What to Do and Who to See at Charlotte Pride 2024
Dozens of events and performances happening at or around Charlotte Pride this year
While Pride Month has come and gone for much of the country, in Charlotte, festivities are just about to get started for Charlotte Pride 2024, which is observed from Aug. 9-16 this year, wrapped up with two days of festivities and a parade on Aug. 17-18.
Those last two days will feature performances and other happenings spread across five stages: the Main Stage, Community Stage, Flourish at Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte Black Pride Stage, and Charlotte Gaymers Network Stage.
Below, we’ve compiled a rundown of performers who will be on the Main Stage over the two days of festivities during Charlotte Pride 2024.
Maggie Lowe
Aug. 17, 1:30 p.m.
Maggie Lowe is a local musician who’s been described as a soulful musical storyteller, pairing irreverent wit with sides of spicy sass. Their songs are sincere and raw with a flare of humor while telling the tales of love and identity. Lowe writes lyrics that appreciate the human experience with something everyone can relate to, with inspirations that include Tracy Chapman, Bradi Carlile and Alabama Shakes.
Lowe won her spot on the Main Stage during Charlotte Pride’s community auditions. In an Instagram post announcing their win, they described their audition experience as rewarding, stating that they hadn’t auditioned for anything since their 4th-grade talent show and had switched audition songs at the last minute. By following their heart, Lowe was able to express their true light and talent.
“Charlotte is talented, y’all! And the queer community is at the front of the pack. I can’t wait to create more space for community, music, and laughter in August!!!” they wrote in the post.
Lowe recently released their debut album, Tunes for Terrible Times, on Aug. 1, 2024. The record features Southern charm at its best, with roots in folk and, well, roots music.
Camden Kawaii
Aug. 17, 1:45 p.m.
Another community audition winner, Camden Kawaii is a Charlotte native who first paved his way into the rap scene in October 2021 with a feature on “Monkey in the Middle” alongside the “Texas made and Carolina raised” rapper A$IAE. He released a five-track EP in December of the same year titled In Ya City. His discography is filled with energy and an impressive flow.
Kawaii’s aesthetic hinges on the color palette common within Kawaii culture, a cultural phenomenon in Japan that centers pastels of pink, blue and purple. He also interweaves horror elements within his album art, using the iconic horror figure Jason from Friday the 13th for his 2023 EP, Kawaii The 13th II. We predict that the starpower this multi-talented artist has combined with a clear creative direction will propel him within the Charlotte music scene.
Baby Tate
Aug. 17, 9 p.m.
The Atlanta-based artist formerly known as Yung Baby Tate graced the music scene with her debut project, ROYGBIV, in 2015. She began cultivating her skills as a singer, songwriter, rapper and producer when she was 13. Fueled by self-love and manifested dreams, the 25-year-old songwriter started making waves with her breakthrough project, GIRLS, in 2019 with hits like “That Girl” and “Mean Girl.”
Baby Tate’s music connected strongly to women and femme audiences through her kaleidoscopic beats and highly relatable lyrics. Reaching many different listeners through the pop, R&B and hip-hop genres, she grips her fans with confident sentiments like, “I am protected, well respected/ I’m a queen, I’m a dream/ I do what I wanna do/ And I’m who I wanna be/ ‘Cause I am me…” from “I Am.”
As part of the queer community, Baby Tate wants to show young people what life as a happy, healthy and thriving adult queer person can look like. According to an article from The Washington Post, her music video for “Wig” is an ode to the drag lip sync, beginning with an appreciation of the community: “Thank you for your inspiration, my trans, drag and nonbinary kings and queens.”
Bob the Drag Queen
Aug. 17, 10 p.m.
The alter ego of non-binary comic/actor Caldwell Tidicue, Bob The Drag Queen describes herself as “hilarious, beautiful, talented and … humble.” Bob received the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” on season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, laying the path to a successful career with multiple acting roles on HBO, Netflix, Sony Tristar, MTV and VH1.
Along with HBO’s unscripted show, We’re Here, Bob has recently released her second comedy special as well as season 4 of Sibling Rivalry, the podcast she co-hosts with drag sister Monét X Change. She credits Bianca Del Rio and Peppermint as queens that helped her succeed in her early drag career.
