Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Announces Headliners, Honorees, & 2026 Event Line Up for its 20th Anniversary

Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (ABPW), one of the country’s leading annual celebrations of Black LGBTQIA+ culture, community and pride, returns to Atlanta Wednesday, September 2 through Monday, September 7, 2026, for nearly a week of programming, entertainment, empowerment and community engagement.

Throughout the week, attendees can experience an expansive lineup of signature events, including the 14th Annual Pure Heat Community Festival at Piedmont Park, Influencer’s Dinner, R&B Brunch, empowerment brunches, the all-new Atlanta Black Pride Blood Drive, and nightly parties at some of Atlanta’s premier venues and more. Tickets, festival registration and a complete schedule of activities are available at AtlantaPrideWeekend.com.

The Pure Heat Community Foundation, The Vision Community Foundation, Traxx Girls Inc. and RockStars Production return as producing partners for the annual celebration, bringing together thousands of attendees from across the country for one of Atlanta’s most anticipated cultural weekends. The Starling Atlanta Midtown Atlanta, the official host hotel, will once again serve as the central destination for lodging, convention activities and general Atlanta Black Pride Weekend information.

Returning for its seventh year, Mayor Andre Dickens’ Atlanta Black Pride Reception will once again bring together community leaders, elected officials, advocates, entertainers, influencers and change-makers at Atlanta City Hall. Powered by Gilead Sciences, the annual reception celebrates Atlanta’s vibrant Black LGBTQIA+ community while recognizing individuals and organizations working to advance visibility, equity, health and social impact. The reception has become one of Atlanta Black Pride Weekend’s signature gatherings and reinforces the City of Atlanta’s continued commitment to celebrating and supporting its diverse LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors.

On Friday, September 4, RockStars Production and Traxx Girls will host the fifth annual Black Excellence Influencer’s Dinner at the Starling Hotel, hosted by Derek J. The highly anticipated affair serves as a fundraiser benefiting Atlanta Black Pride Weekend while providing a distinguished platform to recognize trailblazers, leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, advocates and influencers whose work has made a meaningful impact on the LGBTQIA+ community and culture at large.

The 2026 honorees include: Jesseca Harris-Dupart, Vinny Watson, Carlos King, Jerome Trammel, SG, Cliff Vmir, MC Fatha Flex, Karen “KD” Douglas, Niesha Dupress and Dr. Felicia Ivey. The annual gala will also pay tribute to Atlanta’s own Sharell Canty in memoriam, honoring her life, legacy, and lasting impact on the Atlanta community with the ICON Award posthumously.

The annual Atlanta Black Pride Blood Drive, powered by the American Red Cross, will take place Saturday, September 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Starling Hotel. The initiative is designed to further unite the community through service while encouraging eligible donors to help address the ongoing need for lifesaving blood donations. The blood drive represents another expansion of Atlanta Black Pride Weekend’s commitment to pairing celebration with meaningful community engagement, health education and social responsibility.

On Sunday, September 6, Atlanta’s iconic Piedmont Park will welcome thousands of attendees for the 14th Annual Pure Heat Community Festival, Atlanta Black Pride Weekend’s signature outdoor celebration. Known as a free “day of unity,” the Pure Heat Community Festival provides a vibrant gathering space for minority LGBTQIA+ people, allies, families and supporters from across the country. The cultural celebration will feature marketplace and food vendors, celebrity and local performances, live entertainment, educational forums, community resources, prizes, giveaways and additional programming designed to celebrate the spirit of community, pride and vision.

The 2026 festival will feature performances by Terrell Carter, Billy The Goat, Jhonni Blaze, Oliver Twixt, Steezo, 4N Yardi, Ty The Beyonce Slayer, Big Boss Vette and more. Previous Pure Heat Community Festival honoree Saucy Santana will return to the festival stage for a special performance featuring a medley of fan favorites and new music. The pavilion inside Piedmont Park will also hold a special house music set, titled, The Pride Legacy House Music Party, with sounds by fan favorite iconic house music DJ D Lo, DJ KG, Dj Keith Club Head, DJ Ric, ChanceDaDj.

GRAMMY Award winner Durand Bernarr will receive the 2026 Impact Award – marking his first appearance at the annual festival. The honor recognizes Bernarr’s continued impact on music, culture and LGBTQIA+ visibility, as well as his unapologetic artistry and commitment to authenticity and self-expression. Known for his genre-defying sound, commanding live performances and unmistakable creative voice, Bernarr has emerged as one of music’s most dynamic and influential artists.

The Pure Heat Community Festival continues to serve as a powerful centerpiece of Atlanta Black Pride Weekend, providing attendees with a front-row experience to the diversity, creativity, influence and collective power of the Black LGBTQIA+ community. For additional information on the Pure Heat Community Festival, visit PureHeatCommunityFestival.com.

“For 20 years, Atlanta Black Pride Weekend has been more than a celebration, it has been a space where our community can come together to be seen, supported, empowered and celebrated,” said Atlanta Black Pride Weekend co-founders Melissa Scott and Julius James.

“This milestone represents the countless individuals, organizations, artists, advocates and allies who have helped us build something that reaches far beyond one weekend. As we honor this year’s trailblazers and welcome thousands of people back to Atlanta, we remain committed to creating spaces that celebrate Black LGBTQIA+ excellence, strengthen our community and inspire the next generation to live boldly and authentically.”

Atlanta Black Pride Weekend organizers, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and the Atlanta Police Department, are taking additional precautions to help ensure participants have a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the weekend. Atlanta Black Pride Weekend welcomes people of all gender identities and expressions to participate in its programming and celebrations.

Beyond entertainment, ABPW remains committed to creating meaningful impact. A portion of proceeds generated throughout the weekend will benefit programs supporting homeless LGBTQIA+ youth and individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS through The Vision Community Foundation.

For the latest Atlanta Black Pride Weekend news, schedules, registration information and event updates, visit AtlantaPrideWeekend.com, AtlantaBlackPrideLDR.com and APBWInfluencersGala.com.

Check out the official Atlanta Black Pride event line up flyers below: