The front pages of mass-market retail websites from Target to Disney to Converse are suddenly awash with rainbow-colored merchandise, which can only mean one thing: Pride Month. In Durham, official Pride celebrations will not take place until late September, but in the meantime, The Chronicle rounded up a curated list of local events for anyone looking to celebrate during the month of June.
Chapel Hill Pride! Promenade — June 4, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This year, downtown Chapel Hill will see the first-ever Pride! Promenade. Starting at the Peace and Justice Plaza, performers and revelers alike will “strut” down to 140 West Franklin Plaza in celebration of Pride. The promenade will end with a festivity-filled gathering including a performance from Imagine Circus, spins from DJ Savon, interactive art from Kelly Schrader and a musical performance from Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus.
Gender-Affirming Haircuts — June 6, 1 p.m.
Cary’s Luxe Hair Lounge will host the LGBT Center of Raleigh to “discuss gender-affirming haircuts and welcome LGBT clients into the salon.” A representative from the LGBT Center will provide education on how to start conversations about pronoun usage and inclusivity, as well as navigating situations in which a person is being misgendered in a safe and professional manner. The event will also be livestreamed on Luxe Hair Lounge’s Facebook page. Donations from this event will go to the LGBT Center of Raleigh.
Carrboro Poets Open Mic Night — June 7, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
To indulge in an artistic celebration of Pride, Carrboro’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department will host a virtual poetry open mic night June 7. The event encourages the “writing, reading and listening of poetry,” and celebrating Pride through poetry alongside other local poets.
Apex Pride Festival — June 11, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The second annual Apex Pride Festival is a family-friendly event taking place at the Apex Town Hall campus. The festivities include live musical performances from local artists Peak City Band and SMÜVE, drag performances from Durham queen Vivica C. Coxx and friends, vendor areas featuring local artists and businesses and a food truck rodeo.
Orgullo Latinx Pride — June 11, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Coordinated by organizers from El Centro Hispano, this event is designed to celebrate the diversity of cultures, identities and experiences found within the Triangle’s Latinx LGBTQIA+ community, fostering “unity, inclusivity and empowerment” by showcasing the talents of the community while providing social, healthcare and advocacy resources. Held at Carrboro Town Commons, the event will include drag shows, musical performances and local food trucks.
The Queer Agenda Dance Party — June 11, 18, 25, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m
Hosted by Durham nightlife staple The Pinhook, Queer Agenda is “a dance party for queer folks” that will run from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. June 11, 18 and 25. This event, open to anyone ages 21 or older, requires a $5 ticket for entry, sold at the door only. Past Queer Agenda parties featured popular North Carolina DJs including Gemynii, who also works at the LGBTQ Center of Durham and DJ Wicked. Masks and proof of vaccination are required.
Pride Market + Drag Show — June 18, noon to 4 p.m.
Raleigh’s Urban Pothos Houseplant Shop and local retail and community space Hartwell will co-host “a day of fun celebrating Pride and benefitting the LGBT Center of Raleigh. The Pride Market will run in the Hartwell’s outdoor space throughout the duration of the event, and a drag show featuring “three fabulous queens” will begin at 2 p.m. inside. There will be local makers and vendors featured at the market, live music, and wine and beer available for purchase. This is a free event, but the drag show suggests a donation of $10 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the LGBT Center of Raleigh.
Out! Raleigh Pride — June 25, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Raleigh’s annual Pride festival draws thousands of people annually, and the celebration’s 10th anniversary, held on Fayetteville Street in the city’s downtown, is set to be no exception. The festival will feature around 100 vendors, two stages with live entertainment, a KidsZone and a beer garden. The event has no admission fee, but it is an important fundraiser for the LGBT Center of Raleigh.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.