Huntersville Pride Weekend returns June 13-14, with two days of community, entertainment and Pride in North Mecklenburg.
Organized by Beer Money Entertainment, the second annual celebration begins Saturday, June 13, with a Drag Brunch Kickoff at Eleven Lakes Brewing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The weekend continues Sunday, June 14, with the Huntersville Pride Festival at Veterans Park from 1 to 6 p.m. Festival admission outside the VIP area is free.
This year’s expanded weekend also includes free community yoga, vendors, drag performances, VIP indoor experience options and VIP reserved parking.
For organizer Melissa Easley of Beer Money Entertainment, Huntersville Pride is about creating a welcoming local space. “Huntersville Pride Weekend is really centered around community and connection,” Easley said. “We wanted to create something that felt welcoming, fun and approachable for people across North Mecklenburg and the Lake Norman area.”
Easley said the event intentionally highlights local businesses, artists, organizations and performers so the celebration reflects the people who live and work in the region.
Mayor Rusty Knox of Davidson is scheduled to perform during the festival alongside other local artists. Huntersville Mayor Christy Clark and Commissioner Stacy Cornett will also help welcome attendees. Easley said community support has helped the event grow, from local sponsors and vendors to volunteers, performers and residents who have shared the event online.
“A lot of the support has also simply come from people believing events like this matter in our community,” Easley said.
A portion of proceeds from Huntersville Pride Weekend will benefit Umbrella LLC, supporting LGBTQ+ community resources and advocacy efforts.
For Easley, Pride celebrations remain especially important in suburban and smaller communities. “Representation and visibility matter everywhere,” she said. “Pride events create spaces where people can feel seen, supported, safe and celebrated exactly as they are.”
