Durham Happenings: June 2024

June 2024 – already?! Summer is upon us, Bull City, which means it’s time for events to heat up! With dozens of activities recognizing both Pride Month and Juneteenth, Durham will help you celebrate the season right this month. Plus there are happenings both indoors and outdoors this season, from cinematic adventures to music and beer al fresco.

You can also kick off the summer season with Durham County Library by participating in the Scoop There It Is Ice Cream Crawl! Pick up a paper Ice Cream Tracker from the South Regional Library (4505 S Alston Ave, 27713) or email for a PDF version, then visit 5+ ice cream locations around Durham to be entered into a Durham Bulls prize pack. The Crawl runs from June 7th through August 2nd , so you have all summer to grab your scoops (and consider grabbing a shirt as well to support Friends of the Durham Library).

Pride Month

As any Durhamite would know, Durham’s Pride event takes place in the Fall, but in recognition of national Pride Month, there are still tons of events all across town. Listen to drag artists reading stories, arrange a gorgeous bouquet, dance or laugh the night away, all in the name of supporting and uplifting our LGBTQ+ neighbors.

Sat, June 1st , 10pm – 2am: Club ERA the Opening (305 S Dillard St, 27701)

Celebrate the grand opening of Durham’s newest gay, queer, trans nightclub, Club ERA. This isthe passion project of House of Coxx darling and Durham native, Naomi Dix. Taking over the basement of The Fruit on S. Dillard St, Club ERA will serve as a home for the LGBTQ+ community and will feature drag performers and DJs. Get your tickets before they sell out.

Sun, June 2nd , 1 – 3pm: Rescues and Rainbows at The Velvet Hippo (19 Orange St, 3rd Floor, 27701)

Support both Pride Month and Foster a Pet Month at this cocktail for a cause event. From 12-6pm, 10% of proceeds go to Hope Animal Rescue and all day, proceeds from jello shots will go to the LGBTQ Center of Durham. Come enjoy the beautiful rooftop deck at the Velvet Hippo and toast to TWO great causes.

Thurs, June 6th , 6 – 8:30pm: Drag Makeup Tutorial at Nasher Museum of Art (2001 Campus Dr, 27705)

Have you ever wondered what goes into the makeup routine of a drag artist? Have you ever wondered how to unleash your inner drag star? Stormie Daie is giving a lecture and makeup demonstration at the Nasher from 6-7pm, but then you can register for a free, interactive tutorial from 7:30-8:30pm. All supplies will be provided, but registration is required.

Thurs, June 6th , 6:35pm: Durham Bulls Pride Night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St, 27701)

This annual event is hosted by Equality NC, the LGBTQ Center of Durham, and the Durham Police Department. Check out the rainbow pride merch and enjoy $1 Sahlen’s hot dogs at this and every Thursday home game. Tickets start at $10.

Sat, June 8th , 5 – 10pm: Pride Night Market at Glass Jug RTP (5410 NC Hwy 55, 27713)

Fae and Ghoul Collective, an LGBTQ+ owned pop-up planning duo, will be hosting Pride Night Market at Glass Jug’s RTP location in South Durham. The event will exclusively feature more than a dozen LGBTQ+ vendors for all your shopping needs. Plus, Gator on the Grill food truck, a Black-owned small business, will be selling tacos, cheesesteaks, and quesadillas for a portable dinner while you peruse.

Sun, June 9th , 2 – 8pm: Pride Party at Safe Space Salon (3204 Guess Rd, 27705)

Join Durham’s hub for beauty and local art with a Pride Party and market with 30+ vendors. The market opens at 2pm and there will be karaoke and lawn games until 7pm. Drag Story Hour reads a kid-friendly book at 3pm and hang out for the adults-only drag show at 7pm.

Thurs, June 13th , 6:30 – 7:30pm: Rainbow Flower Arranging Class at DSSOLVR Durham (630 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

Want to bring home a beautiful, pride-themed floral arrangement that YOU put together? Sign up for Sweet Serendipity Flowers’ rainbow flower arranging class at the relatively new downtown taproom DSSOLVR, an Asheville-born brewery. Sweet Serendipity artist Lindsay Carr will be donating a portion of proceeds to a local LGBTQ+ organization in honor of Pride Month, so get your tickets quick.

Fri, June 14th , 8pm: House of Coxx: It’s Funny, Y’all! At Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

Join Vivica C. Coxx and co-host Stormie Daie for a hilarious romp through their Southern Heritage. Featuring members of the House of Coxx, this event will showcase music, comedy, drag, and dance. $1 of every ticket purchased will be donated to the LGBTQ Center of Durham.

