Blue Ridge Pride Festival / Photo: Eli Cunningham

Blue Ridge Pride Festival and Other LGBTQIA+ Events in Asheville

Don’t miss out on Western North Carolina's biggest LGBTQ celebration of the year. While the national Pride Month occurs in June, Pride runs strong in Asheville throughout the month of September around the Blue Ridge Pride Festival.
Article last updated 09/18/2024
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Celebrate Asheville's Blue Ridge Pride Festival 

Don’t miss out on Western North Carolina's biggest LGBTQ celebration of the year. While the national Pride Month occurs in June, Pride runs strong in Asheville throughout the month of September around the Blue Ridge Pride Festival, which takes place September 21, 2024 in downtown Asheville's Pack Square Park. From 11 a.m. to 6 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 and Hola Carolina, to food and beverage vendors. 

Blue Ridge Pride will kick off the day with its annual Welcoming 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. 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.

More 2024 Pride Festival Events

Other official Blue Ridge Pride Festival events include...

Blue Ridge Pride Drag Pageant @ Eulogy
Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 6:30 p.m.

Asheville Queer Movie Series @ Grail Moviehouse
Monday, September 2, 2024 | 7 p.m.

Pride Networking @ The Radical Rooftop
Thursday, September 5, 2024  | 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Give Back @ Chai Pani South Slope
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 

Pride Week Kick-off @ New Belgium
Friday, September 13, 2024 | 5 - 7:30 p.m. 

Love is Art @ Marquee
Thursday, September 19, 2024 | 6 - 9 p.m.

Love is Art, held at Marquee in the River Arts District, is a night where various identifying partners craft a unique and intimate masterpiece on canvas. DJ Griffin White will entertain, local drag superstar Ganymede will appear, and there will be a raffle, food, and drinks.

Trans Rights Rally @ Pack Square Park
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Blue Ridge Pride Festival @ Pack Square Park
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Official Blue Ridge Pride After Party TBD
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | TBD

 

Other Pride Events during September

Check out these other great LGBTQ+ organizations hosting events throughout the month as well.

Dine with Divas @ Hi-Wire Brewing
Thursday, September 19, 2024 | 7 p.m.

Step into the vibrant world of “True Colors” during this electrifying, high-energy drag show and dinner event, with food by Biscuit Head. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.ashevilledragbrunch.com. Proceeds benefit Bearded Lady Productions, a nonprofit that handles fundraising and fund distribution to local organizations that promote the acceptance and equity of all people and who encourage the welfare of our community members. All ages are welcome. 

Pride After Party @ O. Henry's
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 12 p.m. 'til

The Pride After Party lands at O. Henry's, Asheville's oldest gay bar. Music is by DJ EZ Boogie, and a drag show takes place at 11:30 p.m.. Bar opens at noon. 

Post-Pride Drag Show Fundraiser
September 22, 12 p.m.

LGBTQ+ advocacy group PFLAG Asheville hosts a post-pride drag show at Green Man Brewery. Performers include Katarina Synclaire, Alexix Black, Josie Glamoure, Leo Scott, and Atlas Synclaire. All proceeds go to the organization. Green Man's beers and Sunday brunch menu will be available for purchase. Tickets are $25, $20 in advance.

PridetoberFest 
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 11 a.m. - 5 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. There will be live polka, rainbow fun, stein-holding and more from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Pride with Scandals 
September TBD | 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. 

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!