Thursday Night Hike 7/23 - South Deerfield, Western Massachusetts

July 23, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: July 21, 2026

Thursday Night Hikes are back! Please join us this summer for some of our favorite hikes in Western Massachusetts, led by Volunteers Amy, Sam, and Beck.

This week’s Thursday Night Hike has beautiful, postcard-worthy views of the valley and Connecticut River. Some sections have steep stairs to climb but we’ll have time to take it slow. The route winds through the woods but sometimes crosses over roads and parking lots. Trails have exposed rocks and roots. 2.13 miles, 450 ft elevation gain.

Hikes this Summer:
Sunderland, MA — June 4

Pelham, MA - June 11

Northampton, MA - June 18

Haydenville, MA - June 25

Hadley, MA - July 2

Leeds, MA - July 9

Shutesbury, MA - July 16

South Deerfield, MA - July 23

Easthampton, MA - July 30

Amherst, MA - August 6

Greenfield, MA - August 13

Hadley, MA - August 20

Northampton, MA - August 27

Ashfield, MA - September 3

About Thursday Night Hikes:

Thursday Night Hikes are all about finding community and relaxing in nature with other queer folks! They are a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people while enjoying summer outside. We hike at the pace of the slowest person, and we don’t leave anyone behind. 

Hikes range from 1.5 to 3 miles and are generally within a 30- to 40-minute radius of the Northampton/Amherst area. All hikes start at 5:30pm and may go as late as 8:00pm. Hikes generally run rain or shine, but we will cancel for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat.

Hikes in this series will be posted on a monthly basis. Please note that space is limited (generally 8-14 people), and registration is required for each hike. Please cancel your registration if you realize you can’t go so that other people can attend!

Want to be the first to know when new events are posted in this area? Sign up for our mailing list at bit.ly/tvop-rivervalleyMA-VT

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Morro Bay Hike with Hikes and Dykes- California

July 18, 2026 —10:00am - 12:00pm PT
Last day to register: July 16, 2026

This event is free to attend, with optional donations welcomed.

Join TVOP and local queer hiking group Hikes and Dykes for a morning hike in Morro Bay! This hike will take us through a scrub chaparral ecosystem with lots of interesting native plants and wildlife, as well as beautiful views of the Morro Bay estuary. We will hike at a relaxed social pace, with no one left behind. After the hike, feel free to join us for lunch at a local cafe.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.

Thursday Night Hike 7/16 - Shutesbury, Western Massachusetts

July 16, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 30, 2026

Thursday Night Hikes are back! Please join us this summer for some of our favorite hikes in Western Massachusetts, led by Volunteers Amy, Sam, and Beck.

This week’s Thursday Night Hike is at a beautiful sanctuary with unique sculptures, extensive boardwalks through bogs and wetlands, sweeping views, and a magical doorway. Trails are narrow in places, with exposed rocks, roots, and mud. There is one steep section with a stone staircase and slippery, loose footing. We'll cover 2.8 miles, with 200 ft elevation change.

Hikes this Summer:
Sunderland, MA — June 4

Pelham, MA - June 11

Northampton, MA - June 18

Haydenville, MA - June 25

Hadley, MA - July 2

Leeds, MA - July 9

Shutesbury, MA - July 16

South Deerfield, MA - July 23

Easthampton, MA - July 30

Amherst, MA - August 6

Greenfield, MA - August 13

Hadley, MA - August 20

Northampton, MA - August 27

Ashfield, MA - September 3

About Thursday Night Hikes:

Thursday Night Hikes are all about finding community and relaxing in nature with other queer folks! They are a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people while enjoying summer outside. We hike at the pace of the slowest person, and we don’t leave anyone behind. 

Hikes range from 1.5 to 3 miles and are generally within a 30- to 40-minute radius of the Northampton/Amherst area. All hikes start at 5:30pm and may go as late as 8:00pm. Hikes generally run rain or shine, but we will cancel for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat.

