Atlanta gay pride festival, iconic gay bar return post-Covid

Caption

Supporters of Georgia's transgender and non-binary community stroll through the city's Midtown district during Gay Pride Festival's Transgender Rights March in Atlanta on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019.

Credit: AP Photo/Robin Rayne

Atlanta's gay pride festival is returning after a two-year Covid hiatus.

The city's last two gay pride celebrations were held virtually as the pandemic halted festivals worldwide.

This weekend, however, large crowds are expected in the city’s Midtown neighborhood.

A parade is scheduled for Sunday, with other celebrations Friday through Monday.

Also returning is the iconic gay bar The Atlanta Eagle, which after 33-years became a Covid business casualty.

Owner Richard Ramey is reopening the business in a new location.

“As I closed down November two years ago, and I sat there and told everybody bye, I told them that they were leaving but it was temporary," Ramey said.  "And for me to be able to fulfill this promise is just beyond words.”

The Atlanta Eagle was an LGBTQ community gathering spot on Ponce de Leon Avenue for decades.

It's moving into a building formerly occupied by other gay bars, most recently Midtown Moon and Burkhart's, in Midtown's Ansley Square.

The bar is re-opening on Saturday as visitors from around the region come to Atlanta.

"I'm absolutely terrified," he said with a laugh. "But we're going to be ready to enjoy the weekend celebrating pride with our community."

Many cities including Rome celebrate Pride in June, coinciding with the Stonewall riot anniversary.

But Atlanta and Savannah, among others, celebrate Pride in October for various reasons, including National Coming Out Day and – cooler temperatures.