Pride Month is celebrated nationally and locally each year in June and North Carolina is no exception.

The Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill #NorthCarolina are collaborating to host a joint celebration featuring live events, art installations, online resources, and other opportunities to celebrate the Pride community. Dubbed, “Small Town Pride,” the southern Orange County communities affirm community values that ensure all residents and visitors are treated with respect and dignity.

The origins of Pride stem from the Stonewall Riots that occurred in June of 1969, when attendees of the Stonewall Inn in NYC clashed with anti-LGBTQ police. Marches and protests popped up in some major US cities in June of the following year to commemorate the event, and the tradition has continued. 

Celebrations will happen the entire month of June and will recognize local LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and activists, and highlight history, resources, and businesses.

Participate in one of the many events happening this month:

  • Chapel Hill Pride! Promenade | Saturday, June 4 from 2-4 p.m. (downtown Chapel Hill)
    • Wear your colors. Wave your flag. Walk with Pride. This celebratory march starts at Peace & Justice Plaza, 179 E. Franklin St., and ends at 140 West Street Plaza, 140 W. Franklin St. with music and activities. 
  • Poets Open Mic Night | Tuesday, June 7 from 7-9 p.m. (via Zoom)
    • Celebrate LGBTQ Pride through your poetry with other local poets. This event encourages the writing, reading, and listening of poetry. Hosted by Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department. Join the zoom event here.
  • Drag Story Times | Saturdays, June 11, 18, and 25 from 3-4 p.m. (locations vary)
    • Drag Story Times celebrate glamour, imagination, play, and gender fluidity while providing positive queer role models. Bring your kids to enjoy a fabulous hour of story time by some of the most prominent Drag royalty in the Triangle!
  • ORGULLO LATINX PRIDE | Saturday, June 11 from 5-9 p.m. (Carrboro Town Commons)
    • Celebrate Latinx Pride! with local food trucks, a drag show, a DJ, and games for the kids. Organizers from El Centro Hispano aim to create an event that fosters unity, inclusivity, and empowerment by showcasing our community’s talents while providing social, healthcare, and advocacy resources, and family fun.
  • Pride Piper Walk | Friday, June 24 at 4:30 p.m. (Carrboro Century Center)
    • Join local officials and the Bulltown Strutters, to help roll “Rainbow Ram” down Weaver Street from the Century Center to Town Commons at 301 W. Main St. for the Pride Food Truck Rodeo & Dance Party.
  • Pride Food Truck Rodeo & Dance Party | Friday, June 24 from 5-8 p.m. (Carrboro Town Commons)
    • Join for food, dance, and frolicking on the lawn. If you’re interested in participating as a vendor or by setting up a table, fill out the application form here.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Small Town Pride promotes the equality of the LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as increase visibility, challenge anti-LGBTQ legislation, and bring awareness to other LGBTQ issues. 

More information is available at chapelhillarts.org/smalltownpride and www.carrboronc.gov/pride.