Your guide to the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade, parties and other LGBTQ+ events
Charlotte residents are in for one beautifully bright-colored month. As August marks Charlotte’s official Pride festival, a slew of events are headed your way in the next few weeks.
The Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade has grown into one of the region’s largest — starting with just 2,000 attendees in 2001 and seeing last year’s parade swelling to 275,000 attendees.
Aside from the iconic Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade, you can expect a few other LGBTQ+ events happening this month, such as Detox’s upcoming visit to Ink n Ivy and a ‘70’s-themed Pride disco. And while the list of Charlotte Pride events continues to grow, we’ve come up with a list of some events you can look forward to.
HUG Back to Hartigan’s Pride Party
Location: 332 West Bland St. Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28203
When: Monday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
What to know: Along with a VIP area, full bar and a 400-person standing capacity, HUG Back to Hartigan’s Pride Party, held at Resident Culture will feature a one hour ‘80s themed reception exclusively for VIPs and ‘90s and 2000s hits during the night.
Pride Poster Night
Location: Time Out Youth, 3800 Monroe Road Charlotte, NC 28205
When: Monday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 to 8 p.m.
What to know: Want to make posters for the Pride parade? At Time Out Youth’s poster night, you’ll be treated to pizza, salad and refreshments. But, keep in mind, this event does require you to register before its start time.
Out in Tech Charlotte | Pride Mixer
Location: 620 South Tryon St., 33rd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Thursday, Aug. 17 at 5 p.m.
What to know: Mix and mingle at this Out in Tech Charlotte LGBTQ+ networking event, hosted by Bank of America, and held on the 33rd floor of the Bank of America tower. You’re required to register at least 72 hours in advance, and make sure to plan to dress smart casual “with a summer flair.”
Pride Trivia Night at Weathered Souls
Location: 255 Clanton Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
When: Thursday, Aug. 17, 6-9 p.m.
What to know: PRIDE Trivia Night at Weathered Souls Brewing will feature brainteasers, live painting by Zulynette and drinks, hosted by drag queen Jelly Clarckson. The event is also a fundraiser for BOOM Charlotte, with a dollar from every beer sold going to the arts organization.
CLT Pride at Wooden Robot and The Chamber
Location: The Chamber by Wooden Robot, 416 E 36th St #100 Charlotte, NC 28205
When: Friday, Aug. 18, 6- 11 p..m.
Location: Wooden Robot Brewery, Coffee Bar, & Kitchen, 1440 S Tryon St. #110 Charlotte, NC 28203
When: Sunday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wooden Robot is celebrating Charlotte Pride with two events: A DJ, LGBTQ+ vendor market and a rooftop drag show on Friday, Aug. 18 at The Chamber by Wooden Robot, and a pre-parade brunch on Sunday, Aug. 20 at Wooden Robot Brewery in South End.
The Friday event will include live music from 6-8 p.m. with DJ See Bird Go, a vendor market from 6-9 p.m. and a ticketed 21+ drag show from 8:30-10:30 p.m., hosted by Onya Nerves with performances by Oso Chanel, Marceline Mashic, Faith n Mae, RC Cola and Liam Laughin. Drag show tickets, available online, are $15-$17.
Tickets are not required for the Sunday brunch.
CLT Sapphic Pride Weekend Kickoff
Location: 4544 South Boulevard H, Charlotte, NC 28209
When: Friday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m.
What to know: As Sapphic Pride Weekend from Lesbian Friends of Charlotte kicks off at Bar Argon, you’ll enjoy a viewing of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and some hits from the DJ. Get there early because parking is limited, and the venue has limited capacity.
One Voice Chorus of Charlotte performances
Location: Wells Fargo Atrium, 401 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 1:45 p.m.
Location: Queen City Grounds, 644 N Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Sunday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m.
What to know: The One Voice Chorus of Charlotte’s performances at Charlotte Pride will feature songs by The Indigo Girls, Lil Nas X and Lady Gaga. Both performances are free and open to the public.
Perfectly Queer Skies Day Party
Location: Merchant & Trade, 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, 303 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
What to know: The Perfectly Queer Skies Day Party will feature DJs spinning tunes all afternoon, Pride-inspired cocktails, swag, giveaways and more.
The Dancing Queens | Queen City’s Pride Fest Day Party
Location: 209 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 4 to 10 p.m.
What to know: Get your groove on with drinks, food trucks and live art at The Dancing Queens, hosted by the Beat Machine Truck. The music will have a disco and ‘70’s vibe from DJ’s like Kakies, Xiamor and Dgtl Diva.
Girls Room Presents: PRIDE FEST
Location: 2433 South Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203
When: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m.
What to know: This 21-and-up event will feature DJ sets, live performances and vendors. But there are two things to keep in mind for Girls Room Presents: PRIDE FEST: No large bags are allowed, and you may want to consider an Uber or Lyft since parking is limited.
Vanity House Pride Fest Featuring Detox
Location: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 9 p.m.
When: 222 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28202
What to know: Are you a fan of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”? Well, you’re in luck because “Drag Race” fan favorite Detox will be at Vanity House’s fifth anniversary of Pride Fest celebration. The event, which is open to anyone 21 and up, will feature DJs, performers and even body painters.
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
Location: N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28262
When: Sunday, Aug. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.
What to know: At Charlotte’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride parade in uptown, expect to be entranced by a “rainbow-filled Tryon Street.” With more than 40 floats and 10,000 marchers, organizers say the parade will stop at North Tryon Street and 9th Street and will move south toward 4th Street.
At the parade, an accessible viewing area will be next to the community stage on the corner of Tryon Street & 4th Street, according to Friendly Like Me’s Charlotte Pride: Accessibility Guide. ASL Interpretation will be on the mainstage and community stage.
Along the parade route, there are a few places you can use to take a break including, The Mint Museum, First Ward Park, 7th Street Market and Wells Fargo Atrium, which has ADA-compliant and gender-neutral restrooms.
If you’re looking for ADA-accessible porta-potties, you can access those at the main stage; community stage; Church Street and Levine Avenue; M odd block of MLK Boulevard; and 300 block of 3rd Street.
After Pride Party at Billy Sunday
Location: Billy Sunday at Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St UNIT 1, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Doors open at 3 p.m., and the music starts at 5 p.m.
What to know: Join the PRIDE After Party at Billy Sunday, sponsored by Maker’s Mark. DJ SweeTee will spin tunes starting at 5 p.m., and the Drag Show, presented by DKO Entertainment, will start at 6 p.m. The event is free and no tickets are required, but come early to reserve a spot.
Rainbow Party at RSVP
Location: 225 Fairwood Avenue Charlotte, NC 28203
When: Friday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.
What to know: Now’s the time for your most colorful clothes or best glow in the dark outfit. With this Rainbow Party’s specialty-themed cocktails and beats from DJ Nolo Stage, you’re sure to indulge in a night of vivid colors.
Church Pride Potluck and Bingo
Location: SouthPark Christian Church, 6650 Park South Drive Charlotte, NC 28210
When: Sunday, Aug. 27 at 12:30 p.m.
What to know: Down for bingo and karaoke? Along with games, Church Pride Potluck & Bingo hosted by SouthPark Christian Church will also feature a raffle and Kona Ice truck.
Union County Pride, Inc – Festival in the Park
Location: 217 I B Shive Dr., Monroe, NC 28110
When: Sunday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m.
What to know: Union County Pride’s Festival in the Park, open to all ages, will feature a splash pad and playground, along with a food truck and performances. If you’re interested in attending as a volunteer, register here.
