Charlotte's August Agenda: Pride, Concerts, and Theatrical Delights

Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to host a vibrant array of cultural events this August, reflecting the city's dynamic arts and entertainment scene. From the milestone 25th anniversary of the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade to a series of high-profile concerts and theatrical performances, the Queen City offers a diverse lineup for residents and visitors alike.

The Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade, scheduled for August 16-17, marks its 25th anniversary with a significant move to First Ward Park. This new location provides 33% more space than previous venues, allowing for increased participation from vendors, nonprofit organizations, artists, and small businesses. The festival will feature two stages—the Main Stage and Community Stage—showcasing performances from local LGBTQ+ and ally entertainers, including a drag pageant. Additional attractions include a Youth and Family Zone on the Great Lawn of First Ward Park, an indoor arts activation titled "Flourish" inside the University of North Carolina Charlotte’s Dubois Center, a health fair, and a VIP area. The parade is set to take place on Sunday along Tryon Street, starting at 9th Street. Charlotte Pride, the city's largest street festival and annual parade, generates an economic impact of $15.8 million annually. Reflecting on the festival's growth and significance, Charlotte Pride Board President Riley Murray stated, "Symbolically, the park setting reminds us how and why we started doing this work. With rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment, Pride is more important than ever. This larger, accessible venue will allow us to welcome as many people as possible so that we can all be visible, vibrant, and celebrated."

Music enthusiasts have a plethora of concerts to look forward to at the PNC Music Pavilion. Pop star Kesha, accompanied by Scissor Sisters, will perform on August 5. Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts are scheduled for August 8 as part of their "Love Earth" tour. Country music fans can enjoy Dierks Bentley on August 9. Classic rock aficionados can catch Toto, Christopher Cross, and Men at Work on August 14. Rising star D4vd, known for his TikTok fame, will perform at The Fillmore Charlotte on August 17. Erykah Badu, teaming up with The Alchemist for the "Abi & Alan" show, will grace the stage on August 21. Other notable performances include Red Clay Strays on August 22, indie band SUSTO on August 24, and Puerto Rican rapper Eladio Carrión on August 27. These concerts span various genres, offering something for every musical taste.

Theatrical performances also take center stage this month. The acclaimed Broadway show "The Book of Mormon" will run from August 12-17 at Ovens Auditorium. Cirque du Soleil's "OVO" is set to captivate audiences at Bojangles Coliseum from August 28-31. Additionally, the AfroSocaLove Festival on August 16 at 701 Char-Meck Ln. offers a marketplace with food, beauty, fashion, and craft vendors, as well as a 21+ night party celebrating music from the African Diaspora, including Soca, Afrobeat, Reggae, Salsa, Merengue, and R&B.

These events not only highlight Charlotte's commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity but also contribute significantly to the local economy by attracting tourists and promoting local businesses. The expansion of the Charlotte Pride Festival to a larger venue reflects the growing support and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. As the city continues to embrace and celebrate its rich cultural tapestry, August 2025 stands as a testament to Charlotte's vibrant and inclusive spirit.