June: The time most of us say a fond farewell to another school year, the month when summer officially kicks in, and, if you can believe it, the month that marks the halfway point of the year. How is 2023 already half over?
We've put together a list of 10 events and holidays taking place in June. All we can say? Get ready for a great month ahead!
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LGBTQ+ Pride Month
LGBTQ+ Pride events, including parades, parties, picnics, and much more, are organized nationwide this month to celebrate Pride Month. Along with celebrations, this is also a chance for those in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to show support and highlight important legislation and policies affecting the LGBTQ+ community. June 1-30
🚨 Local event alert! 🚨
Lawrence Pride Parade & Party: PRIDE celebrations in Lawrence began in 2017 and looked a lot different than they do now. As our community has grown, so has this event! Join us Downtown Lawrence on June 3rd for a PRIDE parade followed by a street party immediately afterwards.
Kansas City Pride Parade & Festival: Kansas City PrideFest is an LGBTQ+ festival features a main stage with local acts, national recording artists, vendors, food trucks, family activities, and more! The festival will take place from Friday, June 9th through Sunday, June 11th at Theis Park. All ages are welcome. Sunday is focused on family-friendly entertainment and activities.
2023 Gardner Pride WALK & Celebration: Join us for the 3rd annual Pride Walk and Celebration at Warren Park on June 18th. We'll have live performances, music, photo booths, prizes, speakers and more!
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National Ocean Month
The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface and is where life began 3.5 billion years ago ... and yet about 95 percent of the ocean remains unexplored! Celebrate National Ocean Month by learning more about the world's amazing bodies of water — from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Great Lakes in between! But there's nothing like actually going to an ocean, lake, or creek to really appreciate them ... so get out there and explore! June 1-30
🚨 Online event alert! 🚨
Yoshi and the Ocean author Lindsay Moore will be hosting a Facebook live event on June 13th.
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National Donut Day
Do-nut let this day go by without a celebration. Get one ... or a dozen! Grab a Bite From One of Our Favorite Donut Shops Friday, June 2
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National Cheese Day
What's better than donuts? Cheese! Serve the kids grilled cheese tonight — better yet, teach them to make their own! This sandwich isn't just for kids, either. Check out our 3 delicious twists on the classic sandwich. Sunday, June 4
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Flag Day
Everyone knows the story of Betsy Ross, but have you heard the story of Bob Heft? In 1958, shortly after Alaska gained statehood, the 17-year-old from Ohio took apart his family's 48-star flag and added two more in a symmetrical pattern for a class project. He explained to his teacher he believed Hawaii would soon gain statehood status as well.
He sent the flag to his congressman, who, in turn, presented it to then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower selected Heft's design for the 50-star flag after Hawaii became a state, and on July 4, 1960, Eisenhower and Heft raised the 50-star flag together for the first time.
The best part of the story? Heft’s teacher, initially unimpressed with his project, had given him a B-. The teacher later changed his grade to an A. Wednesday, June 14
DIY project: Make your own Flag Day pin!
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Eat Your Vegetables Day
Well, we've celebrated donuts and cheese this month. Guess we should also include a few veggies in the mix! Want to get your kids excited about vegetables? Plant a garden together. No room? You can also plant many veggies in pots! Here are 10 benefits of gardening with kids. Saturday, June 17
Dinner idea: Make pasta-free lasagna using zucchini!
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International Picnic Day
Everyone loves a picnic! You can head to your favorite park for an elaborate grill out or simply throw a blanket down in your backyard and serve PB&Js. The joy of a picnic is in spending time together enjoying the outdoors. That amazing potato salad? Well, that's just a bonus. Need some help planning? Check out 5 Tips for a Perfect Picnic with the Family from our sister site, Hulafrog. Sunday, June 18
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Father's Day
Celebrate all the men in your life who have taken on the role of dad. Sunday, June 18
Sesame Street celebrates Juneteenth!
Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the date Texas slaves were told in 1865 that they were free — two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth emphasizes African American education and achievement and is a time marked with everything from family reunions to rodeos. It is now recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. (Find out more: How to Talk to Children about Juneteenth and What Juneteenth Means and How to Celebrate With Kids). Monday, June 19
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June Solstice
Summer is officially here! Get outside and celebrate! Wednesday, June 21
