Access Spotlight from Friendly Like Me

Atlanta Pride 2024: Accessibility Guide

Written by Elysia Everett | August 20, 2024

Friendly Like Me and Atlanta Pride are proud to present the second annual Atlanta Pride Accessibility Guide.

One of the largest Pride celebrations on the East Coast, Atlanta Pride is a true destination, drawing people from all over the country and 2024 will be no exception.  Over 300,000 festival-goers are expected by the City of Atlanta over the weekend of  October 12-13, 2024. 

Intentionally planned with accessibility as a priority, the talented team at Atlanta Pride worked with us to highlight the many accessibility amenities available at 2024's Pride Festival and Parade

To make your trip even better (!!!), we've curated an awesome collection of Friendly and Accessible businesses shown below that are in and around Pride--from coffee shops, bars, and hotels, to nearby museums.  Know Before You Go with the Friendly Like Me App and get to know Accessible Atlanta! Use the app to review places and tell business owners about the amenities you need.  The Friendly Like Me App is Available for download at your Apple App or Google Play Stores.    

 

Access to the Festival & Programming

THE PARADE

The Atlanta Pride Parade, steps off Sunday, October 13th at 12 noon from the Atlanta Civic Center MARTA Station.  Get there early to find a spot to watch the parade, (we recommend by 9:30am.)  The parade merges off at Ralph McGill onto Peachtree Street and travels North.  It then turns east onto 10th Street and follows 10th Street to the Charles Allen gate entrance of Piedmont Park, where the parade officially ends.

MAIN & ANCILLARY STAGES

  • ACCESSIBLE PATH:  From the entrance of Charles Allen, take the path immediately on your right down to the Meadow. It will lead directly to the ADA viewing area, located just after the VIP section.  
  • ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS:  There are marked Accessible Viewing areas at the front of the Coca-Cola Main Stage and the Community Stage. Hard rubber mats have been placed en route to the Accessible viewing area where paved walkways do not exist.  Reservations for the ADA viewing areas are not required but will help us plan.  Please contact info@atlantapride.org for more information.
  • ASL INTERPRETATION:  ASL interpreters are available on the Main Stage and there are floating ASL Interpreters available for the Community Stage as well.  To request ASL assistance, please contact: info@atlantapride.org

IDENTIFYING HELPERS

Volunteers wear colored shirts with their roles written on the back.

  • VOLUNTEER: Yellow shirts
  • LEAD VOLUNTEER: Blue shirts
  • EVENT STAFF: Black shirts
  • SECURITY: Chartreuse shirts
  • MARKET: Red shirts
  • INFORMATION: Pink shirts

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

If there is a health or safety need contact the nearest volunteer. They can connect you with a police officer or member of our EMS team from Grady Health System. The festival will have a 911 operations unit on-site.  Emergency medical crews will assess medical situations and provide care or call for an ambulance.

 

GETTING THERE

Street parking in the area is extremely limited and we encourage carpooling or ride share with drop-off at the Charles Allen entrance. Paid lots are also available in the area.  Book a parking spot in advance at Best Parking by Flash

MARTA offers mobility transport for free to qualified riders.  Click here for more information on accessible transport.  

ACCESSIBLE BATHROOMS

Every bank of restrooms (port-a-potties noted on the map) will have at least one Accessible restroom.

WATER STATIONS 

There are six water stations located in the park, including by the 12th street entrance, and three others around the meadow. Along the parade route many businesses and churches offer water to parade participants and spectators.  

TAKE A BREAK

Presented by Northside Hospital

As an outdoor event, Atlanta Pride recognizes that warm weather conditions may impact sensory experiences. We know that having a place to take a break and a respite from the heat and sounds can be critical for those with sensory sensitivities and can make the difference for someone wanting to attend Pride. This year's Wellness Zones, presented by Northside Hospital, are available for those needing haven, respite, and a place to decompress and relax. They will be located by the Coca-Cola Stage and our Family Fun Zone.

Surrounded by curtains to create shade and separation, the wellness tents are enclosed to allow guests to enjoy the cooler dark space while our community partners with Compassionate Atlanta welcome you with noise-canceling headphones, sensory and fidget toys, and a space to calm yourself.

MOBILITY AID CHARGING AREA

Attendees can recharge their mobility scooters at an outlet within the ADA section in front of the Coca-Cola Stage (Main Stage), as well as inside the wellness tents.

SERVICE ANIMALS

Only service animals are allowed in the park, and we ask that owners who are able please clean up after them. There is a dog park at the North end of the park, closest to the Park Drive entrance.  It is most easily accessible from the parking deck off of Monroe. 

QUESTIONS & RESERVING ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS

Attendees with questions in advance of the festival or to reserve a spot in an Accessible Viewing area are invited to contact info@atlantapride.org.  

PROGRAMMING

A text-based version of this Guide to 2024 Atlanta Pride Events is available here.  

 

Personalized Accessible Adventures

Friendly Like Me is now and forever a 100% free mobile app in which people can find and review locations all around the country for their specific access needs. In the app, you can build a personalized profile and select from a list of accessibility features to help you know at a glance whether a business is Friendly to you. From bars and hotels to hospitals and parks, we have over six million businesses waiting for you to explore!

Come with us as we take you to the most accessible LGBTQ-Friendly (yes, with a capital F!) locations in Atlanta. From the traditional bars and restaurants to Coca Cola factory tours, Atlanta has something for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy!

Now get out there, go with confidence--and PRIDE!

 

Accessible Neighborhood Guide