NC State will host its annual PrideFest to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community on campus and beyond. 

The event, which will take place Oct. 3 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., recognizes National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ+ History Month. 

Jae Edwards, assistant director of the LGBTQ Pride Center, said the event, previously known as PrideWalk, is now called PrideFest to present a more inclusive environment and welcome everyone to the event.

“This is for all of us, right? For all of us who enjoy our time and to come to show that the community is not just students,” Edwards said. “It’s not just faculty. It’s not just staff. But it’s everyone coming together to have that great and inclusive time and an experience they’re going to remember.” 

Tracy Ferry, the administrative support specialist for the LGBTQ Pride Center, said there will be several different opportunities and activities for students interested in going. 

“Students who identify as LGBTQ+, also allies, community members, faculty and staff, they can all gather around and participate in our event,” Ferry said.

This year, the event has grown massively. 

“We will have lots of vendors and organizations, different organizations from across North Carolina,” Edwards said. “And food trucks, lots of food trucks.”

The food trucks range from vegan soul food to tacos to ice cream and hot dogs. 

The event will feature speakers, including Chancellor Randy Woodson. After the speeches, attendees will join a parade across campus. Students are welcome to join at any part of the route.

For attendees who don’t want to join the parade, vendors and organizations will be set up on Stafford Commons for a lawn party. Activities will include chair massages, lawn games, therapy dogs and free haircuts for students.

“The fact that, you know, students who maybe can’t afford certain resources, they can come and get a free haircut,” Ferry said. “It’s a little way that we can help support our students, especially those who have the need.” 

Arts and crafts will be available, including T-shirt designing and sign making.

Edwards said PrideFest was created to give students an opportunity to find community. 

“This gives people the opportunity to make community, make friends, make fellowship and just enjoy the time, not worrying about other things,” Edwards said. 

Edwards said PrideFest is the product of several different communities coming together to support the LGBTQ+ community at NC State. 

“This was a very, very, very big task,” Edwards said. “And that includes people from multiple departments throughout the entire North Carolina State community and the Raleigh community.”

Ferry said PrideFest will open doors to school and community resources available for LGBTQ+ students. 

“We are inviting community partners because they can get connected to spaces outside of the school as well, for resources that they may need,” Ferry said.

The event is all about community and aids to help students find a connection on campus.

“Down to the core, it’s a way for our community to be visible, show up and outwardly express support for the community and being yourself,” Ferry said. “It’s a way for our students to just feel connected and find the community on campus.”