Photo Credit: Brandon Schauf (anopenwindowphoto.com), courtesy Charlotte Pride.
This month, LGBT community members across the world celebrate the 45th anniversary of the riots at the Stonewall Inn. On a fateful early morning on June 28, 1969, abused and intimidated LGBT patrons at the Stonewall rose up against police brutality and oppression. One year later, the first Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade was held and within just a few years LGBT activism exploded across the continent, inspiring similar actions across the globe.
In the Carolinas, Pride continues as strong as ever. Over the past few years, a variety of locales have begun their own Pride festivals and parades — building upon the legacies of the region’s first and longest-running Prides in Durham and Columbia, both of which are also celebrating landmark anniversaries this year.
SC Pride takes place on Sept. 20 in Downtown Columbia, celebrating 25 years. At Duke University in Durham, N.C., Pride will mark their 30th annual celebration on Sept. 27.
Unlike other major national Pride events in New York City, Chicago or San Francisco, the Carolinas’ several Pride activities are spread throughout the year. Check out our run-down of upcoming events in Pride Season 2014.
Salisbury Pride
June 21
Downtown Salisbury
Salisbury Pride returns for its 2014 festival and celebration. The main stage will be emceed by Roxy C. Moorecox, with headlining entertainment from She N She. Join with Salisbury Pride in asking their mayor to issue a Pride proclamation. Learn more about their #ChangeYourMindWoodson campaign and other event details at salisburypride.com.
SC Black Pride
June 25-29
Columbia
Featuring an annual expo, parties and other events, including “The Know Ball,” SC Black Pride comes to Columbia. Their theme this year is “Glowing with Pride, Embracing all that was, is and yet to come…” More information is available at southcarolinablackpride.com.
Augusta Pride
June 26-29
Augusta Pride brings a variety of events, including a Friday-night concert and Saturday parade along with a day festival, to downtown Augusta. On Sunday, a Pride pool party will close out the celebrations. Learn more at prideaugusta.org.
Charlotte Black Gay Pride
July 17-20
The Queen City’s premier Pride celebration for the African-American and other diverse communities will light up the city with a variety of events, including a pre-Pride reception, a town hall, meet and greet social and their annual Expo, featuring entertainment and vendors. A Sunday Mardi Gras Jazz Brunch will close out the weekend. Get more information at charlotteblackgaypride.com.
Triangle Black Pride
July 25-27
Raleigh
With workshops and seminars, a free film festival and an annual expo featuring vendors and entertainment, Triangle Black Pride presents their annual “Shades of Pride.” Their theme this year is “New Day, New Way.” For more information, visit triangleblackpride.org.
Charleston Pride
Aug. 2-10
Charleston brings Pride to the bay! It features a full slate of events, including nightlife happenings, a community symposium, drag shows, meet and greet social, a night of LGBT short films — all culminating with the annual Pride parade and rally on Aug. 9. For more details, visit charlestonpride.com.
Charlotte Pride
Aug. 16-17
Uptown Charlotte
Join Charlotte Pride for their annual festival and parade in Uptown Charlotte. For the second year in a row, the group will host its Charlotte Pride Parade on Sunday. Their two-day street festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, with a variety of vendors from across the region and entertainment on its S. Tryon St. stage. The Charlotte Pride Week is filled with a variety of community events starting Aug. 8 preceding the weekend festival. For more information, visit charlottepride.org.
OBX Pridefest
Sept. 12-14
Nags Head/Manteo
You know what they say! From Murphy to Manteo! OBX Pridefest brings the celebration to North Carolina’s most eastern shore, with cruises, evening parties, a comedy show and their annual OBX Pride festival on the beach. The three-day event schedule is packed full
of fun events. For more information, visit obxpridefest.com.
Greensboro Pride
Sept. 13
Festival Park, Greensboro
Formerly known as Triad Pride, the new Greensboro Pride returns to downtown Greensboro with a day-time festival featuring local entertainers and fun for kids and adults. For more information, visit greensboropride.org.
Upstate Pride SC
Sept. 13
Barnet Park, Spartanburg
Join the Upstate South Carolina LGBT community for their annual Pride festival and march hosted at Barnet Park in Spartanburg. Food, musical performances, guest speakers and a kids’ zone will be featured at the festival. More information is available at upstatepridesc.org.
Catawba Valley Pride
Sept. 20
Downtown Hickory
A day festival and main stage entertainment will light up the valley. Featuring a variety of local and regional vendors and entertainers. For more information, visit catawbavalleypride.org.
SC Pride
Sept. 20
Downtown Columbia
One week after the Upstate celebrates, folks from across the Palmetto State will flock to their capital city to celebrate 25 years of SC Pride. A parade and festival will be hosted on Main St., featuring Deborah Cox on the main stage. Visit scpride.org for more information.
NC Pride
Sept. 27
Duke University East Campus
Durham
North Carolinians will join together to celebrate NC Pride’s 30th anniversary, with a parade, guest speeches, vendors and a night festival featuring local LGBT nightlife establishments across the Triangle. The NC Pride 5K Run will be hosted in the morning prior to the day’s parade and festival. For more information, visit ncpride.org.
Blue Ridge Pride
Oct. 4
Pack Square, Asheville
The hills are alive! With the sound of Pride! Asheville hosts its Blue Ridge Pride at Pack Square, with a festival packed with vendors and main stage entertainment. For more details, visit blueridgepride.com.
Pride Winston-Salem
Oct. 17-19
Downtown Winston-Salem
The Twin City hosts its growing Pride Winston-Salem for the fourth year in a row. A variety of events, including a drag pageant and Rainbow Run 5K precede the main events the weekend of Oct. 17-19. On Friday, a kick-off party will be held, with Saturday hosting a street festival with live entertainment, food trucks, rodeo and after party. On Sunday, a drag brunch kicks off the day with the city’s Pride parade in the afternoon. More information is available at pridews.org.