The What's On Queer BC Guide to Vancouver Pride Events with Tom Coleman
Happy Pride, party responsibly and be careful. If you missed my deadline don’t worry as I am still doing the weekly blog throughout Pride weeks. Enjoy and have fun!
This special edition of Out in Vancouver covers Thursday, July 25 - Monday, August 5.
You might also enjoy the Vancouver Pride Essentials - click here —>
Thursday, July 25
The Really Gay History Tour
If you haven’t had a chance to check this 3 hour tour with Glenn Tkach, you are missing a lot. Starting today until Wednesday, Aug 7, the tour takes place every day. Meet the unsung heroes of Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ community who forever changed the social fabric of our country. From the steps of the courthouse where an infamous drag queen fought for federal decriminalization to the chapel where the United Church of Canada ordained their first openly gay minister, Vancouver has played a larger-than-life role in the queer liberation movement. The walking tour strolls the historic West End as you discover protests, bookstore bombings, Jim Deva Plaza, a transgender campaigner who blew the whistle on the biggest crime in Vancouver history, Vancouver’s secret gay village, and the remarkable story of two-spirited warrior Gone to the Spirits.
2pm. Vancouver City Centre Skytrain Station. Tickets $32--$35 and more info at Really Gay History Tour
Lady in Red Pride Ball
Kick-off Pride with Fairmont Hotel Vancouver at the second annual Lady In Red Ball, benefiting Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. Vancouver's Next Drag Superstar winner and Fairmont Pride Ambassador, Kendall Gender, takes the stage in the stunning Pacific Ballroom to emcee the evening's events, including a show-stopping performance with The Brat Pack. Also featuring a live musical performance by singer/songwriter Stephen Scaccia, DJ-ing by Man About Town Entertainment, silent auction, cocktails and canapés.
7—10pm. Fairmont Hotel, 900 West Georgia St. Tickets $89 and info at Lady In Red Pride Ball
2nd Annual Pre-Pride Party Pump Pop Up Shop
If you are looking for the perfect look for Pride, parties or just everyday wear Pork Pie Brand is your best bet for Tees, Tanks and Hankies. Tonight, Pork Pie is team up with Leather Master Simply Mean who will be selling his custom harnesses, cuffs, collars and flogs. Everything for daddies to brat boys and everyone in between. Best of all it is in a licensed bar, and even better you may see me there! 10% of all sales go to Youthco.
6—9pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. Pork Pie Brand
Friday, July 26
Pride Premiere
A 7-hour, 360° party circling the Vancouver Art Gallery. Yes please! Public Disco is back to host Public Disco at Pride Premiere. Finding innovative ways to present music and bring people together is of utmost importance in a city with limited space, widespread unaffordability and an often lonely population. Public Disco combats these challenges by creating free pop-up events that connect people through music and dancing in reimagined urban spaces. Two channels of music - one immersive dancing environment. Grab a pair of headphones and pick the channel that moves you. From pop and hip hop to house and techno, anything goes in the Silent Disco. Five hours of feel good dance music from 5-10pm.
5pm—12am. Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, 750 Hornby St. Pride Premiere
Public Disco at Pride Premiere
A 7-hour, 360° party circling the Vancouver Art Gallery. Yes please! Public Disco is back to host Public Disco at Pride Premiere. Finding innovative ways to present music and bring people together is of utmost importance in a city with limited space, widespread unaffordability and an often lonely population. Public Disco combats these challenges by creating free pop-up events that connect people through music and dancing in reimagined urban spaces. Two channels of music - one immersive dancing environment. Grab a pair of headphones and pick the channel that moves you. From pop and hip hop to house and techno, anything goes in the Silent Disco. Five hours of feel good dance music from 5-10pm.
5pm—12am. Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, 750 Hornby St. Pride Premiere
Keep Dancing - Pride Kickoff Party / Pride Premiere Afterparty
After Public Disco at Pride Premiere, let's KEEP DANCING to celebrate the beginning of Pride week with a GIANT warehouse PARTY at Eastside Studios. Queer House music all night long, hosted by Alma Bitches along with DJs G-Luve, easy bake coven, regularfantasy and Orographic.
