Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade 2026

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our 2026 Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade! We're so glad you want to take part in this vibrant celebration of Charlotte's LGBTQ+ community. With the energy and support of passionate volunteers like you, we'll make 2026's festival and parade, in its new park-centered location, even better than last year's! We appreciate any and all volunteer time! Careful planning and communication will allow us to create the best experience for you as a volunteer as well as all of our pride participants. Here's some information you'll need to know as you plan for your volunteer experience with us: WHEN: The festival runs Saturday, Aug. 15th, through Sunday, Aug. 16th, with set-up also occurring Friday, Aug. 14th. Active/public Charlotte Pride Festival hours are Saturday from noon until 10pm and Sunday from noon until 6pm. The Charlotte Pride Parade is on Sunday, Aug. 16th, along Tryon Street. WHERE: Our festival will be held in and around First Ward Park in the Uptown area of Charlotte, located at 306 E 8th St, Charlotte, NC 28202. Surrounding streets will be closed to accommodate our festival vendor zone and activations. The Charlotte Pride Parade will take place on Tryon Street in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, running from 9th Street to 4th Street. Please visit our website at charlottepride.org for more information and FAQs. WHERE TO CHECK IN: FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS (Friday/Set-Up Day, Saturday, or Sunday) - Your check-in will be at the Volunteer Pavilion at 306 E 8th St, Charlotte, NC 28202. This is in First Ward Park, at the corner of 8th Street, by the Lynx Blue Line track., The pavilion is a small building with a flat roof and large glass windows. SUNDAY PARADE VOLUNTEERS - Please check in at our parade tent located at 600 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. It will be at the corner of 9th St. and Tryon St. (also known as "Preferred Parking Lot #600" on Google Map). HOW TO VOLUNTEER: To volunteer, please select at least one shift of your choice within the departments provided. We will do our best to accommodate your desired volunteer role, but we ask that you please be flexible to shifting roles as needs arise. Please let us know if you would like documentation of volunteer hours as well as any special considerations of which we should be aware. Please also let us know as soon as you can if your schedule changes and you have any conflicts with your duties or timeframe. WHAT TO EXPECT: We will provide you a volunteer T-shirt at check-in for you to wear throughout your shift. We will also have snacks and drinks and a restroom within the check-in pavilion, but we ask that you please bring plenty of water to have throughout your shift, as well as a hat for shade from the sun, sunscreen, snacks, and any foods you need for special dietary needs. Please carefully read the terms and conditions below. If you have any questions or concerns, kindly reach out to us at volunteer@charlottepride.org. With gratitude for your service and with lots of Pride, Your Charlotte Pride Volunteer Experience Team PLEASE NOTE: Please use this online form to submit your individual release as a participant in Charlotte Pride activities. Please read the release in its entirety. All requested information is required. This form is to be completed by all participants in Charlotte Pride activities, including volunteers during the weekend of the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade. TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18: All volunteers during the weekend of the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade must be age 14 or older and must have parental permission via this release form to participate. Parents/Guardians: Please complete this form with your name as the "Participant Name" and your contact information in "Participant Email" and "Participant Phone Number;" please include your minor child's name, email, and phone number in the appropriate fields as provided. Thank you.