Creating Safe Spaces in Haywood County

Pride on Main works towards a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights and access to safe spaces both virtually and physically. We do this by producing LGBTQIA+ Pride events and spaces that inspire, educate, commemorate, and celebrate our diverse community in Haywood County.

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  • Become a Sponsor

    Help us continue to support marginalized communities within Haywood County

    Sponsor Us

  • Volunteer

    Donate your time and expertise to help us continue our mission

    Volunteer

  • Donate

    Every dollar counts when it comes to making sure we help all of our neighbors

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2025 Top Sponsor:
Haywood County Democrats

Haywood County’s Pride Parade & Festival

In 2024 and again in 2025, we gathered in the heart of Waynesville to march, gather, and celebrate at the Pride on Main Festival, a joyful, vibrant, and inclusive weekend for the LGBTQIA+ community, our allies, and the many voices of the mountains we call home.

But the Festival is more than an event: it’s a statement. Organized by Pride on Main, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to create safe, welcoming spaces in Haywood County where all people are free to be themselves, without fear or discrimination.

Whether you’re marching in the parade, visiting vendor booths, soaking in the music, or simply cheering on your friends, this is your invitation. Come celebrate the lives we lead, the love we share, and the inclusive future we build together.

Join the Parade
Become a Vendor

Root & Rise Community Coworking Space

At Pride on Main, our commitment to community doesn’t end when the festival wraps — it grows roots. The Root & Rise Coworking and Resource Center was created to give the LGBTQIA+ community (and allies) a safe, affirming space to gather, work, learn, and thrive all year long.

Located on Historic Main Street in downtown Waynesville, Root & Rise offers an inspiring coworking environment with flexible seating, reliable Wi-Fi, locally roasted coffee and tea, and the kind of welcoming energy that makes collaboration easy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, student, or remote worker, this is your space to focus and flourish.

Beyond coworking, the Resource Center provides access to vital local services, educational programming, and a compassionate network of volunteers ready to help connect you with the support you need, from mental health resources to community events and beyond.

Because when we root ourselves in connection, we rise together.

Learn More