10pm—3am. Warehouse at Eastside Studios, 550 Malkin Ave. Tickets $10--$12 online or $15 at door. Keep Dancing
RBC Presents: An Evening in Damascus
RBC Presents: An Evening in Damascus returns on its fifth year to take you on an elegant trip on the Silk Road from the marvelous Vancouver to the heart of Damascus. Be ready to instantly walk into the alleyways of old Damascus; taste the Syrian food, immerse yourself in the music, enjoy the belly dancing and meet some of our local drag queens while also supporting a great cause. As always, all the funds raised in this event will go to support one of Rainbow Refugee's Circles of Hope: This organization works tirelessly on helping LGBTQ-identified refugees.
7—11pm. Terminal City Club, 837 West Hastings St. Tickets $40--$60 and info at Evening n Damascus
Storytelling with Drag Queens for Adults
Featuring the amazing Tara Beladi, Satanix, Dank Sinatra, Candie and friends, come help us party it up! Stories, sassiness, hilarity, songs and probably even more games await you this evening, another not to be missed event. Surprises too! Based on NYC's Famous Drag Queen Story Hour at the Brooklyn Public Library and the San Francisco Library, but with a twist, this one's for Adults.
9—11pm. Café Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Dr. Entrance by donation with no one being turned away. Suggested $5-$10 with donations going towards the Storytelling with Drag Queens Foundation. Storytelling With Drag Queens
Saturday, July 27
Vancouver WNBR 2019
Owww. Watch out for your dangly bits. The event is a 'positive' protest against car culture, oil spills, and pollution. It is also a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the human powered machine. Come out and have fun with us! Dress code: Costumes, cosplay, body paint or bare as you dare and most importantly, be creative! The route is about 8-10km with easy elevation and the speed is leisurely. This is a body positive event. Respect the diversity of the many different body types and genders.
12—3pm. Sunset Beach, 1204 Beach Ave. World Naked Bike Ride
Escaping Stigma! A Queer Escape Room Adventure
Come and Escape Stigma! (A Queer Escape Room Adventure)! This event is hosted by Mpowerment Fraser and is a place where queer and trans folx can escape the Wonderland together! We will be trying to escape the Wonderland themed room at Pandora’s Locks. Mpowerment is a space for queer and trans young people ages *19 to 29 years old* to meet, have fun and support each other in making informed decisions about our sexual health!
3—5pm. Pandora’s Locks, 405 Columbia St, New Westminster. Contact Adrian Bustamante adrianb@youthco.org for info. Queer Escape Room
Queers & Beers // PRIDE Edition!
Your officially-unofficial kick off to PRIDE begins here! Come get it started with rad beers and fellow queers at everyone’s favourite hangout party. Cause SUNS OUT, FUNS OUT! We’re dang excited to announce our 5th annual PRIDE EDITION of Queers & Beers! WOW, it's been so amazing to see how much our party has grown and what amazing event everyone has made! To celebrate our FIFTH BIRTHDAY, we’re here to make all your day-drinking-dreams come true!
4—10pm. The Clubhouse, 238 East 1st Ave. Tickets $12 advance, $15 at door. Queers & Beers
Backstreet Boys: DNA World Tour
Yes, I know we all had one or more of them as a fantasy. Backstreet Boys: DNA World Tour with special guest Baylee Littrel.
8pm. Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way. Tickets $39--$249 at Backstreet Boys
Asking For a Friend: Over The Rainbow
Main Street's cutest party is taking you over the rainbow! To celebrate Pride, we're opening our doors and dance-floor to raise money for a new member of our community through local Rainbow Refugee sponsorship circle, Pride in Movement. Featuring music by DJ Birthday and Shanda Leer, as well as some performances by local drag legends. Duh. Disco. House. 90s classique. RnB. Bops and Bangers. 80s delights.
9pm—1am. The Ellis Building, 1024 Main St. Cover $10. Over The Rainbow
Honda Celebration of Light: India
And so, it begins for another year. Enjoy food, music, activations and more before pyrotechnic team, Amir Morani Fireworks, from India perform over the shores of English Bay.
