The largest and most central event of Atlanta’s Gay Pride Festival each year is undoubtedly the parade, which takes place Sunday, Oct. 13, beginning at 1 p.m. The parade begins at the Civic Center MARTA station, winds its way down Peachtree Street,  turning down Tenth Street heading towards Piedmont Park.

Other 2013 Pride Highlights include:

• Atlanta Pride HIV/AIDS Vigil, Wednesday, Oct.9, at 7 p.m., St. Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta

• The Fifth Annual Official Atlanta Pride Kick-off Party, Friday, Oct/ 11 from 7 to 11:30 p.m at the Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta

• Pride Vendors Market, Piedmont Park, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Childrens’ Tent, Near the playground and Greystone Pool House in Piedmont Park, Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• YoGaga Class, 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Piedmont Park Athletic Fields.

• Lambda Car Club Antique Car Exhibition, 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, Piedmont Park between the 12th Street and 14th Street Gates.

• “Colors: A Celebration!” Concert by Atlanta Freedom Bands, 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, Georgia Tech Center for the Arts

• Wreath Placing and Taps Ceremony, Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m., Veterans Marker near the intersection of 12th Street and Piedmont Avenue.

• Atlanta Pride Parade, Sunday, Oct. 13, beginning at 1 p.m, starting at Civic Center MARTA and continuing down Peachtree Street to Piedmont Park.