Hikes in this series will be posted on a monthly basis. Please note that space is limited (generally 8-14 people), and registration is required for each hike. Please cancel your registration if you realize you can’t go so that other people can attend!

Want to be the first to know when new events are posted in this area? Sign up for our mailing list at bit.ly/tvop-rivervalleyMA-VT

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Lakeside Stroll & Community Hang - Wisconsin

July 12, 2026 —10:30am - 1:30pm PT
Last day to register: July 10, 2026

This event is free to attend, with optional donations welcomed.

Join TVOP for our first ever southeast Wisconsin-based event: a Sunday stroll along Lake Michigan with an optional park hang following. The out-and-back route will cover about 2 miles, is completely paved, and mostly flat with less than 50 ft of elevation gain. The route features several lookouts with skyline views of the city as well as points of sandy beach access (unpaved) to view our beautiful lake! Afterwards, several picnic blankets and options for card or outdoor games will be provided for those who would like to stick around and enjoy the day in community with one another. Bring a friend, your favorite outdoor game and maybe a snack to enjoy a day by the water!

This event is for ages 18+ and intended for the LGBTQIA+ community. Please register yourself for more details!

Naturalist Led Queer Hike - Montana

July 12, 2026 — 9:00 am - 11:00 am MT
Last day to register: July 10, 2025

Cherish Bozeman's precious summer days by taking a hike with other queer and trans folks right outside of town. Led by local naturalist, Bryce, the hike will be about 4 miles total of gradual uphill then downhill in a beautiful forested area. Bring old friends and make new ones along the way! Dogs are welcome.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.

Morning Wildlife Hike - Oregon

July 12, 2026 — 8:00 am - 11:00 am PT
Rain Date: August 9, 2026
Last day to register: July 10, 2025

Please join The Venture Out Project for a morning wildlife hike around an extinct volcano in a popular southeast Portland park! Deer, coyotes, and many different types of birds pass through this park and are more active and easier to spot in the morning. The hike will cover 3 miles, with time for breaks. All of the trails we will be hiking on are asphalt or gravel. The loop is mostly flat, with some short areas of incline or decline. This hike is all about spending time with other queer people in nature!

This event is for ages 18+ and intended for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Pride Ride with Radical Adventure Riders SLO- California

July 11, 2026 —10:00am - 12:00pm PT
Last day to register: July 9, 2026

This event is free to attend, with optional donations welcomed.

Join TVOP and Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) for a bike ride around town! We will be biking about 20 miles and 1,000 ft of total elevation change on paved roads around San Luis Obispo, starting and ending at a local queer owned brewery. This ride will occur at a friendly, social pace, with no one left behind. There will be an optional potluck lunch after the ride is over!

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

July Queer Climbing Night - Oregon

July 9, 2026 — 6:00 - 8:00pm PT
Last day to register: July 7, 2026

Join TVOP Bend for July Queer Climb Night at Boardworks, a welcoming monthly climbing meetup centered around community, connection, and climbing for all experience levels. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or have years of experience, this event is designed to create an inclusive and supportive space for the queer community to climb together, build skills, and meet new people.

Boardworks is a progression-based bouldering gym with a full workout gym and sauna, offering a unique and engaging climbing experience for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Come learn new techniques, challenge yourself, or simply hang out and climb in a low-pressure environment.

This event is free for Boardworks members and first-time visitors. Returning guests can purchase a reduced $10 day pass, with climbing shoe rentals and chalk included. Participants will also be required to complete any waivers required by the climbing gym prior to participating.

This event is intended for the queer community and is open to ages 18+. We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Thursday Night Hike 7/9 - Leeds, Western Massachusetts

July 7, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: July 7, 2026

Thursday Night Hikes are back! Please join us this summer for some of our favorite hikes in Western Massachusetts, led by Volunteers Amy, Sam, and Beck.

