Blue Ridge Pride Festival, Other LGBTQ Events in Asheville

A performance at the Blue Ridge Pride festival

Celebrate Asheville's Blue Ridge Pride Festival 

Don’t miss out on Western North Carolina's biggest LGBTQ celebration of the year. While then national Pride Month occurs in June, Pride runs strong in Asheville during the fall with the Blue Ridge Pride Festival on September 30 in downtown Asheville's Pack Square. From 11 a.m. to 7 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, to food and beverage vendors, such as Hola Carolina. This year's theme is "Advocate!" and is a day full of community celebration, education, advocacy and service. 

Blue Ridge Pride will kick off the day with its annual Welcoming WNC 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, such as Melissa McKinney and David Zoll, among others. 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! 

Other Pride Events during September

Get into the spirit of Pride by enjoying some LGBTQIA+ events around Asheville ahead of the Blue Ridge Pride Festival.

The Love Boat: Generation Plus' Senior Prom

Saturday, September 17 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Kick off the week of the Blue Ridge Pride Festival with a journey on The Love Boat! This Senior Prom event, held at Black Wall Street AVL in the River Arts District, will have food, beverages and entertainment all for free. Guests are encouraged to wear their best cruise attire. 

Embracing Inclusion: A Community Chat

Tuesday, September 20 | 6 - 8 p.m.

Join in on a conversation focused on community and inclusion at Black Wall Street AVL in the River Arts District. Community members and visitors are encouraged to attend a supportive discussion that explores how people can best Advocate, Celebrate, Educate & Serve with intent to uplift minority voices. 

The Art of PRIDE

Thursday, September 22 | 6 - 8 p.m.

Just a few days before the official Blue Ridge Pride Festival, visitors can make their way to Marquee in the River Arts District for their Art of Pride event, showcasing the distinct life works of John Casey, Humberto Dionisio and David Macvaugh. 

Silent Disco Pre Pride Party

Friday, September 23 | 7:30 p.m.

Get into the groove of Pride with a visit to Rabbit Rabbit on September 23. This Silent Disco Pre-Pride Party begins at 7:30 p.m.

Midnight Madness

Saturday, September 24 | 9:30 - 11:30 p.m.

If you’re not ready for the party to end after the Blue Ridge Pride Festival, don’t worry! Join Beer City Sisters for the Midnight Madness Party at the 27 Club on September 24 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For only a $4 cover, you'll enjoy drag and burlesque! This fundraiser for Blue Ridge Pride also includes special guest performances. 

SPLASH Pool Party

Sunday, September 25 | 1 - 5 p.m.

Enjoy a little fun before you leave the city at the Blue Ridge Pride pool party. Held at the Aloft hotel in downtown, enjoy pool festivities, a DJ and a raffle prize.

More LGBTQ+ fun in Asheville

There are plenty of LGBTQ-friendly spaces and vendors in the Asheville area.

Green Man 'Luv All' Launch Party

Wednesday, September 23

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. 

Kiki Thursdays

Thursday, September 23 | 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. 

Visit the Asheville Beauty Academy for its popular Kiki Thursdays. This party and drag show kicks off at 8 p.m. and goes to 2 a.m.

O'Henry's Celebrating PRIDE

Friday, September 23 & 24 | 9 - 11:30 p.m.

One of Asheville's iconic gay bars, O'Henry's is hosting a PRIDE Kick Off Party. The event will feature entertainment shows from Celeste Starr and Monet Sinclair. 

Indica’s Drag Show & Battle

Friday, September 23 | 11 p.m.

Show off your cosplay and Pokémon moves at the Getaway Bar on September 23. Hosted by Indica Gemini, the Getaway turns into an arena with fun for all.

PridetoberFest 

Saturday, September 24 | 11 a.m. - 10 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 and Blue Ridge Pride. There will be live polka, strolling accordians and Polka King from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Pride with Scandals 

Saturday, September 24 | 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. 

Life’s A Drag Brunch

Sunday, September 25 | 12 - 2:30 p.m.

Wrap up your weekend of Pride with a drag brunch at the Asheville Beauty Academy

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!

Updated August 28, 2023