Access Spotlight from Friendly Like Me

Charlotte Pride:  Accessibility Guide

Written by Manny Portillo | August 10, 2023

We are honored to partner with Charlotte Pride (a destination PRIDE that is one of the biggest pride festivals on the East Coast!) to share with you the Charlotte Pride Accessibility Guide shown below. We worked with their fantastic Communications team, headed by Liz Schob, to cover and consolidate all the accessibility accommodations available at the festival. 

"Accessibility at Charlotte Pride events is very important to us," said Liz Schob, Charlotte Pride's Communications Manager, "and ensuring that everyone can enjoy our festival regardless of ability is a top priority. Working with Friendly Like Me has been absolutely fantastic and I hope readers find the resources we put together meaningful." 

Also available (below) is Friendly Like Me's signature research to map and identify accessible local businesses and organizations in and around the parade and festival grounds. 

Want to see even more accessible businesses in Charlotte? Check out our guide to Queen City's Friendliest Places. 

Scroll and explore below to ensure everyone in your party can enjoy the fun!

Accessibility at Charlotte Pride

Questions during the festival?

Feel free to approach Pride staff and volunteers with any questions or concerns you may have. You can easily identify them by their Mint Green “STAFF” or White “VOLUNTEER” shirts!

Parade Viewing:

For the best parade experience, head to our dedicated accessible parade viewing area next to the community stage on the corner of Tryon St. & 4th St.!

ASL:

ASL interpretation will be on the main stage. The best way to approach if you want to go to the ADA area is to come in from 4th St. ASL interpretation will also be available on the community stage as well as the parade stage on Sunday.

Take a Break

Parades and festivals are… a lot!  Check out these spaces to take a second to recenter yourself. When nature calls, we've got you covered with comfortable and accessible options:

Restrooms

ADA-accessible porta-potties are conveniently located at the following spots:

  1. Main Stage
  2. Community Stage
  3. Church Street & Levine Ave
  4. M odd block of MLK Blvd (south, towards College St.)
  5. 300 block of 3rd St (south, towards College St.)

Special Activities:

Flourish Activation Saturday 1-6pm:

Wells Fargo Atrium of Tryon St. is our Flourish Activation zone, a festival within a festival! Here you can enjoy art by local artists while taking a moment to relax.

Youth and Family Zone Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm:

The Green, on the 400 block of Tryon St. is a great place for families to gather and recharge. A shaded, drug & alcohol-free zone with seating for people under 21 and their families. This sensory-friendly area has a lactation station for nursing parents, an arts and crafts zone, and a pop-up library.

Safety & Emergencies:

Medic: Your safety is our top priority! Heat is the biggest health risk and generates the most calls for medical attention so it’s critical to bring hydration. If you need assistance feel free to approach our friendly staff or volunteers or make your way over to one of our 2 medic tents:  

  1. Near VIP Tent on the Southern End of Martin Luther King Blvd near at the Tryon St intersection.
  2. There will be medics and ambulances near the Parade Staging Area.
  3. More safety information can be found here: https://charlottepride.org/safety/

Accessible Businesses in and around Charlotte Pride Festival areas