Sat, June 15th , 4 – 9pm: Pride Block Party 2024 at Auroraflow (609 William Vickers Ave, 27707)

Radically inclusive wellness business, Auroraflow, is hosting their 2nd annual Pride Block Party, with a portion of proceeds going toward Sacred Solidarity, a Durham-based charity dedicated to helping Palestinian refugees. Come enjoy food, drinks, music, stilt walking, and a drag show!

Mon, June 17th , 5 – 8pm: Arts and Drafts Policy Letter Writing at Fullsteam (726 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

As part of Fullsteam’s weekly Arts and Drafts event, they will be hosting a pride letter-writing event. Participants can learn about policies being proposed in our state that are impacting LGBTQ+ rights, like anti-trans bills, and then write letters to NC policy makers to let their voices be heard. The first five folks to attend will also get a prize, so get there early.

Fri, June 21st , 7:30 – 11:30pm: Pride Silent Disco at Hi-Wire Durham (800 Taylor St, 27701)

Silent disco is an incredible dance experience where all participants rent headphones that have 3 channels of awesome music to choose from. Though not explicitly LGBTQ+ oriented, the Pride Disco last year was full of rainbow attire and super supportive! According to the organizers, a portion of the proceeds will go to a local LGBTQ+ organization, too. Definitely bring your dancing shoes and be sure to get tickets early to take advantage of $10 early bird pricing ($15 day of, if any remain).

Sun, June 23rd , 11am – 2pm: Over the Rainbow Pride Drag Brunch at Durham Food Hall (530 Foster St, 27701)

For the low, low price of $35, patrons get a $10 gift certificate to any DFH restaurant and access to Carolina Drag Brunch’s allstar lineup, including several Miss Gay Americas and Miss Gay North Carolina America 2022, Kiara Mel. Doors open at 11am and showtime is 12pm.

Sun, June 23rd , 6 – 7:30pm: Family Pride Swim at Jewish for Good (1937 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)

Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC welcomes people and families of all identities to their Pride Family Swim. Free and open to the public, register for this event to get some sun in this inclusive space while checking out the awesome facilities at the Levin JCC.

Sat, June 29th , 9pm – 2am: The Conjure Pride Party at PS37 (600 Foster St, Ste B, 27701)

The Conjure is a Durham-based dance party that features Black and Brown femmes, theys, and thems! They’re hosting a party that’ll include both a drag and burlesque show, DJ sets, food truck, vendors, and free giveaways. Sliding scale $10-20 at the door with a portion of funds supporting the LGBTQ Center of Durham.

Sun, June 30th , 10am – 3pm: Prism: A Celebration of Pride in STEM at Museum of Life and Science (433 W Murray Ave, 27704)

At this family-friendly pride event, explore diversity in the natural world, discover rainbows around campus, and enjoy story time with Stormie Daie and Rainbow Collective for Change. All activities are included with museum admission.

Drag Story Hour in Durham

In addition to the Pride Party at Safe Space listed above, Drag Story Hour Triangle will be out and about in several Durham locations during Pride Month. Bring the kiddos to hear an inclusive story read by a local drag artist:

• Tues, June 8th , 10:30am at Durham Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd, 27707)

• Fri, June 21st , 10:30am at Durham North Regional Library (221 Milton Rd, 27712)

• Sat, June 29th , 10:15am at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Dr, 27709)

Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and only became a federally recognized holiday last year. It’s a great day to use the time off to educate yourself and celebrate at various events across town. Support Black artists and businesses and check out these upcoming Juneteenth celebrations.

Durm Juneteenth in the Neighborhood

Be Connected Durham, a nonprofit providing equitable engagement strategies in partnership with the County, is honoring the roots of Juneteenth by uplifting unheard voices in Durham. They are promoting the Reimagine Durham Freeway Study to explore ways to rebuild the predominantly Black center of town that was demolished by the development of NC 147. You can catch Be Connected along with lots of fun, food, and music at their below Juneteenth Neighborhood events:

• Sat, June 15th , 2 – 6pm: Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Bragtown at Lakeview Park (3500 Dearborn Dr, 27704)

• Wed, June 19th , 11am – 3pm: West End/Lyon Park Celebration at Carroll St Park (815 Carroll St, 27701)

• Thurs, June 20th , 6-8pm: Juneteenth at the Nasher Museum (pending) (2001 Campus Dr, 27705)

• Fri, June 21st , 3 – 9pm: Black Talk Radio Live Show and Expo at Hayti Heritage Center (804 Old Fayetteville St, 27701

• Sat, June 22nd , 12 – 4pm: North Durham Farmer’s Market at Soul Sanctuary (1016 Old Oxford Rd, 27704)

Sat, June 15th , 10 – 11:15am: Juneteenth Yoga and Meditation at NCCU School of Law (640 Nelson St, 27707)

Perhaps before checking out the NC Juneteenth Celebration at 1pm, kick off your day with wellness to “honor the souls of Black folks.” Follow local Black business owner and yogi, Kelsey Hargrove, as she leads a 1-hour yoga and meditation session, followed by networking. Cost is $15/person.

