LORE Opens in Atlanta: A New Home for Queer Nightlife and Community in Edgewood
Antonio on the decks at LORE - Photo by Scott Lockhart
BY JACI SOUKHATHIVONG
Atlanta’s nightlife and queer community are about to get a vibrant new home with the opening of LORE, a dynamic new venue from the creative minds behind NonsenseATL and WUSSY. Nestled in the heart of Edgewood, LORE is more than just a bar or club; it’s a hub for connection, self-expression, and unpretentious fun. In our conversation with the team behind LORE, they shared their journey to opening the venue, what makes it special, and what guests can expect when they step through the doors.
Atlanta EDM: Tell us a little about yourself and the owners of LORE.
Lore: Lore is a collaboration between NonsenseATL (Kimberly Turner and Scott Lockhart) and WUSSY (Jon Dean). NonsenseATL has been throwing diverse, inclusive, community-building dance parties in Atlanta since 2008. WUSSY has focused on queer art and culture since 2015 with its national magazine and events ranging from drag shows and nightlife to movie screenings and community events. We also have investment from Tim and Noelle Dorr.
Photo by Chris Whitaker
Atlanta EDM: Why is this opening so special to you?
Lore: WUSSY and Nonsense have been doing events in venues across Atlanta for many years. Places can close, change owners, or change direction at any time. There are so many factors we just haven’t had control over, so we’re really excited to have a forever home where we can host our events — and get a little weird.
We’re also thrilled to be able to create a safe, inclusive space during a really challenging time in our nation’s history. With all the attacks on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, women, and other marginalized groups, welcoming spaces like Lore are more important than ever. People need ways to connect with their communities and find moments of joy during these tough times. We want Lore to be a place for that.
Atlanta EDM: Where did the fruition of LORE start and how did you settle on picking this space in Edgewood?
Lore: WUSSY and Nonsense had both toyed with the idea of opening their own spaces (for all the reasons mentioned above) for quite a few years. In 2024, we joined forces and started looking together. We have such complementary goals and audiences that it just made sense.
This location is the fifth we looked at seriously and we were sold on it pretty quickly. There are a lot of great things happening on Edgewood Avenue with Church, Pisces, Joystick, Georgia Beer Garden, and other great businesses. We also loved that it has two floors, so we can have a space for ticketed events upstairs but still leave downstairs open for people who want to drop in for a drink.
VIEW ATLANTA EDM’S VIDEO RECAP OF THE LORE VENUE SPACE
Atlanta EDM: What values does this establishment uphold and how do you want people to feel when coming into this space?
Lore: We want people to leave feeling better than they did when they walked in. Maybe they saw some drag that made them smile, maybe they got to connect with others and move their body to some good music, maybe they came to do crafts on a Tuesday. Whatever it is, we want to add a little happiness to their day. Ultimately, we’re about connection, community, surprising moments of joy, and unpretentious fun.
Atlanta EDM: How large is the space and what features can you highlight? Where did you get that massive disco ball?
Lore: The space is about 4200 square feet, all up. The upstairs floor is 120-year-old wood that we stripped back and refinished ourselves before opening. Our gorgeous green room is fitted out with five makeup stations for drag performers (and plenty of space for DJs) and a disco ball chandelier. We’ve got a killer BASSBOSS audio system upstairs that sounds like a dream (you heard it) — clear and loud but not in an overwhelming way — as well as full club lighting both upstairs and downstairs. Our giant disco ball downstairs is named Lola, after the friend who found it for us at a studio sale. It was used in the Marvel TV show Echo. She’s in a fight scene that takes place in a roller rink. She has a little scar from that scene, but we left it because it’s part of her lore.
Photo by Chris Whitaker
Atlanta EDM: Do you run any drink specials people should know of?
Lore: Our cocktail menu will be updated regularly by Ian Carlson, our GM, who previously ran By Weight and Measure. Going into opening, our signature cocktail is the Pornstar Martini (passionfruit, vanilla vodka, champagne), but we also have the Lore Palmer (our take on a long island and homage to Twin Peaks), a signature punch, and a variety of other craft cocktails and mocktails. The menu will change seasonally or more often.
Atlanta EDM: What kind of weekly events are you having at LORE and any other announcements for the upcoming summer?
Lore: So glad you asked! Here’s our weekly schedule:
Mondays – Closed
Tuesdays Upstairs – Crafty Bitch ( BYO crafting night/social with a host)
Tuesdays Downstairs – Karaoke
Wednesdays Upstairs – Amen! Drag show featuring Taylor Alxndr, Dotte Com, Jaybella Banks, and Molly Alxndr
Thursdays Upstairs – FREE dance parties featuring a variety of local DJs
Fridays Downstairs – RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party
Fridays Upstairs – The Other Show cabaret-style drag show featuring Edie Cheezburger, Boudreaux, Orchid, Taejah Thomas, and Tugboat
Fridays Upstairs (11pm to close) – Club Lore dance parties
Saturdays Upstairs (Day) – Dayclubber parties – The full club experience (lights, sound, fog, effects) without the late night schedule. It’s nightlife for day people. Every Saturday from 4 to 9pm.
Saturday Upstairs (Night) – Dance parties by Nonsense, Deep South, and others. Plus a monthly WUSSY night with a special drag guest (Lexi Love from RuPaul’s Drag Race during our opening weekend)
Sunday (Day) – Afternoon Tea (tea dances). House and disco music. Bright, sunny vibes.
Sunday (Night) – Brigitte Bidet’s Tossed Salad drag show
Atlanta EDM: If someone wants to be involved in an upcoming event or host an event at LORE where should they reach out to?
Lore: We can be reached at info@loreatl.com. If inquiring about DJing, they need to send their socials and a Soundcloud or Mixcloud link so we can take a listen to see if their sound fits.
Visit Lore on their official grand opening weekend kicking off Friday, March 28, 2025! Click below to purchase tickets or register for free RSVP admission to some of their events.
