for the organization.

 Pride Night

Saturday, September 29: 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Swinging Richards: 1400 Northside Drive NW

Boy Next Door puts sexy underwear on the hot dancers of Swinging Richards for a unique auction to raise money for Atlanta Pride.

 Twisted Sister Karaoke

Wednesday, October 3: Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show begins at 9:00 p.m.

My Sister’s Room: 1271 Glenwood Avenue

With over 10,000 songs to pick from, come and belt out your favorite hip-hop, 80s, 90s, Top 40, and country hits. Volunteers from Atlanta Pride will be on hand to collect donations for the organization.

Out on Film

Thursday, October 4-Thursday, October 11

Celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Atlanta’s favorite LGBT film festival. For a full schedule with dates, times, and locations of films, please visit www.outonfilm.org

 Atlanta Pride Beer Bust

Saturday, October 6: 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Fifth Ivory Public House: 794 Juniper Street

Come enjoy a fall afternoon of football and fundraising for Atlanta Pride at this charming piano bar and restaurant and make sure you are thirsty for beer. Prizes will be raffled and a good time will be had by all.

 Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Gala Local and National Heroes

Saturday, October 6: 6:30 p.m. VIP admission, 7:30 p.m. general admission,

764 Miami Circle

Come enjoy celebrity appearances and performances at this cocktail attire event with libations and eats included. Tickets can be purchased online: www.glaad.org/atlantagala

 Mary-oke

Saturday, October 6: 10:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m.

Mary’s Neighborhood Bar: 1287 Glenwood Avenue

Come out early (8PM) for a pre-karaoke DJ set and enjoy $2 Draft Beers & $3 Well Cocktails! Then at 11PM, Your host, CJ, takes over the party for Saturday Night Mary-oke (voted Best in the City by GA Voice, Creative Loafing and David Magazine for the past 7 years!). Volunteers from Atlanta Pride will be on hand to collect donations for the organization.

 NFL Sunday

Sunday, October 7: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

My Sister’s Room: 1271 Glenwood Avenue

Come, hang out, watch football, and raise money for a good cause. Volunteers from Atlanta Pride will be on hand to collect donations for the organization.

Out on Film Screening: “Love Free or Die” – Sponsored by the Atlanta Pride Committee

Sunday, October 7: 4:50 p.m.

Midtown Art Cinema: 931 Monroe Drive

A documentary on Gene Robinson, the openly gay bishop who set a precedent in New Hampshire state politics, and the battle for LGBT people to receive full acceptance in the faith. In June 2003, with the election of Gene Robinson, the Episcopal Church came under fire when it became the first Christian church to elect an openly gay partnered person as a bishop. Since that time, Robinson has been at the epicenter for the LGBT community to be fully accepted in the faith. Macky Alston’s film, winner of a special award at the Sundance Film Festival, follows Robinson as he deals with the fight.

 Atlanta Pride AIDS Vigil

Wednesday, October 10: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church: 781 Peachtree Street NE

This year’s vigil theme is “Remember in Love, Celebrate with Pride, Commit to Action.”  The annual Pride AIDS Vigil is a crucial part of Atlanta Pride’s festivities each year.  It is a time set aside to remember so many loved ones we have lost along the way to AIDS and a call to action for the staggering work yet to be done in the face of a pandemic that continues to infect our community at an alarming rate.  The joy of our Pride celebration is proportionate to the depth of our love.   Come join us as we Remember in Love, Celebrate with Pride, and Commit to Action.  All are welcome! 

 Atlanta Pride Night at Dragnificent

Wednesday, October 10: Doors open at 9:00 p.m., show starts at 10:00 p.m.

Jungle Atlanta: 2115 Faulkner Road

Come watch some of Atlanta’s best drag queens compete in this fierce talent competition. Tips collected from this show will be donated to Atlanta Pride.

 Commitment Ceremony

Presented by Macy’s   

Thursday, October 11: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

W Atlanta Midtown: 188 14th Street

This non-denominational ceremony gives couples the opportunity to pledge their commitment to each other publicly before friends and family. Couples who wish to register pay a small fee and receive a certificate marking the occasion.  Visit www.atlantapride.org for details and registration.

 Dinner and Wine-tasting

Presented By: Chris Coleman Enterprises

Thursday, October 11: First seating is at 7:00 p.m., second seating is at 8:30 p.m.

Fifth Ivory Public House: 794 Juniper Street

Come enjoy dinner and wine with a silent auction and live entertainment. There are two options for your meal: $30.00/person for two-course meal with wine or $50.00/person for four-course meal with wine.

 Atlanta Pride VIP/Sponsor Party

Friday, October 12: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The Georgia Aquarium: Enter Ocean Ballrooms

INVITATION ONLY EVENT. Atlanta Pride’s Annual VIP/Sponsor Party features complimentary food and drinks.  This event is our premier event for our individual donors and sponsors.  A brief program will begin at 6:45 p.m. featuring recognition of our2012 Grand Marshals and Honorary Grand Marshals and remarks from Congressman John Lewis, Stuart Milk, and Ben Cohen, MBE. For details about on how to receive tickets for the party, please visit our website and click “donate now”.  Location and further details will be sent to our ticket holders.

 Official Atlanta Pride Kick-off Party    

Friday, October 12: 7:00-11:30 p.m.

The Georgia Aquarium: Enter Main Entrance

Join us for the Fourth Annual Official Atlanta Pride Kick-off Party at The Georgia Aquarium. The party features 2 DJs: DJ COREY CRAIG in the Atrium & DJ VICKI POWELL in the Oceans Ballroom Lounge

 $20.00 – PRIDE General Admission to the Aquarium party/ $25.00 Day of Event (if available)

 The Official Atlanta Pride Kick-off After Party
Presented by Jungle Atlanta
Friday, October 12: 9:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m.
Jungle Atlanta: 2115 Faulkner Road
The Third Annual Official Kick-off After-Party at the newly remodeled Jungle Atlanta features beats by DJ Ed Bailey (Washington, DC). Don’t want to wait to get into the evening’s hottest dance party? Purchase your ticket in advance to skip the line at www.jungleclubatlanta.com – admission $20.00, must be 21 and over to attend.

About Atlanta Pride: The main purpose of the APC is to promote unity, visibility and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender and queer persons and to promote a positive image in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeastern United States through community activities and services.

The main mission of the APC is to provide lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and queer persons with cultural and educational programs and activities which enhance mental and physical health, provide social support, and foster an awareness of the past and present contributions of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals transgender and queer persons, through community activities and services, including an annual Pride event.