Celebrate Pride Month 2023 in the Wilmington area with these 7 events
June marks the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a celebration of those who identify as Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer. Pride Month is celebrated in June because that was the month of the Stonewall Uprising in New York in 1969, a turning point in the gay rights movement.
In Wilmington there's a whole host of events celebrating Pride Month and given that the North Carolina General Assembly has taken up a bill potentially banning some performances by drag artists, gatherings could take on a feeling of added urgency.
This isn't a comprehensive listing of every single Pride Month event in Wilmington, but we tried to hit the highlights and focus on some of the larger celebrations.
If you have a Pride Month event to add, email John.Staton@StarNewsOnline.com.
More: LGBTQ+ news No more 'drag brunches' in Wilmington? NC House bill could limit drag shows
Hi Wire Pride Fest
June 4 at Hi Wire Brewing & Varnish: Hi Wire Brewing on Princess Street and the Varnish nightclub downtown are teaming up for this daylong event.
Things start 11 a.m. Sunday at Hi Wire with a market from The X Collective that runs till 4 p.m. At 3 p.m., the Hi Wire Pride Community Stage will feature "up and coming" drag performers hosted by Brenda The Drag Queen. A drag show from 6-8 p.m. will feature drag artists including Ebony Unique Valentino, Vermillion Heaux and Wilmington legend Tara Nicole Brooks.
After-party at Varnish starts at 8 p.m., with a free shuttle running from Hi Wire to the club downtown.
Pleasure Island Pride
June 9-17 in Carolina Beach: Weeklong celebration benefits the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast. Kickoff party is Friday, June 9, with the The Agayzing Race Scavenger Hunt starting at Island Beverage. The Sandy Balls Bocce Tournament with Stonewall Sports is June 10, and there's a drag brunch at SeaWitch Cafe and Tiki Bar on June 11.
SeaWitch will also host an "industry night" drag show on Monday, June 12, and Pleasure Island Pride will wrap up June 17 with an event at Nauti Dog. Additional events TBA.
Here and Queer Festival
June 10 at Bottleworks Building: Billed as "an event by queers, for queers," this festival runs 3-7 p.m. at the Bottleworks Building at 921 Princess St. There will be over 30 vendors selling art, crafts and other items, and the band Dissimilar South, a North Carolina indie rock duo, will provide live tunes.
Family Pride Festival
June 11 at the New Hanover County Arboretum: Family-friendly event features entertainment, nonprofit vendors, food, activities and more. No parking on site, but a free shuttle runs from Bradley Creek Elementary, 6211 Greenville Loop Road.
Port City Pride Festival
June 11, downtown Wilmington: Big annual, outdoor block party on Dock Street between Front and Second streets features a stage with live entertainment, with attendees bouncing between The Husk, Duck & Dive and New Anthem Brewing. Will include vendors, drag performances and more.
Adult Pride Prom
June 24 at The Eagle's Dare: A night of dancing, drinks and dressing to impress for ages 21 and up will culminate in the crowning of the Pride Majesty of a Genderless Prom Court. With a raffle, photo booth, pride swag, photo booth and light appetizers, with food trucks on site for those with heavier appetites. Event runs 6-9 p.m. and tickets are $30, with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast.
Born This Way Pride Celebration
June 25 at Coglin's: Second annual day-long pride party at this downtown nightclub will feature a pair of drag shows at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; comedy from Ellie Coleman; music from MB Love and DJ Brewtal; a photographer; body art/fairy hair/face-painting; and a live painting demo by local artists. Food trucks on site.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: List of events celebrating Pride Month 2023 in Wilmington NC
