Cary Celebrates Pride Month 2025

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.

Sunday, June 22 | 2 - 4 p.m.

Page-Walker Arts & History Center

Do you have stories to share about your experiences in the LGBTQ community in Cary? Whether you grew up here or moved here later in life, we want to know more about you! Cary history staff and volunteers from the Friends of the Page-Walker will be on hand to record oral histories, scan photographs and documents, and record artifacts and memorabilia related to the LGBTQ experience in Cary.  These records will become part of Cary’s historical collection, expanding our understanding and appreciation of the whole Cary community.

Pride Pop Up Chorus

Community Sing Along

The Cary Theater

June 12, 7 p.m.

Come celebrate PRIDE 2025 by singing two classic songs with a room full of peers! Wrap yourself in a rainbow flag, let loose, and sing your heart out!

But What is Pop Up Chorus?

Tickets

Pride Cary Night Market

Downtown Cary Park

June 6, 5 - 10 p.m.

Discover a vibrant showcase of locally-crafted treasures while immersing yourself in an evening of music and entertainment at the Cary Night Market, organized by The Night Market Co. Join Triangle area LGBTQ+ artisans and allies for a gathering where an eclectic array of goods meets delectable food and drinks!

Pride in the Park

Downtown Cary Park

June 29, 12 - 4 p.m.

Celebrate Pride in the Park with an inclusive picnic for all families! Join us for a day filled with colorful family-friendly activities such lawn games, arts and crafts, and more. Bring your own food to enjoy a cozy picnic, or savor delicious options from our Market 317 or any of Cary’s great downtown dining options. It's the perfect way to spend a joyful day outdoors, embracing love and diversity in Downtown Cary Park.

Allies and Icons Pride Film Festival

June 22

The Cary Theater

The Cary features films that highlight the importance of allies and icons and the transformative power of acceptance, connection, and love.

Art Exhibition: Origins of North Carolina Pride

Cary Arts Center, May 21 - July 6

Medium: Photo Documentary

Origins of North Carolina Pride is a selection of historical pride photos and documents representing some of North Carolina’s first gay pride events.

“The origins of North Carolina Pride, now Triangle Pride, grew out of the 1980 “March Against Klan/Nazi Terror” in Greensboro. Gay and lesbian activists from across the state joined in the anti-hate protests. Reminiscent of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, the march in Greensboro brought gays and lesbians into the larger conversation on civil rights in the state. This was the beginning of a bond between the growing LGBTQ activist community and progressive allies.

One year after the march in 1980, the state’s first gay and lesbian march took place. With the slogan “Our Day Out,” three hundred gays and lesbians gathered and marched in Durham.”

Brandon Goins

NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Join us for a Family Pride Ride hosted by Trek Bicycle of Cary!   Come early to adorn yourself and your bike with the colors of   Pride at our Bike Decorating station. This event is open to all.   There will be different bike routes geared toward ability levels and age.

Get tickets here.

Pride and Soccer go hand-in-hand, and the Courage is committed to celebrating inclusivity, diversity, and unity within the soccer community. Join a welcoming night that is nothing short of spectacular.

Tickets.

Pride Themed Classes

Frida Kahlo Shadowboxes (Ages 18+)

Cary Arts Center

June 28, 1 - 4 p.m.

Frida Kahlo, who disregarded the limitations of her time, often explored the theme of gender in her art. Learn more about the life and work of Frida Kahlo and her quest to be free of constraints. Join us for a fun afternoon dedicated to the spirit of Frida Kahlo. We’ll honor her by creating unique shadow boxes that will be decorated with glitter, paper flowers, and of course, images from her paintings. Supplies included. Fees: $35 Cary Residents, $46 Non-Residents

Register 

Celebrate & Paint Frida Kahlo (Ages 8-12)

Cary Arts Center

June 14, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Learn more about the life and work of Frida Kahlo. We’ll honor her courageous spirit by creating a unique painting of her that will be decorated with glitter, paper flowers, and of course, motifs from her works. Fees: $27 Cary Residents, $35 Non-Residents

Register

Resources

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.