Your Guide to Charlotte Pride 2023
Welcome to the 2023 Pride Festival & Parade in Charlotte, where the Queen City comes together to celebrate and honor the vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
by Dean Campbell Jul 26, 2023
This annual event promises an unforgettable experience filled with electrifying live performances, exciting local vendors and an array of dazzling drag shows. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Pride, where love, acceptance and joy take center stage.
Charlotte Pride Events
Don’t miss these events exclusive to this year’s Pride celebration, with more to be announced.
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
When: August 19-20
Neighborhood: Uptown
The heart of Charlotte’s annual Pride celebration, this Uptown celebration presents a two-day lineup of events geared towards attendees of all ages. Join the annual Pride Festival & Parade in Charlotte to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy live music, food stands, vendors and more, with all the festivities ultimately building to the penultimate event on August 20: the annual Charlotte Pride Parade.
2023 Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant
When: August 19
Where: Community Stage
Neighborhood: Uptown
Witness the crowning of the icons of Charlotte Pride at the annual CharlottePride Drag Pageant, where Ms. Charlotte Pride, Mr. Charlotte Pride and Mx. Charlotte Pride will be crowned for a yearlong reign.
Wonderland: 2023 Just Twirl PRIDE Party w/ DJ Sam Gee
When: August 19-20
Where: Blackbox Theater
Neighborhood: North Charlotte
Attend the Wonderland PRIDE Party, a themed event featuring DJ Sam Gee. Get ready to dance the night away with state of the art lights and lasers.
Charlotte's Drag Shows
From vibrant brunch events that combine delicious food and entertainment to evening performances that light up the stage with dazzling acts, these Charlotte Pride drag shows offer a kaleidoscope of creativity and excitement. These shows feature lip-sync battles, comedic acts and awe-inspiring performances that highlight the artistry, humor and diverse talents of Charlotte’s queens.
The Queen City Drag Brunch featuring Sonja Morgan
When: August 6
Where: Ink n' Ivy
Neighborhood: Uptown
She's not just a last name, she's a legacy and she's here to celebrate Charlotte Pride with Vanity House. Sonja Morgan, iconic Real Housewife of New York, will be hosting the ultimate drag brunch at Ink n' Ivy. Sonja will be bringing her stunning style, and a performance or two, just for lucky attendees. A delicious brunch buffet is included with admission and limited post-show meet-and-greet tickets will be available to guarantee photos and time with Lady Morgan.
Buff Faye’s “PUMP UP THE JAM” Drag Brunch
When: August 12
Where: Midtown Tavern
Neighborhood: Midtown
Charlotte’s favorite brunch host Buff Faye brings the party to Midtown Tavern for her much-anticipated “PUMP UP THE JAM” Drag Brunch. Grab your mimosa and jam along as the queens take the stage.
Pride Kickoff Party
When: August 12
Where: Protagonist Beer
Neighborhood: LoSo
Let's kick off the Pride festivities in grand style at the Pride Kickoff Party on August 12, held at the Protagonist at Loso venue! This event sets the stage for an exciting month ahead, filled with love and acceptance. With captivating performances, immersive music, and a welcoming crowd, the Pride Kickoff Party promises to be an unforgettable night that launches us into the heart of Charlotte's Pride season.
Seedling Brunch
When: August 13
Where: Plant Joy
Neighborhood: North Charlotte
Start your Sunday right with the monthly Seedling Brunch, featuring vegan favorites from Plant Joy, Camp North End’s vegan food stall. Onya Nerves hosts this drag brunch in the Gama Goat Office Building directly behind the food stalls in the Keswick district.
Pride Drag Show
When: August 18
Where: The Chamber by Wooden Robot Brewery
Neighborhood: NoDa
Enjoy a fierce kickoff to Charlotte Pride weekend with a rooftop drag show at The Chamber by Wooden Robot in NoDa, another must-see event hosted by Onya Nerves. Come early for the LGBTQ+ Vendor Market and live music from DJ SeeBirdGo.
Culture Shock Drag Brunch
When: August 19
Where: Resident Culture South End
Neighborhood: South End
Whether opting for general entry or VIP tables, the electrifying Culture Shock Drag Brunch promises to be a feast for the senses, with drag performances that will leave you mesmerized. Indulge in delicious brunch delights and sip on refreshing cocktails as you revel in the artistry and talent of these sensational queens. Get ready to experience a cultural explosion of entertainment!
Vanity House Pride Fest featuring Detox
When: August 19
Where: Ink n' Ivy
Neighborhood: Uptown
Join your favorite divas from The Vanity House in welcoming RuPaul's Drag Race legend, Detox, to the Queen City. You can expect the same show you know and love with the special Vanity House Divas, but the volume will be dialed all the way up with a rotating selection of Charlottes favorite DJs, guest performers, body painters, photo opportunities and many more surprises around every turn.
After Pride at Billy Sunday
When: August 20
Where: Billy Sunday
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Continue the celebrations at the After Pride party hosted at the iconic Billy Sunday. Featuring top-notch DJs and drag this party promises to be the perfect way to conclude the Pride weekend.
LGBTQ+ Bars and Nightlife
Looking for a night on the town post-festivities? Dance the night away at these Charlotte staples. In addition to Charlotte's traditional gay bars like Bar Argon and The Scorpio, the city boasts several bars that proudly serve as safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Places like Petra’s, Salud Beer Shop and NoDa Brewing Company not only welcome diverse patrons but also frequently host LGBTQ-friendly events, creating inclusive and vibrant spaces for all to enjoy.
The Scorpio
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Get ready to party the night away at The Scorpio, one of the Carolinas’ longest-running LGBT nightclubs. Expect an unforgettable experience of music, dancing and entertainment in this vibrant and inclusive atmosphere every Friday and Saturday with thrilling midnight drag shows each night.
Bar Argon
Neighborhood: LoSo
Sing your heart out during Karaoke Night on Thursdays and enjoy the Get Snatched Dance Party on select Fridays and gear up for an amazing time at Charlotte’s only true video bar. Dance to the latest hits and enjoy the energetic atmosphere and see why Bar Argon is a go-to for a vibrant night out.
Chasers Charlotte NoDa
Neighborhood: NoDa
An unsuspecting building at the edge of the NoDa arts district, Chasers is an experience like no other, with a fantastic mix of video games, drinks and a lively crowd. Jump in to the ultimate LGBTQ gaming night at The Gayming Lair on Wednesdays and other weekly events from drag shows to theme parties. On Fridays and Saturdays, Chasers transforms into a dynamic club, featuring great music, a welcoming atmosphere and a dance floor that will keep you moving all night long.
