It is finally June! Who is ready to embrace summer and enjoy the sun?
June is Pride Month! Stonewall Columbus has a great lineup of events and activities this year. Check out their June calendar of events:
June 1 – Illumination of City Hall
June 1-30 – Pride (Bike) Ride Challenge
June 8 – Blood Drive @ Stonewall
– Patient Empowerment Series – Healthcare + Q-BIPOC
June 10 – Get Pride… In Yourself (Shameless Self-Promotion Workshop)
June 13 – Pride Tea Dance Around Town – Dry Event
June 14 – Patient Empowerment Series – Lesbian & Queer Women Wellness
June 16 – I’m Black & Proud – Virtual Ball
June 19 – Columbus Pride Virtual March
June 22 – Patient Empowerment Series – Transgender Wellness
June 26 – Land Grant X Stonewall Family Pride Celebration (feat. Nina West!)
This month we also recognize Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. In 1865 a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of the end of the Civil War and slavery – two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
As much as Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of those who were enslaved, it also represents the tragic delay for enslaved people in the deep reaches of the Confederacy. The first Juneteenth was celebrated in 1866, however Juneteenth was not recognized as a federal holiday nor was it a topic taught in schools. In 1980, Texas was the first state to declare Juneteenth an official holiday.
It wasn’t until last year, 2020, that Washington DC and nearly every state recognized the day as a holiday or observance. It is important to recognize Juneteenth and recognize emancipation – Columbus has a handful of ways you can commemorate and learn about the African American community:
June 17 – Juneteenth Celebration – Growing & Growth Collective at The King Arts Complex
June 18-20 – 1st Annual Juneteenth Celebration
June 19 – Juneteenth Community Festival at the Phenix Banquet Center
– Black Music – The Soundtrack of Humanity
– A Juneteenth Symphony
– Juneteenth Symphony Showcase
– Jokes on Juneteenth
June 20 – Love & Light BBQ at Goodale Park
Our Top Picks
Local Farmers’ Market – Check out any of these spots for a taste of central Ohio’s high-quality meats, grains, cheeses, vegetables, fruits and SO much more.
Metro Parks – There are 19 different parks on over 27,000 acres of land to choose from, and they offer a lot of events and activities throughout the year.
Bridge Park – More than a destination! Stay up-to-date with all things Bridge Park.
While exploring Bridge Park, check out Dublin’s Fairy Door Trail. Our Operations Team recently searched for the Fairy Doors and had a blast – 10/10 recommend, especially for families!
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Wildlife adventure awaits! With over 10,000 animals in seven regions, the Columbus Zoo is the perfect location to learn more about the world’s amazing wildlife.
Columbus Clippers – 2021 single game tickets are now available!
Out of Town
Hocking Hills – With so many parks to explore, it never disappoints. Explore the woodland trails and take in the sights of cliffs and waterfalls, go camping or rent a cabin stay. The Hills are a popular Ohio destination – we suggest planning a weekday trip if you want to avoid the crowds. Explore the Hocking Hills website and plan your trip today. And don’t forget to make time to unwind at the Hocking Hills Winery!
Hocking Hills Parks:
Old Man’s Cave
Ash Cave
Cedar Falls
Conkles Hollow
Cantwell Cliffs
Rock House
Clear Creek Metro Park
Rock Bridge
Lake Logan
Lake Hope
Tar Hollow
Hocking State Forest
Wayne National Forest
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