Out! Raleigh Pride will return to downtown Raleigh June 26-27, with additional Pride events taking place at venues across Raleigh on June 28. Now in its 14th year, the celebration has expanded into a three-day weekend featuring a new adults-only Friday event, the traditional family-friendly festival on Saturday and a full day of community programming on Sunday.
The downtown festival is free to attend. Friday’s festivities begin with a kink-positive event for adults 18 and older from 6 to 10 p.m. on Fayetteville Street. The night’s celebrations continue at venues throughout downtown, including an appearance by RuPaul’s Drag Race (RPDR) star Trinity the Tuck at Legends Nightclub.
Saturday’s free festival runs from noon to 7 p.m. and will feature live entertainment, food vendors, community organizations, a KidsZone, beer garden and dozens of local businesses and artists. Pride weekend programming also includes ticketed events such as GAG, Queen x Doll Domination at The Ritz, featuring Lexi Love, RPDR contestant Onya Nurve and drag artists from across the Carolinas.
Sunday’s lineup extends the celebration beyond the festival grounds with events including a Pride Brunch with DJ Ganymede, a Pride-themed wedding fair, a Queer Media Marathon, a Pride Patio Party at Legends and multiple karaoke events.
Organizers have also emphasized accessibility. This year, the LGBT Center of Raleigh will host an Accessibility Zone inside its new community center at 128 E. Cabarrus St. The space will offer air conditioning, wheelchair accessibility, masks, air purifiers, water, crafts and board games, along with access to the center’s clothing closet, cyber center, care pantry and harm reduction kiosk.
In a YouTube video previewing this year’s festival, LGBT Center of Raleigh Operations Manager Helicia Chiang (she/they) thanked sponsors for helping make Out! Raleigh Pride possible through the financial support that allows organizers to bring in performers and attractions that draw attendees to the event. Chiang also described vendors as “the lifeblood of the festival.”
In a separate video, LGBT Center of Raleigh Executive Director Kori Hennessey (they/them) reflected on the deeper purpose of Pride. Hennessey said the celebration provides an opportunity for LGBTQ+ people to gather with one another, connect with community resources and see queer community members of all ages, especially LGBTQ+ elders. Pride is also a chance to recognize the work that has helped secure LGBTQ+ rights while remembering that there is still work to be done.
As Out! Raleigh Pride enters its 14th year, organizers hope attendees leave not only with memories from the weekend but with a stronger connection to the community that supports them year-round.
For more details, visit their website here: https://www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/out-raleigh-pride
