Can’t-miss events and other highlights of the 2024 Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade
The Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade is back for its annual arts and cultural celebration from Aug. 17-18.
Before the festivities, Pride Week will also take place from Sunday, Aug. 11, through Friday, Aug. 16, with a few events following the festival and the parade. More events and information regarding Pride Week will soon be available on Charlotte Pride’s website at https://charlottepride.org/.
The festival will offer a variety of activities, small businesses, art displays with bright and vibrant colors, and live entertainment for all to enjoy leading up to the Charlotte Pride Parade.
While the event is free for all, people who are attending Pride can purchase VIP Experience tickets. Single-day passes start at $115, and weekend passes start at $199.
These tickets will include:
Free food and beverages all weekend, presented by McDonald’s
Access to the Main Stage, VIP seating for the parade and complimentary gift bags
Artist meet and greets and exclusive entertainment
Access to the top floor in the grand ballroom of the Mint Museum, with the balcony overlooking the festival zone
Here is what to expect at the Pride-related events:
Non-Partisan Candidate Fair
Location: Resident Culture South End, 332 W Bland Street C, Charlotte, NC, 280203
When: Wed. Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Join Charlotte Pride as they co-sponsor the Non-Partisan Candidate Fair, where attendees are invited to meet candidates who are running in statewide and Mecklenburg County elections for this fall. Attendees can also learn more about their candidate’s platforms and how to create change in their communities.
Flourish: An LGBTQ Celebration of Arts and Culture
Location: Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 1-6 p.m.
Need a break from the heat, want to see beautiful work showcased or both? Flourish is a mini arts activation within the festival that will showcase a variety of talent through a local lineup of visual, chorus and spoken word arts.
Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant
Location: Charlotte Pride Community Stage, North Tryon Street
When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2-6 p.m.
The 2024 Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant, presented by the Arts & Science council, will highlight local drag performers as they compete and showcase their talents. Three winners will be crowned one of three titles: Mx. Charlotte Pride, Ms. Charlotte Pride or Mr. Charlotte Pride.
The pageant will not only showcase the talents of the contestants, but will also bring awareness to drag art forms and increase community participation.
Support local businesses
Location: Levine Avenue of the Arts, uptown Charlotte
When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 12-10 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 18, 12-6 p.m.
If you’re looking to find goods for your home or a gift for a friend or family, the festival’s Neighborhood Market is the place to shop locally and support small businesses. There will be about 15 small businesses of artisans and makers along Levine Avenue of the Arts with a variety of artists, craftspeople and artisans.
Watch live performances
Location: Charlotte Pride Main and Community Stage, North Tryon Street; Charlotte Black Pride Stage, Martin Luther King Boulevard
When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 12 p.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 18, 12- 6 p.m.
This year, Charlotte Pride will feature a new stage, the Charlotte Black Pride stage, along with a lineup of live performances. The stage will be set for artists to perform from 12-6 p.m. on both Aug. 17 and Aug. 18.
There will be five stages and over 40 hours of entertainment over the course of two days. Artists and performers such as Baby Tate, Slayyyter and Bob the Drag Queen will take the main stage on Saturday, Aug. 17, while American Idol finalist Jurnee will be opening for singer Paula Cole on Sunday, Aug. 18.
Performances by country singer Reyna Roberts and Charlotte’s own Alternative rock band, Modern Alibi will also be showcased on Saturday. In addition, three community audition winners, Maggie Lowe, Katalina and Camden Kawaii will also perform on Saturday.
Charlotte Pride Parade
Location: North Tryon Street, uptown Charlotte
When: Sunday, Aug. 18, 12:30-4 p.m.
The Charlotte Pride Parade is the city’s largest annual parade that celebrates and pays tribute to over 50 years of LGBTQ+ liberation and over 20 years of Charlotte Pride. The parade will feature more than 40 floats and large vehicles, radiating bright and vibrant colors, while cruising down North Tryon Street.
This year’s Pride Parade’s emcees are Malachi and Divine Holeburn. While the parade starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m., get there early to watch the pre-show starting at 12:30 p.m., find some shade and a great view of the parade.
A bonus: Birdsong Brewing is inviting people to march with its team in the parade. If you’re interested, sign up online.
If you are not able to watch the parade, you can join the livestream of the parade from the Charlotte Pride’s website and YouTube channel.
More ways to show your Pride
Businesses and community groups are also offering ways to gather in addition to Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade events. Here are a few more activities to check out:
Pride Edition Glow Yoga, hosted by ONE Fest.
Location: Lenny Boy Brewing Co., 3000 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28217
When: Aug. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
TIckets: $18, purchase onlineLevine Museum of the New South will have an LGBTQ exhibit available during the festivities in addition to its spot in the festival’s Youth and Family Zone.
Location: 401 S. Tryon St.. Charlotte NC 28202
When: Aug. 17-18
Tickets: Free admissionPride Drag Show at The Chamber by Wooden Robot
Location: 416 E 36th St. #100 Charlotte, NC 28205
When: Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door.
