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 in New Orleans!
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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. Learn more about what's happening in New Orleans here. June 1-30
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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! Visit the Lakefront to catch a beautiful sunset or go to the Audubon Aquarium to appreciate all the living creatures of the ocean - it reopens on June 8! June 1-30
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National Donut Day
Do-nut let this day go by without a celebration. Get one ... or a dozen! Check out District Donuts, Blue Dot Donuts, Bakers Dozen, or Maple Street Patisserie. 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. Visit St. James Cheese Shop on Prytania St. for a great cheese selection. 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. Also, if planting a garden is a bit much to take on at the moment, how about visiting Crescent City Farmers Market, the French Market, or Lafreniere Park Farmers and Art Market. Saturday, June 17
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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. Find the perfect picnic spot under our New Orleans' beautiful oak trees at City Park, Audubon Park or Lafreniere Park! 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). Celebrate at the New Orleans Juneteenth Festival at Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park. Also, in honor of Juneteenth, enjoy free admission on Sunday, June 18 at the New Orleans Museum of Art and on Monday, June 19 at Longue Vue House and Gardens. Monday, June 19
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June Solstice
Summer is officially here! Get outside and celebrate! Wednesday, June 21
