Wake County Public Libraries and Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space will recognize Pride Month with a variety of free events that celebrate our diverse community. From crafts and cookbook clubs to hiking and horticulture, there’s something for everyone.
“Everyone is always welcome at our parks and libraries,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “We invite residents of all ages to explore the many programs offered this month and discover new ways to connect and reflect with our community.”
Below are some featured events happening throughout June. All programs are free, but registration is required for some. Check the links to learn more.
Libraries
A full list of programs can be found online. Featured events include:
Teen Art Club: Dizzy Dino Glitter Jars
Wednesday, June 10 | 6–7 p.m.
East Regional Library
Bring whatever you’re working on, or try your hand at something new! This week, we’ll celebrate Pride Month with Dizzy Dino Glitter Jars!
Pride Trivia
Monday, June 15 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Wake Forest Community Library
In partnership with Wake Forest Pride, the library invites you to join in a lively evening of Jeopardy-style trivia that will stretch your brain and celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride month. Bring a group or meet new people by joining a team. For ages 16 and older.
K-5th Adventures: Pride Rainbow Slime!
Tuesday, June 16 | 4:30–5:15 p.m.
Southeast Regional Library
Read, create, discover and explore with hands-on activities! Read The Rainbow Parade, and make rainbow slime to celebrate Pride Month!
Celebrating Pride with the Nasher Museum of Art
Monday, June 22 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Virtual
Enjoy a virtual tour spotlighting works by LGBTQIA+ artists in the Nasher Museum of Art’s collection. Reflect on themes of acceptance, resilience and joy while honoring the creativity and diversity that shape our world. Registration required to receive Zoom link.
K-2nd Adventures: Tie Dye!
Tuesday, June 23 | 4:30–5:15 p.m.
Cary Regional Library
Learn through play-based centers. Celebrate Pride Month at the library, and tie dye a library tote bag! Space is limited. Free tickets will be given out starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Youth Services Desk.
Teen: Charmasaurus Rex: Pride Edition
Thursday, June 25 | 6–7 p.m.
North Regional Library
Show your colors, and roar with pride! Craft a dino bag charm that’s as fierce as a T-Rex and as bright as a rainbow. All supplies provided.
Library staff have also curated special booklists:
- Pride Month Reads: Adult, e-books and e-audio
- LGBTQIA+ Reads: Adult, print
- LGBTQIA+ Romance: Adult, print
Parks
OUT Hiking at Crowder
Saturday, June 6 | 9:30–11 a.m.
Crowder County Park
Learn about the wide diversity of wildlife in our area. Trails are paved, with an option to go off trail if the group is comfortable.
Out in Nature
Saturday, June 6 | 10–11 a.m.
Historic Oak View County Park
Enjoy a staff-led, all-ages, relaxed, informal walk around the park to socialize and enjoy the surrounding nature and history of the site.
Pride Outside
Sunday, June 7 | 10:30 a.m.–noon
Beech Bluff County Park
Take a leisurely one-mile nature hike as we build community and connection! Along the way, learn about the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature, common access barriers for the LGBTQIA+ community and ways to get involved beyond today’s program.
Rainbow Agriculture: Taking Pride in Farming
Friday, June 12 | 5–6 p.m.
Beech Bluff County Park
This program explores the rise and contributions of LGBTQIA+ community into agriculture, while delving into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by queer farmers. Learn how the LGBTQ+ farming movement has adopted sustainable and regenerative approaches to agriculture that is oriented around community-building and a connection to the land.
Paddling with PRIDE
Friday, June 19 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Enjoy a guided paddle around the pond. The program will start with a quick lesson on basic canoeing and paddling. Canoes, paddles and life jackets are provided.
Community in Nature
Saturday, June 20 | 10 a.m.–noon
Lake Crabtree County Park
Learn how nature can help foster a sense of community and discover how the environment is more about cooperation than “survival of the fittest.” This program includes a short hike and craft.
True Colors Summer Hike
Saturday, June 20 | 2–3 p.m.
Harris Lake County Park
Join park staff for an easy summer morning stroll along the Peninsula Trail. Staff will provide paint chips in all the colors of the rainbow to match to natural objects on the hike and make some nature art as we go!
Registration information for Parks, Recreation and Open Space programs can be found here.
