Bookmark this list of Raleigh-area Pride events to support the LGBTQIA+ community with everything from gentle yoga to a night of karaoke
by Eliza Martin | photography by Alexandra Williams of APW Media
Pride First Friday
Downtown Raleigh’s weekly First Friday event is getting a Pride twist for the month of June! Downtown Raleigh Alliance is partnering with Raleigh Pride, the LGBT Center of Raleigh, Raleigh Night Market, and Seed Art Share to present all of the usual fun of First Friday with a local vendor market on Fayetteville Street, complete with live entertainment and the unveiling of the newest public art installation, Rainbow River.
June 2 | 5 p.m.; Free; Downtown Raleigh; downtownraleigh.org
Run For Love 5k
Runologie presents Run For Love, Raleigh’s annual Pride 5k. This 5k takes participants on a scenic path through Dorothea Dix Park and ends with an afterparty at Trophy Brewing, where they receive a souvenir race medal and a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage. There are cash prizes and gift cards for the overall winners and age group winners. Any individual ten and older is eligible to participate, so bring your family and friends to run in support of Raleigh Pride and the LGBT Center of Raleigh.
June 3 | 9 a.m.; From $40; 1251 Goode Street; runologie.run
Pride Yoga Flow in Moore Square
Head over to Moore Square for a relaxing yoga flow outside with Current Wellness, the local wellness center that is hosting this event. All of the proceeds from this yoga flow will be donated to the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Be sure to bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing for this inclusive and beginner friendly yoga flow.
June 4 | 10-11 a.m.; Pay what you can; 226 E Martin Street; currentwellnessraleigh.com
Hell Yes Ma’am, it’s Pride at Raleigh Brewing
Raleigh Brewing’s Pride event is back this year, featuring live music, drag performances and food trucks. Head over to the Raleigh location to taste a new beer release and participate in activities outside while enjoying performances from Kayla LaShay, Sayer McShane and other performers.
June 4 | 12-5 p.m.; Free; 3709 Neil Street; raleighbrewing.com
Out! Raleigh Pride Wine Tasting
Hosted by Mecca Wine distributors, this Pride-themed wine tasting will feature six or seven wines and some snacks for participants to try, as well as a raffle. Some of the proceeds from the tickets and wine sales will be donated to the LGBT Center of Raleigh, so be sure to bring your friends for a nice evening of wine tasting in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
June 17 | 7:30 p.m.; $29.99; 4804 Page Creek Lane, Durham; meccawine.com
Raleigh Pride’s OUT! Festival
Head to Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh for the 11th annual Out! Raleigh Pride Festival! With plenty of local vendors, food and drink, live entertainment and a KidsZone, this festival is sure to be a fun event for the whole family to enjoy. Come out and support the LGBTQIA+ community and the LGBT Center of Raleigh and enjoy all that the festival has to offer in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
June 24 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; Fayetteville Street; outraleighpride.org
Queer Comedy Showcase at Watts & Ward
The Kulture Enthusiasts and Watts & Ward present a night of comedy with performances from five queer comedians from all over the state of North Carolina. Stop in for an evening of craft cocktails and lots of laughs in downtown Raleigh.
June 28 | 7:30- 10:00 p.m.; From $10; 200 South Blount Street; raleighpridenc.com
Drag Brunch at Ruby Deluxe
What better way to celebrate Pride than with brunch and a drag show? Ruby Deluxe hosts a drag brunch every Sunday, so stop by during the month of June to celebrate Pride with Raleigh’s favorite drag performers and DJs. Doors open an hour before the show begins, so be sure to get there early to grab a slice of pizza from Trophy Brewing and one or two of Ruby Deluxe’s craft cocktail.
Every Sunday | 1-4 p.m.; From $10; 415 South Salisbury Street; queerraleigh.com
Purr Cup Cafe’s Pride Drink Specials
Head over to Raleigh’s only cat cafe, Purr Cup Cafe at any point during the month of June and purchase one of their three Pride drink specials! The cafe will be donating the proceeds from these drinks to local LGBTQIA+ organization. Stop in to support the queer community and local animal rescue organizations by grabbing a drink and spending some time with some adorable cats that are available for adoption! Be sure to make a reservation in advance to visit with the cats.
June 1-30| From $10; 210 Prospect Avenue; purrcupcafe.com
Rubyoke at Ruby Deluxe
Come sing your heart out this June in celebration of Pride month! Rubyoke is hosted every Wednesday night at Ruby Deluxe, and is open to anyone 18 and up. Bring your friends or meet some new ones while spending an evening drinking some of Ruby Deluxe’s cocktails and singing along to some of your favorite songs!
Every Wednesday | 8 p.m.- 12 a.m.; From $3; 415 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh; queerraleigh.com
This article was originally published on June 1, 2023 on waltermagazine.com
