RIVERDALE, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission recognizes Pride Month 2024 with a series of inclusive events and activities.
Pride Month is an annual event dedicated to the celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride and honoring the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, which is widely considered a tipping point in the gay rights movement in the U.S.
“From outdoor comedy shows to hiking and birding, we’ve got a great lineup of programs to celebrate Pride Month,” said Miti Figueredo, Montgomery Parks director. “Our parks are truly for everyone, and we want our LGBTQIA+ community to have fun exercising, socializing, and enjoying nature in our parks during Pride Month and all year round.”
“During Pride Month, Parks and Recreation celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and highlights their contributions to society. We foster an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves,” states Bill Tyler, Director of the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “Our commitment to value, respect, diversity, and inclusion is engrained in our culture and guides our actions each day. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender or orientation, can live without discrimination or prejudice.”
June Pride Month Events
Lunchtime Lecture: Queer History at Historic Sites
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Noon-1 p.m.
Marietta House Museum, 5626 Bell Station Rd, Glenn Dale, Md., 20769
Dr. Matt Champagne, a post-doctoral student with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Queer History Postdoctoral Fellowship, will discuss queer history and how it is presented at historic sites, focusing on famous people now believed to have been queer, who lived before terms like gay or transgender became commonplace. Free. Ages 13+
Pride in the Park: A Comedy Show
Thursday, June 6, 2024, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton, Md., 20902
LGBTQIA+ comics from comedy troupe Improbable Comedy bring the laughs in stand-up routines touching on topics of relationships, family, and love. The event begins at 6pm with food and beverages for purchase. The show begins at 7 p.m. Free. Ages 17+
Pride Month Campfire and Night Hike
Friday, June 7, 2024, 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane Rockville, Md., 20855
Celebrate Pride with a naturalist-led night hike referencing queer ecology. Enjoy s’mores around a cozy campfire lit up with rainbow flames. All ages. $7. Registration required.
Birding for All
Saturday, June 8, 2024, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, Md., 20817
Birding is for anyone interested in nature. This session in particular welcomes members of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and accessibility communities into a hospitable learning environment. A park naturalist will introduce the hobby of birding and give helpful tips on spotting different species. A guided trail walk is also offered. Bring your own binoculars or borrow ours. Free. Registration required.
In the Life: Pride Celebration
Saturday, June 29, 2024, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Lake Artemesia, 8200 55th Avenue, College Park, MD 20740
Join us for an exciting and empowering workshop designed especially for LGBTQIA+ youth, family, and allies. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the ballroom scene, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to express yourself, learn new skills, and connect with a vibrant community.
How to Register for Montgomery Parks Programs, Classes, Camps, Events
Registration is through the Active Montgomery website. Users must first set up a free account on the site before registering.
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming Visit the Summer 2024 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About the Commission
Founded in 1927, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a nationally recognized leader in land use planning, parks, and recreation achieving countless awards for innovation, stewardship, and exemplary vision for enhancing the lives of current and future generations of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. The agency improves the well-being of over two million residents and countless visitors within its area by planning the coordinated and harmonious physical growth and development of the region; protecting and stewarding natural, cultural, and historical resources; providing an award-winning system of parks; creating recreational experiences that enhance the quality of life of all individuals; and planning great communities that are vibrant, livable, accessible, and sustainable. For more information visit www.mncppc.org.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org
About Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation
With 28,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and more – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s facilities and programming continue to evolve and expand to keep pace with the needs of its vibrant community. For more information, visit www.pgparks.com