Charlotte, August 17, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte is hosting the 25th anniversary of its Pride Festival, expecting over 240,000 attendees. The event features a parade, health fair, markets, and inclusivity activities. Set in First Ward Park, attendees can access the festival via public transport and are advised to prepare for summer weather, including potential rain. The weekend promises to unite the community in a vibrant celebration of diversity.
Charlotte is welcoming thousands of attendees for the 25th anniversary of the Charlotte Pride Festival, which commenced on Saturday, August 16, at 12:00 p.m. and will continue until 11:00 p.m. Over 240,000 people are expected to participate in this vibrant celebration, marking a significant milestone for the event.
The festival is being hosted for the first time at First Ward Park, located in the heart of the city. The opening ceremony took place at the intersection of Brevard Street and Eighth Street, setting the stage for a weekend filled with various activities. The highly anticipated Charlotte Pride Parade will happen on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. along North Tryon Street, which will add to the excitement of the festival.
In addition to the parade, the festival features a range of events designed to engage the community. These include a health fair, a neighborhood market, an interfaith worship service, and a drag pageant, all aimed at celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
As the festival gets underway, weather conditions are a notable concern. Attendees should prepare for temperatures in the low 90s, with humidity making it feel as though it’s in the upper 90s. Keeping hydrated, applying sunscreen, and considering portable fans or misters is highly recommended for those attending the events.
Several uptown streets will be closed to accommodate the festival activities. Attendees driving to the event can use Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, Caldwell, and College streets as detours. For those opting for public transportation, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is offering a special discounted transit pass for $10, providing a convenient option for travel to and from the festival and parade.
Access to First Ward Park is also facilitated by the LYNX Blue Line, which stops at 9th Street Station, with various CATS bus routes serving the area. For attendees traveling by car, advance parking reservations can be made via parking.com, with daily rates ranging from $10-$30.
As the weekend progresses, rain is a possibility later in the week. Therefore, attendees are advised to pack umbrellas just in case of inclement weather. The WBTV Weather app is recommended for real-time updates and weather alerts to ensure festival-goers are prepared for the changing conditions.
This year’s Charlotte Pride Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, uniting a diverse community and fostering a spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
Summary of Key Features:
| Feature | Date/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Start | August 16, 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | First Ward Park |
| Charlotte Pride Parade | August 17, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | North Tryon Street |
| Expected Attendance | N/A | Over 240,000 |
| Weather | Low 90s, feels like upper 90s | Charlotte Area |
| Discounted Transit Pass | N/A | $10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule for the Charlotte Pride Festival?
The festival started on August 16 at 12:00 p.m. and will end at 11:00 p.m. The Charlotte Pride Parade is scheduled for August 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where is the festival being held?
The festival is held at First Ward Park in Charlotte.
How can I get to the festival using public transportation?
You can access the festival via CATS, which offers a discounted transit pass for $10. The LYNX Blue Line also provides service to 9th Street Station.
What should I do to prepare for the weather?
It’s recommended to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and consider bringing portable fans or misters. Additionally, packing umbrellas is advisable in case of rain.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charlotte Celebrates 25th Annual Pride Festival This Weekend
Charlotte Pride Festival Moves to First Ward Park
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Charlotte Unveils Discounted Transit Pass for Pride Festival
Charlotte Gears Up for Concerts and Sports Events
Charlotte Weekend Brimming with Entertainment and Cuisine
Charlotte Black Pride Celebrates 20 Years of Advocacy
Charlotte Hosts a Fun-Filled Weekend: LEGO, Christmas in July, and More
Celebrating Independence Day with New Citizens in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Charlotte Pride Parade Shines Bright in Humid Heat
- WCNC: What You Need to Know for Charlotte Pride 2025
- WSOC TV: Charlotte’s Largest Street Festival Returns
- Charlotte Observer: Things to Do for Charlotte Pride
- Wikipedia: Charlotte Pride
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
