Blue Ridge Pride Asheville: 2025 In-Depth Guide

Feel the vibrant beat of the Blue Ridge Mountains as rainbow flags unfurl over downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Every September, Blue Ridge Pride transforms historic Pack Square Park into a lively, inclusive celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride. With live music, dynamic drag performances, local art, and a welcoming mountain vibe, this festival honors community, resilience, and the joy of living your authentic self.

Mountain Heart, City Center

Where historic charm meets rainbow-powered joy—Pack Square Park is the heartbeat of Pride in the Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge Pride unfolds on the sprawling grassy lawns and shaded pathways of Pack Square Park (80 Court Plaza). Nestled amid Asheville’s eclectic architecture, the park’s amphitheater stage and vendor rows place you just steps from craft breweries, farm-to-table cafés, and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop.

Save the September Date

One powerful day. Thousands of stories. Mark your calendar for a colorful celebration of unity and expression.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The day kicks off with a spirited welcoming procession through downtown Asheville streets and flows into hours of live concerts, drag showcases, and family-friendly fun zones. Arrive early to secure front-row spots for headline acts and snag limited-edition festival merchandise.

Who Should Come & Why It Matters

Whether you’re marching, dancing, parenting, or supporting—this is a festival where every soul finds belonging.

From families pushing strollers to longtime activists, Blue Ridge Pride invites all to stand tall for equality and inclusion. Music lovers can sway to regional bands spanning multiple genres, foodies can savor Appalachian-inspired bites crafted by local chefs, and allies can connect with nonprofit booths that uplift LGBTQIA+ youth. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned parade-goer, this festival celebrates courage, community connection, and the spirit unique to Western North Carolina.

What Makes This Festival Sparkle

From drag royalty to gospel choirs, artisan markets to mental health workshops—this festival glows with purpose and pride.

• Local talent, global message: Enjoy diverse performances including drag royalty, spoken-word poets, gospel choirs, and dance troupes sharing one inclusive stage.
• Marketplace with meaning: Browse over 150 vendors offering artisan crafts, rainbow-themed apparel, local food and drink offerings, and community resources.
• Wellness & education: Connect with nonprofits providing vital services such as free HIV testing, mental health workshops, voter registration drives, and advocacy talks, amplifying the festival’s pillars of advocate, educate, and serve.

Park & Pride Like a Pro

Parking near Pack Square Park is convenient with multiple city-owned garages nearby:

• Pack Square Garage (below the AC Marriott, 199 College St.)
• Biltmore Avenue Garage (40 Court Plaza)
• Rankin Avenue Garage (82 Rankin Ave.)

These garages are within a five-minute walk of the festival grounds and offer accessible parking. Rates begin with the first hour free, then around $2 per hour with a daily max of around $15. On-street meters provide curbside convenience at around $2.50 per hour. Aim to arrive by 10 a.m. to secure parking and avoid parade-day congestion.

From Pride to Parkway Views—Tripster Makes It Easy

Why let the fun end at the festival gates? Tripster helps you bundle Asheville hotels, Blue Ridge Mountain tours, and Biltmore Estate tickets into one smooth, budget-friendly booking.

With exclusive discounts, flexible vacation packages, and curated itineraries for families, couples, friend groups, and solo adventurers, Tripster makes planning your mountain escape as joyful as the celebration itself. Start your Pride-filled Asheville getaway today—and let Tripster handle the details while you focus on the memories.