10pm. English Bay, Beach Ave. Celebration Of Light
3rd Annual Firework Dance Party Series
The streets will become bright and sparkly with smiles after the fireworks display. To Vyve (vie-ve) //: to be filled with electrifying aliveness through human connection alone, typically involving dancing, singing, and laughing in a large group of ultra-fun, open-minded people. We create electrifying, vivid shared experiences that catalyze social connectedness and aliveness. Our tested VYVIFY Blueprint is a method developed over 200 renegade dance parties across the globe. It applies the science of emotions and social-bonding to create the same neurochemical changes as drugs do.
10pm. Davie St. Dance Party Series
Sunday, July 28
Commercial Drag Presents: Shrek 2
It is the start of pride week, so Dust and DJ Girl Fieri are giving you the sequel that was considered better than the original (which was a masterpiece so like wow) and we thought hey let’s do this for those who missed it! Drag reconstruction of a show couldn’t get any better.
8pm. The London Pub, 700 Main St. Tickets $10 advance and info at Commercial Drag or $13 at door.
A Yeehaw Moment
OMG Carlotta at the Yale!! Move aside as there is a new steer to ride. Maybe Sydney Malcolm can last longer than 5 seconds on this one! Rogue, Carlotta Gurl, Tommi and host Donna Telmi are going to rock this place.
8pm—2am. The Yale Saloon, 1300 Granville St. Cover $10. A Yeehaw Moment
Monday, July 29
Mamma Mia! Pride Night
Kick off this year’s Vancouver Pride celebrations with all the moxie and magic of Mamma Mia! at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Enjoy fabulous props in the photo booth, learn about the upcoming pride celebrations and receive free pride swag if you donate. PLUS all of the night’s seat cushion and programme donations will be matched by TUTS in support of the Vancouver Pride Society.
8—11pm. Theatre Under The Stars, 610 Pipeline Rd, Stanley Park. Tickets $ 30--$55 and info at Momma Mia! Pride Night
Tuesday, July 30
Pride at the Pier 2019
Pride has come to the North Shore with a free, all-ages dance party hosted by Conni Smudge at the picturesque pier at Shipbuilder's Square. For the past 3 years, Vancouver Pride Society has partnered with the City of North Vancouver to create the first public PRIDE party on the North Shore and we are excited to bring it back in 2019! Dance along the water to local queer DJ's, be dazzled by daring drag performances, and hit up one of our craft and activity stations. Need a dancing break? Grab your friends and play a giant-sized game and visit one of our many food trucks and eat beside the water. Whether you are young, or just young at heart, we welcome you to come celebrate Pride at the pier. Just a short Seabus trip away.
5—9pm. Shipbuilder’s Square, Wallace Way, North Vancouver. Pride At The Pier
Wednesday, July 31
McLaren Sparkles
Celebrate Pride with fun, frivolity, food & fireworks at the 19th Annual McLaren Sparkles! Meet, mingle & raise funds for Canada's first and longest running HIV Housing Provider. Sparkling Wine Welcome, Host Bar, Scrumptious Canapés, Live & Silent Auctions and the fabulous "Sparkle & Shine, Pick your Wine", Treasure Table! Host and emcee for the evening is the Unstoppable Conni Smudge.
7:30pm. TD Tower Penthouse, 29th floor, 700 West Georgia St. Tickets $140 and info at McLaren Sparkles
The Motown Party
The Motown Party #Pride2019 Edition for Summer of Love at Celebrities Nightclub ft. Softieshan & Trevor Risk w/ special performance by Kendall Gendr & friends 🌞 Motown cuts in the mix the entire night, get ready for some soul!
9pm—3am. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. Tickets $$17 and info at Motown Party
Honda Celebration of Light: Canada
Enjoy food, music, activations and more before pyrotechnic team, Firemaster Productions Inc., from Canada perform over the shores of English Bay.
10pm. English bay, Beach Ave. Celebration Of Light
3rd Annual Firework Dance Party Series
The streets will become bright and sparkly with smiles after the fireworks display. To Vyve (vie-ve) //: to be filled with electrifying aliveness through human connection alone, typically involving dancing, singing, and laughing in a large group of ultra-fun, open-minded people. We create electrifying, vivid shared experiences that catalyze social connectedness and aliveness. Our tested VYVIFY Blueprint is a method developed over 200 renegade dance parties across the globe. It applies the science of emotions and social-bonding to create the same neurochemical changes as drugs do.
