Take part in the spirit of Pride throughout Asheville the entire month of June! Asheville is a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, and this month our queer visitors (and allies) can take part in a number of festive celebrations. Make plans to attend one of the great gay pride events in Asheville featured below.
If you can’t make it to Asheville in June, then you still have another opportunity to celebrate Pride in 2024. Mark your calendar for this year’s Blue Ridge Pride Festival, which is slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Pack Square Park! Or visit some of these LGBTQ+ friendly spots in Asheville, North Carolina.
Sapphic Songbook Karaoke and Costume Contest
June 14, 8:30 p.m.
LaZoom Room
Hang out at one of the best karaoke spots in town with all proceeds going towards Q-Hall's journey to creating a place to celebrate women's sports and queer culture.
Pride Paddle: Paddle for a Purpose
June 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Craven Street Bridge River Access
Miss Blue Ridge Pride Alexis Black will perform on the river as you float on by on your tube, paddleboard or kayak.
LGBTQIA+ Health Equity Fair
June 16, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
New Belgium Brewing Company
Explore queer-owned and allied healthcare providers in the area, and take Blue Ridge Pride’s LGBTQIA+ Health Equity Survey. Oh, and you might as well grab a beer while you're at it!
LGBTQ+ Pride Backpacking Trip
June 21-23
70 College Street
Enjoy a favorite section of the Appalachian Trail on this 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip! This hike is approximately 20 miles over mostly rolling terrain, with a couple of challenging uphill sections. Participants will learn all necessary skills to complete a backpacking trip, and will leave empowered to hit the trail again soon. This trip is designed for hikers who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Friends/family/allies are welcome too! Sliding Scale pricing is offered for this trip.
Pride Cookout
June 22, 6 p.m.
Getaway River Bar
The Getaway River Bar will host an outdoor cookout at 6 p.m. to celebrate Pride Month.
Pride Bar Crawl
June 22, 4 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Catawba Brewing Company will host the 7th annual Pride bar crawl! Dress in vibrant attire and express yourself in a safe, welcoming space. This event is more than just a pub crawl; it celebrates love, diversity, and inclusion. Meet new friends and be part of a community that celebrates you!
BIPOC + LGBTQIA2S + Ally Run/Walk
June 23, 8:30 a.m.
The intersection of Emma Road and Hazel Mill Road
Join the Asheville Run Crew for a 3.5-mile run or a 1.5-mile pride walk. The free event includes a special guest from the Campaign for Southern Equality!
Pride Pup Parade
June 23, 5 – 9 p.m.
Getaway River Bar
Join the hilariously cute pup parade, where dogs dress up and show off their best pride looks and cute tricks. Open to friendly dogs of all genders and sexual orientations.
Generations Plus LGBTQ+ Summer Potluck Picnic
LGBTQ+ folks 55 and older are invited to bring a dish for an afternoon of food, fun, and games. Local photographer Brennan Henshaw will discuss using self-portrait photography as a tool to grow love and care for our bodies.
June 26, 12 – 2 p.m.
Walton Street Picnic Shelter
Stonewall Gala
June 29, 5 – 9 p.m.
The inaugural gala, located at the AB Tech Convention Center (16 Fernihurst Dr.) will feature dinner, a speech from the co-founder of Southerners on New Ground and the National Black Justice Coalition Mandy Carter, a performance by Miss Blue Ridge Pride Alexis Black, and presentations from Blue Ridge Pride.
