Your guide to Atlanta Pride: Parade routes, road closures, getting around
Atlanta’s biggest parade — and one of the city’s most vibrant events — returns this weekend.
Traffic and road closures are just a byproduct of this year’s Atlanta Pride Festival and parade. Expect plenty of obstacles on streets surrounding Piedmont Park, where official events will be held.
Marking 55 years, the annual event themed “Rooted in Resistance” will welcome performances from Flo Milli, Bob the Drag Queen and Perfume Genius. Atlanta Pride coincides with National Coming Out Day on Saturday.
Whether you’re attending Pride or just trying to navigate the city, here’s what to know about getting around this weekend.
Attending Atlanta Pride
Pride will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday with a party at the Georgia Aquarium, where DJs will spin tunes at different parts of the venue throughout the evening. A Georgia Aquarium after-party rolls on at The Heretic from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
All other official Atlanta Pride events will happen at Piedmont Park on Saturday and Sunday.
Things start with Pride Yoga at 9 a.m. Saturday, with live music and performances beginning at 11 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. Sunday across the Community Stage at Oak Hill and the Coca-Cola Stage in The Meadow.
The festival is accessible through several entry points, including the Charles Allen Gate on 10th Street, gates on 12th and 14th streets along Piedmont Avenue, Park Drive bridge off Monroe Drive, and the Beltline near the north end of the park.
The main Atlanta Pride Parade steps off at noon Sunday. It begins near the Civic Center MARTA station, heads north on Peachtree Street at Pine Street, turns left onto 10th and marches into Piedmont Park through the Charles Allen Gate.
The three other marches — the Annual Trans March, Annual Bi and Pan March, and Annual Dyke March — happen at 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday. They start at the Charles Allen Gate, head west on 10th Street, turn right onto Peachtree Street, then right onto 14th Street back into Piedmont Park.
Getting to Piedmont Park
Driving might not be the best option, though there are parking garages near Piedmont Park and one inside the park located in the north end. Beware that certain streets nearby, including parts of Charles Allen Drive, require a permit.
Ride-share is easier, but double-check your drop-off spot since certain roads will be closed. Monroe Drive and Charles Allen Drive will remain open, aside from where they connect on 10th Street.
Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and roller skates are not allowed during the festival. If you cycle in, there’s free bike valet on 10th Street between Monroe and Charles Allen drives near The Meadow.
The Arts Center and Midtown MARTA stations are both a short distance from the park. From Midtown, walk east on 10th Street until you reach the Charles Allen Gate. From Arts Center, head east on 14th Street until you reach the park.
Road closures, traffic
Friday through Sunday, 10th Street between Monroe and Charles Allen drives will remain closed to vehicles. The area is reserved for bike valet.
Saturday from 1:30 to 6 p.m., marches will block sections of 10th, Peachtree and 14th streets.
Sunday at 8 a.m., streets around the Civic Center MARTA station will be shut down for assembly prior to the Atlanta Pride Parade. Tenth Street and Peachtree Street starting at Pine Street will close at 11 a.m. ahead of the parade. Road closures may remain until 5 p.m., though the parade ends at 4 p.m.
Expect traffic around closed routes, as well as West Peachtree Street, Juniper Street, Piedmont Avenue, Ralph McGill Boulevard and other roads in Midtown around Piedmont Park.
Weather
Clear, sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s are expected Saturday and Sunday. That means bring your sunscreen and wear your shades.
You can bring your own snacks and drinks, but leave glass and booze at home. If you bring a water bottle, you can refill it at several water stations located in the park.
To stay cool and reserve a spot on the lawn, you may consider bringing an umbrella and lawn chairs. Tents are allowed in certain areas, but stakes to secure them are not.
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