Bob will stop by Charlotte Pride as she continues on her first headlining world tour, THIS IS WILD!, a significant milestone for the drag queen. Bob’s ability to blend stand-up comedy, crowd work, music and performance will permeate the Main Stage to close out Saturday night’s festivities.
Slayyyter
Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
Born and raised in Kirkwood, Missouri, Slayyyter began her music career after dropping out of college, tinkering with her craft by writing ‘80s-reminiscent lo-fi pop that she produced and edited without releasing it to the public. After juggling a music career with her day job in a salon, she finally launched herself into a full-time music career — trusting her social media skills, humor and ability to write catchy hooks — by moving to the City of Angels.
In a short amount of time, she transformed into an erotic electronic pop femme fatale. She started gaining traction through Twitter in 2019 after a 14-second snippet of her song “Mine” reached over 200,000 views. She cemented herself into pop culture with songs like “Daddy AF” generating over 100 million streams. She released her self-titled mixtape in 2019, peaking at No. 4 on the U.S. iTunes Pop Chart. She credits “Stan Twitter” for growing her audience, as well as connecting her to frequent collaborator, Ayesha Erotica.
Before landing gigs like supporting Tove Lo on her Dirt Femme tour, Slayyyter sold out her first headline tour and maintained her momentum with the critically acclaimed full-length debut, Troubled Paradise.
Reyna Roberts
Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Singer-songwriter and pianist Reyna Roberts is one of the few visible Black women in country music, known for advocating and raising awareness for the role of Black women in cultivating the genre, including crediting mentors such as Lesley Riddle, learning the history of the banjo, and knowing where the term “Music City” comes from for Nashville — hint: It was inspired by the all-Black choir Fisk Jubilee Singers.
The powerhouse vocalist began playing piano when she was 10, with her parents continually supporting her passions by moving to California in order to give her more opportunities within the music industry. The move paid off, with Roberts connecting with songwriters, artists and managers eventually landing her a spot with CMT’s Next Women in Country Class of 2021.
Roberts says her influences range from Beyonce and Gretchen Wilson, appearing on the former’s Cowboy Carter album in March, to Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood. She continued blazing a trail within the genre with the release of her debut album Bad Girl Bible Vol. 1, writing and co-producing the album and stating, “This album is the truest reflection of my sound as an artist.”
Paula Cole
Aug. 18, 5 p.m.
Raised in Rockport, Massachusetts, Cole came from a family of artists. Her mother, Stephanie Cole was a mixed media artist and elementary school art teacher, and her father, Jim Cole, played bass in a polka band. Cole attended Berklee College of Music in Boston where she studied jazz singing and improvisation with Bob Stoloff.
After graduating, she moved to San Francisco and began her music career writing songs like “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” Impressed with her demo performance, label president Terry Ellis offered Cole a record deal with Imago Record in 1992.
She first garnered national attention on Peter Gabriel’s 1993-94 “Secret World Tour” and landed a Grammy in 1997 as Best New Artist. The award was in recognition of her 1997 album This Fire, which reached No. 20 on the Billboard 200 and has since sold over 2 million copies.
Cole has collaborated with other music legends including Peter Gabriel, Dolly Parton and Herbie Hancock. With an influence that extends across genres and generations, she continues to make strides within the industry with her compelling storytelling, vulnerable lyrics, and moving melodies. She has said her song “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” which remains one of her most popular hits, is a social commentary on gender stereotypes with a feminist message.
Modern Alibi
Aug. 17, 5 p.m.
Modern Alibi is a Charlotte-based alternative rock band founded by songwriter Holden Scott. The band is known to have high-energy performances and has quickly been making a name for themselves in NC with sold-out shows across the state. The four-piece indie-rock outfit delivers heavy tones with grooving bass lines, vintage guitars, and rich vocal melodies.
The high-energy band has also been gaining popularity on social media, gaining many new followers and recognition within the industry through their Instagram Reels highlighting their renditions of popular songs. The chemistry, charisma and musical talent of the band is apparent both online and in live performances between the four lads, and will make a splash on the Main Stage at Charlotte Pride.
““I write lyrics based on feelings,” Scott told Queen City Nerve in January, shortly after Modern Alibi was named Best New Band in our 2023 Best in the Nest issue. “When there’s … realness, [it] creates that sweet spot for me.”
