Atlanta Pride, the largest free Pride festival in the United States, will officially kick off Atlanta Pride Weekend with a ceremonial Pride Flag Raising on Friday, October 9, at 1 p.m. in Piedmont Park.
Community members, supporters and friends of Atlanta Pride are invited to gather at the flagpole near the stone rotunda at the top of the hill overlooking the Meadow as the Pride flag is raised over Piedmont Park, marking the beginning of a weekend dedicated to celebrating Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community.
The ceremony comes one day before the 2026 Atlanta Pride Festival takes over Piedmont Park on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11. This year’s festival, themed “Louder & Prouder,” will bring together the community for two days of live entertainment, the Atlanta Pride Marketplace, community programming, the annual Atlanta Pride Parade and more.
“Raising the Pride flag in Piedmont Park is a meaningful way to begin a weekend that is ultimately about community, visibility and belonging,” said Chris McCain, Executive Director of the Atlanta Pride Committee. “This year’s theme, ‘Louder & Prouder,’ reflects the spirit we’re bringing into the weekend: celebrating who we are, making our community visible and standing together with pride. We invite everyone to join us Friday afternoon as we officially kick off Atlanta Pride Weekend.”
The Atlanta Pride Festival is free and open to the public. The annual celebration is the largest Pride festival in the Southeast, and the nation’s largest free Pride event, bringing hundreds of thousands of attendees to Atlanta each year.
Atlanta Pride Flag Raising
Friday, October 9, 2026 1 p.m. Piedmont Park, flagpole near the stone rotunda at the top of the hill overlooking the Meadow
Following Friday’s flag raising, Atlanta Pride Weekend continues with events and programming throughout the city before the Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade on October 10–11.
The Atlanta Pride Festival is a rain or shine event. Attendees are encouraged to monitor the weather forecast and come prepared for changing conditions. In the event of severe weather, festival programming may be temporarily delayed or suspended for the safety of attendees, volunteers, performers and staff. Festivalgoers should follow Atlanta Pride’s official social media channels for the latest updates throughout the weekend.
