Blue Ridge Pride is set to make its return to Asheville on September 21, bringing a Pride celebration back to western North Carolina.
This year’s festival promises to be a lively and inclusive event, with a lineup of diverse performers, including musicians, drag artists and dancers. The festival’s parade — a highlight of the event — will feature colorful floats, marching bands and community groups, all showcasing their support for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
The festival serves as a platform for local organizations, activists and allies to promote awareness about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate the progress made toward equality.
Blue Ridge Pride, typically held in late September or early October, features a vibrant parade, live performances, art installations and a variety of food and craft vendors. It stands as a beacon of diversity, inclusion and community spirit in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This annual event not only celebrates the LGBTQ+ community but emphasizes the importance of unity and acceptance in a rapidly changing world.
Founded in 2009, Blue Ridge Pride has grown significantly over the years, attracting thousands of participants from across the region. One of the core missions of Blue Ridge Pride is to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and create a sense of belonging in the broader community.
The event aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and backgrounds to come together and celebrate their individuality and community identity.
In addition to the main festival, Blue Ridge Pride offers a range of programs and initiatives throughout the year. These include the “Generation Plus” program, which supports LGBTQ+ seniors, and the “Welcoming Spaces Directory,” a resource that highlights businesses and organizations that are committed to inclusivity. The Blue Ridge Pride Center also collaborates with local schools, businesses and government agencies to promote education and outreach on LGBTQ+ issues.
Blue Ridge Pride is more than just a festival — it’s a celebration of the progress made in the fight for equality and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done.
As Asheville continues to grow as a hub of cultural diversity and artistic expression, Blue Ridge Pride remains a vital part of the city’s identity, reflecting the values of acceptance, love and community that define the unique mountain town.
For more details, check out social media and visit their website at https://www.blueridgepride.org/festival.