Tora Himan
Emceeing throughout both days alongside DJ Ghost
Best described as the life of the party, fans would likely not be surprised to learn that Tora Himan started her entertainment journey in musical theatre. According to her website, she never landed any boy roles and decided to become the leading lady instead. Originally from the woods of Pennsylvania, Tora grew up on a farm milking cows, helping her family run their butcher shop and twirling baton in her backyard.
Tora’s punny and painful sounding name was picked by her drag mother, Ginger Minj. Tora began making her way into pop culture by winning her season in the drag reality show Camp Wannakiki.
The show features the campiest drag artists from across North America, with each episode showcasing the campers competing in a variety of daily activities and nightly talent shows to earn their badge. Each competition boots a contestant with the events continuing to eliminate artists until the last one standing claims the crown as well as the ultimate “Queen/King of Camp” badge.
Pride Week means plenty of chances for celebrations across Charlotte. Here are some options for you, plus some organizations you should check out for the work they’re doing on the ground.
Official Charlotte Pride-Sponsored Events
Charlotte Pride Interfaith Service
Aug. 11 | 4 p.m. | Sacred Souls United Church of Christ
Hear speakers from different faiths and spiritual backgrounds reflect on what it means to be someone of faith within the LGBTQ+ community and join the discussion.
Non-Partisan Candidate Fair
Aug. 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Resident Culture South End
Meet candidates running in the statewide and Mecklenburg County elections this fall and ask about their platforms to help make informed decisions for your community.
Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant
Aug. 17 | 2-6 p.m. | Community Stage
Witness drag stars in the making participate in three categories: Interview, Show Your Pride, and Talent. The event celebrates inclusion and visibility for artists by increasing community participation and encouraging larger community awareness of the art form.
Queer-Friendly Events/Organizations
Queer Coded
Times vary | Locations vary
Miami-raised, Charlotte-based DJ Evan and Claire, a non-binary visual artist and music lover, created Queer Coded earlier this year to create spaces that welcome all kinds of queer folks that feel safe and fun to everyone. With Evan’s experience in Florida’s queer scene, they hope to bring the high energy that fuels Miami’s scene with global underground queer music and culture, while Claire’s expertise in graphic design, film photography and social media while help bring this underground dance party is sure to make “Charlotte’s freakiest party” a new staple within the community.
Girl’s Room CLT
Times vary | Locations vary
A music and arts group that spotlights women, non-binary folks and people of color within Charlotte, this collective has a heavy presence on Instagram, garnering 8,500 followers since 2019. Their events bring those within queer spaces to come together to enjoy DJ sets and dancing. Featured DJs come in from all around the country to throw the best parties by creating an environment that celebrates queer folks alike as well as creatives to build a tight-knit community that spreads farther than Charlotte.
CGN After Dark
Monthly | Locations vary
Charlotte Gaymers Network was founded by friends Jonny Saldana and Zach Smith in July 2020. CGN strives to create an inclusive environment for folks from all walks of life to come together and celebrate their love and passion for gaming. The organization offers all kinds of events, from gatherings to sapphic socials offering members to enjoy board games, tabletop games and video games.
CGN’s monthly After Dark allows members to enjoy an open bar, meals, music, shows, giveaways and open play with consoles provided by the organization. After Dark rotates around different venues that support the LGBTQ+ community.
Sapphic Book Club
Times vary | Locations vary
Founded in 2022, the Charlotte Sapphic Book Club is a safe space for any women who like women or sapphic-minded folks to talk about their love of literature. The group meets semi-regularly, covering books like This Is How You Lose the Time War and On a Sunbeam. Currently, there is an active Discord for potential and current members to connect.
Stonewall Sports Charlotte
Times vary | Locations vary
A perfect place for low-impact sports and community outreach, Stonewall Sports is an LGBTQ+ sports organization with more than 2,000 annual participants. The organization aims to develop a well-connected and diverse community through organized competition with social and fundraising events involving bowling, cornhole, dodgeball, kickball, sand volleyball and other sports.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte
Mondays | 7-9:30 p.m. | Galilee Center
If you’re a singer looking for a group of like-minded people, Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte is the place for you. If you’re looking to audition, the chorus has resources to help you prepare for your audition. They welcome people of all sexual orientations to audition for a chance to be part of the ensemble.
