6 days ago
Guide to pride: Fayetteville, Sandhills roll out events for final weeks of June
Guide to pride: Fayetteville, Sandhills roll out events for final weeks of June
Pride Month celebrations are ramping up, with the Fayetteville Pride Festival returning June 21 to a new venue and a lineup of events planned throughout the region.
The Fayetteville Pride Festival is moving inside this year, with the city's largest LGBTQ+ celebration set to take place at the Crown Complex.
The free event, organized by the nonprofit Fayetteville PRIDE, runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 21 and features entertainment, local vendors, food trucks and family-friendly programming, according to Fayetteville PRIDE president Krystal Maddox.
The motto of this year's event is 'My crown, my pride, my love. They can't take that away.'
This year's headliner brings national recognition to the local stage.
R&B singer Kyng Bea, a former American Idol Golden Ticket winner and cruise ship entertainer, will perform at 4 p.m, according to a Fayetteville PRIDE news release. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Bea has opened for artists such as Patti LaBelle and Dru Hill and recently performed at Global Black Pride in Atlanta.
Maddox said another show at 1 p.m. will include performances by drag queens, drag kings and local artists. The final two hours of the festival will feature a dance party with contests and prizes.
She said the event's move from Festival Park allows for heightened security to protect attendees.
Security measures include metal detectors and a clear bag policy. Only clear bags smaller than 12-by-6-by-12 inches or clutch-style bags under 4.5-by-6.5 inches will be allowed. Outside food or beverages, weapons and pets are prohibited, with the exception of service animals.
Additional Pride-themed events are planned in and around Fayetteville:
Pride Tattoo Event
Art-Works & Ink will host a Pride-themed tattoo event June 21 from 2 to 10 p.m. at 116 Old St. in downtown Fayetteville.
People can choose from a flash sheet of pride-inspired tattoos or work with artists on custom designs.
Fayetteville Woodpeckers' 'Night OUT'
The Fayetteville Woodpeckers hosts its second annual 'Night OUT' game at 6:35 p.m. June 26 at Segra Stadium.
Theme tickets, which include an exclusive Pride jersey, start at $14. The team will play the Augusta GreenJackets. Buy tickets on the Woodpeckers' theme tickets page.
Sandhills PRIDE Events
In Southern Pines, Sandhills PRIDE will host events to round out Pride Month.
On June 21, the Older Wiser Lesbians, or will gather for a relaxed lakeside brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines.
The event is open to those aged 24 and older and offers a chance to connect, share stories and enjoy the outdoors. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite drink or snack to share. Registration is required.
Sandhills PRIDE will also mark its 10th anniversary with a trivia night June 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Rec Room, 750 SW Broad St. in Southern Pines.
The event will include games, community building and birthday celebrations highlighting a decade of LGBTQ+ advocacy in the Sandhills.
Government Watchdog Reporter Claire C. Carter can be reached at ccarter@