This week’s Thursday Night Hike is a relaxing 3.2 mile walk in the woods along rolling hills, lovely streams, and mossy boulders, with a scenic overlook to the west. The inclines are mostly gentle with one steeper, rockier section near the overlook,

Hikes this Summer:
Sunderland, MA — June 4

Pelham, MA - June 11

Northampton, MA - June 18

Haydenville, MA - June 25

Hadley, MA - July 2

Leeds, MA - July 9

Shutesbury, MA - July 16

South Deerfield, MA - July 23

Easthampton, MA - July 30

Amherst, MA - August 6

Greenfield, MA - August 13

Hadley, MA - August 20

Northampton, MA - August 27

Ashfield, MA - September 3

About Thursday Night Hikes:

Thursday Night Hikes are all about finding community and relaxing in nature with other queer folks! They are a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people while enjoying summer outside. We hike at the pace of the slowest person, and we don’t leave anyone behind. 

Hikes range from 1.5 to 3 miles and are generally within a 30- to 40-minute radius of the Northampton/Amherst area. All hikes start at 5:30pm and may go as late as 8:00pm. Hikes generally run rain or shine, but we will cancel for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat.

Hikes in this series will be posted on a monthly basis. Please note that space is limited (generally 8-14 people), and registration is required for each hike. Please cancel your registration if you realize you can’t go so that other people can attend!

Want to be the first to know when new events are posted in this area? Sign up for our mailing list at bit.ly/tvop-rivervalleyMA-VT

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

July Queer Climbing Night - Tennessee

July 3, 2026 — 7:00 - 9:30pm ET
Last day to register: July 3, 2026

Join TVOP Volunteers Aubrey, Atticus, and Onsight Rock Gym for a night of indoor bouldering for the queer and trans community. All skill levels welcome, we love new climbers!! Participation in this event includes a $0-$20 sliding scale donation to The Venture Out Project, as well as a $15 per person entry fee that includes climbing shoe rentals. We’ll have bouldering and top rope availability, but users must be belayed certified for top roping if not using auto-belay. Top roping is an additional cost at the gym.

This event is for ages 15+ and intended for the LGBTQIA+ community. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at the event.

Thursday Night Hike 7/2 - Hadley, Western Massachusetts

July 2, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 30, 2026

Thursday Night Hikes are back! Please join us this summer for some of our favorite hikes in Western Massachusetts, led by Volunteers Amy, Sam, and Beck.

This week’s Thursday Night Hike is a steep, steady hike up a wooded mountainside with a gorgeous, panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley from the porch of a historic Summit House. This is one of our more strenuous hikes, with very steep uphill and downhill sections and rocky, rooted terrain. We'll cover 2.5 miles, with 700 ft elevation gain.

Hikes this Summer:
Sunderland, MA — June 4

Pelham, MA - June 11

Northampton, MA - June 18

Haydenville, MA - June 25

Hadley, MA - July 2

Leeds, MA - July 9

Shutesbury, MA - July 16

South Deerfield, MA - July 23

Easthampton, MA - July 30

Amherst, MA - August 6

Greenfield, MA - August 13

Hadley, MA - August 20

Northampton, MA - August 27

Ashfield, MA - September 3

About Thursday Night Hikes:

Thursday Night Hikes are all about finding community and relaxing in nature with other queer folks! They are a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people while enjoying summer outside. We hike at the pace of the slowest person, and we don’t leave anyone behind. 

Hikes range from 1.5 to 3 miles and are generally within a 30- to 40-minute radius of the Northampton/Amherst area. All hikes start at 5:30pm and may go as late as 8:00pm. Hikes generally run rain or shine, but we will cancel for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat.

Hikes in this series will be posted on a monthly basis. Please note that space is limited (generally 8-14 people), and registration is required for each hike. Please cancel your registration if you realize you can’t go so that other people can attend!

