Atlanta Pride is all about transparency and community engagement. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about how we operate to keep you in the loop. If you don’t find your answer here, just hit the ‘Contact Us’ link at the bottom and fill out the form. Our staff will get back to you ASAP—usually within a business day.
Great question! Atlanta Pride originally took place in June to honor the Stonewall Riots. However, a few years back, we moved to October due to Atlanta’s park restrictions and drought regulations. Now, we’re the largest celebration for National Coming Out Day, but don’t worry—every June, we still honor Stonewall with various events and community partnerships!
We accept entertainment applications all year round, and anyone can apply. Our entertainment committee reviews submissions and selects a diverse local, regional, and national talent lineup. We prioritize artists connected to Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community, but we aim to create a stage with something for everyone!
Every spring, we open nominations to the community, and Atlanta Pride members choose the Grand Marshals from the pool of submissions. It’s a great way to honor those who’ve made a big impact in the LGBTQ+ world.
While our primary focus is on the greater Metro-Atlanta area, we also support other regional organizations through information sharing, mentoring, and annual grant initiatives, including our “Pride Across the Peach State” grant initiative, which provides grants to developing Pride organizations and community partners across Georgia.
We’d love to have you join the Atlanta Pride family! We have a spot for you whether you’re interested in a one-time volunteer gig or something more ongoing. Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Supporting other community organizations is a big part of what we do. Since 2005, Atlanta Pride has reinvested more than $300,000 in other LGBTQ+ causes through our grant initiatives. Currently, our community reinvestment is driven by our “Pride Across the Peach State” grant initiative, which has awarded $90,000 in grants to 16 different Pride organizations across the State of Georgia since beginning in 2024. In 2025, we supported 10 organizations. To our knowledge, no other Pride organization is reinvesting locally at this same level. It’s our way of giving back and helping the community thrive.
Festival FAQs
The Atlanta Pride Festival takes place on the second full weekend in October, usually right around National Coming Out Day. In 2026, mark your calendar for October 10 and 11!
You can bring snacks and drinks, but we encourage you to support our vendors! We ask you to avoid bringing coolers, food, or beverages into the festival grounds to help “Keep Pride Free.” Plus, buying food and drinks on-site helps cover event costs. Just remember: no glass bottles and no outside alcohol—those could get confiscated!
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed during Class A festivals like Atlanta Pride. This is per the City of Atlanta’s rules, and the police might issue tickets if you bring your furry friends. The only exception? Service animals, of course!
Nope, grilling and BBQs are a no-go during Class A festivals. If you try to bring a grill, the police could write you a ticket.
You can bring lawn chairs and umbrellas, and tents are okay in certain areas. Don’t use stakes—stick to sandbags or water weights to secure them. And remember: if you leave your stuff (including tents) overnight, it’ll be removed.
We ask that you please leave all weapons, including firearms, at home. Let’s keep it safe and fun for everyone.
Nope! Smoking is prohibited in Piedmont Park by City of Atlanta ordinances. If you try to light up, you might get ticketed by the police. This also applies to the Parade assembly area and during the parade itself.
We’ve got information stations with maps throughout the park, so just look for our helpful staff and festival volunteers. They’ll guide you to where you need to go!
Bicycles, vehicles, skateboards, scooters, and skates/rollerblades are not allowed during the festival. However, you’re encouraged to bike to the park, and there’s free bike valet in the meadow near the BeltLine.
Piedmont Park is surrounded by Piedmont Avenue, Monroe Drive and 10th Street. Visitors can enter from multiple entry points such as the 12th or 14th Street gates off Piedmont Avenue, or the Charles Allen Gate off of 10th Street. A popular way to get to the park is the Atlanta Beltline which comes into the North end of the park near the Piedmont Commons, and into the South end at the intersection of 10th Street and Monroe Drive.
Two Marta stations are nearby: Midtown and Arts Center.
Upon exiting the Midtown Station, take 10th Street towards Peachtree Street and continue on 10th until you reach Piedmont Avenue. Turn left on Piedmont Avenue and walk two blocks to the 12th and 14th Street gates of Piedmont Park. (or you can continue walking on 10th Street and the park will soon be on your left side).
Exit the Arts Center Station heading south on West Peachtree street for one block. Head east (go left) on 14th Street for three blocks until you reach the 14th Street entrance to the Park.
MARTA also provides MARTA Mobility, a complimentary paratransit service operated within the same service area as fixed-route bus and rail services. To request an application or obtain information about MARTA Mobility, call the MARTA Mobility Eligibility Department at (404)848-5389, M-F, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. A MARTA Mobility Service Agent will explain the service and/or mail an application. The fax number for Mobility Eligibility is (404)848-6900.
For additional information, visit www.itsmarta.com or call MARTA at 404.848.5000.
We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation’s leading parking reservations app.
To reserve your parking spot for the Atlanta Pride Festival, visit the Piedmont Park SpotHero Parking Page.
Many streets will be closed throughout the weekend. We will provide details on which streets are affected closer to the event.
Got more questions? Just ask our friendly staff and volunteers when you get to the festival! We’re here to help. Feel free to send us an email at info@atlantapride.org.
