The Atlanta Pride Festival returned to Piedmont Park on Sunday, October 11, after severe weather forced organisers to cancel the previous day’s programme, with the city’s annual parade drawing crowds through Midtown.
The Atlanta Pride Parade set off at noon from the Civic Center MARTA station, travelling along Peachtree Street before turning on to 10th Street and finishing near Piedmont Park. Organisers said more than 100,000 people were expected to line the route.
Sunday’s festival schedule was revised to bring performances from the cancelled Saturday programme together across two stages. The marketplace remained open until 7pm, while the wider festival was due to continue into the evening.
Atlanta Pride Festival stages performances after weather cancellation
Artists appearing on the Coca-Cola Main Stage included Zee Machine, Cain Culto and rapper JT, who was scheduled to close the night. The programme also featured the Starlight Cabaret, with special guest Shea Couleé.
Atlanta Pride said Saturday-only premium passes would be honoured on Sunday after all programming on October 10 was cancelled because of the threat of severe weather and hazardous conditions.
The organisation had announced the cancellation in advance, saying the safety of attendees, performers, volunteers, vendors and staff was its highest priority. It described the decision as difficult but necessary while working to reorganise the following day’s entertainment.
Festivalgoers arriving in Piedmont Park spoke of the sense of community at the event, particularly for those attending for the first time.
“I think it just kind of shows that we all care for each other and that we’re here to grow,” Gabriella said.
Milo said newcomers should not be concerned about feeling out of place, describing the atmosphere as welcoming and free of judgement.
Founded in 1970, Atlanta Pride is Georgia’s oldest nonprofit organisation serving the LGBTQ+ community across the region. The annual festival weekend has attracted more than 350,000 people to the Atlanta metropolitan area in recent years.
Chris McCain, the organisation’s executive director, said the event’s commitment to resilience and community remained unchanged despite the disruption caused by the weather.