Want to be the first to know when new events are posted in this area? Sign up for our mailing list at bit.ly/tvop-rivervalleyMA-VT

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Queer Lake Kayaking- New Jersey

June 28, 2026 — 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 13, 2026

Join The Venture Out Project for a beginner-friendly guided kayaking trip in the open waters of a beautiful Pine Barrens lake. This adventure begins with a friendly paddling overview designed to boost your confidence, whether you’re a first‑timer or returning to the water after a break. You’ll pick up helpful tips and techniques to get you ready for a unique paddling experience surrounded by tall trees, wetland scenery, and good company. This event will last approximately 3 hours and is designed for all skill levels. Participants will be supplied with a single-person kayak, a paddle, and a life vest.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Gay Worcester Walking Tour - Central Massachusetts

June 28, 2026 — 10:00 am - 11:30 am ET
Rain Date: June 29, 2026 Last day to register: June 26, 2026

This event is free to attend, with optional donations welcomed.

When Main Street Was Gay: A Walking Tour
Join The Venture Out Project for an urban adventure! A local historian who worked on the Worcester LGBTQ+ History Project for a walking tour of the gay side of downtown Worcester. We will follow the paths of early bar hoppers, community builders, cruisers, and Pride marchers as they navigated the blocks around Worcester’s Main Street in pursuit of community and rights between 1950s and 1990s.

After the walking tour, we can continue the fun at a local bakery to nosh and nerd out over Worcester's queer history.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Thursday Night Hike 6/25 - Haydenville, Western Massachusetts

June 25, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 23. 2026

Thursday Night Hikes are back! Please join us this summer for some of our favorite hikes in Western Massachusetts, led by Volunteers Amy, Sam, and Beck!

This week’s Thursday Night Hike is a beginner-friendly 2.8 mile hike along gently rolling trails with an amazing view of the Connecticut River Valley ...and mysterious circles! Trails may have exposed rocks, roots, and mud.

Hikes this Summer:

Sunderland, MA — June 4

Pelham, MA - June 11

Northampton, MA - June 18

Haydenville, MA - June 25

Hadley, MA - July 2

Leeds, MA - July 9

Shutesbury, MA - July 16

South Deerfield, MA - July 23

Easthampton, MA - July 30

Amherst, MA - August 6

Greenfield, MA - August 13

Hadley, MA - August 20

Northampton, MA - August 27

Ashfield, MA - September 3

About Thursday Night Hikes:

Thursday Night Hikes are all about finding community and relaxing in nature with other queer folks! They are a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people while enjoying summer outside. We hike at the pace of the slowest person, and we don’t leave anyone behind. 

Hikes range from 1.5 to 3 miles and are generally within a 30- to 40-minute radius of the Northampton/Amherst area. All hikes start at 5:30pm and may go as late as 8:00pm. Hikes generally run rain or shine, but we will cancel for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat.

Hikes in this series will be posted on a monthly basis. Please note that space is limited (generally 8-14 people), and registration is required for each hike. Please cancel your registration if you realize you can’t go so that other people can attend!

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Pride Picnic in the Park - Southern California

June 20, 2026 - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Last day to register: June 18, 2026

Join TVOP in celebrating pride month and summer solstice with a sunny park picnic! You have your pick of slowing down in a hammock with some summery snacks, or bringing your competitive edge in some park games. We'll have spike ball, can jam, a volleyball, and some postcards if you'd prefer to move slowly and get creative. Bring a friend, your favorite outdoor game, or your favorite snack, and enjoy a morning in the park!

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. This event is intended for the LGBTQ+ community.

Thursday Night Hike 6/18 - Northampton, Western Massachusetts

June 18, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 16, 2026

Thursday Night Hikes are back! Please join us this summer for some of our favorite hikes in Western Massachusetts, led by Volunteers Amy, Sam, and Beck.

This week’s Thursday Night Hike is a beginner-friendly 2.7 mile hike to a dramatic abandoned quarry with great views. This hike features mostly wide trails with gentle inclines, but there is some uneven footing on rocks, roots, and mud at the beginning. The quarry trail is narrow with steep drop offs. It can get a little buggy, so bring your repellent of choice!

