With the 40th Atlanta Pride festival just three weeks away, organizers announce a slate of 18 official events in and out of Piedmont Park on Oct. 8-10. Standards festival goers have come to expect include the kickoff party at the Georgia Aquarium with an afterparty at Jungle on Friday, Oct. 8, the Dyke March (top photo) and mass commitment ceremony on Saturday and of course, the Atlanta Pride parade (second photo) and Starlight Cabaret on Sunday are all on tap. Pride puts some new swagger in its step, too. This year, look for a kickball tournament, an official women’s party at the Loft, and a closing night party at Opera, just to name a few. “Festival goers are bound to find a way to keep themselves entertained throughout this fun-filled weekend,” says JP Sheffield, executive director of Atlanta Pride, in the announcement. Pride already announced its entertainers lineup with headliner Kimberley Locke from "American Idol" and its rejuvenated nightlife lineup. Now, here’s a snapshot of the event roster. For full details, visit Atlanta Pride. FRIDAY, OCT. 8 Atlanta Pride VIP Party 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The Georgia Aquarium: Enter Ocean Ballrooms Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. The Georgia Aquarium: Enter Main Entrance Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff After Party 11 p.m.-3 a.m. Jungle Club SATURDAY, OCT. 9 Pride Kickball Tournament 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Piedmont Park Ball Fields Children’s Carnival 10:30 a.m.-12 noon Piedmont Park Playground Trans March Presented with support from TransQueer Nation Assembly at 1 p.m., steps off at 1:30 p.m. Meadow Overlook in Piedmont Park (near Charles Allen Gate) YouthPride Event “Rejuvenation: Fun in the Garden” 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The Dock in Piedmont Park Atlanta Pride Literary Showcase 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Piedmont Park Pavilion (Bud Light Stage) Dyke March Assembly at 5:30 p.m., steps off at 6 p.m. Charles Allen Gate at Piedmont Park Commitment Ceremony 6:30 p.m. Piedmont Park Pavilion (Bud Light Stage) Official Atlanta Pride Women’s Party Peach Mega Dance Party 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Center Stage/The Loft, 18 and over SUNDAY, OCT. 10 The Annual Atlanta Pride Parade Kicks off at 1 p.m. YouthPride Entertainment Block 3:40 p.m. Bud Light Stage in Piedmont Park The Starlight Cabaret 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Coca-Cola Stage in Piedmont Park Official Atlanta Pride Closing Party Produced by Chris Coleman Enterprises 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Opera Night Club, 21 & over IN THE PIEDMONT PARK ALL WEEKEND Pride Human Rights Exhibit 10 a.m.-7p.m. The bridge over the Lake The Community Health Expo 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Piedmont Park Marketplace