Blue Ridge Pride Festival 2026

Blue Ridge Pride Festival 2026

Asheville's Blue Ridge Pride Festival celebrates the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community each year in September.

• Stay at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, gay-friendly location, located in the heart of downtown and steps away from the Thomas Wolfe House and some of Asheville’ most buzzworthy restaurants. Alternatively discover the stunning 1889 White Gate Inn, gay owned and featuring a 3-course gourmet breakfast.

Asheville Pride

• Next Edition: Friday 25th September, 2026 – Sunday 27th September, 2026.
• Asheville is one of North Carolina's most loved gay getaways and is host of the annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival.
• The weekend is filled with pageants, parties, and a street festival dubbed by CNN as one of the world’s best places to celebrate pride.

The Pride Procession

• Saturday 25th September 2026 – On Saturday events will kick off with a special procession through the city of Asheville, starting at Grove Street at 10am and continuing along Patton Avenue to Pack Square Park.

Pride in the Park

• Saturday 25th September 2026 – The main highlight of the pride weekend is the Pride in the park which takes place directly after a pride procession through the town. Join the LGBTQ community in Downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park, from 11am to 7pm.
• Two stages will feature regional musicians and many talented entertainers. Check out the 150 vendors and organizations that will do their best to feed, cloth, accessorize, entertain, and educate more than 10,000+ visitors.

The Blue Ridge Pride Pageant

• Next Edition: Awaiting Dates – The Blue Ridge Pride Pageant typically takes place on Friday at Banks Ave Bar.

Asheville Gay Scene

While you won’t find a gay district, or “gayborhood,” you will discover a town with a vibrant gay community that is integrated into every aspect of the city’s culture.

• Scandals: This legendary late-night gay club is the best place to go dancing in downtown Asheville. Featuring a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, this hot spot is known for its great music and entertaining drag shows that hit the stage Thursday through Sunday nights at 12:30 a.m.
• O.Henry’s: Visit one of the oldest gay bars in North Carolina. Here you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere with nightly specials and events, including a growing drag show scene. Attached to the bar is The Underground, which throws a dance party each weekend.
• Explore the town with Kaye Bentley’s Rooftop Bar Tours. On her tours you’ll experience three rooftop bars and get a birds-eye view of Asheville’s fascinating architecture while soaking in local history and sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views.
• Asheville is filled with specialty vintage stores. Check out the Biltmore Village antiques district, including Antique Tobacco Barn, a huge warehouse dedicated to treasure hunting.

Recommended Hotels in Asheville

The following hotels are close to the Blue Ridge Pride events:

Haywood Park Hotel,  Cambria Hotel,  Kimpton Hotel Arras,  The Windsor