Hikes this Summer:

Sunderland, MA — June 4

Pelham, MA - June 11

Northampton, MA - June 18

Haydenville, MA - June 25

Hadley, MA - July 2

Leeds, MA - July 9

Shutesbury, MA - July 16

South Deerfield, MA - July 23

Easthampton, MA - July 30

Amherst, MA - August 6

Greenfield, MA - August 13

Hadley, MA - August 20

Northampton, MA - August 27

Ashfield, MA - September 3

About Thursday Night Hikes:

Thursday Night Hikes are all about finding community and relaxing in nature with other queer folks! They are a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people while enjoying summer outside. We hike at the pace of the slowest person, and we don’t leave anyone behind. 

Hikes range from 1.5 to 3 miles and are generally within a 30- to 40-minute radius of the Northampton/Amherst area. All hikes start at 5:30pm and may go as late as 8:00pm. Hikes generally run rain or shine, but we will cancel for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat.

Hikes in this series will be posted on a monthly basis. Please note that space is limited (generally 8-14 people), and registration is required for each hike. Please cancel your registration if you realize you can’t go so that other people can attend!

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Pride Run - California

June 17, 2026 —6:00pm - 8:00pm PT
Last day to register: June 15, 2026

This event is free to attend, with optional donations welcomed.

Join us for a run (or jog or walk) in partnership with Run SLO Club! Wear your favorite color, and we will take a group photo as one big rainbow 🌈

The route is a 3.2 mile loop on sidewalks around a local neighborhood, and all paces are welcome - this is a social run, not a race! The run starts and ends at a local brewery, and there will be free hot dogs (including veggie dogs) fresh off the grill for all participants. There will also be a giveaway from Lululemon, so be sure and stick around after the run to enter! All members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies, are welcome.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.

Trail Run with East Bay Queer Run Club - California

June 14, 2026 —8:45am - 11:30am PT
Last day to register: June 12, 2026

This event is free to attend, with optional donations welcomed.

Join us for a 3 mile trail run in the Oakland Hills in collaboration with East Bay Queer Run Club! The trail will climb up through willows and oaks until we reach the volcanic ridge line where we will enjoy beautiful views of Wildcat Canyon and Round Top (a 10 million year old inactive volcano!) This run will have 425 feet of elevation gain with a mix of rocky single track and wider gravel trails. Afterwards, we will have some snacks to share together at the trailhead. The trailhead has flush toilets, picnic tables, drinking fountains and an interpretive exhibit.

This event is open to runners of all levels. The run will be no-drop, meaning that no one will be left behind, and the group will stay together at all times. We will take walking breaks as needed, especially on the hills.

We will meet at the trailhead at 8:45am and leave for the run at 9am so we can beat the heat!

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.

Critter Walk - Western Massachusetts

June 13, 2026 — 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
Rain Date: June 14, 2026
Last day to register: June 11, 2026

Are frog and toad your friends? Do you want to look under logs to see if the salamanders are home? Do you wonder about the lives of the red efts you see while hiking? Would you help a turtle cross the road? Is your response to snakes more, “Neat!” Than, “Eek!”? If you find reptiles and amphibians fascinating, come herping with us! It’s like birding, but for our crawling friends! Join volunteer Amy as guest expert Rachel Keeffe, PhD helps us find these wonderful animals and teaches us about their lives!

This event will be slow paced with frequent stops to look for, watch or examine the reptiles and amphibians we find. While we may walk up to 1.75 miles we will prioritize finding creatures over reaching a certain destination. We always walk to the pace for the slowest person. All experience levels are welcome but if you have an allergy or phobias to any of these animals it may be best to pick a different event. We will be walking on forest paths that may require stepping over rocks and roots. There are no bathrooms at this trailhead.

