Charlotte Pride 2025
- August 16-17, 2025
- Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Pride 2025 will transform Uptown Charlotte into a celebration of community and equality over two days, Saturday and Sunday August 16–17, 2025. Since 2000 Charlotte Pride has evolved from a modest street fair into North Carolina’s largest pride festival. Each year the organization hosts programs such as the Charlotte Pride Trans Pride and Women’s Pride initiatives, the Charlotte Latinx Pride celebration, interfaith services and film festivals to support the region’s lgbtq+Q+ community. The annual festival and parade serve as the centerpiece of this work, raising funds and visibility while welcoming allies from across the Carolinas.
The 2025 festival will take place in a new location at First Ward Park, marking a return to a green, accessible setting in the heart of Uptown. On Saturday, August 16, the cultural festival will open at noon and run until 11 p.m. The sprawling festival grounds will host multiple stages with national and local entertainers, musicians, drag performers and community speakers. Visitors can explore hundreds of vendor booths featuring art, crafts, pride merchandise, local nonprofits, small businesses and corporate sponsors. Specialty areas include a Youth & Family Zone offering crafts, games and educational activities for children and teens, a Health Fair providing wellness resources and HIV/STI testing, and a Neighborhood Market showcasing local makers and artisans. There will also be a Black Pride Stage celebrating Black lgbtq+Q culture, a drag pageant, and a flourish event highlighting lgbtq+Q arts and culture. Food trucks and beverage vendors will provide a variety of dining options throughout the day.
On Sunday, August 17, the festival resumes from noon to 6 p.m. and the highlight is the Charlotte Pride Parade, which steps off at 1 p.m. on Tryon Street. The parade showcases elaborate floats, marching bands, motorcycle clubs, church groups, corporate contingents and community organizations, celebrating the diversity of Charlotte’s lgbtq+Q community and its allies. Spectators line the parade route to cheer on participants and celebrate love and inclusion. After the parade, festivalgoers can return to First Ward Park for more live entertainment, vendor browsing and community engagement until the festival closes at 6 p.m.
Charlotte Pride 2025 will also offer a VIP Experience that grants guests access to a shaded lounge and premium seating near the main stage and parade viewing areas, along with complimentary beverages and refreshments and exclusive meet‑and‑greet opportunities with performers. Proceeds from VIP tickets support Charlotte Pride’s year‑round programs and scholarships. Accessibility remains a priority; the event will provide accessible viewing areas, ASL interpreters, accessible restrooms, water stations and volunteers trained to assist attendees with mobility or sensory needs. Service animals are welcome, and there will be cooling stations to help visitors cope with the August heat.
Beyond the festival weekend, Charlotte Pride organizes a Pride Week featuring events such as a drag pageant, interfaith service, film screenings, community forums, volunteer projects and nightlife events. These lead‑up activities invite community members to celebrate and learn outside the festival grounds and bring attention to issues like trans rights, healthcare access and inclusive policies. Charlotte Pride also collaborates with local tourism partners to offer a Pride Week Passport encouraging attendees to explore lgbtq+Q-owned businesses and cultural sites around the city, earning stamps and prizes along the way.
Last year’s event (2024) drew tens of thousands of attendees and generated significant economic impact for the Queen City. As Charlotte Pride prepares for the 2025 edition, organizers anticipate an even larger turnout and are working with city officials to ensure safety and accessibility. Attendees are encouraged to plan transportation in advance; parking decks around First Ward Park fill quickly, so using public transit, ridesharing or carpooling is recommended. The event is free to attend, though donations are welcomed to support Charlotte Pride’s mission.
Charlotte Pride 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a demonstration of resilience and pride for the lgbtq+Q+ community across the Carolinas. By hosting a range of events for families, youth, elders, artists, activists and allies, Charlotte Pride fosters a spirit of unity while advocating for social justice. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the weekend, the 2025 festival and parade offer a chance to join thousands of people in celebrating diversity, enjoying world‑class entertainment and supporting the ongoing fight for equality. For the most current updates on entertainment lineups, vendor registration, volunteering and Pride Week events, visit the official Charlotte Pride website at charlottepride.org/pride-festival.