The 2011 Atlanta Pride festival drew thousands to Atlanta's Piedmont Oct. 8 - 9 celebrating Pride and GA Voice photographers were on the scene. Community, nightlife, and entertainment events provided highlights for the three-day Pride festival.

Editor's note: Additional galleries are forthcoming. Check back to see photos from the Starlight Cabaret, the Atlanta Pride parade and more.

Heaven Pride Party with DJ Vicki Powell

Hundreds of women and some men packed Park Tavern on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, for the annual Heaven Party with DJ Vicki Powell. Fire and exotic dancers were also part of the live entertainment. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)

Ben Cohen at Mary's

On Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, International rugby star Ben Cohen held a fundraiser for his anti-bully StandUP Foundation at Mary's in East Atlanta. Cohen's foundation was launched earlier this year and is based in Atlanta. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)

2011 HRC Pride Brunch

The annual Human Rights Campaign brunch and Atlanta Pride parade watching party is also a fundraiser for the national LGBT advocacy organization. Hundreds of people ate and drank mimosas at the new 5 Napkin Burger restaurant at the corner of 10th and Piedmont for prime parade watching on Oct. 9, 2011. (Photos by Sher Pruitt)

Pride stage performers

Musical performers, entertainers and speakers took the stage during the 2011 Atlanta Pride festival Oct. 8-9, 2011, including headliners Deborah Cox and Sir Ari Gold. (Photos by GA Voice staff)

Reader submitted Pride photos

We invited our readers to submit their favorite photos from the 2011 Atlanta Pride festival, held Oct. 8 - 9 at Atlanta's Piedmont Park. (Photos submitted GA Voice readers)

Saturday in the park at Atlanta Pride

The 41st Atlanta Pride festival was held Oct. 8 - 9 at Midtown's Piedmont Park. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)

2011 Atlanta Pride Trans March

On Sat. Oct 8, 2011, around a hundred transgender persons and their allies gathered in Piedmont Park during the Atlanta Pride festival to hold the 2nd annual Trans March. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)

2011 Atlanta Pride Dyke March

On Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, hundreds of lesbians and their allies gathered at the Charles Allen gate at Piedmont Park during the Atlanta Pride festival to participate in the annual Dyke March. This year's march also featured a lesbian "make out flashmob" and a dance party followed the march featuring DJ Speakerfoxxx. (Photos by Dyana Bagby)

Faces of Atlanta Pride (Day 1)

On Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, the Atlanta Pride festival celebrated its 41st annual event in Midtown's Piedmont Park. (Photos by GA Voice staff)

Faces of Atlanta Pride (Day 2)

On Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011, the Atlanta Pride festival celebrated its 41st annual event in Midtown's Piedmont Park. (Photos by GA Voice staff)

Pride Kickoff Party at Georgia Aquarium

On Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, the Atlanta Pride festival officially kicked off with the third annual Kick-Off party at the Georgia Aquarium. Thousands attended this year's event, which featured a performance by "Ru Paul's Drag Race" alum Jujubee. DJ Corey Craig made his Atlanta debut and local favorite DJ McCracken also provided beats for party. (Photos by Brent Corcoran/RNZ Photography)

2011 Atlanta Pride Commitment Ceremony

On Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, Atlanta Pride held the annual Commitment Ceremony at the W Hotel Midtown. The ceremony had previously been held during the festival in Piedmont Park. (Photos by Brent Rence Corcoran and RNZ Photography)