ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Rainbow flags are flying high across the Asheville area as the community celebrates Pride Month with a full slate of events honoring LGBTQ+ identity, history and resilience. From downtown parades and drag brunches to art shows and panel discussions, local organizers said this year’s Pride is not only a celebration, but a call for inclusion, visibility and continued progress.
Blue Ridge Bingo Party FUNdraiser! 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, Hilltop Event Center, Asheville
It’s time to daub, dance and donate at Blue Ridge Bingo — Asheville’s most outrageous way to give back. The first ball drops at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20, include bingo cards, and are available at BeardedLadyProductions.org. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Nerd Pride Fest — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 7, Bryson Gym, 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa
The fest is an annual artist market convention to celebrate queer artists, creators and businesses in Western North Carolina. There will be live music, food trucks and pop ups, free workshops, a drag show and more! Intergenerational and family friendly!
Asheville Drag Brunch — 11 a.m.-noon Sunday, June 8, White Labs Brewing Co., 172 South Charlotte St., Asheville
The “Comedy Queens” Drag Brunch is a fundraiser for the YWCA of Asheville.
Immersive Murder Mystery Dinner Experience — A Killer Fundraiser — 6-7 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2025, The Mule at Devils Foot
Step back in time to the neon era of the 1980s with a unique immersive murder mystery dinner experience: “Murder at Stiletto Heights.” With no formal actors or scripts, guests are the center of this 100 percent exploratory event, which is a fundraiser for a local charity. Seating is limited, tickets are tiered based on your desired level of engagement, and are on sale now at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com.
Queer & Black Ecologies — 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, Presented by Youth OUTright with REYSE Collaboratory! For youths 11-18. Location details are private and will be sent along with your ticket purchase.
This program will use art and nature activities to explore Queer Ecologies and Black Ecologies, two ways of knowing that challenge what’s considered “natural” and help us reimagine our relationships with the land and our more-than-human kin (other animals, plants, fungi, water, etc.). You don’t need to be a “nature person” or an “artist” to join. This is a space to feel, question, imagine, create and relate.
Daddy’s Big Gay Trivia Night — 7-8 p.m. Thursday, June 12, O’Henry’s, Asheville
This adult-themed event promises to be a spankin’ good time with hilarious trivia questions, multiple choice, unscramble the words, visual trivia, fantastic prizes and delicious drinks. Whether you’re a trivia master or just looking for a night of laughter and fun, bring your friends, partner or come solo and join a team!
Pride 5K — 8-11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Road, Asheville
Join us at Carrier Park (for our second annual Pride 5K.
Pride Month Night Market — 8 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Saturday, June 14, Haywood Famous, Asheville
Featuring Cuban coffee from Haywood Famous; books from Lit Local; local artists The Rayven’s Nest, Narcan Cowboy, Queer Creations Co., The Wormhole and more; and live music from Bryce Watson and Frances Eliza.
True Colors: Pride Drag & DJ Show — 8 p.m., Saturday, June 7
Join us at Eulogy for a pride party featuring performances by Blue Ridge Pride royalty and a DJ set to follow by Phantom Pantone & AVL:XLR!
Chestfeeding for Queer and Trans Parents — 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Firestorm Books, Asheville
Author Jacob Engelsman shares his new book “Lactation for the Rest of Us,” a guide for transmasculine parents, transfeminine parents, non-binary parents, queer parents, adoptive parents and others who are often left out of conversations about chestfeeding.
Drag Karaoke — Divine’s Karaoke Kiki! — 8-9 p.m. Friday, June 20, Dalton Distillery, Asheville
DIVINE’S Karaoke Kiki! is singing with a twist, hosted by a comedy drag queen. Enjoy the interaction-packed show as she toasts and roasts the singers.
Pride Brunch — 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Banks Ave. Bar, Asheville
Asheville Drag Brunch proudly announces Katarina’s Saturday Cabaret: Pride Brunch, featuring a cast of dazzling drag performers in a colorful celebration of Pride Month. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit Blue Ridge Pride. Ages 13+.
WNC Trans+ Pride — Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Hi-Wire Brewing Biltmore Village, 2A Huntsman Place, Asheville
Blue Ridge Pride has partnered with Youth OUTright and Tranzmission to present WNC Trans+ Pride, the first transgender pride event in Asheville. By trans+ folks, for trans+ folks, this is a celebration of transgender, non-binary, intersex, Two-Spirit and all gender non-conforming people.
