Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
To: Awaiting dates
The Blue Ridge
Pride Pageant 2026
The Blue Ridge Pride Pageant is one of the highlights of the gay calendar in Asheville and attracts visitors from across North Carolina and beyond.
Blue Ridge Pride Pageant 2026
The Blue Ridge Pride Pageant is one of the highlights of the gay calendar in Asheville and attracts visitors from across North Carolina and beyond.
- 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.
The Pageant
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates – From 7 pm to 10 pm
- Each year in late Summer, the town of Asheville welcomes a drag queen invasion as acts from North Carolina and beyond descend upon the town to compete and perform.
- The dazzling spectacle has truly become seasoned by Asheville’s flavors of openness, artistic expression, and diversity. It is one of the few pride pageants in the nation to be open to “drag queens, kings, and things”, making it as unique and eccentric as the town’s reputation!
- The pageant is organized by Blue Ridge Pride and pits dueling drag queens against each other for the title or Miss Blue Ridge Pride.
- Categories include a per-interview, a pride flag costume competition, an onstage one-on-one and a talent competition. The winner will be chosen by a panel of experts and audience participation.
The Venue
- Eulogy – Live Music Venue at Burial Beer Co. Eulogy is a mid-sized room, aiming to add to the city’s vibrant music and live performance scene.
- The building that Eulogy calls home hosts the music venue and rooftop VISUALS bar. Burial’s South Slope brewery lies adjacent to the venue with a shop complete with beer, wine and Burial merchandise.
- Stay close to the event at the Kimpton Hotel Arras, rated “Superb” by guests with spacious rooms featuring a modern design in a perfect location.
Gay Asheville
- Asheville has become well known for many things, and drag, surprisingly, is one of them. Yes, way out here in the mountains of North Carolina there is a steadily growing drag community – and locals seems to love it, much to the pleasure of bars, nightclubs, and even more unique establishments that now feature regular drag shows.
Where to stay?
The following Asheville hotels are popular with our readers. All are close to the pride celebrations and the town's top attractions:
Haywood Park Hotel, Cambria Hotel, Kimpton Hotel Arras, The Windsor
Save on Hotels
There stunning hotels in Asheville
Book now and Pay on arrival
Where we stay!
Kimpton Hotel is our editors
choice when we are in Asheville
Official Website
For further information and advice on
The Blue Ridge Pageant Facebook
Gay Map of ASHEVILLE
Address: 36 Broadway Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
- The Windsor Boutique Hotel in Asheville offers luxurious, well-appointed suites in a prime downtown location.
- With its welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful amenities, it’s a great choice for LGBTQ+ travelers looking to explore the city.
- The hotel provides a memorable stay with easy access to Asheville's vibrant culture and attractions. Website
Address: 7 Patton Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
- Kimpton Hotel Arras in Asheville offers a modern and pet-friendly retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- With its stylish rooms, on-site dining, and wellness amenities, it provides a welcoming and comfortable environment.
- Its prime location near local attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring Asheville’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Website
Address: 15 Page Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
- Cambria Hotel Asheville offers a modern and pet-friendly stay in the heart of the city, perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- With stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and Cuban-inspired dining, it’s a vibrant base for exploring Asheville’s culture.
- Its central location and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal choice for all visitors. Website
Address: 1 Battery Park Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
- Haywood Park Hotel in downtown Asheville offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it a great choice for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- With spacious suites, complimentary services, and a prime location near local attractions, it’s ideal for exploring the city.
- The hotel’s pet-friendly policy adds to its welcoming atmosphere.
- Website
Address: 237 Haywood Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
- O.Henry’s in Asheville is North Carolina’s oldest gay bar, known for its inclusive atmosphere and vibrant entertainment, including drag shows and karaoke nights.
- The venue is a welcoming space for all, attracting a diverse crowd.
- With its long-standing presence, O.Henry’s remains a key spot in Asheville’s LGBTQ+ scene.
- Open: Daily 4pm-2am (Saturday 1pm-4am)
Address: 32 Banks Ave unit 101, Asheville, NC 28801
- Banks Ave Bar in Asheville is a lively LGBTQ+ venue known for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse entertainment, including drag shows, karaoke, and games.
- It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors, offering a welcoming environment and pet-friendly policy.
- With its fun activities and vibrant crowd, it’s a must-visit for a great night out.
- Open: Daily 6pm-2am, Saturday 2pm-2am Sunday 3pm-2am
Recommended Hotels in Asheville By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Asheville that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Haywood Park Hotel
4 Star – Central Location
- 4 Star, City Centre, Complimentary Breakfast
- Close to the gay district
- Spacious Rooms, Fitness Centre
- Stay in the heart of Asheville, enjoy luxurious amenities, & explore the vibrant local culture & nightlife.
Cambria Hotel
4 Star, Luxury
- 4 Star, Mountain Base, On-site Restaurant
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Terrace Lounge, Fitness Centre
- Nestled at the Blue Ridge Mountains' base, ideal for scenic views & modern comforts.
Kimpton Hotel Arras
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4 Star, Stylish Design, 24-Hour Front Desk
- Close to the gay district
- Free WiFi, Modern Amenities
- Elegant accommodation, offering convenient access to local attractions & vibrant nightlife.
The Windsor Asheville
4 Star – Perfect Location
- 4 Star, Boutique Hotel, with full Kitchen
- Close to the gay district
- Stylish Furnishings
- Unique boutique experience with custom-designed suites in Asheville's dynamic downtown area.
Video Of Top Things To Do
Asheville, North Carolina Top Things To Do
Other Events in August
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dollywood-Summer-Celebration-6-1.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-04-28 12:53:292025-10-13 15:55:27Dollywood Summer Celebration
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/amsterdam-pride-6.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-01 18:13:222025-12-14 14:08:43Amsterdam Gay Pride
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vancouver-gay-pride-6.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-01 19:32:202026-01-24 16:50:32Vancouver Gay Pride
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Amsterdam-WorldPride-3.gif
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2025-07-04 17:02:152026-04-19 17:30:03Amsterdam WorldPride 2026
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/stockholm-pride-2.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-12-08 17:25:462026-02-19 13:08:17Stockholm PrideLatest Gay Travel News
Gay Pride CalendarThursday, Apr 9th, 2026 - 5:01 pmDiscover our list of the top 200+ pride events from around the world! From Athens to Zurich, Berlin to Washington DC.
- The Top Gay Parties to attend This Memorial Day WeekendSunday, Apr 5th, 2026 - 2:48 pm
Gay Memorial Day Weekend brings with it the start of the Summer season. From Dallas to Pensacola, Puerto Vallarta and beyond. Where next?
- Bear events not to miss in 2026Sunday, Mar 22nd, 2026 - 7:28 pm
Check out our top 130+ bear events for 2025! From the lagoons in Iceland to the beaches of Sitges, bear weeks and festivals are becoming more popular!
Follow us on Facebook