10pm. Davie St. Dance Party Series
Thursday Aug 1
Vancouver Pride Hockey Tournament
The Vancouver Pride Classic Hockey Tournament returns in 2019 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Cutting Edges Hockey Club! The tournament will take place over Vancouver’s Pride Celebrations. There will be lots of time to enjoy the festivities, including marching in the Vancouver Pride Parade on Sunday August 4 along a waterfront parade route in North America’s most beautiful city. Tournament social events and a banquet will be included. Looking to register to play, get in touch. Pride Hockey Tournament
Alternative Pride Vancouver
5 days, 10 locations, 15 events – Matt Troy knows how to keep you happy. Alternative Pride Vancouver 2019 is a grass-roots non-corporate music and art festival celebrating LGBTQ+ artists. Now in it's 4th year, it takes place over 5 days, and presents 18 unique and diverse events including warehouse take-overs, unforgettable garden performances, breath-taking city vistas, chic gallery exhibitions, a night of musical theatre, drag brunches in specially curated restaurants, decadent boat cruises, and wild, kinky after-hours, with out-of-this world main-events - all while raising money for some important Vancouver queer causes. Check out the site for all events, tickets and the all-important Full Access Festival pass for just $125 at Ticket to heaven More Info at Alternative Pride Events
Plantasia
Plantasia is a brand new cabaret show that explores our personal relationships with gender through the evocative natural matter of flora and fungi. Featuring drag, burlesque, song, dance, circus arts, and spoken word, our group of trans and GNC artists will create an ethereal night full of botanic beauty. Plantasia will be happily donating all profits made over the night to the Trans Alliance Society, a registered non-profit which supports the BC transgender community through support, education, outreach and advocacy. All proceeds made during the night will go to TAS, so please bring all your extra loonies and twoonies for this amazing cause!
7—11pm. Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St. Ticket’s $25 advance and info at Plantasia or $30 at door.
Celebrate Pride at Vancouver Aquarium
Get freaky and fabulous at the Vancouver Aquarium After Hours and keep the Pride week vibes going strong with a night of amazing entertainment after dark. Leave the kids with a sitter, dress in your finest drag and let loose with your partner and pals as you explore the galleries with a drink in hand. High-energy drag performances from some of BC’s best drag queens. Learn about coral sex, otter love and what positions a shark prefers during our shocking aquatic sex talks. DJs will be spinning your favourite Pride hits all night long. It’s a party like no other.
7—11pm. Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Stanley Park. Tickets $30--$38 and info at Pride At The Aquarium
Pride in Chinatown
A one night only magical twilight event in a spectacular setting in the heart of Vancouver’s historical Chinatown. This very special event will take over the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park, the Classical Chinese Garden, and the public plaza. Pride in Chinatown celebrates queer Asian-Canadian art and artists that will tantalize all five senses. Presented by On Main Gallery, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and Vancouver Art and Leisure as part of Alternative Pride Vancouver 2019. This will be an interdisciplinary art experience that will feature new experimental and traditional art forms which include electronic music, immersive theatre, media art installations, lion dancing, martial arts, drums, opera, culinary treats, drag and other non-binary encounters.
7—11pm. Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. 578 Carrall St. Tickets $22 and info at Pride in Chinatown
The Big Gay Sing
In this unique show, the Vancouver Men`s Chorus turns the microphone around to you as you join us in a riotous Pride sing-along. With lyrics provided on-screen and jello shots aplenty, there’s no excuse to just sit and watch! It’s time to let your hair down, don your sequins, and belt out some of our favourite camp classics. Grab your friends, get a drink, and come to the Revue Stage on Granville Island to kick off Pride season with a bang!
