News Summary
The Charlotte Pride Festival is back for its 25th anniversary on August 16-17, 2024, at First Ward Park. This year features a new, larger venue, two performance stages, and numerous activities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. With free admission, an expanded family zone, and local artistry showcased, it promises to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration. Mark the dates and get ready for a jubilant weekend full of love, pride, and community spirit!
Charlotte Gets Ready for a Spectacular Pride Festival in 2024!
Get ready, folks! The much-loved Charlotte Pride Festival is returning in 2024, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before! Mark your calendars for the weekend of August 16-17, because this year’s festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and you won’t want to miss out!
A Brand New Venue Awaits
This time around, Charlotte Pride is making a big move to a new venue at First Ward Park and the surrounding streets. No more squeezing into limited spaces! This new location boasts a massive 33% more space than the previous site on South Tryon. What does that mean for you? It means there will be even more room for vendors, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and of course, all the fabulous artists eager to showcase their work. Everyone is invited to join in the festivities and celebrate the vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Two Stages of Fun!
You can expect a fantastic line-up of performances throughout the two days, thanks to the inclusion of not one, but two stages! The Main Stage and Community Stage will host a variety of local talent, including entertainers from the LGBTQ+ community and some surprise guests. Plus, get excited for a dazzling drag pageant that will surely be a highlight of the weekend.
A Festival with History
For those who might not know, Charlotte Pride has been a staple in the community since it kicked off in 2000. The festival started small, taking place at Marshall Park in its first year, but it quickly grew in popularity! By 2011, the event moved to Uptown Charlotte, and in 2013, the parade was officially added to the mix. Today, Charlotte Pride’s annual street festival and parade is the largest in the city, contributing a whopping $15.8 million to the local economy each year.
Celebrating Through Diversity
As the festival approaches, the Charlotte Pride Board President has taken a moment to emphasize the significance of celebrating pride in light of the rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment. The festival will feature an expanded youth and family zone along with a health fair, creating a more inclusive space for everyone. And if you’re looking to enjoy a little luxury, get ready for a reimagined VIP experience pavilion waiting just for you!
More Exciting Activities
But wait, there’s more! An indoor arts activation called Flourish is set to take place at the Dubois Center, showcasing local artistry in a cozy setting. And as if that’s not enough, the parade on August 17 will stick to the usual route along Tryon Street, kicking off at 9th Street.
Getting There is a Breeze
If you’re worried about how to get to First Ward Park, fret not! There are convenient ways to access the venue via the LYNX Light Rail, with stops located at 7th Street and 9th Street. Oh, and did we mention? Admission to both festival days is completely free!
Calling All Participants!
Vendors, entertainers, and parade participants are encouraged to apply online to join in the fun! It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talents and connect with the community in an unforgettable way.
Get Ready to Celebrate!
With so much planned, the 2024 Charlotte Pride Festival is shaping up to be a sensational celebration you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re dancing it out at the stages, exploring local booths, or cheering on the parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your friends and family, and get ready for a jubilant weekend full of love and pride right here in Charlotte!
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Charlotte Pride Moves to New Location
- WBTV: Charlotte’s Pride Festival Will Be Bigger
- QCity Metro: Charlotte Pride Moves to First Ward Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte Pride
- WCCB Charlotte: New Location for Charlotte Pride Festival
- Google Search: Charlotte Pride Festival