Sat, June 15th 1 – 8pm: 19th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration at NCCU (705 E Lawson St, 27701)

Sponsored by Spectacular Magazine and Triangle Cultural Awareness Foundation, this annual event kicks off with a processional of dancers, drummers, and community members, then leads into performances, vendors selling African and African-American art and clothing, and a health fair with screenings and vaccinations. It’s free to attend.

Sun, June 16 th , 3 – 7pm: Black Vegan Street Market at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Plant-based food, environmentally friendly vendors, hairbraiding with Juneteenth colors, group games, live music, and DJs. Green Eimaj brings it all to this Juneteenth market and celebration so come hungry and ready to shop so many local and Black-owned businesses.

Wed, June 19th , 12 – 2pm: Party in the Park Juneteenth Edition at Hub RTP Experience Center (300 Park Offices Dr, 27560)

Celebrate freedom with flair in RTP! Several Black-owned businesses are being highlighted for a lunchtime filled with dancing and fun, including food trucks, lawn games, and music. The first 50 attendees will get free ice vouchers and the first 150 families will get a lawn blanket.

Wed, June 19th , 12:30 – 4pm: Juneteenth in Our Courts at NCCU New Student Center (500 Nelson St, 27707)

Use your day off as a day to learn about the criminal justice system and its impact on the descendants of enslaved Americans. Watch the film “Racist Roots: Origins of NC’s Death Penalty,” then witness a discussion of local expert panelists. There will also be performances by St. Joseph’s AME Church Music Ministry and The One Voice Traveling Acting Troupe of Hillside High. Admission is free, but $25 suggested donation.

Wed, June 19th , 7pm: Music in the Gardens Juneteenth Jamboree at Sarah P. Duke Gardens (420 Anderson St, 27708)

As part of Duke Arts’ 2024 partnership with Country Soul Songbook, they are highlighting historically marginalized voices in American roots music as part of their popular Music in the Gardens summer series. On Juneteenth, three powerhouse artists of color, Kyshona, Grace Givertz, and Sam Rise will share how they use their music as a vehicle for community organizing. Bring your own food and beverage or purchase from Black-owned Palace International. The event is free, but reservations are required.

Sat, June 22nd , 10am – 2pm: Juneteenth at Stagville Open House (5828 Old Oxford Rd, 27712)

Tours of Historic Stagville provide a somber and inspiring look into the history of freedom for enslaved people at the Stagville site. At the time of emancipation, Stagville was part of the vast Cameron plantations, with over 900 people of African descent enslaved in 1864. Guides share stories of love, loss, freedom, family, and resistance as you tour the grounds and visit original slave quarters at Horton Grove. Admission is free.

Other Noteworthy June Events

On top of all the opportunities to celebrate and recognize our diverse Durham neighbors during Pride and Juneteenth festivities, there are also a thousand-and-a-half other events worth checking out this month. For brevity, I’ll attempt to describe each of the below in just one line; you’ll have to attend to learn more!

Sat, June 1 st , 7:15am: Running of the Bulls 8K at Old Durham Athletic Park (500 Corpoation St, 27701)

Scenic morning race through downtown finishing with music, food, and a cowbell

Sat, June 1st , 9am – 12:30pm: APS Walk for the Animals at Duke East Campus Lawn (500 Broad St, 27705)

Fundraiser with 1.5-mile dog walk, pet contests, raffle prizes, and “after pawty” at Velvet Hippo

Sat, June 1st , 12 – 11pm: Grand Opening at Atomic Clock Brewery (501 Washington St, 27701)

Brother-sister duo open new brewery with bar menu in the heart of downtown

Sat, June 1st , 4pm: Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park (106 W Knox St, 27701)

Classic Durham community event blending folly, pageantry, and humor to raise funds for wetlands protection

Sun, June 2nd and 16th , 1 – 4pm: Black Farmers Market at Durham Tech (1637 E Lawson St, 27703)