8—10pm. Red Gate Review Stage, 1601 Johnston St, Granville Island. Tickets $25 and info at Big Gay Sing
Bottom: Queer Pride Dance Party
You wanna be on top? Well, the only way to get there is to Bottom! Grab your Fleet™ bring out the Rush™, dust off the Jungle Juice™, and pump out the Gun Oil™ because we are ready to PrEP and pop off your pride weekend with some of Vancouver's top talent at B͙O͙T͙T͙O͙M͙! This deliciously queer and sweaty dance party welcomes all bodies, all sexualities, and all genders to come together and celebrate bottom pride everywhere on the dance floor (and the dark room).
9pm—2am. The Clubhouse, 238 East 1st Ave. Tickets $15 and info at Bottom
Babes On Babes and Bands
Babes Vancouver Pride season is on the horizon. There's simply too much talent to squeeze into 1 night and this year we have 2 epic shows lined up Thursday Aug 01 + Sunday Aug 04! Featuring international Queer band The Pack AD with openings by Strange Breed and Land Line.
9pm—3am. Venue, 881 Granville St. Tickets $17--$20 and info at Babes On Babes
Drag Carnival w/ Amanda Lepore
Drag Carnival hosted by puppyteeth with performances by: Rubber Child, Rose Butch, Jaylene Tyme, Vixen Von Flex, Dee Blew, PM and the amazing Amanda Lepore, the world’s most famous transsexual and an effervescent fixture on the New York scene, Amanda Lepore has been at the cutting edge of culture since the club kid era, breaking and re-making the rules for music, marketing, and gender.
10pm—3am. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. Tickets $20 and info at Drag Carnival
Friday, Aug 2
Harmony Arts Festival
Join for world-class musical performances, inspiring art exhibitions and demonstrations, mouth-watering culinary events and enjoy the natural beauty of the setting. With over 150 free events set on a stunning backdrop of the iconic Stanley Park, there is something for everyone at the Harmony Arts Festival. The festival runs until Sunday, Aug 11.
Argyle Ave between 14th & 17th St, West Vancouver. Harmony Arts Festival
Canadian Aviation Pride Weekend Launch Party
Canadian Aviation Pride is inviting all LGBTQ people in Aviation including enthusiasts, supporters, allies and spouses to come join our annual gathering to launch the Vancouver Pride weekend! No Cover, Drinks for purchase at the bar. Light snacks provided.
5—7pm. Moxie’s Grill, 1160 Davie St. Vancouver Pride Launch
CruiseyT - Pride Kick Off Cruise
CruiseyT's Kick off to Vancouver Pride Cruise featuring DJ Nick Bertossi & Jontin Reardon, Drag performance by Raye Sunshine & Gia Metric and live vocal performance by Kyle Richardson. Ticket price includes a Roast Beef Buffet Dinner.
Boarding at 6:30pm, departing at 7:00 - 10:00pm. Harbour Cruises, 501 Denman St. Tickets $75 and info at CruiseyT
SpiritPride 2019 – Celebrating Our Gifts
SpiritPride welcomes the LGBTQ2+ community, as well as our allies, friends and family, and members of churches and spiritual groups seeking to be more affirming and inclusive. The conference will be held on Vancouver’s Pride Weekend, August 2 - 4, 2019, and is open to the public. The conference will include keynote speakers, concurrent workshops, a concert evening, a joint Sunday morning Worship Service and evening closing service, plus time and activities for making new friends and networking.
7pm. St Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, 1022 Nelson St. Spirit Pride
Chicks Ahoy! Pride Boat Cruise
Sail away from the glass and concrete of Coal Harbour and dance into the sunset on the sleek, newly renovated Magic Charm. With panoramic views, a big outdoor deck, two floors, two lounges, and gender neutral washrooms on each level, the Magic Charm’s the perfect place to kick off Pride weekend. Bring your rainbows, sailor getups, and get wild with us for this beloved Vancouver Pride tradition. Save the parties in the city for the rest of the weekend—this boat charmed the pants off us (and we think you’ll feel the same). DJs: Miss M & Nathalie Morel (UK, Vancity)
7pm boarding. 8—11pm cruise. Magic Yacht Charters, 1601 Bayshore Dr, Coal Harbour. Tickets$55 and info at Chicks Ahoy
Pride At The Parq
Pride at Parq is happening we’ve invited your favourite trailblazing queens from Ru Paul’s Drag Race to take the stage. Experience performances by Kim Chi, Asia, Kameron and season 10 winner Aquaria as we transform our massive, 30,000 square-foot roof top park into Pride’s most exclusive dance floor. We invite you and your fiercest friends to join us.
