Organizers behind the 2nd annual Athens Pride Weekend hope to expand on last year’s success by adding several additional events, including bowling and a community artist showcase.

2011 was the first year that Athens celebrated Pride outside of the spring.

Several additional events have been added to this year’s calendar, says Ricky Roberts, Athens Pride treasurer.

The biggest challenge of adding events, Roberts says, is finding local venues that are willing to donate their space for little or no cost. All of this year’s events come with a $5 suggested donation, but Roberts says that no one will be turned away if they can’t afford to donate.

“We ask for donations so we can not only can put on events in the community, but so we can be in a position to give money to groups in the area,” Roberts says.

The first official event of Athens Pride is the 18th annual GLOBES Fall Reception at the University of Georgia Founders’ Gardens from 5:30-8 p.m. on Sept. 6. The event is all-ages and will include a silent auction. An after-party will be held from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. at The Engine Room.

An artist showcase featuring poets, singers and other entertainers will perform upstairs at The Globe Bar from 8-10 p.m. on Sept. 7. Drag-a-oke, featuring DJ Patrick from Almost Famous with hosts Yasmine Alexander and LaKeisha Pryce, goes down later that night at Farm 255.

Saturday features all-ages bowling at Ten Pins in the Homewood Hills Shopping Center from 4-6 p.m., and a dance party at Little Kings from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Sunday, Sept. 9, kicks off with a Pride service at Our Hope MCC, followed by a commitment ceremony, also at the church. The annual Pride Picnic follows at Lake Herrick Pavilion at the UGA Intramural Fields from 2-6 p.m.

The weekend closes with an Athens Showgirls Cabaret all-ages show at The Globe Bar from 7-10 p.m.

Organizers and supporters of the event include Athens Pride, Almost Famous Karaoke, Athens Showgirl Cabaret, Engine Room, Farm 255, GLOBES at the University of Georgia, Go Bar, Little Kings, Mayor Nancy Denson, Our Hope MCC, Ten Pins, The GLOBE Bar & Restaurant and UndertheRainbow Athens.

Top photo: Athens Pride Weekend returns for its 2nd annual fall fest Sept. 6-9 (by Chris Seely)