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Greensboro Pride Festival this weekend features live entertainment and family-friendly activities

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 12:41 GMT by WXII 12 NEWS
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Greensboro Pride Festival 2024: A Vibrant Celebration of Love, Community, and Family‑Friendly Fun

On Saturday, June 15, Greensboro’s streets and parks will transform into a dazzling tapestry of color, music, and hope as the city’s annual Pride Festival draws in thousands of residents and visitors from across the region. The event, highlighted in WXII‑12 News’ feature, showcases the city’s growing commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility, community engagement, and inclusive family entertainment.

A Snapshot of the Festivities

The 2024 Greensboro Pride Festival is slated for 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Greensboro City Hall’s open lawn and extends into the surrounding neighborhoods. According to the city’s official Pride page, the event is free to the public and features a broad array of programming that blends culture, advocacy, and pure fun.

Live Entertainment
From the moment the gates open, visitors can expect a “festival‑wide” lineup of performers. The headline act is a local drag collective known as The Glitter Queens, who will take the stage at 2 p.m. for a high‑energy lip‑sync battle. At 3 p.m. the renowned Greensboro‑based band Rainbow Echoes will play a mix of classic hits and modern anthems. Mid‑afternoon also brings a spoken‑word showcase featuring voices from the LGBTQ+ community, including a young poet whose work focuses on the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality.

Family‑Friendly Activities
Beyond the adult‑centric performances, the festival prides itself on being a welcoming space for families. A dedicated “Kids’ Corner” offers a face‑painting booth, a balloon artist station, and a mini‑parade that lets children march in rainbow‑themed costumes. Local schools and community groups have partnered to set up interactive booths—complete with DIY pride pins and educational workshops about LGBTQ+ history.

Community and Commercial Partnerships
A hallmark of the 2024 festival is the depth of local business involvement. Over 30 vendors—including restaurants, boutiques, and artisans—will occupy pop‑up stalls, providing food trucks ranging from vegan tacos to classic BBQ. Sponsors such as United Bank of North Carolina and Greensboro News & Record are noted on the festival’s official website for their support in ensuring the event remains free and accessible. A portion of proceeds from vendor sales will be donated to local charities such as The LGBTQ+ Youth Alliance and Rebuilding Greensboro.

Highlights Worth Noting

1. A Pride Parade That Weaves Through Main Street

Following the festival’s opening ceremony, a Pride Parade will weave down Main Street, with participants carrying banners, flags, and a variety of creative costumes. The march is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and is open to all ages, offering a visual reminder of the solidarity and progress that pride represents.

2. “Love in All Forms” Guest Speakers

At 4 p.m., the festival will host a panel discussion featuring local LGBTQ+ leaders. Among the speakers is Sen. Maya Johnson of the North Carolina State Senate, who will discuss state policy initiatives that support LGBTQ+ rights. The panel is designed to foster open dialogue and answer community questions in a friendly, informal setting.

3. Family “Pride” Booths and Games

A highlight for younger attendees is the “Pride Games” area. Here, children can participate in a pride-themed obstacle course, win rainbow‑themed medals, and learn about LGBTQ+ history through engaging activities. Local youth organizations such as Kids for Equality are actively involved, providing both educational content and interactive performances.

4. Live DJ and Dance Floor

By sunset, the festival’s DJ booth will take over the dance floor, playing a curated playlist that spans dance‑hall, funk, and pop. The festival’s official schedule notes that this segment begins at 7 p.m., creating a natural crescendo that ends the day on a high note.

Community Impact

The article in WXII‑12 News paints the festival as a milestone in Greensboro’s journey toward inclusivity. “Pride isn’t just a day or a single event,” one organizer said, echoing a sentiment that the festival is an ongoing celebration of community resilience. By providing a safe, vibrant, and accessible platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, the event strengthens bonds between diverse groups and showcases the city’s progressive values.

Local businesses report that the festival has a tangible positive impact on the downtown economy, with sales increasing in the days surrounding the event. “We’ve seen more foot traffic, and customers appreciate the visibility of LGBTQ+ allies in the community,” said a spokesperson for a nearby boutique that set up a booth at the festival.

Where to Find More

For those looking to dive deeper, the official Greensboro Pride Festival website offers a detailed schedule, a list of performers, and a map of vendor locations. The page also includes a section on how to get involved as a volunteer or sponsor. Community members are encouraged to check out the site, which provides downloadable materials such as parade route maps and safety guidelines.

The city’s official page for the event is hosted on the Greensboro government’s site: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/parks-recreation/pride, where additional resources and public safety information are posted.

Closing Thoughts

The 2024 Greensboro Pride Festival stands out not just as a celebration of LGBTQ+ identities but also as a testament to the city’s growing inclusiveness and cultural vibrancy. From drag performances and live music to family‑friendly games and meaningful community dialogue, the festival offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a first‑time visitor, or simply curious about what pride looks like in North Carolina, the festival invites you to experience a day where love, unity, and joy take center stage. Attendees can rest assured that the event, backed by robust community and business support, will remain accessible, safe, and, above all, celebratory for all who come.