Charlotte Pride month is back in full force. Here’s where to celebrate.
.jpg "The 2022 Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade will be held Uptown on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 1-4 p.m.")
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Charlotte Pride 2022
The Charlotte Observer’s coverage leading up to the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade.
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The Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade is back in full force later this month, after two years and limited gatherings due to COVID-19. But the party gets started long before that.
In addition to the festival and parade Aug. 20-21, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate and support our local LGBTQ community at special events starting Aug. 13, including picnics, drag shows, ice cream fundraisers and more.
Here are a few of the Charlotte Pride events coming up around town this month that you won’t want to miss.
Grab a limited edition 2022 Charlotte Pride T-Shirt
Location: Glory Days Apparel, 1425 Winnifred St. Ste. 107, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: South End
When: All month (while supplies last)
What to know: Glory Days Apparel has teamed up with the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade to create the official shirt again this year. Rather than designs in years past that featured the rainbow flag against a black backdrop, this year’s design features the Charlotte Pride logo against a bright tie-dye background. All proceeds from t-shirt sales will benefit the festival.
Cost: $36
Special Pride Kickoff: Buff Faye’s “Delicious Divas” Drag Brunch
Location: Gilde Brewery, 3530 Dewitt Ln., Charlotte, NC 28217
Neighborhood: Dilworth
When: Saturday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
What to know: Join 2019 and 2022 National Entertainer of the Year Buff Faye and her Divas for Charlotte’s longest-running drag brunch. Seating at 11 a.m. Show at noon. Tickets include Buff Faye’s “Delicious Divas” Drag Show and family-style brunch for your table. Drinks, cash bar and gratuity are not included in the ticket price.
Cost: $35 + fees. Purchase online.
Taste the Rainbow Luxe Picnic
Location: Freedom Park, 1415 Princeton Ave. Charlotte, NC 28209
Neighborhood: Dilworth
When: Saturday, Aug. 13 from 3-5:30 p.m.
What to know: In recognition of Charlotte Pride, join Black Ty Events and Susanna_tothepeople for a luxe picnic experience dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community featuring food, bottomless mimosas, lawn games, activities and more. Come dressed in your favorite color of the rainbow.
Cost: $35 + fees. Purchase online.
UCC Pride Networking and Day Party Kickoff
Location: 1st & Goal, 7801 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28213
Neighborhood: University City
When: Sunday, Aug. 14 from 1-5 p.m.
What to know: Meet and support local LGBT vendors at UCC Pride, hosted by Tiffany of Love N Lust Boutique, DJ Morning Glory, Mia Melanin and Brandon Hilton, with food, drinks, special performances to be announced and more.
Cost: General admission: $7 +fees; table for four (includes four admission tickets): $30 + fees. Purchase tickets online.
Pride fundraiser at Urban Sweets
Location: Urban Sweets, 222 W. Blvd. Ste. S114, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: South End
When: Wednesday, Aug. 17
What to know: Local LGBTQ+ celebrity Mia Atkins of WCNC will be scooping ice cream outside of Urban Sweets, a new ice cream spot. Cones or cups will be a dollar each and $15 monthly subscriptions will be sold to benefit Atkin’s chosen cause, Twirl to the World Foundation.
Cost: $1 cones or cups.
Drag Game night
Location: Billy Sunday at Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St UNIT 1, Charlotte, NC 28206
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
When: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 6 to 9 p.m.
What to know: Billy Sunday is holding a Drag Game Night with special host Onya Nerves, along with offering Pride-themed drink specials,
Cost: Free admission.
Build the rainbow with Sipsmith
Location: Billy Sunday at Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St UNIT 1, Charlotte, NC 28206
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
When: Thursday, Aug. 18, 6 to 10 p.m.
What to know: Stop in to Billy Sunday to build your own cocktail bar with botanicals and ingredients showcasing the colors of the rainbow.
Cost: Free admission.