About our expert: Dr. Rachel Keeffe’s lifelong love of reptiles and amphibians inspired her to explore biology research opportunities during her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. These research experiences ignited her desire to pursue a PhD in Zoology at the University of Florida, where she studied the evolutionary morphology and biomechanics of frogs. Dr. Keeffe continued her academic training as a postdoctoral research fellow at Mount Holyoke College, where she studied patterns of coevolution in snake genitalia. Throughout her career, Dr. Keeffe has developed a teaching style focused on hands-on learning experiences, collaborative learning environments, and using art as a means to understand scientific concepts.

Want to be the first to know when new events are posted in this area? Sign up for our mailing list at bit.ly/tvop-rivervalleyMA-VT

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Thursday Night Hike 6/11- Pelham, Western Massachusetts

June 11, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 9, 2026

Thursday Night Hikes are back! Please join us this summer for some of our favorite hikes in Western Massachusetts, led by Volunteers Amy, Sam, and Beck.

This week’s Thursday Night Hike is a short 2 mile hike along a gentle trail through a wooded conservation area, with babbling brooks and small waterfalls galore. The trail is fairly wide and flat, with one steeper section, and may have exposed rocks, roots, and mud.

Hikes this Summer:
Sunderland, MA — June 4

Pelham, MA - June 11

Northampton, MA - June 18

Haydenville, MA - June 25

Hadley, MA - July 2

Leeds, MA - July 9

Shutesbury, MA - July 16

South Deerfield, MA - July 23

Easthampton, MA - July 30

Amherst, MA - August 6

Greenfield, MA - August 13

Hadley, MA - August 20

Northampton, MA - August 27

Ashfield, MA - September 3

About Thursday Night Hikes:

Thursday Night Hikes are all about finding community and relaxing in nature with other queer folks! They are a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people while enjoying summer outside. We hike at the pace of the slowest person, and we don’t leave anyone behind. 

Hikes range from 1.5 to 3 miles and are generally within a 30- to 40-minute radius of the Northampton/Amherst area. All hikes start at 5:30pm and may go as late as 8:00pm. Hikes generally run rain or shine, but we will cancel for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat.

Hikes in this series will be posted on a monthly basis. Please note that space is limited (generally 8-14 people), and registration is required for each hike. Please cancel your registration if you realize you can’t go so that other people can attend!

Want to be the first to know when new events are posted in this area? Sign up for our mailing list at bit.ly/tvop-rivervalleyMA-VT

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Ultralight Gear 101 with Garage Grown Gear - Minnesota

June 10, 2026 — 5:30 - 7:30pm CT
Last day to register: June 8, 2026

Have you ever wanted to learn more about ultralight outdoor gear, but didn't know where to start? Have you ever wanted to see it, touch it, and learn more about it in-person, since it's so hard to understand the nuances of outdoor gear when you are looking online? If so, this exciting event in partnership with St Paul Minnsota based Garage Grown Gear is the event for you! This 2-hour workshop will include a real life introduction to a lot of popular ultralight outdoor gear, including tents, quilts, sleeping pads, stoves, food and more. Backpacking and gear experts will provide us with a hands on experience, full gear warehouse tour, and an opportunity to try on ultralight packs, attach a quilt to a sleeping pad, explore technical clothing and more! This event is indoors at the Garage Grown Gear warehouse in St Paul Minnesota, and the address will provided upon registration.

​We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. This event is intended for the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Ride! - Massachusetts

June 6, 2026 — 11:00 - 1:00 pm ET

​This ride is completely FREE!!! Any donations you choose to make will be split between All Bodies on Bikes, The Venture Out Project, and Translate Gender. These donations will go towards queer and trans empowerment and outdoor joy. Thank you for your support :)

​We will meet at Millside Park in Easthampton at 11 AM.  We'll ride 5 paved miles through Easthampton, ringing our bells and waving our pride flags!  We'll end the ride at Mt. Tom's Homemade Ice Cream for some treats :)

​Everyone is welcome to join us- riders on adaptive cycles, tricycles, e-bikes, families, cargo bikes, and more! This ride was designed with you in mind! We welcome riders of all genders, races, sexual orientations. This ride is a celebration of queer and deviant bodies taking up space and finding JOYFUL movement together <3

​This ride is open to anyone!  Bring yourself, your family, your friends.  If you are bringing small children, we ask that they tag along in a child seat or trailer if they aren't able to handle the distance by themselves.