The organization supports a diverse cross-section of the community through its community outreach programs, which include benefit performances, complimentary concert tickets and choral education programs with an emphasis on persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, gay/lesbian youth, senior citizens, school and church choral programs and others.
Sapphic Second Fridays at BAR ARGON
Second Friday of each month | 8 p.m. | Argon
Hosted by Bar Argon, an energetic gay bar and video lounge for cocktails, meet other queer women in Charlotte for no cover. Doors open at 8 p.m. with special DJ appearances starting at 10 p.m. Typically, RuPaul’s Drag Race shows at the beginning of the night, followed by a drag show performance before participants dance the night away.
Starlight on 22nd Drag Shows
Thursdays of each month | Times vary | Starlight on 22nd
Starlight on 22nd hosts a variety of queer-friendly events — one of them being drag shows. They’re typically held on Thursdays with the shows being spread across a couple of times during any given month. The shows are sometimes themed, hosted by specific drag artists for those looking for a fun night out or a safe space for queer folks.
Charlotte Royals Rugby
Practice is every Tuesday and Thursday | 6:30 p.m.
Originally founded in 2004, the sports team formed after being invited to a scrimmage between the Atlanta Bucks and Raleigh Kodiacks. Today, the team has more than 40 members and strives to be the premiere LGBTQ+ and allies club in the Southeast, acting as a community pillar of wellness, education and volunteerism.
Charlotte Royals also offers scholarships to the scholar’s college or university to help cover tuition and fees. Typically there are two scholarships of $1,000 awarded to each receiver. The scholarships are dispersed to the school for the fall semester, and applicants are reviewed based on financial need, LGBTQ+ advocacy, participation in sports and academic excellence.
Miscellaneous Pride-Related Events
Pride Kickoff Drag Brunch
Aug. 10 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catalú | $20
Enjoy performances by Erica Chanel, Carmella Monet Monroe, Malayia Chanel Iman, Paris Brooks Bonet and Paris Brooks Bonet while enjoying a great brunch spread.
Gilded Age Cabaret Show
Aug. 10 | 7-11 p.m. | Gilded Unicorn Tattoo Parlor | $15-$20
Celebrate the queer arts with drag, burlesque and live singing performances by Liam Laughin, Crystal Violet, Van Dank, Oso Chanel, Lolital Chanel and Dallas Contour.
American Honey – Opening Reception
Aug. 10 | 5-9 p.m. | McColl Center | $10 suggested donation
Just in time for Charlotte Pride, American Honey is a new exhibition that features 10 queer artists who are celebrating and challenging Americana through different mediums including painting, tattooing, ceramics, textile, film and more.
Pride Poster Party & Volunteer Orientation
Aug. 12 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Time Out Youth | Free
Come together with the community to create posters for Pride and learn how to be involved in Charlotte Pride with volunteer opportunities.
Glowing With Pride | Pride Glow Yoga Experience
Aug. 15 | 6:30-8:45 pm. | Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
Stretch out those limbs you’ll need for dancing the weekend away for a Pride-themed glow-in-the-dark yoga experience under neon and black lights. Be sure to bring your own yoga mat, towels and water.
Country Night – Two Stepping & Line Dancing
Aug. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Chasers Charlotte | $5 cover charger
Grab your best cowboy boots and hats to mosey your way down to Chasers and dance to classics like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “The Cupid Shuffle.
Speed Dating Pride Edition
Aug. 16 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | El Thrifty Social | Free
For folks over 21, find your potential match by meeting new people and exploring connections with speed dating. Everyone will get 5-7 minutes with their date and at the end of the night, select your potential matches.
BHH CLT Pride Friday
Aug. 16-17 | 7p.m.-2 a.m. | Crown Station | Free
Bear Happy Hour CLT and Rhythm Station are kicking off Pride weekend strong with a retro dance party featuring spins from two DJs, bar specials and a food truck.
2024 Pride Mimosa Kickoff Party
Aug. 17 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Victoria Yards | $20-$400
Hosted by the Hydration Station Foundation, start celebrating Pride with a few yummy mimosas. All proceeds go to the Plus Collective, a program that awards grants to the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community, and the Twirl Assistance Program, an organization that provides emergency hardship grants to LGBTQ adults.
