Cary Celebrates Pride Month 2026

Pride Month commemorates the events of June 1969 in New York, known as the Stonewall Uprising, that sparked a liberation movement in the United States. The purpose of this month is to recognize the impact that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Town of Cary remains committed to treating all people with respect and celebrating diversity in our community. Pride Day is widely recognized on June 28, the anniversary of the Uprising.

Welcome our Pride Partners

AARP North Carolina is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.

Carolina Aging Alliance is a nonprofit, charitable organization that advocates for and provides services to LGBTQ+ persons 50 and older. 

In Cary, part of our commitment to being an AARP Age-Friendly Community is fostering a place that is inclusive, accessible, and enriching for people of all ages. Our partnership with AARP and the Carolina Aging Alliance in celebrating Pride Month reflects this dedication—not only to recognizing the needs of older adults but to ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, identity, or background, feels welcome and valued. The Age-Friendly designation goes beyond senior-focused initiatives; it speaks to our vision of a town where all residents can thrive, engage, and fully participate in a vibrant, livable community. Through this collaboration, we celebrate diversity and work toward building a future that is equitable, supportive, and empowering for every generation.

Cary Arts Center | June 1 - June 30 

Come learn more about LGBTQ+ artists in the Cary Visual Arts Education Program’s Hall of Artists. Featuring information about the artists along with images of their artworks.

Pride Mural

Brew Coffee's Outdoor Brick Wall | June 1 - 30

Strike a pose in front of the large Pride mural on the exterior brick wall of BREW coffee on Chatham Street.

Pride Themed: Books & Bean Bag Chairs

Cary Arts Center | Weekly: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Free

Visit the Cary Arts Center on the upper level to enjoy our Books & Bean Bag book cart.

Each month the Cary Arts Center Visual Arts team puts out a theme-based book cart filled with reading materials to peruse while relaxing in our comfy bean bag chairs.

This June our theme is Pride, so come and learn about LGBTQ+ artists and their art.

 Pride: What Are You Proud Of? An Interactive Exhibition

Cary Arts Center's Principal's Hall | June 1 - 30 



This June, we're building something together. Share what you're proud of and add your mark to our collaborative Pride mural at the Cary Arts Center.

Pride Lighting

Downtown Cary Park, Cary Arts Center, The Cary Theater, & Cedar St. Parking Deck | June 1 - 12 & June 22 - 30

Wherever you go in downtown Cary this June, the colors of Pride are shining bright at the Cary Arts Center, Downtown Cary Park, Cedar St. Parking Deck, and the Cary Theater marquee.

Pride in the Park

Downtown Cary Park | June 13 | 4 - 10 p.m.

Celebrate love, identity, and community at Pride in the Park! This evening of activities invites everyone to come together for a colorful celebration filled with creativity, music, and local flair.

From 4 – 8 p.m., kick off the festivities with themed crafts at the Art Cart in the Nest Pavilion, where guests of all ages can get creative and show their pride. 

From 5 – 10 p.m., stroll through the, organized by The Night Market Co., and discover a lively showcase of locally crafted goods from Triangle-area LGBTQ+ artisans and allies, alongside delicious food, drinks, and entertainment.

Then from 7:30 – 10 p.m., head to the Great Lawn Pavilion for a Pride-themed Silent Disco—grab a pair of glowing headphones, choose your DJ, and dance the night away. Join us, show your colors, and be part of an unforgettable night in the Park!

PopUp Chorus Broadway

The Cary Theater | June 20 | 7:30 p.m.

Come celebrate PRIDE 2026 by singing two classic musical theater songs with a room full of Broadway fans!  Wrap yourself in a colorful boa or dress as your favorite Wizard of Oz or Rent character. Be prepared to let loose and sing your heart out!

Tickets: $20 individual / $16 CFC member

For more details visit The Cary Theater. 

Acting Out: Exploring Representation of Playwrights & Players in the LGBTQ+ Community

Page-Walker Arts & History Center | June 20 | 1 - 3 p.m.

Explore the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in the theater with readings by local actors, led by veteran Cary theater producers Debra Zumbach Grannan and Mark Zumbach.

Pride Art Cart

Cary Fire Stations: National Safe Place

For teens and youths finding themselves in crisis or needing a place to stay, all fire stations in Cary are designated as National Safe Places, serving as spaces for immediate help and resources for youth in need in any crisis. These locations serve to supplement local youth services agencies and shelters and can serve as a starting point for those needing help; just look for the black and yellow "Safe Place" sign at any of Cary's fire stations.

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Board

Cary's Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Board focuses on improving the quality of life in our community through the encouragement of mutual understanding and respect amongst all people in Cary - whether living, working, or visiting our town. Learn more about the board, its mission, and agendas.