Charlotte’s Pride in the Park, produced by the local nonprofit organization RAIN, will return June 27 to the Mint Museum on Randolph for its fourth annual celebration with live music, local talent, food, vendors and more.
The event runs from 5 to 10:30 p.m. and invites anyone who believes in inclusion to gather for an evening centered on love, identity and unity. The event is free, though organizers ask attendees to RSVP using the link on the event website.
“Pride in the Park is more than just a party,” organizers write on the event website. “It’s an extraordinary celebration of diversity, equality, and acceptance.”
That message will shape an evening full of live entertainment, a DJ battle, food trucks, local vendors and interactive experiences. The entertainment lineup includes Aakosha Bentley, Ishon Da Realest, Ivan Jay, Chris Pierce, Tierra Brown, Pretti Emage and Eric Who. Together, the performers will bring a mix of soulful vocals, high-energy performances and Pride party music to the evening.
The event also coincides with National HIV Testing Day. “In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, we also highlight the importance of health, awareness, and access to resources uplifting and empowering our community through education and support,” organizers state.
The focus on testing and resources gives the celebration an added purpose. Pride in the Park aims to connect attendees with information and support while recognizing that LGBTQ+ health, safety and well-being remain central to community care.
For people who have attended before, the fourth annual event offers another opportunity to reconnect with friends, enjoy local performers and support community vendors. For newcomers, it is designed as an open invitation to show up as they are.
“Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or someone who believes in the power of inclusivity, this event is for you,” organizers write. By attending, they add, people are not only joining a celebration but also “making a statement” that champions “love, acceptance, and equality for all.”
For more details, visit their website at https://www.prideintheparkclt.org/
