Pride month is here, Asheville. Our city was one of the first in NC to host Pride festivities, and over the years, the city’s celebrations have grown with a host of Pride events throughout June. Here are just a few opportunities to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Pro tip: Check our events page as new events pop up and feel free to add your own.
All month long, Pack Memorial Library is hosting the exhibit, “Learning in Community: Blue Ridge Pride LGBTQIA+ Archives.” There, you’ll find oral histories and artifacts sharing the lesser-known stories of LGBTQ+ history throughout WNC — like Asheville resident Holly Boswell’s creating the internationally recognized symbol for transgender identity.
Pride Open Mic Night | Friday, June 7 | 6:30 p.m. | The Nerd Dungeon, 505 New Leicester Hwy., Asheville | Free | Show up for a nerdy night to share your talents in this safe space.
Pride 5K: Race for Queer Health | Saturday, June 8 | 8 a.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | $25 | Lace up your sneakers for the first annual 5K with LGBTQ+ fitness organizations, businesses, and groups on site — registration ends this Friday, June 7.
The Day a Dream Was Realized: Marriage Equality Exhibit Opening | Wednesday, June 12 | 5:15-6:45 p.m. | Buncombe County Register of Deeds, 205 College St., Asheville | Free | See photography from Max Cooper documenting the emotional moments when a federal lawsuit in Buncombe County ended the ban on same-sex marriage.
Pride Story Hour | Thursday, June 13 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.| Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | This all-ages storytime will feature stories and songs that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and gender identity.
Sapphic Songbook Karaoke and Costume Contest | Friday, June 14 | 8:30 p.m. | LaZoom Room, 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $10 | Belt out a tune or cheer on performers from the crowd — a portion of proceeds benefit Q-Hall’s journey in creating a permanent home for celebrating women’s sports and queer culture.
Pride Paddle: Paddle for a Purpose | Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Craven Street Bridge River Access, 192 Riverside Dr., Asheville | $25 | Miss Blue Ridge Pride Alexis Black will perform on the river during this aquatic adventure.
LGBTQIA+ Health Equity Fair | Sunday, June 16 | 12-3 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St., Asheville | Free | Explore queer-owned and allied healthcare providers in the area, and take Blue Ridge Pride’s LGBTQIA+ Health Equity Survey.
BIPOC + LGBTQIA2S + Ally Run/Walk | Sunday, June 23 | 8:30 a.m. | Parking lot at the intersection of Emma Road and Hazel Mill Road, Asheville | Free, RSVP | Grab your water bottle and join Asheville Run Crew for a 3.5-mile run or 1.5-mile walk to build community — plus, there will be a special guest from the Campaign for Southern Equality.
Pride Puppy Party | Sunday, June 23 | 5-9 p.m. | Getaway River Bar, 790 Riverside Dr., Asheville | Free | Celebrate Pride with your four-legged best friend — expect a cookout, drinks, and pools for the pups to cool off.
Generation Plus Stonewall Potluck | Sunday, June 23 | 12-2 p.m. | Walton Street Picnic Shelter, 570 Walton St., Asheville | Free, RSVP | LGBTQ+ folks 55 and older are invited to bring a dish for an afternoon of food, fun, and games.
Stonewall Gala | Saturday, June 29 | 5-9 p.m. | A-B Tech Convention Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville | $50-$150 | The inaugural gala will feature dinner, a speech from co-founder of Southerners on New Ground and the National Black Justice Coalition Mandy Carter, a performance by Miss Blue Ridge Pride Alexis Black, and presentations from Blue Ridge Pride.
There are plenty more events to celebrate Pride all month long — visit Blue Ridge Pride’s website for the full calendar. While you’re at it, go ahead and mark your calendars for the 2024 Blue Ridge Pride Festival, happening on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Pack Square Park.
