A major change is coming to one of Uptown's biggest festivals. This year, Charlotte Pride Festival will take place at First Ward Park, rather than along Tryon Street, for its 25th anniversary.

“In past years, we’ve had a wonderful Neighborhood Market area, but First Ward Park will allow us to expand this from one tent with about 15 vendors under it to hopefully welcome many more small businesses and organizations, each with a larger presence,” says Meredith Thompson, Charlotte Pride Managing Director.

The new location will offer more space for nonprofits, local small businesses, artists, and artisans in the weekend-long event.

The Charlotte Pride Parade and Festival features three stages with a full lineup of performances. | Photo by Mike Mazely/Courtesy of Charlotte Pride

Of course, the same events visitors know and love will return, including main stage performances, a drag pageant, an expanded family zone, a health fair, and an indoor arts activation within the Dubois Center.

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This is not the first time the festival was held in a Charlotte park. In 2001, Charlotte Pride's first festival took place within Marshall Park, before moving to the heart of Uptown in 2011.

“We’re getting back to our roots,” says Riley Murray, Charlotte Pride Board President. “Symbolically, the park setting reminds us how and why we started doing this work.”

Mark your calendars, Charlotte Pride runs Aug. 16-17 and is free to attend. VIP tickets will be available — details are TBA.