Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, and Safety Policy

Greensboro Pride is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone attending or participating in the Greensboro Pride Parade & Festival. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated at any parade or festival activity.

Prohibited Behavior

Harassment: Slurs, hate speech, intimidation, threats, unwanted touching, or other unwelcome conduct.
Discrimination: Any behavior that demeans or excludes someone based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or body size.
Disruption: Actions that interfere with parade operations, performances, vendors, programming, or others’ ability to enjoy the event.
Violence or Threats: Physical aggression, threatening conduct, or possession of weapons.
Substance Abuse: Public intoxication, illegal drug use, or distribution of controlled substances.

Safety and Enforcement

Visible Security: Greensboro Police Department officers and licensed private protective services will be present throughout the parade route, staging areas, and festival grounds.
Immediate Response: Anyone violating this policy may be removed from the event without refund. Serious incidents will be reported to law enforcement.
Authorized Staff: Volunteers, parade marshals, and staff are trained and permitted to address safety concerns promptly.

Community Expectations

Treat others with kindness and respect.
Respect personal space and boundaries.
Follow instructions from volunteers, marshals, and security staff.
Report any concerns to a Pride representative immediately.

Agreement

By attending the Greensboro Pride Parade & Festival, you agree to help maintain a safe, inclusive, and joyful celebration for all.

We are committed to ensuring the Greensboro Pride Parade & Festival is accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of ability. The parade route along Elm Street and the festival in and around LeBauer Park were intentionally selected for their central location, walkability, and accessibility features.

At the festival, ASL interpreters will be provided for all performances, and event layouts are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices throughout public spaces, viewing areas, and amenities. We work closely with partners and city resources to reduce barriers, support accessibility needs, and create an inclusive experience for all attendees.

‍

Unlike many Pride events across the U.S. held in June, Greensboro Pride takes place in the fall, a conscious decision rooted in both strategy and care: The Piedmont Triad is home to several colleges and universities, and hosting in the fall ensures maximum student and community participation. It also helps avoid the often oppressive North Carolina summer heat, creating a safer, more enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Think of IMPAQT GSO as the parent of Greensboro Pride. They’re part of the same family, IMPAQT GSO organizes and powers Greensboro Pride, along with all the year-round events that bring our community together. So really, there’s no difference… just different outfits.

If you're interested in planning an event with IMPAQT GSO, please reach out to susan@impaqtgso.org. While we are a small, volunteer-led team, we welcome ideas and will make every effort to explore meaningful partnership opportunities. We’re always open to discussing possibilities that align with our mission.

IMPAQT GSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to transparency, accountability, and community impact. All financial records, including our IRS Form 990 filings, are publicly available. Funds raised through sponsorships, donations, and ticketed experiences are reinvested directly into the community by supporting free and accessible events, year-round programming, and our headline celebration, the Greensboro Pride Parade & Festival.

These funds help cover essential event infrastructure, accessibility services, public safety coordination, volunteer support, and programming that promotes health, wellness, education, and connection throughout the year. Every dollar raised is used to strengthen community, increase access, and ensure Greensboro Pride remains welcoming, safe, and free for all.

We are an all-volunteer organization. Please email us at info@greensboropride.org.

For the safety of attendees, performers, vendors, and animals, pets are not permitted at the Greensboro Pride Parade & Festival or along the parade route.

This policy is based on event insurance requirements, City of Greensboro regulations, and public safety considerations for large, high-attendance events. With crowds exceeding tens of thousands of people, loud noises, heat, food, and tight spaces can create unsafe conditions for animals and increase the risk of injury or distress.

Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted. Service animals must remain leashed or harnessed at all times and under the handler’s control.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep Greensboro Pride safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

We strongly encourage all attendees to park in downtown Greensboro’s public parking decks and lots for convenience, safety, and stress-free arrival. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, most downtown surface lots and parking decks operate at a flat rate of approximately $2 per hour (up to ~8 hours) or a flat daily rate of about $10–$12, depending on the location and event demand. These rates are set by the City of Greensboro and provide an affordable option compared to street meter limits.

Public parking decks are well-lit, centrally located, and within easy walking distance to LeBauer Park, the parade route, and all festival activities. Because street parking is limited and regulated, using a deck not only improves your experience but helps keep event traffic moving smoothly.

For the most up-to-date parking locations and rates, visit the City of Greensboro Downtown Parking page:
https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/transportation/parking/downtown-parking

Thank you for planning ahead and helping make Pride accessible and enjoyable for everyone!

The Greensboro Pride Parade & Festival is free and open to everyone, and we invite the entire community to celebrate with us. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and community partners, there is no cost to attend the Parade or Festival.

For those who would like to enhance their experience, we also offer a limited number of optional, ticketed experiences, such as the Entertainer Meet & Greet and the All-Access Pass. These experiences help support the festival and year-round community programming while offering added access for those who choose it.

Please email our Entertainment Coordinator at paisley@imaqtgso.org. They’ll review your message and get back to you as their schedule allows.

You can sign up to volunteer for the Greensboro Pride Festival by selecting your preferred shift here: 2026 Greensboro Pride Festival Volunteer Sign Up. We have a variety of roles available throughout the day, everyone is welcome!

‍

You can sign up to volunteer for the Greensboro Pride Parade by selecting your preferred shift here: 2026 Greensboro Pride Parade Volunteer Sign Up. We have a variety of roles available throughout the day, everyone is welcome!

‍

Greensboro Pride does allow cancelations up to a certain point. Here are the dates for the 2026 Festival:

Before June 15 – Cancel with a refund less $75 for fees

From June 15 – July 31 – Cancel with a half refund

From August 1  – No refunds for cancelations

Visit Vendor, Nonprofit, and Food vendor registration at our 2026 Greensboro Pride Vendor Registration page.

No. Vendors should bring all of their own supplies, including tents, weights, tables, chairs, tape, and any other materials necessary for your booth.

All vendors will receive several important pieces of communication as the festival gets closer. Please email kendall@impaqtgso.org if you have any questions.

Vendor booth numbers will be emailed at least one week prior to the festival. If you do not receive an email, please let us know at kendall@impaqtgso.org.

Sponsor information is available at our 2026 Greensboro Pride Sponsor Registration page. You may also contact our Co-Director, Christien, at christien@impaqtgso.org.