Western North Carolina’s largest LGBTQIA2S+ Pride celebration brings live music, drag, community resources and a full weekend of festivities to downtown Asheville. Blue Ridge Pride is turning up the volume this September with a two-day celebration of visibility, advocacy and community in downtown Asheville.
The festival returns Sept. 25-26 with the theme “Holler Loud, Love Proud,” bringing thousands of people together for a weekend of entertainment, connection and mountain Pride. Friday’s festivities begin with the Blue Ridge Pride Spectacle Market, an adults-only (18+) event from 6 to 10 p.m. featuring local vendors and a celebration of art and creativity.
The party continues with the Spectacle Show from 8 p.m. to midnight, music by Wreckno, with support from Felski and Offee. Drag performers Nova Jynah, Josie Glamoure, Jasmine Summers and Mx. Blue Ridge Pride 2026 will take the stage, with art and décor by Gavinger, Psykiss, Mysterylias and Space Gadgets Lighting.
Saturday’s free, family-friendly festival takes over Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville from noon to 6 p.m., celebrating the vibrant community across Western North Carolina’s 22 counties. The day features live music, drag performances, local food and more than 200 booths showcasing businesses, vendors, community organizations and resources.
The main-stage lineup begins at noon with the Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus, followed by Sal Landers, Brennan Page, Steppin Out AVL, Max Ringenbach and Anne Coombs & Company Swing. The afternoon continues with a matinee drag show, Carolina Down Boys and a legendary drag show.
The celebration continues Saturday night with two after-parties. The Blue Ridge Pride After Party Rave takes over Third Room, 46 Wall St. and the Blue Ridge Pride AFTER After Party at Banks Ave Bar, 32 Banks Ave.
The festivities wrap up Sunday, Sept. 27, with the Blue Ridge Pride BBQ at Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue, 135 Coxe Ave., from 2 to 4 p.m. For festival details, accessibility updates and the complete schedule of Pride Week events, visit Blue Ridge Pride or follow the organization on Facebook.
This year’s festival artwork comes courtesy of logo contest winner Erika Busse. Blue Ridge Pride has celebrated the region’s LGBTQIA2S+ community since 2009. Organizers are planning accessibility features including ASL interpretation, wheelchair-friendly navigation and mental health resources. The weekend is also part of a broader Pride Week, with additional celebrations taking place throughout Asheville.
For more details, visit their website at https://www.blueridgepride.org/.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