Pride Drag Brunch by The Vanity House
Aug. 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Ink N Ivy | $25
Celebrate love and diversity with performances by Riley Malicious, Dorae Saunders, Indica Gemini, Ariana Venti, DJ Vanna Vanity and Tia Douglas.
Culture Shock Drag Brunch – CLT Pride Bash
Aug. 17 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Resident Culture-South End | $20
Back for its third annual Pride Bash, Culture Shock will feature drag stars Nova Stella, Karen Affection, Kiara Mel, Sincere L’etoile, Lilli Serena Frost, Diamond XL and Leonasia Chane.
#CareFreeBlackGirl CookOut
Aug. 17 | 2-11:30 p.m. | Canteen at Camp North End | $10-$25
In honor of pride, CareFreeBlackGirl will hold an interactive festival day with all ages, races and genders welcome. Enjoy their mini ball featuring Black women DJs, vendors, a glam bar and beauty bar, massages and more.
Girls Gone Wild Pride Pool Party
Aug. 17 | 3-8 p.m. | Location TBA | Free
Soak in the summer sun and enjoy live entertainment, hookah, a hot tub and more. To secure a spot at this pool party, follow @lezpartync and text “pool party” to 704-765-0047.
ASÉ Wrestling: Paris Is Bumping
Aug. 17 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Infinity Ballroom Charlotte | $36.22-$70.52
Hosted by ASÉ, a Charlotte-based, Black-owned live event organization, Paris Is Bumping brings the worlds of Ballroom and wrestling together. See the participants fight for scores from 1-10 and celebrate Pride with ASÉ.
DayLIT: Official Black Pride Day Party
Aug. 17 | 4-9 p.m. | A1 Lounge | Free-$300
Gather your friends and celebrate Pride by dancing to Afrobeats and hip-hop with music from DJ Shelt.
Black Femme Munch
Aug. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Play Church | Free-$15
If you’ve been looking to explore your kinks, this is the perfect place for you to explore new connections or get creative with a current partner within a safe space for Black queer folks.
Girls Room Pride Festival
Aug. 16-17 | 6-11 p.m. | The Music Yard | $15.46
Girls Room will partner with Change The Beat, a nonprofit that works with labels and artists in dance music to elevate women and gender-expansive creatives in the EDM industry to host an awesome party with DJ sets, live performances and vendors.
Hug Pride Party
Aug. 17 | 7-11 p.m. | Dilworth Neighborhood Grille | $25-$50
Bring your best neon clothes and glow sticks for the glow-themed pride party and enjoy scrumptious bites and a live DJ set. All proceeds will go to Hearts United for Good.
Pretty Things Queen City Pride
Aug. 17 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | El Thrifty Social | $15-$17
Pretty Things, a popular Chicago-based collective is bringing the party to Charlotte with a curated set of R&B, hip-hop, pop, and house music made to keep you dancing the night away.
ZUTOPIA: 2024 Just Twirl PRIDE Party
Aug. 17 | 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. | Blackbox Theater | $35-$50
Grab your animal costumes by going wild and dancing your tails off with international DJ/Producer Ben Bakson.
PRIDE Brunch at Urban District Market
Aug. 18 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Urban District Market | Free
Eat pancakes, charcuterie, omelets, cereal, breakfast tacos, seafood, smoothies and more to cure that inevitable hangover.
Euphoria: R&B Rooftop Party
Aug. 18 | 3-8 p.m. | Eden of Plaza | Free-$50
Hosted by LezParty!, this day party will feature the best R&B tunes, courtesy of DJ @Amberscloset, accompanied by barbecue jerk wings, salmon bites, truffle fries and booze to wash it all down.
Charlotte Royals Pride Afterparty
Aug. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Starlight on 22nd | Free
Meet the Charlotte Royals team, a gay rugby team, after Charlotte Pride to enjoy R&B music, an OMB tap takeover, and party before the weekend comes to a close.
Give ‘Em Space – Queer Clay Making Class
Aug. 24 | 3-5:30 p.m. | 525 E 21st St. | $25
Give ‘Em Space is a Charlotte-based trans and queer-led art collective holding an inclusive workshop to teach participants techniques to mold and shape their original pots and trinkets. The event is an opportunity for those within the queer community to connect, share stories and celebrate each individual’s creativity.