7pm. 39 Smithe St. Tickets $95--$200 and info at Parq
Man Up Pride: By Your Side
Whether we're holding hands, bodies, hearts, or simply our shared space, this cherished queer community is here for all to enjoy! It is our greatest Pride wish and ambition to come together, by each other's sides, to celebrate our freedoms with you all, and keep on fighting for the beautiful queer future we all deserve! Man Up is an all genders, all bodies drag variety show and queer dance party, at a queer women-run DIY warehouse space in East Van!
8pm—2am. 550 Malkin Ave. Tickets $15--$20 online or $23 at door. Man Up
Grease: The Drag Show
Due to popular demand, GREASE the Drag Show returns to Celebrities Nightclub for Summer of Love at #Pride2019! Join us and catch performances from the hit movie Grease ft. local drag legends: Alma Bitches, Rose Butch, Rogue, Karmella Barr and more as your favourite characters.
8pm. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. $15 at door. Grease: The Drag Show
RUFF Pride at The PINT
The 8th Annual RUFF Pride 2019 Presented by STEAMWORKS Baths, RodRozen Designs & Produced by Michel Nadeau Events. Gogo Performances by Mr. RUFF 2019 Tim & the Men of RUFF along with DJs Gingerbear, Alfonso Tan and Damien Mack. RUFF Pride will be followed by RUFFplay at Steamworks Baths, 123 West Pender Street, $5.00 discount with tickets or wristbands.
9pm—3am. The Pint, 455 Abbott St. Tickets $35 online and Little Sisters, 1238 Davie St or $40 at door. Ruff Pride
Jacked For Pride
What would a Pride be without naked men in showers washing their bits, yes my American friends, in Canada we can be naked! PJ always has the best in naked entertainment to be Jacked for you so check out tonight’s Pride version of Jacked, im sure the soap is Pride colours.
9pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. Cover $5. Jacked
Naomi Smalls
We're kicking off the Summer of Love at #Pride2019 weekend with a huge show at #StereotypeFridays ft. RuPaul's Drag Race All-Star Naomi Smalls alongside DJs: DJ Carolina Campos, DJ Leanne (GirlOnWax), DjG Luve, and performances by Alma Bitches, Kendall Gender, South East, Venus, & Rogue!
10pm—4am. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. Tickets $$30 and info at Naomi Smalls
Downtown Queer Party
Brought to you by DJ Skylar Love (Lick & Babes On Babes Vancouver) and DJ Krista (Downtown - Vancouver Queer Party). Join us in the Celebrities Underground as we kick off the Summer of Love at #Pride2019 weekend w/ DJs Skylar Love, DJ Krista, Adia, ManyBothans (of BODY PARTY).
10pm—2am. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. Tickets $20--$25 and info at Downtown Queer Party
Love & Freedom Events: THE DIRTY PARTY
The beats… dirty. The men... dirty. The party... SO DIRTY!! Pride Weekend's sexiest Party! featuring a performance by XXX star Rocco Steele and filthy beats by the one-and-only Nina Flowers! Opening set by DJ Ian Martin! At MIA, Vancouver’s lushest, intimate, underground club - the perfect place to be dirty!
10pm—3am. MIA Nightclub, 350 Water St. Tickets $45--$70 and info at The Dirty Party
Saturday, Aug 3
Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast
Enjoy a buffet by-donation pancake breakfast in Jim Deva Plaza to commemorate one of our society's founders, Terry Wallace. Terry Wallace, manager of the Castle Pub, raised money through the pub's 50/50 and pull-tab machines to fund the Pride Parade through years of financial uncertainty. Terry Wallace died in 2004 and is remembered fondly.
8am—12pm. Jim Deva Plaza, 1200 Bute St. By donation. Terry Wallace Breakfast
Serving Up Sass- Pride Brunch Edition
Nadya Business is the mega talented, super bendable, backflipping sassiest Chica to come through Chicha! Drag Shows! Bottomless Mimosas! All orders served with a side of sass! No cover but reservations recommended.
10:30am—2:30pm. Chicha Restaurant, 136 East Broadway. Serving Up Sass
16th Vancouver Dyke March & Festival
It's our sweet 16! Come join us for an afternoon of marching the streets & celebrating one another-- Let's fill the drive with dyke-y love, trans empowerment, non-binary possibilities, and fabulosity for the whole family. We'll begin in McSpadden Park at 11 AM with some pre-March festivities and a community art project to create the new Vancouver Dyke March banner for this year. Then, the March will leave McSpadden Park at 12 PM (noon) and we'll make our way down Commercial Drive to end at Grandview Park for the Festival. The Festival will take place from 1 to 5 PM, and have performances from various artists, feature queer-friendly vendors, and create a space to gather with friends, family, and the community. We can't wait to see you there!
11am—5pm. Grandview Park, 1657 Charles St. Vancouver Dyke March & Festival
43rd Annual Powell Street Festival
Vancouver's annual celebration of Japanese Canadian arts & culture. All events are free! The two day festival takes place on six car-free city blocks centred at Jackson Avenue and Alexander Street.
Today & Sunday 11:30am. Powell Street Festival, 475 Alexander St. Free event. Powell Street Festival
SummerFest 2019: Pride at the Lonsdale Quay Market
A family friendly Drag Performance for Pride Weekend. Come celebrates Pride with your entire family at the Market. Conni Smudge, Drag Storytelling and more.
1—3pm. Lonsdale Quay Market, 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver. Summerfest 2019
Le Hangover: Pride Parking Lot Pool Party
That Perfect Pride Parking Lot Oasis Feeling Is BACK For The PLEASING! Once a year, we gather together in some otherwise unassuming side-streetcar lot of East Van and have the time of our lives. With luscious greenery, all day pride entertainment, and cute beach-clad queers as far as the eye can see, it's a sure-fire recipe for hot n' fun summer memories! Hosted by Hydrangea Strangea, with patio performances from her Kiki house, The House of Flora (PDX) with a pulsating Line up of the sweetest DJs.
1—7:30pm. 550 Malkin Ave. Tickets $15--$20 and more info at Le Hangover
Bears in Space Street Party
The cosmic fantasy returns... Vancouver's pride street party touches down for a sunny outdoor session of bears, beers, and babes. Bears in Space are here! They come in Peace! Hosted by Art & Leisure along with a plethora of Queens this is the party to rock your Pride.
2—10pm. Red Truck Beer, 295 East 1st Ave. Tickets $20 , and also part of the Alternative Pride Weekend pass, at Bears In Space
Sanctuary Concert: an LGBTQ Refugee Fundraiser
Join us for this uplifting, entertaining and inspiring night full of professional singers and musicians performing contemporary music, classic gospel, and inspirational music. Follow the journey of the LGBTQ community in its quest for inclusion and welcome, and the journey of the LGBTQ Refugee seeking safety and a new home through music, song, and story. Multiple performers including award winning contemporary artist Trey Pearson, renowned gospel artist Bishop Yvette Flunder, and the Universal Gospel Choir under the direction of Lonnie Delisle, will perform. Your MC for the evening is the ever popular Whoopsie. Funds raised from donations will go to supporting LGBTQ refugees recently arrived, and others arriving soon.
7:30pm. Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard St. Entrance by donation. Sanctuary
19th Annual Women's Duelling DJ Pride Dance and Celebration
This is DJ Jakki fans favourite party of the year and it sells out. Reserve your tickets right away. If you plan to stay at a hotel in Vancouver, book early as they sell out FAST during Pride week. Please note that in order to secure everyone’s favourite venue, Jakki had to change the date to Saturday for this year. You will need paper tickets to gain entry.
7:30pm. The Vancouver Rowing Club, 450 Stanley Park Dr. Tickets $35 and info at Duelling DJ Pride Dance
Rocky Horror Picture Drag Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show lands in the village for Summer of Love at #Pride2019 as a special drag rendition featuring local legends: Tommi, Rich Elle, Boss, Alma Bitches and more.
