Question 1

When and where is the 2026 PBO Pride Festival?

Accepted Answer

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th, 6 PM - 10 PM, and Sunday, October 18th, 11 AM - 6 PM.
It's located at The Plant,  220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC.

Question 2

Is there a Festival Map?

Accepted Answer

COMING SOON!

Question 3

Should I RSVP/Register for the festival?

Accepted Answer

If you are planning to attend the Drag Show & Dance Party on Saturday, October 17th, 6 PM - 10 PM, we ask you claim a free ticket by clicking the button below. 
Additionally, this year we are offering paid General Admission seating for folks who want to make sure they have a spot to sit.No purchase is required to attend, just claim your free ticket!

Question 4

What entertainment and activities are planned for the festival?

Accepted Answer

The festival will feature a wide array of activities including live entertainment, a KidZone, a Pride parade, vendors, and special events like a Drag Show and Dance Party.

Question 5

May I bring chairs or blankets for the outdoor shows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Feel free to bring folding chairs or blankets, or just sit in the grass and enjoy the outdoor music comfortably. But please, no large bags or umbrellas. There is shade available in the stage area

Question 6

Who are the vendors at the PBO Pride Festival?

Accepted Answer

The festival will host various vendors, including local artisans, food vendors, and community organizations – providing a diverse marketplace and community resource hub. More info coming soon!

Question 7

How can I volunteer for the festival?

Accepted Answer

We’re in search of individuals looking to make an impact at the PBO Pride Festival on Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th

To sign up, email us at PBOpride@chathampride org

Oh – and did we mention – volunteers get a FREE volunteer T-Shirt!

Question 8

Are there age restrictions for the festival?

Accepted Answer

Our first evening of events on Saturday, October 17th, 6 PM - 11 PM features a drag show and dance party with a minimum age of 13+.

Our daytime festivities on Sunday, October 28th, 11 AM - 6 PM are great fun for all ages.

Question 9

Are outside food or drinks allowed?

Accepted Answer

No. 
Outside food and drinks, including alcohol*, are not allowed at The Plant.

This policy helps them maintain a clean and safe environment while supporting their on-site dining options, which feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Do bring your water bottle, however! 
There will be several stations where festival guests can refill their water bottles.

*The Plant does not permit guests to bring their own alcohol.

The establishments there are fully licensed and offer a selection of wine, beers, spirits and more! This policy ensures that they meet all regulatory requirements and maintain the highest standards of safety and service for all guests.

Question 10

Will alcohol be served at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alcohol will be available for purchase for individuals 21+on both days of the festival.

Underage drinking is illegal and strictly prohibited.

The Plant does not permit guests to bring their own alcohol.
The establishments there are fully licensed and offer a selection of wine, beers, spirits and more! This policy ensures that they meet all regulatory requirements and maintain the highest standards of safety and service for all guests.

Question 11

Where can I refill my water bottle?

Accepted Answer

You can refill your water bottle inside these businesses:

Lilly Den - 1 water dispenser
BMC brewing - 1 dispenser
Fair Game Beverage Co. - 1 dispenser
Quiet Area - 1 dispenser

Question 12

Where are restrooms & porta-potties located?

Accepted Answer

The Bathhouse contains 3 private restrooms. There are also restrooms located in Fair Game Beverage Company.

Question 13

Will there be overflow parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
Event parking staff will guide you to overflow parking in the field near the corner of Industrial Park Drive and East Street.

A shuttle, provided by Carolina Livery, will take you to and from the festival.

Question 14

Is there free WiFi at the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
Network name: the plant
Password: welcome2023

Question 15

What do the "camera with red slash" stickers mean?

Accepted Answer

Festival guests who don't want to be in pictures will be wearing a  special sticker to indicate "NO PHOTOS PLEASE" (a camera with a red slash through it). They can be picked up at the main information booth.

While we want our guests to share all of their amazing event photos with us (by posting on social media with #pbopridenc,)

PLEASE DO NOT share images containing someone displaying the sticker of a camera with red slash.

Question 16

How can I share photos I took at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Please share your amazing event photos with us by posting on social media with the hashtag #pbopridenc.

PLEASE DO NOT share images containing someone wearing sticker of a camera with red slash. 
Festival guests who don't want to be in pictures will be wearing a  special sticker to indicate "NO PHOTOS PLEASE" (a camera with a red slash through it).

"NO PHOTOS PLEASE" stickers can be picked up at the main information booth.

Question 17

Are large bags allowed?

Accepted Answer

No.
For everyone's safety, large bags are not allowed at PBO Pride.

Question 18

What are the festival's goals and mission?

Accepted Answer

PBO Pride aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for all people, celebrating diversity and promoting the liberation of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

Question 19

What is Chatham Pride?

Accepted Answer

The Chatham County Pride Alliance (CCPA), or "Chatham Pride" for short, has a mission to support equality, promote understanding, and empower individuals of all backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, together. Through the creation of community connections and socialization, Chatham Pride is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and affirming Chatham County that celebrates diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity, and self-expression.

Question 20

What merchandise is available, and how can I purchase it?

Accepted Answer

More information coming soon!

Question 21

Is there a rain date?

Accepted Answer

No.  Our festival will be held rain or shine. Festival Staff will be monitoring weather forecasts and will post on this website and our Facebook and Instagram pages in the event that we decide to cancel due to severe weather.

Question 22

As a person who experiences anxiety or is neurodivergent, is there a place at the festival to calm down and then return to the festivities?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
Come into the Quiet Space, located in Fair Game Beverage Company's "Wheelhouse" Tasting Room. Our friendly volunteers or festival staff will be more than happy to guide you.

We understand that large events can sometimes become overwhelming, causing anxiety, panic attacks, or negative reactions to sensory challenges. That's why we have created a dedicated Quiet Space just for you. Whether you need a moment of peace, a place to relax and gather your thoughts, or support during a difficult moment, our Quiet Space is here to provide a safe and comfortable environment. We want you to have the best possible experience at our festival, and we're committed to providing a supportive environment for all. Take care of yourself and know that we're here to support you. Enjoy the Festival!

Question 23

Are pets allowed at PBO Pride Festival?

Accepted Answer

Pets are a big part of our lives and we get that! 
Dogs are allowed, but the following rules must be followed.

Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed to be at the festival without a leash.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings and must remain outdoors.
Please be considerate of other guests and clean up after your pet.
Dogs must be generally well-behaved, able to handle large crowds and other dogs. 
Dogs should not be left unattended. There is a much bigger than normal crowd and we wouldn't want something to happen while you step away. 
Dogs are not permitted to remain in locked cars (EVs and other vehicles with proper dog ventilation are excluded)

Note: Service Animals are always allowed and are not bound to the dog rules of the festival!

Failure to follow dog rules will results in you being asked to remove your pet from the festival.

Frequently asked questions