Don’t-miss events and other highlights at the 2024 Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade
As someone who genuinely loves parades and exploring events in and around Charlotte, I am beyond excited for the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade.
The organization 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.
The festival will offer a wide 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, festival-goers attending Pride can purchase tickets for the VIP Experience, sponsored by McDonald’s. Single-day VIP Experience passes start at $115, and weekend VIP passes start at $199.
These VIP tickets will include:
Free food and beverages all weekend
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 and what there is to do at the Charlotte Pride Festival for a day of fun:
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 unique goods for your home or a gift for a friend or family, the festival’s Neighborhood Market is the place for you to shop locally and support small businesses. There will be about 15 small businesses of artisans and makers along Levine Avenue of the Arts waiting for you 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 huge 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 live 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 will be filled with humor and fun with emcees Malachi and Divine Holeburn at the helm. While the parade starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m., be sure to get there early to watch the pre-show starting at 12:30 p.m., find some shade and a great view of the parade.
If you are not able to watch the parade, feel free to 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 online- Levine 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 admission - Pride 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.
This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 11:04 AM with the headline "Don’t-miss events and other highlights at the 2024 Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade."