Pride season is finally upon us in Vancouver! Even though pride month is June, Vancouver celebrates over the August long weekend (likely because the weather is more likely consistently warm in the city in August) but that means we get to celebrate being queer all summer if we want to!

The Pride parade in Vancouver takes place on the Sunday of the August long weekend in Vancouver. This year the parade falls on August 4th followed by the Pride Festival at sunset beach. You can find out more about the parade, including location, road closures and more, in the WOQBC article Essentials for Vancouver Pride.

But the festivities start as early as the weekend prior!

Check out Vancouver Pride Society’s Calendar of Events for more information about the parade and other events. The Pride Premier kicks off on Saturday July 26th followed by a dance party. Starting Sunday during the day and occuring a couple times during the week is a really cool Really Gay History Tour. Some other notable events include; Babes on Babes (August 1st), Ruff (August 2nd), Grease Drag Show (August 2nd), Naomi Smalls at Celebrities (August 2nd), Glitter, Love and Freedom (August 3rd), and so many more!!!!!

But note that Vancouver Pride Society is NOT the only group that puts on fabulous pride events. Vancouver Arts and Leisure (VAL) has an entire list of events they put on and collectively call Alternative Pride, their list of events are here. With honourable mention to Brittany Spear Drag Musical (July 31st), Vancouver Makeout Party (August 2nd), Bears in Space Street Party (August 3rd), Sunset Cruise, followed by Back Door Pride (August 4th).

AND There are also other events put on by other smaller groups like Man Up Vancouver, and Sleepy Girls Productions in conjunction with Commercial Drag (who also have bi-weekly or monthly events throughout the year) as well as others. Let’s not forget those amazing event planners. Man Up and Sleepy Girls productions both put on spectacular drag shows that you definitely want to try to see. If you can’t make time this Pride season definitely make a point of visiting them throughout the year. ManUp happens Fridays The Clubhouse on East 1st and Commercial Drag happens every second Sunday at the London Pub on Main Street.

And surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, there are even more events for Vancouver Pride than this. Enjoy yourselves this pride season and don’t forget to take care of yourselves and each other. Make sure you use and drink responsibly as well as drink enough water and apply enough sunscreen. Do I sound like your mother yet?

Also…...on top of all of this you can even keep your Pride season going if you want to attend other Pride festivities in the metro Vancouver area.

Burnaby Pride happens the weekend of August 9th and 10th.

New West Pride is August 10th to 17th.

Richmond Pride happens in conjunction with Vancouver Pride.

Happy Pride!

Photo Credits:

Photo by FransA from Pexels

Photo by Rosemary Ketchum from Pexels

Written by Emory Oakley

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