News Summary
Charlotte will host the 25th anniversary of Charlotte Pride on August 16-17, featuring an expanded festival at First Ward Park. With 33% more space, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities including performances, a drag pageant, a health fair, and a VIP experience. The festival aims to foster community connections and support LGBTQ+ representation, with applications for participants now available. This year also marks the return of the prestigious Charlotte Pride Parade along Tryon Street, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Charlotte will host the 25th anniversary of Charlotte Pride on August 16-17, 2025, featuring an expanded festival in its new location at First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte. This year’s festival promises to be larger and more inclusive, with 33% more space than in previous years, enabling more vendors to participate along North Brevard Street, 7th Street, 8th Street, and 9th Street.
The festival will encompass a wide array of activities including a main stage for performances, a community stage, and a drag pageant. Additionally, there will be an expanded youth and family zone, along with a health fair aimed at promoting wellness within the community. Attendees can also look forward to a reimagined VIP experience pavilion and an indoor arts activation called Flourish at the Dubois Center.
Charlotte Pride first began in 2000, with its inaugural festival taking place in 2001 at Marshall Park. Since then, the event has evolved significantly, moving to Uptown Charlotte in 2011 and introducing a parade in 2013 to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. The festival now generates an economic impact of $15.8 million annually for the city.
In response to the increasing importance of LGBTQ+ representation amid rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment, Charlotte Pride aims to foster community connections and support. Applications for vendors, entertainers, and parade participants are currently available online, and the festival remains free for attendees.
The Charlotte Pride Parade will be held on August 17, following its traditional route along Tryon Street, starting at 9th Street. The 2024 festival featured prominent headliners such as Baby Tate, Bob the Drag Queen, and Slayyyter, attracting thousands of attendees who celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Previous popular performers have included Big Freedia, Jordin Sparks, Todrick Hall, Betty Who, and Bob the Drag Queen, ensuring a lively atmosphere this year.
To promote ease of access, attendees are encouraged to use the LYNX Light Rail for transport, with convenient stops at 7th Street and 9th Street. The festival aims not only to celebrate diversity but also to strengthen community bonds through various artistic and entertainment offerings.
As Charlotte Pride approaches its milestone anniversary, the planning committee is excited about the 25th festival and its expanded offerings, which are designed to enhance the experience for all attendees while promoting safety and respect for all individuals.
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Additional Resources
- Out: Weekend of Pride in Charlotte
- Google Search: Charlotte Pride 2025
- WCNC: New Location for Charlotte Pride Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte Pride
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte Pride Moves to First Ward Park
- Google News: Charlotte Pride Festival
