The anticipation for the long weekend is building. Before it becomes a frenzy, the LGBT-ATL kicks you off right with cocktail hours, Black Gay Pride openers, Latin Night, stage shows and theme parties.

• Black PrideWeekend (top photo). The fun starts now. The Official Black Pride VIP reception @ Life, 7 p.m ., is preceded by the Calm Before the Storm women’s cocktail hour @ Loews Hotel, 5 p.m. Then the choices kick in: The weekly Indulge party hosts Black Pride & Women’s Pride @ the W Midtown, 9 p.m., Strip Tease Kickoff Party @ My Sisters’ Room, 10 p.m., Kickoff with Traxx @ Obsessions, 10 p.m., “Rockstasy” Men’s Party @ Life, 10 p.m., Ladies Voyeur 15 XXX @ Magic City, 10 p.m., and FlavaMen Rooftop party with Wassup N ATL @ Centennial Inn, 10 p.m.

• Early to bar. Bear Cocktail Hour @ Mixx, 6:30 p.m., Texas Hold’em Poker @ Blake’s, 7 p.m., and Crazy Bitch Bingo @ Las Margaritas, 7:30 p.m.

• Women on the verge. Ladies Night @ LeBuzz, 8 p.m., and Burlesque & Comedy with Minette Magnifique troupe (bottom photo) @ Bellissima, 9:30 p.m.

• Man up. The queens of “Pageant: The Musical” vie for a beauty crown, and with audience participation, there could be a different winner each night @ 14th Street Playhouse, 8 p.m. Read our preview.

• What’s that sound? Oh, it’s you. Um, Oh! It’s you! Karaoke ReMixx Show @ Mixx, 9:30 p.m.

• Spice it up. DJ Karlitos and Martine host Papis’ Café Con Leche Latin Night @ the Heretic, 10 p.m.

• Let them entertain you. Let them make you smile. The Shawnna Factor @ Blake’s, 11 p.m., and Princess Charles’ Fashionistas @ Burkhart’s, 11:30 p.m.

There are even more gay things to do on today’s Gay Agenda. View the full list on Project Q Atlanta’s interactive community calendar. You can also submit your own events.