Watery Walk with the SLO Beaver Brigade - California

August 12, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PT
Last day to register: August 10, 2026

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

Join us for a guided tour of beaver habitat on the Salinas River in Atascadero! Together we will walk to a section of the river where beavers live. A member of the SLO Beaver Brigade team will share information about beaver biology and behavior, how to identify signs of beaver activity, and the many ways that beavers benefit our ecosystems. But most importantly, you'll get to immerse yourself in the beautiful, lush habitat created by this keystone species in the middle of our arid county.

This event will involve walking on a sandy, uneven trail through the riverbed. We will also be walking in water, which may reach above your knees in some spots.

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

Lakeshore Sunset Hike - Michigan

August 8, 2026 — 7:00pm - 9:00pm ET
Rain date: August 22, 2026
Last day to register: August 6, 2026

Do you want to make an unforgettable Summer memory? Do you want to discover your new favorite hidden gem hiking trail (and promise to only tell cool people)? Then join TVOP Volunteer Krista on a sunset hike that will take you through forests, meadows, and eventually to breathtaking sunset views of Lake Michigan that will leave you the envy of everyone you know.

This event is open to all ages and is intended for the LGBTQ+ community. 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 so that we can collaborate with you to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.

Picnic By The Creek - Tennessee

August 8, 2026 - 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Rain Date: August 22, 2026
Last day to register: August 6, 2026

Pack a lunch and your water shoes and join TVOP Knoxville for a picnic at the creek!

Experience the childhood joy of checking every rock for critters by a cold clear stream. Bring your lunch box and water bottle, along with a chair or a blanket.

After a short walk through the woods, we will set up and enjoy the wonder of the babbling brook! Splash by the creek or relax and enjoy the sounds from the bank.

This event is for ages 18+ 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.

August Queer Climbing Night - Tennessee

August 7, 2026 — 7:00 - 9:30pm ET
Last day to register: August 7, 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 8/6- Amherst, Western Massachusetts

August 6, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: August 4, 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 walk through a beautiful conservation area that follows a babbling brook. Expect to see cool abandoned cars, dogs everywhere, and a rainbow of mushrooms if we're lucky! Trails are mostly wide but may have exposed rocks, roots, and mud. 2.8 miles, 150 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.

Herbal Salve-Making Workshop- California

August 2, 2026 — 2:00 - 5:00pm PT
Last day to register: July 31, 2026

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

Learn how to transform a common weed into a wound healing ointment! Local garden educator, Yarrow Wilson, will weave their love of lore and queer metaphor into this interactive workshop. Connect with fellow queers, and delight in nature's magic while making your own beeswax salve, perfect for taking along on all your outdoor adventures!

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. 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.

Adult Queer Field Day - Tennessee

August 1, 2026 — 11:00am - 4:00 pm ET
Last day to register: July 30, 2026

NEW DATE: August 1st, 2026!

This event will be all the elementary fun of a summer time field day but for adults! Like those nostalgic events, we will sack races, water balloon toss, hula hoops, corn hole, kickball, and best of all, a slip -n- slide to beat the heat! We will have snacks and refreshments, but bringing your own lunch and extras are encouraged.

This event is for ages 18+ 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.

Queer Fossil Hunting - New Jersey

August 1, 2026 — 10:00 am - 12:00 pm ET
Last day to register: July 30, 2026

Are you curious about the geology of New Jersey’s streams and brooks? Join TVOP Volunteers Brenna and Heather for a morning of wading through a freshwater creek and searching for Cretaceous fossils. The Cretaceous period began about 145 million years ago and ended about 66 million years ago. At that time, New Jersey was submerged by ocean water, and prehistoric animal remains accumulated on the seafloor. Fast forward to present day and brooks and streams eroding the ground have exposed these marine fossil layers. We will move slowly along a 0.4 mile trail to access a babbling brook within a wooded area and wade through the brook while searching for marine fossils. The trail itself is narrow and will require walking in a single-file line, and includes one small wooden bridge which requires one step up and one step down to access. The brook is about 3-4 inches deep with a bottom of solid sediment and some rocks. Shark teeth are very common in this area! All experience levels are welcome on this beginner-friendly outing! Footwear you are comfortable walking in water with is highly recommended. Please let us know if there are ways we can make this event more accessible for you when registering.

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 7/30 - Easthampton, Western Massachusetts

July 30, 2026 — 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET
Last day to register: July 28, 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 chill 2.3 mile walk in the woods at a wildlife sanctuary. Depending on the weather, it may be wet and will probably be buggy. Trails are mostly wide but may have exposed rocks, roots, and mud. There is an optional climb up an observation tower overlooking the Mill River. Total elevation gain is about 100 feet. This one is great for birding!

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.

Waterfall/River Ramble - Vermont

July 26, 2026 — 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET
Last day to register: July 24, 2026

Come enjoy a lovely shady ramble along a well constructed, fairly flat trail that winds for nearly a mile beside a river with many scenic overlooks, benches for quiet observation, and stone staircases down to the river. Depending on the interest of the group, we'll either do a shorter walk out and back on the well graded, lightly graveled universally accessible portion of the trail or continue on to explore the natural surface portion of this trail. Total distance hiked will not be more than 1.8 miles. We will hike at the speed of the slowest hiker and will plan to spend time sitting near the river and exploring the side staircases. Come commune with nature and new queer friends.

​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 Birding & Breakfast with FBC x TVOP - New Mexico

July 26, 2026 - 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Last day to register: July 24, 2026

Join Latino Outdoors, Feminist Bird Club ABQ-SF and The Venture Out Project for a queer birding, breakfast and bosque walk and social! Meet in the morning for breakfast items before heading out on the trails. Birders of all skill levels 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. 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.

LGBBQ+: A Queer and Trans Community BBQ - California

July 25, 2026 —11:00am - 2:00pm PT
Last day to register: July 23, 2026

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

This is a gathering to bring people together and build community. Bring a friend and, if you want, a food and/or interest to share with your neighbors!

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

Sunset Scorpion Stroll: New Mexico

July 24, 2026 - 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Last day to register: July 22, 2026

Join The Venture Out Project, NM Wild, and Latino Outdoors for a Sunset Scorpion Stroll on the west side of Albuquerque. We'll meet at 8pm for sunset and snacks then start our walk and scorpion spotting at 8:30pm.

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

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.