A lot is happening across the Triangle this Pride weekend. There’s no way we can spotlight everything here (a testament to this area’s expansive LGBTQ community), but we wanted to spotlight five diverse, fun, queer happenings you should make sure to check out. Happy Pride, y’all!
Queer AF Pride Dance Party
Suggested $5 donation, Sep. 27, 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Durham Fruit & Produce Company
305 South Dillard Street, Durham
Start Pride off by getting sweaty with queers from across all across the Triangle. DJ Femi the Femme, DJ Queen Plz, and DJ VSPRTN will spin all night. All door proceeds benefit the LGBTQ Center of Durham.
Queer Lens: An All-Queer Art Show
Free, Sep. 27–Oct. 31
Durham Fruit & Produce Company | LGBTQ Center of Durham
305 South Dillard Street | 114 Hunt Street, Durham
An art exhibit curated by the LGBTQ Center of Durham and Pleiades Arts, Queer Lens is a showcase of works by North Carolina LGBTQ artists, particularly black and brown artists. (It’s also open to community submissions.) Following the show’s run at The Fruit, Queer Lens will be displayed at the LGBTQ Center throughout October.
Pride: Durham NC
Free, Sep. 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (day), 5 p.m. (night)
Duke East Campus (day) | Durham Central Park (night)
1304 Campus Drive | 501 Foster Street, Durham
The weekend’s main event, Pride: Durham NC is a day-and-night celebration of community, family, pride, and activism. The daytime festivities run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the area around Duke’s east campus; the parade starts at 11:00 a.m., and the main stage opens at 1:00 p.m. Daytime acts include Gemynii As DJ, Loamlands, and drag performers. When the sun goes down, the party shifts to DCP, where you can catch performances by SWSH, Sateen, PlayPlay, Le1f, and Shea Diamond. Hosted by Candis Cox—this is major!
NC Pride at Night Festival and Celebration
Free, Sep. 28, 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
Downtown Raleigh, near Legends Nightclub Complex
330 West Hargett Street, Raleigh
A Pride tradition in Raleigh, NC Pride at Night is a community-oriented festival experience near Legends. This year’s headliner is social media star and YouTube personality Todrick Hall.
Q&L Night: The Glitterous Ball
Free, Sep. 29, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Ruby Deluxe
415 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh
Raleigh’s favorite Sparkle Dungeon is closing out Pride weekend with a dance party centered on lesbians and the larger queer community. DJ Jenilla Ice will spin major throwback bangers to keep your spirits high as you reminisce about your weekend. Expect drink specials.
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