Support local Black farmers at this bi-weekly Sun market

Fri, June 7th , 14th , 21st , and 28th , 5:30 – 9:30pm: Summer Nights Market at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery (6225 Wake Forest Hwy, 27703)

Weekly evening market with 30+ local vendors and housemade beer and wine

Fri, June 7th , 6:30 – 10:30pm: Playlist Concert with The Magic of African Rhythms at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Monthly free concert with local food trucks, beer, and a dance party afterwards

Sat, June 8th , 12 – 4pm: Art-n-Soul Market at Mystic Farm and Distillery (1413 Stallings Rd, 27703)

Local merchants, local spirits, popular food trucks, entertaining music

Sat, June 8th , 12 – 3pm: Vegan Bake Sale at Fullsteam Brewery (726 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

Buy vegan baked goods from local volunteers to support Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge

Sat, June 8th , 10am – 12pm: Discover Durham’s Destination Master Plan Town Hall at Durham County Main Library (300 N Roxboro St, 27701)

Learn about Durham’s 20-year tourism plan and provide input

Sun, June 9th , 12 – 4pm: Summer Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Celebrate National Pollinator Month with 30+ food, beverage, and dessert trucks

Sun, June 9th , 5pm: Blues and Roots at Hayti Heritage Center (804 Fayetteville St, 27701)

History and performance of Blues music as part of Black Music Month

Sun, June 9th , 7pm: Red Whiteville and Blue Screening at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

Finding common ground among working-class residents in Whiteville in this Full Frame documentary with after-party discussion at Queeny’s

Wed, June 12th , 7pm: Music in the Gardens with The Stomp at Sarah P. Duke Gardens (420 Anderson St, 27708)

Outdoor summer concert series highlighting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists in American roots music

Thurs, June 13 th , 8am – 2pm: Take No Bull Women’s Conference at Sheraton Imperial (4700 Emperor Blvd, 27703)

Durham Chamber of Commerce’s day of networking and empowerment for women

Thurs, June 13th , 6:30 – 8:30pm: Candle Making at Weldon Mills Distillery (300 E Main St, 27701)

Build your own candle, with choice of fragrance plus 1 signature Weldon Mills cocktail

Fri, June 14th , 5 – 9pm: Two Durhams Beer Festival at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Four breweries from Durham, NC plus four breweries from Durham, UK share beer and bites at this free event

Sat, June 15th , 11am – 3pm: Dog Dad Olympics at Boxyard RTP (650 Park Office Dr, 27709)

Daddy and doggy competitions, live music, and local market to celebrate Dog Father’s Day

Sat, June 15th , 6pm: Farm Dinner at Elodie Farms (9522 Hampton Rd, Rougemont, 27572)

Five-course farm-to-table dinner for $85 with tour and meet-and-greet with goats and mini

donkey

Wed, June 19th , 7:30pm: Pod Meets World at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

Live version of Boys Meets World stars’ podcast

Fri, June 21st , 6 – 11pm: The Bar Beej Grand Opening at Cheeni Durham (202 Corcoran St, 27701)

Vintage Bollywood themed bar opening in Cheeni Durham with DJ Rang, bar bites, and booze

Fri, June 21st , 6:30 – 9pm: National Dog Party Day at Page Point Animal Hospital (115 Page Point Circle, 27703)

A ticketed evening of treats, games, photo booth, and doggie playtime that’s $20 for people (including dinner) and $10 for pups (including photo session and pupcake)

Wed, June 26th , 6 – 8pm: Sweet Social at The Durham Hotel Rooftop (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)

Monthly dessert pop-up featuring massively tasty cookies from Ashleigh Bakes Daily

Thurs, June 27th , 5 – 8pm: Wedding Showcase at The Cookery (1101 West Chapel Hill St, 27701)

Sample 15+ wedding vendors from photographers to rentals, food to hair and makeup at this divine Durham wedding venue

Thurs, June 27th , 6:30 – 10pm: AfterHours: Science Distilled at Museum of Life and Science (433 W Murray Ave, 27704)

Enjoy the science of spirits and after-hours access to MLS with food, drink, and hands-on experiments

Sat, June 29th , 10am – 2pm: Family Farm Animal Day at Duke Homestead (2828 Duke Homestead Rd, 27705)

Learn about historical and present-day farm creatures and meet local farms, rescue organizations, and wildlife centers

Phew! Between Pride, Juneteenth, and all of the above opportunities, I wish you luck choosing your adventures in Durham this month. They’re bound to be fabulous!

Looking for more? Check our Guide to Durham’s Recurring Events: Trivia, Dancing, Yoga, and More