Atlanta Pride 2025: How the Weekend Went – Parade Joy, Piedmont Park Magic, and Nightlife Wins
I just wrapped Atlanta Pride and I’m still smiling. The whole thing felt like the city wrapped its arms around us. Piedmont Park turned into a green, happy village, the parade brought out everybody’s best energy, and Midtown kept the night rolling. Here’s how the weekend actually played out, what worked, and what I’ll repeat next year.
Note the Details
We were out in force this weekend as Atlanta Pride took over Piedmont Park. Happening usually that 2nd weekend in October, it was no different this year with the Park being the center of the Parade, Festival and Stages with the likes of Bob the Drag Queen, Flo Milli and Bentley Robles showing out. I centered my plans around the park and let everything else orbit that. It kept logistics simple and the stress low.
Know the Parade Route before Sunday morning
The Atlanta Pride Parade stepped off at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. If you can stop by the Civic Center early and see the staging area of Floats and marching groups Per the Atlanta Pride website the route is: “The Altanta Pride Parade steps off on Peachtree St at Pine St, traveling North. It turns East onto 10th St and Proceeds to the Charles Allen Dr Entrance to Piedmont Park, where it officially ends” (https://atlantapride.org/festival/parade-marches/) I grabbed a spot before 11 and it paid off. Right near the park where the Floats spend a little longer since it was the end of the route.
Getting into Piedmont Park without drama
Gates moved well. I used Charles Allen Gate right after the parade and later exited by the BeltLine to dodge the crowd crush on 10th Street. Friends who came in from 12th or 14th on Piedmont Ave had easy entries too. Spreading out helped.
Shop the Marketplace at the right times
The Marketplace in the park ran 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both days, but many vendors and booth closed up shop during the parade window; understanding that was the star of the weekend. I did my main loop on Saturday afternoon and a lighter lap late Sunday. That timing made it easier to talk with makers and actually see what I was buying instead of shoulder-surfing.
Saturday marches: short, powerful, worth your time
Saturday’s marches started near Charles Allen Gate and set the tone for the weekend. They were focused, emotional, and fast enough that I still made it to the stages afterward. If you wanted a purpose-forward moment before the big crowds, these delivered.
My hour-by-hour Sunday that actually worked
I currently live in East Point, and therefore grabbed an Uber to the Marta Station and then grabbed a Train in.
- 9:30–10:30 a.m. I grabbed coffee and a cookie in Midtown. I chose Dancing Goat, I love the ambiance there is a great outdoor space to sit and enjoy the sights of Pride Celebrants heading to pride; and those who had a late night dragging themselves to pride
- 10:45 a.m. I picked a parade spot and did sunscreen, water, and a quick Porto-Potty stop. Hey once the parade gets going its going to be a move it and lose it for your spot!
- 12:00–2:00 p.m. The parade rolled, and it was so much fun. I even had a person who kept grabbing stuff for me as I was recording! Pride tends to bring up the best in some people! Thank you to whomever you are! Love you for that~
- 2:15 p.m. I walked through Charles Allen Gate, refilled water, and headed for the festival market.
- 2:15-4:00 p.m I grabbed some merchandise, some food and of course some water even though it was October it still was warm especially in the Sun; luckily we got an amazing weather day!
- After that I headed back to the train stop; stopping at Zocalo which ALWAYS hosts a Pride Party with a direct view of the Parade the music was going and Blake’s on the Park in before it got crowded as it always does during Pride weekend
What I packed so I wasn’t cranky by 4 p.m. (and wished I had packed)
I carried a small crossbody, battery, light poncho, sunscreen, wipes, hand sanitizer, and some water. . Shoes mattered more than fashion once the steps started adding up. I will say I do wish I had grabbed some snacks before pride. I could have brought some from home like a Pop Tart or something to tide me over. Like SZA wants I am a Big Boy and some of those prices were….
Where I ate near the park before the during Pride Sunday
As I mentioned I stopped at Dancing Goats for a morning snack and a coffee to keep me perked up throughout the day; and then snacked in the Park. When it was finally time for me to go; I stopped at Jimmy Johns. Having already ate a few items I didn’t feel the need for anything fancy so a Turkey Tom Sub and chips was enough fine dining for me.
LGBTQ bars and clubs that delivered during Pride week
Midtown owned the weekend. Here’s what hit:
- Blake’s On The Park gave me patio people-watching, drag, DJs, and an easy rally point steps from the park.
- Bulldogs stayed high-energy and packed late, with a crowd that knew how to keep a dance floor moving.
- The Heretic brought big sound and themed parties that ran deep into the night.
- Atlanta Eagle kept it welcoming and community-forward with mixed music nights.
- Zocalo always host a pride party and they didn’t disappoint this year.
Checking each venue’s Instagram the morning of helped me dodge long covers and pick the right night.
Parade-day transit that saved time
I Uberred twice and rode MARTA. Civic Center and North Ave worked great for the start of the route. Midtown Station made the park an easy walk for the rest of the day. After the festival
Where I stood for peak parade photos
The early stretch on Peachtree near Pine gave me wider angles and space for clean shots. The 10th Street turn was pure energy and color, but tighter. Inside the park at the Charles Allen Gate entrance, I caught the tail end with trees in the background and a softer, golden-hour look.
What the festival felt like inside the park
It stayed busy, but the mood stayed warm. I counted hundreds of vendors, a mix of national acts and local performers, and families everywhere. The lineup leaned into community roots and visibility, which matched the stories I heard at the booths. Water breaks every hour or two kept me upright. Signal held most of the time, but I was glad I had screenshots of the map and schedule when it blipped.
Quick map for first-timers (for next year)
- Parade start: near Civic Center MARTA
- Parade mid-route: Peachtree Street through Midtown
- Parade turn: 10th Street
- Parade end and festival gates: Charles Allen Gate into Piedmont Park
- Other entries: 12th, 14th, Park Drive Bridge, plus BeltLine access
That route made it easy to flow from cheering to festival mode without crossing the whole city.
My Don’t Skip This List
- I arrived early on Sunday, and it kept me from being six rows back.
- I brought cash and card, and it sped up merch and food when one system lagged.
- I screenshotted the map and the stage schedule, and it helped when service hiccupped.
- I planned one calm meal away from the park, which recharged me more than a quick snack line ever could.
- I loaded up on Coffee; having a cup before leaving and another before heading to the park to keep that caffeine flowing
Final word
Atlanta Pride 2025 felt like pure joy. The parade at noon set the tone, Piedmont Park held the heart of the weekend, and Midtown made sure the nights didn’t end too soon. Planning around the route, using MARTA, timing the Marketplace, and choosing a few great nightlife stops instead of all of them kept the whole thing smooth. If your photos are anything like mine, you’re already reliving the moments. See you back in the park next year.
