The 2022 Blue Ridge Pride Festival was held in Asheville, North Carolina Saturday, Sept. 24. Thousands of people gathered in Pack Square downtown to shop and eat from the wide range of vendors. Entertainment included a drag showcase, local choirs, and a performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The 2022 Blue Ridge Pride Festival in Asheville, North Carolina showcased inclusive message on banners and apparel.
The event included LBGTQ families who gathered to promote equality, safety, and quality of life in the WNC community.
A cat rides on it's owner's shoulder throughout the Blue Ridge Pride Festival in Downtown Asheville, NC
Messages of inclusivity like these on earrings were sold and showcased throughout the event.
The festival was centered around the Pack's Square amphitheater where musicians performed and the drag queens showcase was held.
Dogs were welcome at the festival like they are in most areas of Asheville.
Attendees ran to the stage to join in the Time Warp dance as performed presented the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The festival included performance artists like these two offering free spankings.
The group, Rocky Horror Music Show, performed songs as part of a live music revue.
Attendees dance to the Rocky Horror Music Show performance.
Thousands attended the 2022 Blue Ridge Pride Festival in Asheville, North Carolina on Sept. 24.
Drag performers wait backstage for the Drag Showcase to begin.
The festival welcomed LGBTQ families from Western North Carolina.
Children participated in festival activities .
The Drag Showcase featured 19 drag queens performing dances in elaborate costumes.
Drag queens interacted with audience members.
Audience members tipped the performers with dollar bills.
Drag queen performers collected tips from excited attendees.
Costumes for performers are layered and unique to each individual with dances often including an excited reveal as they change onstage.
Families cheered on the drag performers.
The drag showcase was high-energy with lip syncing, dancing, jumps and splits.
Costumes and makeup are very creative and professional.
A young audience member greets a performer while shyly handing over a tip.
This drag performer, dressed as Liza Minelli, danced in ruby red shoes for excited audience members.
Blue Ridge Pride Festival 2022
Katie Linsky Shaw
Photojournalist
based in Asheville, North Carolina
Thousands of colorful, creative and talented individuals gathered in downtown Asheville, North Carolina on Sept. 24, for the 2022 Blue Ridge Pride Festival.
The festival is held each fall to promote equality, safety and quality of life for the LBGTQ community in Western North Carolina. This year's theme was "Inclusion, Ya'll." The event regularly attracts 14,000-18,000 people.
Vendors were set up throughout Pack Square Park selling merchandise and apparel with inclusivity messages. Local organizations focusing on social justice, faith, education and community service were also on hand. The festival concluded with the Blue Ridge Pride Drag Showcase featuring 19 performers.
The festival is held each fall to promote equality, safety and quality of life for the LBGTQ community in Western North Carolina. This year's theme was "Inclusion, Ya'll." The event regularly attracts 14,000-18,000 people.
Vendors were set up throughout Pack Square Park selling merchandise and apparel with inclusivity messages. Local organizations focusing on social justice, faith, education and community service were also on hand. The festival concluded with the Blue Ridge Pride Drag Showcase featuring 19 performers.