Pride Paddle & Pull - Massachusetts

June 6, 2026 — 2:00 - 5:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 4, 2026

Paddle with a purpose AND celebrate pride month together — help the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and the Friends of Lake Warner remove the invasive water chestnut from our waterways! For this free, 3-hour group paddle event we will be removing this plant together while enjoying each other's company on beautiful Lake Warner. Afterwards, join us for pizza, cider, and connections at Carr’s Cider House from 5:30-7pm!

Water chestnut is a harmful aquatic invasive species, which is known to take over stretches of water. When left unchecked, water chestnut has the potential to decimate ecosystems and eliminate recreational opportunities. Fortunately, it is easily identifiable, and smaller infestations can be managed with trained volunteers hand-pulling the plant. The key to keeping water chestnut from invading new areas is to remove plants before they have a chance to set seed.

This event is a collaboration between Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), Friends of Lake Warner, Pride Day on the River, and The Venture Out Project. CRC will provide a guided interactive program for participants to learn more about aquatic invasive species, the local watershed and safe paddling instruction for all experience levels. This is a fun, satisfying activity — combining paddling, teamwork, enjoying beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Each participant is required to register and consent to CRC’s liability waiver using the register button.

Bring your own canoe or kayak and personal flotation device (PFD), if you have one. If not, we have a limited number of foldable kayaks and canoe spots with paddles, and PFD's available to borrow on a first come first served basis. Please note that the max paddler height for the kayaks is 6'2" and the max paddler weight is 250 lbs.

We will launch from an access point at Lake Warner in Hadley, MA and there will be a mixture of paddling for short stretches and floating while pulling water chestnut. Instructions on invasive plant removal will be provided. There are also on-land support roles available for those who do not wish to paddle or be in a boat. Event pre-registration is required.

After the pull event, join us for cider and pizza at Carr’s Cider House.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please email kbeerman@ctriver.org or call 802-318-1390.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

June Queer Climbing Night - Tennessee

June 5, 2026 — 7:00 - 9:30pm ET
Last day to register: June 5, 2026

Join TVOP Volunteers Aubrey, Atticus, and Onsight Rock Gym for a night of indoor bouldering for the queer and trans community. All skill levels welcome, we love new climbers!! Participation in this event includes a $0-$20 sliding scale donation to The Venture Out Project, as well as a $15 per person entry fee that includes climbing shoe rentals. We’ll have bouldering and top rope availability, but users must be belayed certified for top roping if not using auto-belay. Top roping is an additional cost at the gym.

This event is for ages 15+ and intended for the LGBTQIA+ community. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at the event.

TVOP Pride Park Hangout

June 4, 2026 — 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm MT
Last day to register: June 2, 2026

Join The Venture Out Project as we gather to play field games and enjoy some evening summer sunshine! Activities may include spikeball, capture the flag, throwing the football or frisbee around, and pride bandana decorating. In order to attend, please register at the link provided. This event is only open to queer and trans folks. Allies, we look forward to seeing you at the other great events being held this week during Bozeman Pride.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Thursday Night Hike 6/4- Sunderland, Western Massachusetts

June 4, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 2, 2026

Thursday Night Hikes are back! Please join us this summer for some of our favorite hikes in Western Massachusetts, led by Volunteers Amy, Sam, and Beck!

