Atlanta Pride Festival Canceled Amid Delta Variant Surge

ATLANTA — For the second year in a row, Atlanta Pride Committee will forgo all of its in-person events, including the annual Pride Festival and Parade down Peachtree Street, due to the spread of COVID-19.

Executive Director Jamie Fergerson made the announcement Wednesday, citing the surge of the delta variant of the coronavirus and city of Atlanta’s current ban on gatherings over 50,000 people. “We know that our attendance would be much higher than that number,” Fergerson said.

Fergerson also pointed to consultation with medical professionals on the Atlanta Pride board of directors.

“Though we’ve been working all year to plan a safer in-person celebration, and as much as we want to get together, we know that with the delta surge, gathering together right now is not safe for the community that we love,” Fergerson said.

The event, which has drawn upward of 350,000 people to Atlanta, was scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 9.

“We’re deeply saddened by the decision, but we know it is the right one,” she said, encouraging people to get vaccinated, continue to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. “Our hope is that we can get together for a big event when COVID-19 is under control.”