September 29, 2025

Asheville Celebrates Resilience at the Blue Ridge Pride Festival

Asheville, September 29, 2025

News Summary

The Blue Ridge Pride Festival in Asheville celebrated its 15th year with the theme ‘Resilience and Resistance,’ honoring the community’s strength following Hurricane Helene. Despite rain, attendees enjoyed live performances, colorful representations of pride, and diverse food options throughout Pack Square Park. The festival included major acts like the Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus and concluded with a drag show hosted by Nicole Paige Brooks, highlighting the LGBTQ+ community’s spirit and dedication to mutual aid in challenging times.

Asheville Celebrates Resilience and Resistance at the 15th Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival

The Blue Ridge Pride Festival took place today in Pack Square Park, Asheville, marking the 15th annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s festival theme was “Resilience and Resistance,” honoring the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina exactly one year ago on September 27, 2024. The Blue Ridge Pride Festival is the largest Pride celebration in Asheville.

Hundreds of Pride participants attended the festival, showcasing their rainbow regalia. Despite the rain, attendees reacted positively, dancing, singing, and socializing as live bands entertained on two stages. The festival included diverse vendors and food options scattered throughout Pack Square Park.

The event featured multiple performances on the main stage and a “Cafe Stage” located at the top of the park. The festival concluded with a major drag show at 5 p.m. The day’s schedule began with the Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus and included performances from various drag artists. This year’s theme aimed to highlight the community’s mutual aid efforts during the recovery from Hurricane Helene, which had a disproportionate impact on marginalized identities.

The event started with a procession at 10:30 a.m. to welcome everyone into the festival. Following the festival, a closing party was set to be hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Nicole Paige Brooks. Attendees were reminded they could find more information about the festival and related events at www.blueridgepride.org/festival.

Key Features of the Festival

Event: Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Date: September 27, 2024
Location: Pack Square Park, Asheville
Theme: Resilience and Resistance
Attendees: Hundreds of Pride participants
Activities: Live music, drag shows, vendor booths
Major Acts: Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus, numerous drag artists
Closing Party Host: Nicole Paige Brooks

FAQ

What was the theme of this year’s Blue Ridge Pride Festival?

The festival theme for this year was “Resilience and Resistance,” honoring the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina exactly one year ago on September 27, 2024.

Where did the Blue Ridge Pride Festival take place?

The Blue Ridge Pride Festival took place today in Pack Square Park, Asheville.

What types of activities were available at the festival?

The festival included diverse vendors and food options scattered throughout Pack Square Park, live bands entertaining on two stages, and a major drag show that concluded the event.

Key Features Chart

Feature	Description
Event	Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Date	September 27, 2024
Location	Pack Square Park, Asheville
Theme	Resilience and Resistance
Attendees	Hundreds of Pride participants
Activities	Live music, drag shows, vendor booths
Major Acts	Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus, numerous drag artists
Closing Party Host	Nicole Paige Brooks