Beer City Bears Dance — 10-11 p.m.Saturday, June 21, O’Henry’s, Asheville
A kiki for bears, cubs, chubs and their admirers. A fundraiser event for the local community.
Gay Juneteenth — 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 22, location details and accessibility information will be sent to folks who have registered.
This is a Black-centered event for queer folks of all generations. All people are welcome, including families and friends, but must be accompanied by a Black person. Some food will be provided, but there will also be a potluck, so please feel free to bring something to share (include an ingredient list if you can).
Q-Hall’s Sapphic Songbook Queer-aoke — 7:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26, Asheville Sports Club
Step into the spotlight at Q-Hall’s Sapphic Songbook Queer-aoke Contest — a Pride-season celebration of queer joy, powerhouse performances and unapologetic Big Dyke Energy. Whether you’re taking the mic or cheering from the crowd, this is your night to show up, sing out and support a space built by and for Asheville’s queer community. This event is a fundraiser for Q-Hall’s future brick-and-mortar space — Asheville’s first women’s sports bar and LGBTQ+ community hub.
Land of the Sky Burlesque Festival Night 1: Geektastic! — 8-11 p.m. Friday, June 27, The Grey Eagle
Embracing diversity and excellence, this festival celebrates the best of the best in burlesque entertainment. Inclusive shows offer a blend of vibrant performances amid a backdrop of fantastic food, outdoor adventures and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Stonewall Gala — 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 28, Yesterday Spaces, 305 Sluder Branch Road, Leicester
The second annual Stonewall Gala, “Resilience and Resistance” will feature great company, ambience, speakers, music, drinks, silent auction and dinner by the unparalleled Celine and Co. The fabulous Ganymede will emcee. Get tickets here.
Beer City Bears Social — 4-5 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 38 N French Broad Ave Suite 300, Asheville
A kiki for bears, cubs, chubs and their admirers. Join us for a laid-back gathering. Meet, mingle, converse and enjoy the vibes.
Hendo Pride — Noon- 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, Jackson Park, 708 Glover St., Hendersonville
There will be food trucks and more than 65 vendors. There will be apperances from Brass Your Heart , Beer City Sisters, Abbey of All Souls , Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus and more. Following the festival, there will be a glow afterparty at Guidon Brewing Co.
Music Bingo — 3-5 p.m., Sunday, June 8, Appalachian Brewery
The day after Pride — Recovery Sunday — enjoy a relaxing afternoon of Music Bingo. If you haven’t played before, you are in for a treat. Taqueria Lupita food truck will be on-site.
Pride Night with the Hendersonville Honeycrisps — 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, East Henderson High, East Flat Rock
Watch the Honeycrips take on the Wilkes County Moonshiners. Click here for tickets.
Haywood Pride on Main Festival & Parade
Friday, June 27
- Pride Kick-Off at The Waterin’ Hole, 9 p.m.-close Friday, June 27
Saturday, June 28
- 10 a.m. Main Street, Waynesville, speeches at Haywood County Courthouse lawn with Parade Grand Marshall & Emmy-nominated singer Kat Williams
- 10:30 a.m. Main Street, Waynesville, parade kickoff down Main Street
- 11 a.m. Wall Street, Waynesville, outside vendors and festival begins
- 11 a.m.-noon Waynesville Drum Circle and Wild Bodema
- Noon-1:30 p.m. Tina and Her Pony
- 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Pro Wrestling Hype and Urban Combat Wrestling
- 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Alex Krug
- 4 p.m. Festival close
- 6-10 p.m. Damn Goode Drag Show, Folkmoot, Waynesville
Sunday, June 29
- 9 a.m. Pride Service hosted by Love First (Emerging Faith Community of the UMC) at Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center
- Noon-3 p.m. | Garlic Bread with the Gays at the POOL at Meadowlark Motel (Pride Pool Yoga with Axis Yoga)
- 9-11:50 p.m. Friday, June 13 Neon Moon: Drag Karaoke hosted by Beulah Land, 545 Mill St., Sylva
- 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Juneteenth & Pride Picnic, Bridge Park, 76 Railroad Ave., Sylva
- 9-11:50 p.m. Friday, June 27, Neon Moon: Drag Karaoke, 545 Mill St., Sylva