Pride-A-Palooza
Location: Protagonist Beer, 227 Southside Dr. Unit A, Charlotte, NC 28217
Neighborhood: LoSo
When: Friday, Aug. 19 from 7-11 p.m.
What to know: Kick off Pride weekend at Protagonist Beer with a drag show hosted by Karen Affection and Nova Stella. Doors at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Cost: General admission: $15 plus fees. Meet and greet: $10 add-on plus fees. Purchase tickets online.
Pride cocktails at Mariposa
Location: Mint Museum Uptown, 500 South Tryon Street, Charlotte NC 28202
Neighborhood: Third Ward/Uptown
When: Friday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 21 during dinner, 5-10 p.m., and weekend brunch, 11 a.m-3 p.m.
What to know: “The Summer Renaissance” includes Plantation Pineapple Rum, Strawberry Ginger Shrub, Dry Curaçao, Green Chartreuse, Licorice Bitters and Ginger Beer.
Cost: $15
The Vanity House Pride Fest Drag Brunch at Angeline’s
Location: Angeline’s, 303 S. Church St. Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Uptown
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, First seating: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Second seating: 12:30-1 p.m.
What to know: Fuel up for your weekend of fun at the Pride Fest Drag Brunch at Angeline’s. Tickets include admission for two, a Vanity House drag performance hosted by Erica Chanel featuring Aria Russo, Aries Mateo Kelly, Kylee O’Hara Fatale and “America’s Got Talent” contestant Dorae Saunders, a donation to The Trevor Project, a three-course brunch and one complimentary mimosa or bellini per guest. All ages are welcome.
Cost: Tickets are $130 for two people, plus fees and tax. Purchase in advance online as tickets will not be sold at the door. First seating tickets. Second seating tickets.
Twirl in SPACE: 2022 Just Twirl Pride Party
Location: Blackbox Theater, 421 East Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28213
Neighborhood: Plaza Shamrock
When: Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 p.m.- 2 a.m.
What to know: Celebrate Pride by dancing all night long at the newly renovated EDM venue Blackbox Theater with Twirl DJ/Producer Joe Gauthreaux. A portion of proceeds will go to the World Foundation’s Twirl Assistance Program, supporting those from the local LBGTQ+ community in need.
Cost: General admission: $40 + fees; door admission: $50 + fees. Purchase tickets online. RSVP on Facebook.
Charlotte Pride Festival
Location: Uptown, South Tryon Street
Neighborhood: Uptown
When: Saturday, Aug. 20 from noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 21 from noon-6 p.m.
What to know: The PNC Bank Festival Zone includes live entertainment, vendor booths and art exhibits — plus a food court. Additional events include Flourish: A Celebration of LGBTQ Arts & Culture at the Bechtler Museum, which is also free but includes a cash bar.
Cost: Free
Charlotte Pride Parade
Location: Uptown, N. Tryon St. and E. 4th St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
When: Sunday, Aug. 21 from 1-4 p.m.
What to know: More than 40 floats and 170 groups will paint the town rainbow as they make their way down Tryon Street. Be sure to arrive early to grab your spot along the parade route, and catch an early pre-parade show with returning parade emcees Delighted Tobehere and Malachi.
Cost: Free to attend the parade; some additional events are ticketed.
Billy Sunday After Party
Location: Billy Sunday at Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St UNIT 1, Charlotte, NC 28206
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
When: Sunday, Aug. 21, 2 p.m.
What to know: Billy Sunday’s Pride after party will featuring a Radical Groove DJ, snacks by AVA, a shot ice luge, patio games and a drag show.
Cost: Free admission.
PrideFest After Party
Location: Ink N Ivy, 222 S. Church St. Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Uptown
When: Sunday, Aug. 21 at 4 p.m.
What to know: End your 2022 Pride experience with food, cocktails, live DJs and a drag show from The Vanity House. Must be 21 or older to attend. Purchase tickets in advance if possible, as prices will be higher at the door and cash only.
Cost: $10 + fees. Purchase online.
This story was originally published August 5, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
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