Don’t miss out on Western North Carolina's biggest LGBTQ celebration of the year. While the national Pride Month occurs in June, Pride runs strong in Asheville throughout the month of September around the Blue Ridge Pride Festival, which takes place September 21, 2024 in downtown Asheville's Pack Square Park. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can experience the celebration, joy and inclusion of Asheville's lesbian, gay, trans and queer community and its allies with more than 100 vendors ranging from educational groups, like YouthOUTright, to communal support services, like the Asheville Humane Society and Hola Carolina, to food and beverage vendors.
Blue Ridge Pride will kick off the day with its annual Welcoming Procession, a half-mile walk through downtown Asheville, starting at 10 a.m. In addition, the festival will feature two stages that will host various regional talent. Later in the afternoon participants can enjoy a performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show along with Pride's famous DRAG Showcase on the main stage.
Get into the spirit of Pride by enjoying some LGBTQIA+ events around Asheville ahead of the Blue Ridge Pride Festival.
Blue Ridge Pride Drag Pageant @ Eulogy
Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 6:30 p.m.
Asheville Queer Movie Series @ Grail Moviehouse
Monday, September 2, 2024 | 7 p.m.
Give Back @ Chai Pani South Slope
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Pride Week Kick-off @ New Belgium
Friday, September 13, 2024 | 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Love is Art @ Marquee
Thursday, September 19, 2024 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Love is Art, held at Marquee in the River Arts District, presents a night where various identifying partners craft a unique and intimate masterpiece on canvas, plus entertainment by DJ Griffin White, an appearance by local drag superstar Ganymede, a raffle, food and drinks.
Trans Rights Rally @ Pack Square Park
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Blue Ridge Pride Festival @ Pack Square Park
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Pride After Party @ TBA
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | TBD
There are plenty of LGBTQ-friendly spaces and vendors in the Asheville area.
Green Man 'Luv All' Launch Party
September TBD
Every year Green Man Brewery produces a beer to celebrate the Blue Ridge Pride Festival called 'Luv all.' This limited produced beer will launch on September 21 at Green Man Brewery. It will also be sold at the Blue Ridge Pride Festival with benefits going towards Blue Ridge Pride.
O. Henry's Celebrating PRIDE
Friday, September 21, 2024 | 9 - 11:30 p.m.
One of Asheville's iconic gay bars, O. Henry's celebrates Pride with a packed out house each year around the festival, with drag shows, vendors, and beverages aplenty.
PridetoberFest
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Get into the spirit with some fun at PridetoberFest! Hosted by Wicked Weed Brewing, visitors can enjoy PridetoberFest benefitting the Campaign for Southern Equality. There will be live polka, rainbow fun, stein-holding and more from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pride with Scandals
September TBD | 9 - 2:30 a.m.
The Saturday night after the Blue Ridge Pride Festival, Scandals nightclub will host its Pride party! Doors open at 9 p.m. and will feature Josie Glamoure (Miss Blue Ridge Pride) along with DJ Eric Scott & DJ Eric Stephens.
Looking for more queer experiences in Asheville? Check out our blog for more information on ways to celebrate inclusion and pride while in the area!
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