Join us for the Greenville-Pitt County Summer of Pride! Celebrating community, diversity, and love, this action-packed summer has something for everyone.
The Summer of Pride event series was created by our local LBGTQ+ leaders and allies, with the support of NAMI Pitt County, with the goal of curating a centralized calendar of Pride events happening from June through August 2024. Each event seeks to create a safe space for everyone to come together to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you are a visitor or a Pitt County native, be sure to mark your calendar with your favorite event opportunities!
While you are out and about in Downtown Greenville for the Summer of Pride, stop by some of our favorite queer-friendly businesses! Grab some breakfast at the Scullery, a coffee off of the Pride Menu at Backstage Coffee, a brew at Pitt Street Brewing, or some holistic home goods at Sojourner Whole Earth Provisions!
*Summer 2024 will serve as a pilot program, with the series being managed primarily by volunteers, so we may not be able to accommodate every request for an event to be included on the calendar but encourage you to reach out to let us know about additional Pride events happening in our community and ways to be involved.
PRIDE PASSPORT
At each event you can pick up a Summer of Pride Passport, which you can then get punched at each event you attend this summer. Participate in 4 or more events, and turn in your Summer of Pride Passport at the NAMI Pitt County Pride Festival on Saturday, August 26, and you will be entered into a raffle for a fabulous prize to be given out at the festival.
JUNE
FEATURED EVENT:
Paddock Club Memorial Dedication, June 29th at 4pm at 1010 Dickinson Avenue
The Paddock Club was the longest-running gay club in North Carolina, operating from June 1973 to December 2003. Originally the Country Western Club, the founder, Bill Brock, decided to turn it into a gay bar, becoming the only queer space east of Raleigh at that time. On the first night of operating, Brock stood out front informing customers of the change and offering refunds for membership if desired, and while a few did accept the refund, The Paddock Club quickly became a cherished space among the queer community in North Carolina. On the final night of operation, the club was filled to capacity with former patrons.
The Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge Gallery and Art Center has recently installed a piece of public art on Dickinson Avenue to memorialize this beloved space. The sculpture is the original spiral staircase from The Paddock Club, with powder-coated rainbow ribbons added by NC artist, Jessica Bradshear. The community is welcome to gather at 1010 Dickinson Avenue near the Tenth Street Connector Overpass near where The Paddock Club once stood.. After the dedication, there will be a Popup Paddock Club Celebration at the State Theatre on 5th Street, where former patrons can reconnect and relive memories, and newer members of the Pitt County queer community can experience a night at the Paddock Club. Tickets for the Pop-Up Paddock Club are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
JULY
FEATURED EVENT:
Pride Paddle with Knee Deep Adventures, July 20th at 2pm at Greenville Town Common
Get on the beautiful Tar River this summer with Knee Deep Adventures, a queer-owned paddle rental and tour company. Taking you from Greenville Town Common down the Tar River to Wildwood Park, this leisurely paddle is a great opportunity to connect with nature and local LGBTQIA+ members.
While Knee Deep has been a favorite Pitt County queer-owned business for years, Kate and Megan bought the company in 2024. Kate and Megan host a variety of unique events on the water, such as their Full Moon Paddles and Earth Day Cleanups, and collaborative events with local businesses, such as SUP yoga classes with Poolside Yoga Flow, or Paddles & Pints with Pitt Street Brewing Company.
AUGUST
FEATURED EVENT:
Greenville PRIDE, August 24th from 10am-2pm at Greenville Town Common and Toyota Amphitheater
If you had to choose one event to travel to Greenville for, this is it! A day filled with fun, laughter, and celebration of diversity. Every event for Summer of Pride leads up to this grand finale! Featuring community vendors, food trucks, live music, drag performances, and more- this is a can’t miss event in North Carolina!
If you have been to 4 or more Summer of Pride Events, remember to turn in your Summer of Pride Passport to be entered into the raffle!