Our first Thursday Night Hike of the 2026 season is a chill 3 mile walk along a pond to a beautiful waterfall and unique geologic formations. We will traverse mostly wide trails with one steep and scrambly section over rocks by the waterfall. The trail is more narrow and winding at the beginning, with exposed roots and rocks.

Hikes this Summer:

Sunderland, MA — June 4

Pelham, MA - June 11

Northampton, MA - June 18

Haydenville, MA - June 25

Hadley, MA - July 2

Leeds, MA - July 9

Shutesbury, MA - July 16

South Deerfield, MA - July 23

Easthampton, MA - July 30

Amherst, MA - August 6

Greenfield, MA - August 13

Hadley, MA - August 20

Northampton, MA - August 27

Ashfield, MA - September 3

About Thursday Night Hikes:

Thursday Night Hikes are all about finding community and relaxing in nature with other queer folks! They are a low-stakes, low-stress way to meet new people while enjoying summer outside. We hike at the pace of the slowest person, and we don’t leave anyone behind. 

Hikes range from 1.5 to 3 miles and are generally within a 30- to 40-minute radius of the Northampton/Amherst area. All hikes start at 5:30pm and may go as late as 8:00pm. Hikes generally run rain or shine, but we will cancel for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat.

Hikes in this series will be posted on a monthly basis. Please note that space is limited (generally 8-14 people), and registration is required for each hike. Please cancel your registration if you realize you can’t go so that other people can attend!

Want to be the first to know when new events are posted in this area? Sign up for our mailing list at bit.ly/tvop-rivervalleyMA-VT

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Kick Off to Pride Month Evening Hike - Minnesota

June 2, 2026 — 6:00 - 8:00pm CT
Last day to register: May 30, 2026

Let's enjoy these precious summer evenings with a Pride Month kick-off hike at a nearby trail! We will do a loop hike that is approximately 5 miles in length at a popular Three Rivers Park District park, just 15 minutes South of Minneapolis. Starting at 6pm, we will hike along a very well maintained and well signed trail that loops around many small lakes, where wildlife and foliage often abound.

This dirt trail loop generally takes about two hours, as it is not technical, nor does it have much elevation gain and loss, so we anticipate being done well before sunset. It is recommended that you bring water and snacks, and kids and dogs are welcome!

​We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. This event is intended for the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Stroll and Socialize - Vermont

May 30, 2026 — 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm ET
Last day to register: May 28, 2026

Montpelier Pride is happening the weekend of May 29-31. Come join us for a short 1 mile stroll on a beautiful well maintained universally accessible trail before meandering back for a shelter social. This event will happen rain or shine!

We'll enjoy a late afternoon out and back walk to a local landmark moving at the pace of the slowest participant. Once we are back at the shelter, fruit and seltzer will be provided as well as other simple snacks for this casual social hour before you head on to the many other fun events happening around town. Let's build Queer community!

​We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. This event is intended for the LGBTQ+ community.

Queer Waterfall Hike with the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH - White Mountains, New Hampshire

May 30, 2026 — 10:00 am - 3:00 pm ET
Last day to register: May 28, 2026

Have you ever wanted to hike to an 80 foot waterfall? Join Volunteer Jess and the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH for a relaxing afternoon day hike in the forest.

The ReproFund works to alleviate financial burdens to reproductive and gender affirming healthcare for those living and seeking it in NH. This event will be part of the Repro Fund's Spring Reprolympics series to help raise funds for their queer care program! All event proceeds will go to the Repro Fund!

This hike is a 5 mile out-and-back trail, with 1090 feet of elevation gain. We will move at a pace that matches the slowest hiker so we can all fully enjoy each others company while spending time outdoors.

The trail will be mostly flat with a few moderate sections along a brook. You can expect to be walking on uneven surfaces over rocks and roots, through mud, and across some wooden boardwalk paths. We will plan to stop during the hike to take a longer rest and eat snacks together, so please plan to pack food and bring plenty of water with you!

The trailhead is off of a road near private property so make sure to pay attention to designated parking signs.

We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.