Your Guide to Charlotte Pride 2025
Everything you need to know about the Queen City’s annual pride celebration in August.
by Dean Campbell Aug 01, 2025
Charlotte is queerer, louder and prouder than ever with a full slate of brunches, drag shows, dance parties, pageants, parades and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a sparkle-covered Pride veteran or a newbie dipping your toes into glittery waters, this year’s celebration has something for everyone.
Before you set out for this year’s festivities, sign up for the Charlotte Pride Passport. Use this passport to check in at official events and rack up points for prizes.
2025 Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
Charlotte Pride is making history this year by moving the festival and parade into First Ward Park and the surrounding Uptown blocks, bringing even more energy, inclusiveness and celebration to the very center of the Queen City.
Expect a full weekend of festival fun, community connection and show-stopping performances beneath Charlotte’s skyline. Whether you’re dancing on Tryon Street, marching in the parade, or discovering new LGBTQ+ artists and vendors, this vibrant new location puts everything in reach.
Getting to the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
The 2025 Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade will be held in the heart of Uptown, centered around First Ward Park and Tryon Street. Attendees are encouraged to use public transit, rideshare apps, or park in nearby garages. The LYNX Blue Line light rail, with stops at 7th Street and 9th Street, drops you off just steps from the action.
Charlotte Pride Festival
When: Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 16-17
Where: First Ward Park
From noon-10 p.m., live entertainment, local food trucks, art vendors, nonprofits and sponsor booths turn the streets into a glittering LGBTQ+ village. Expect a dazzling mix of national headliners and local queer talent on the main stage, along with a safe, joyful space for LGBTQ+ youth and families to gather, create and play together. Want shade, drinks, and a place to lounge between sets? VIP passes grant access to elevated viewing areas, air conditioned lounges and private bars.
Charlotte Pride Parade
When: Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Tryon Street
Starting at noon, cheer loud and proud as Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community takes over the city streets for the Charlotte Pride Parade, one of the largest in the Southeast. Floats, marching bands, community groups, drag royalty and more make this one of the most affirming events of the year. Some of the best parade viewing spots include the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets and across from First Ward Park. Arrive early and bring water, fans and your fiercest pride outfit.
Charlotte Pride Events
Find even more events that are a part of the Pride celebration here.
Official Pride Kickoff Brunch
When: Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Catalu
Start your Pride right with mimosas and high-octane performances from The Vanity House queens. This brunch sets the tone for the entire week, so bring your appetite, your energy and your tips.
Charlotte Pride Pageant
When: Thursday, Aug. 14
Where: Chasers
Come watch local legends battle it out for the ultimate Charlotte Pride titles. Expect rhinestones, reveals and pageantry that’ll leave you breathless. Chasers will also host club events all weekend long, with doors opening at 10 p.m. nightly.
Scorpio Pride 2025
When: Saturday, Aug. 9; Friday-Sunday, Aug. 15-17
Where: Scorpio
Scorpio is pulling out all the stops for Charlotte Pride with four nights of pure queer euphoria, featuring more than 20 performers, four unique party zones and the fiercest drag lineup in the Carolinas. Expect the full fantasy with headliners from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” such as Naomi Smalls, Laganja Estranja, Bosco, Lala Ri, Kori King and Lexi Love, plus local legends like Erica Chanel, Lulu Cavalli, Paris Brooks and many more.
Haus of Terror Presents: ALTercation
When: Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Snug Harbor
This queer, punk drag show features burlesque, wrestling and blood-pumping theatrics. Headlined by Priscilla Chambers, from “Dragula” season 3 and “Dragula Resurrection,” with two showtimes at 10:30 p.m. and midnight.
Pride Weekend Club Events
When: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 15-17|
Where: Bar Argon, Chasers, Scorpio
Charlotte’s legendary LGBTQ+ clubs are turning up the heat all weekend long with nonstop events. Expect themed dance parties, special drag performances, guest DJs and surprise appearances all weekend. Whether you’re into old-school anthems, high-energy EDM or drag shows, there’s a dance floor with your name on it. Check out this article for more LGBTQ bars in Charlotte.
Pride Brunch with “Dragula’s” Fantasia Royale Gaga
When: Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Ink n Ivy
Start your Saturday with a sparkle and a scream! The iconic Fantasia Royale Gaga is headlining this year’s Vanity House Pride Brunch at Ink n Ivy. Known for explosive performances, jaw-dropping looks and diva energy, Fantasia will be joined by a cast of Charlotte’s fiercest queens.
FABULOSO Pride Drag Brunch
When: Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: 1900 Mexican Grill
Spice up your Saturday with the return of the FABULOSO Pride Drag Brunch, serving up bold flavors and even bolder queens! Hosted at the lively 1900 Mexican Grill in Midtown, this brunch brings together fierce drag, mimosas and sizzling vibes.
Pride Drag Show
When: Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: The Chamber – NoDa
Drag royalty is taking over NoDa for a fierce, fabulous and full-glam Pride Drag Show. Join the stunning Chanel family — Oso Chanel, Leonasía Chanel, RC Cola, and Lolita Chanel — for an evening of dazzling performances, high-energy numbers and unapologetic queer excellence.
Charlotte Pride Weekend Drag Queen Funny Bus Tour
When: Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 16-17
Where: Uptown
Climb aboard the funniest ride of Charlotte Pride weekend with the one and only Buff Faye at the wheel. The Drag Queen Funny Bus Tour is part comedy show, part city tour, and all-out campy chaos perfect for locals, visitors and anyone looking to laugh their lashes off.
Twirl to the World Tea Dance
When: Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Bar Argon
Twirl to the World presents SPLASH: A Pride Tea Dance. This is your chance to cool off, cut loose and celebrate pride poolside-style even if you’re not at the pool. With beats by DJ Vanna Vanity, this party at Bar Argon turns up the summer heat with beach vibes, colorful cocktails and nonstop dancing.
