No month is better than June. Even if it’s been years since graduation, that glorious “school’s out for the summer” vibe circles back around, nudging you to plunge head-first into a happy haze of sunshine. Cue park picnics, pool days, and Aperol spritzes on rooftop bars.
Festival season continues, soccer fans can look forward to the World Cup, and the upcoming weeks are packed with parades celebrating Pride Month and Juneteenth. This edition of “Your Month IRL,” Bustle’s monthly roundup of in-person events, has plenty of ideas for getting out there — just grab your flip-flops.
— Hannah Orenstein, deputy lifestyle & wellness editor
Some dates and details to keep in mind, regardless of which city you call home.
Pride Month turns 55 this year! There are countless parades across the country in remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. Los Angeles celebrates on June 8; New York, San Francisco, and Chicago march on June 29; and plenty of smaller cities and rural towns throw events, too. Feeling shoppy? Support an LGBTQ+-owned small business.
Post Malone’s Big Ass Stadium Tour wraps up its U.S. run in June before heading abroad. The 12 remaining stops include Orlando, Denver, Boise, Seattle, and San Francisco. The musician is promoting last year’s album F-1 Trillion — his foray into country music — and fittingly, Jelly Roll is opening the shows.
Country fans will be flocking to CMA Fest, which takes place June 5-8 in Nashville. The bash features artists including Kelsey Ballerini, Shaboozey, Jordan Davis, Megan Moroney, and Luke Bryan — yee-haw.
The beloved music festival returns June 12-15. This year, Bonnaroo features Hozier, Vampire Weekend, plus the one-two punch of Olivia Rodrigo and her longtime idol Avril Lavigne on a single day. Who’s ready to roar?
Is it really summer without a good rom-com? Materialists stars the internet’s dream cast: Dakota Johnson plays a matchmaker torn between New York’s most eligible bachelor (Pedro Pascal) and an ex stirring up old feelings (Chris Evans). Watch it in a cool, cushy movie theater to escape summer’s heat.
In commemoration of the end of slavery in 1865, Juneteenth celebrates Black history, culture, and joy. Because it falls on a Thursday this year, most parades will take place on weekends: June 14 in New York, Chicago, and Detroit, June 14-15 in Atlanta and Memphis, and June 22 in Philadelphia.
Looking for a fun way to kick off the summer? Head to 23rd and South Street on June 8 for the ODUNDE Festival, now in its 50th year. Spanning 15 blocks, this free event celebrates Black and African culture with live music, dance, soul food, and over 100 vendors selling art, crafts, jewelry, and more.
— Carolyn Steber, staff writer
While Chicago has plenty of June events celebrating the LGBTQ+ communities, one of the most unique is Pride Night at the Shedd Aquarium. On June 14, immerse yourself in the aquatic environment with energetic DJs and an ocean-themed drag showcase. Purchase tickets ahead of time.
— Gabrielle Bondi, entertainment editor
This year’s FIFA Club World Cup kicks off at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14. It’s the perfect way to celebrate David Beckham’s Inter Miami — who have taken South Florida’s soccer scene by storm — while getting a sneak peek at the excitement of next year’s World Cup, which spans North American cities including the 305.
— Grace Wehniainen, staff writer
Let New Yorkers and Chicagoans duke it out over who has the best pizza — Bostonians know what the real deal is. From June 21-22, the city will host its annual Pizza Festival, just steps away from Little Italy and the North End. The $10 entry fee comes with two slices, but honestly, the 10-for-$30 package is tempting.
— Megan LaCreta, editorial associate
Have an event for our monthly roundup? Send it to bustlecalendar@bustle.com.
