Raleigh, N.C., Pride

No matter what you love, or who you love, you'll appreciate the way Raleigh's smart and savvy locals have embraced a new-fashioned vision for their historic capital area. A community that's modern by nature—home to students, professors and a young workforce in the tech and science sectors—Raleigh is passionate about the fun, lively and welcoming vibe that artists, entrepreneurs and innovators have created for all to enjoy. Endless nightlife spots, gay and lesbian bars and clubs and authentic, handcrafted experiences are ready to be discovered by LGBTQ visitors.

Out! Raleigh

Invigorate your senses by sampling the many flavors of cutting-edge cuisine enhanced by artisan craft brews and spirits. Get your toes tapping to the sounds of emerging music and bands. Discover gifts and treasures from local boutiques. Join in on family-friendly activities and events where Raleigh's people and culture are celebrated. And, broaden your horizons through an enticing array of visual and performing arts events.



Celebrations

Several times a year, the Raleigh area especially shows its LGBTQ pride through big events.

PrideLife Expo 2023
PrideLife Expo, held in the spring and presented by Harmony: N.C. LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce with special support from the LGBT Center of Raleigh, is a community expo featuring agencies, organizations, businesses, health care providers, housing providers and nonprofits in the area who are welcoming and wish to connect and serve the LGBTQ community. PrideLife Expo will also feature nonprofit agencies and organizations that deliver services specifically to the over-50 LGBTQ population. Look out for the 2023 date! Learn more

Raleigh Pride
Join the City of Oaks in June for a month-long, city-wide celebration dedicated to highlighting diverse events that contribute to the texture of our LGBTQ community! Visit RaleighPrideNC.com or follow @raleighpridenc on Instagram as festivities are planned.

Out! Raleigh Pride
Out! Raleigh Pride on June 24, 2023, is the area's annual, family-friendly street festival that celebrates the LGBTQ community and its allies. Organized each year by the LGBT Center of Raleigh, the festival's speakers, performers and vendors (and a Kids Zone) bring a day of fun and family to downtown Raleigh's Fayetteville St. district. Learn more

Crape Myrtle Festival (CMF)
The CMF is one of the nation's oldest ongoing AIDS fundraisers which aims to encourage and promote the development of services for persons living with HIV, additionally, to raise money to provide financial assistance, outreach and education to realized needs within the local LGBTQ community. CMF's fundraiser and gala each July honors these accomplishments through grand celebration.

Out! Raleigh

 

LGBTQ-welcoming hotels

Where you stay is just as important as what you do while you’re here. It’s got to fit your style, your location and of course, your budget. That’s why you’ll find 160-plus options in Raleigh, N.C. And at hotels registered through Visit Raleigh's LGBTQ-Welcoming Hotels Program, you can relax in the certainty that your expectations will be met.
 

A Welcome to All

From our buzzing nightlife, enticing arts and entertainment, world-class shopping districts, exciting outdoor recreation and professional sports and abundance of luxury and upscale hotels, Raleigh offers a lot to see and do and extends a welcome to all visitors with open hearts, the desire to meet your needs and help you discover your own Raleigh story.

All Are Welcome Mural

Right Now in Raleigh, N.C.

Things to Do

The days are longer, the weather is warmer and the flowers are blooming—sure signs of spring in the Raleigh area! The perfect season to explore parks and gardens budding with colorful flowers, use this list to get out and enjoy sunshine and the beauty of the City of Oaks. WRAL Azalea Gardens The

Live Music

Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts. Menconi's latest book, "Step It Up and Go: The Story of North Carolina Popular Music, from...

Things to Do

Raleigh, N.C., keeps adding happy occasions to the calendar. Festivals and major events serve an important purpose—they mark history and sense of pride, plus they showcase talent, creativity...

Things to Do

You don't need a special occasion to plan a romantic night out. The Raleigh area serves up the perfect places for romantic dates year-round! If you’re looking to take a trip with your...

Things to Do

Often dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South" thanks to an abundance of free museums, historic attractions and educational institutions, Raleigh, N.C., has long been known as a budget-friendly...

Live Music

Who's ready to rock? Live music is back in a big way this spring in the Raleigh area! Browse the biggest and best picks of the next few months below (and send this to a friend to start picking out your shows!). Note: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts...