Greensboro Pride Festival 2025 is set to return on Saturday, September 20, 2025, transforming Downtown Greensboro into a vibrant celebration of diversity and community. Organized by Alternative Resources of the Triad, now doing business as IMPAQT GSO, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has been producing the city’s pride festival for nearly two decades. The event serves as the headlining fundraiser for the group’s year‑round initiatives, and over the years it has grown from a modest street fair into one of the largest lgbtq+Q+ festivals in the southeast.
The 2025 festival will fill South Elm Street and the adjacent LeBauer Park from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In recent years the footprint has expanded across multiple city blocks, and the organizers now program three stages of live entertainment scattered along the festival route. Expect a continuous lineup of local and regional musicians, drag performers, dancers and DJs, culminating in a headline performance as the sun sets over Greensboro. Organizers also curate a curated ‘KidsZone’ on the lawn of the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. This family‑friendly area features activities such as arts and crafts, face painting, and storytelling so that children can participate in Pride in a safe environment. Adjacent to the KidsZone you will find more than 50 diverse food booths offering everything from Southern comfort dishes to global street food, alongside a beer garden and patio areas managed by local bars and restaurants. While outside alcohol isn’t permitted, festival goers are welcome to explore downtown’s bars and eateries to refuel and cool off.
Vendors are the heart of Greensboro Pride, and 2025 promises to have more than four hundred booths. The festival invites small businesses, artisans, advocacy groups, community organizations and corporate sponsors to showcase their products and services along the route. Attendees will find unique art, crafts, apparel, home goods, pride merchandise, and free resources from health and wellness providers. Nonprofit organizations such as health clinics, civil rights groups and community centers will also be on hand to connect visitors with vital services. An information booth run by the organizers and volunteers will provide maps, schedules and assistance to ensure visitors can navigate the festival with ease.
To enhance the attendee experience, the festival offers a limited number of VIP passes which grant access to an exclusive lounge with shade and seating. VIP guests enjoy complimentary refreshments, priority viewing near the entertainment stages, a swag bag with festival souvenirs, and concierge service for event information. Special meet‑and‑greets with performers and community leaders are also included in some VIP packages. Proceeds from VIP passes help offset the costs of producing the festival and fund IMPAQT GSO’s community programming.
The 2024 festival drew more than 55,000 participants and 220 vendors according to festival reports; other sources note that attendance surpasses 60,000 and the number of vendors reaches 400. Given this rapid growth, organizers expect the 2025 festival to be even larger, with an expanded vendor area, new entertainment acts and additional amenities for families, seniors and visitors with disabilities. The festival is free and open to all ages, and the layout is designed to be accessible for people with mobility needs. Service animals are welcome, and there will be a pet hydration station and waste disposal areas along the route to accommodate families with pets.
In addition to the main event, Greensboro Pride week features ancillary activities such as drag brunches, community forums, and volunteer projects leading up to the festival. These events provide opportunities for socializing, education and activism, and highlight the intersection of lgbtq+Q+ identity with topics such as art, health, faith and advocacy. Throughout the year, IMPAQT GSO continues to support the local lgbtq+Q+ community by coordinating youth programs, providing scholarships, and partnering with local businesses for inclusive initiatives. The annual festival is the organization’s major fundraiser, and participation helps ensure these services can continue.
Visitors planning to attend Greensboro Pride 2025 should plan ahead for parking and transportation. Downtown parking decks and street parking are available but fill quickly; carpooling, ridesharing or utilizing the city’s bus system is encouraged. The festival runs rain or shine, and September weather in North Carolina can vary from sunny and warm to a passing thunderstorm. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and be prepared to celebrate in any conditions. For the most up‑to‑date information on performers, schedules, vendor registration and volunteer opportunities, visit the official Greensboro Pride website at greensboropride.org and follow their social media channels.