8pm. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. Cover $15. Rocky Horror Drag Show
Absolut’ly Drag-U-Lous Pride Show
What would Pride be without it’s number one performer? Join Carlotta and her guests for a spectacular show filled with drag, live numbers, contests and much more, including some Pride surprises up her, umm, sleeve.
9pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $15. Carlotta Gurl
Bearracuda Vancouver Pride
Get ready for an epic night with some familiar and new faces on stage. Bearracuda will be flying in some sexy dancers and DJs for the party w/100's of guys partying all night! Enjoy hot bears, fun times and some very hot and furry go-go's.
9pm—2am. Red Room, 398 Richards St. Tickets $40 and more info at Bearracuda
BRÔN Party
Pride just got raunchier, darker, dirtier, deeper and more techno. BRÔN Blacklight Harness party is the new party you need for Vancouver’s Pride weekend. Headlining this event is Fort Lauderdale’s sexiest daddy export, Dj Doug Jackson (Dies3l Festival, Meat Rack, Lazy Bear, Provincetown, Furball, Trouble) playing his sexy sophisticated mix of progressive, techno and tribal grooves with big room vocals and deep bass rhythms from around the world. Opening is local, but still international, DJ GingerBear (Ruff, Bear Night San Diego, Growlr Folsom, PurePride, Bearacchus, Bear Weekend, Beef) highlighting his signature Retrotech style of tech, house, progressive and retro for an uplifting but dark experience. Harnesses, fetish, glow and light up gear is recommended, however we will be providing materials so you can glow up yourself or your gear with paints and tapes, depending what you like. It's a hot venue, so bring a fan to cool yourself or others, clacking is not recommended.
9pm—3am. Celebrities Underground, 1022 Davie St. Tickets $20 and more info at Bron Party
Lick Club Queer Pride Dance Party
Join us in celebrating the evolution of our Queer culture, community & our ever growing pride in being exactly who we are! It’s the LICK CLUBS favorite time of year! Pride is when all our old school friends, new school pals and out of town besties come together to celebrate love, friendship and QUEER greatness. We're a colorful vibrant creative community with the desire to connect, honor and claim out loud who we authentically are. We have an incredible lineup of local and international DJ’s and dancers ready to inspire. The Clubhouse is going to look EXTRA special with all the beautiful decor and lighting being added for Pride! From the dance floor to an outdoor patio to a low key chill room LICK has you covered!
9pm—2:30am. The Clubhouse, 238 East 1st Ave. Tickets $17--$20 and info at Lick Club
Honda Celebration of Light: Croatia
Enjoy food, music, activations and more before pyrotechnic team, Mirnovec Fireworks, from Croatia perform over the shores of English Bay.
10pm. English bay, Beach Ave. Celebration Of Light
3rd Annual Firework Dance Party Series
The streets will become bright and sparkly with smiles after the fireworks display. To Vyve (vie-ve) //: to be filled with electrifying aliveness through human connection alone, typically involving dancing, singing, and laughing in a large group of ultra-fun, open-minded people. We create electrifying, vivid shared experiences that catalyze social connectedness and aliveness. Our tested VYVIFY Blueprint is a method developed over 200 renegade dance parties across the globe. It applies the science of emotions and social-bonding to create the same neurochemical changes as drugs do.
10pm. Davie St. Dance Party Series
Yuk It Up Sis: A Pride Comedy Show
Yuk Yuk Vancouver’s All Drag Comedy Show! This show is a celebration of Comedy Drag and art of making people laugh. This show will have EVERYTHING you want and even maybe a few things you don’t. We are pulling out all the gags for this show…You won’t want to miss it! What makes this show special? First it has no stand up, it is a showcase of outrageously funny drag performances, and secondly it is exclusively QUEER and FUN.
10pm. Yuk Yuks, 2837 Cambie St, Tickets $20 Advance online or $25 at door, Yuk It Up Sis
Love & Freedom Events: GLITTER: The Main Event
Everyone sparkles and shines at Glitter - the Love and Freedom pride weekend main event. Grammy Nominated Legend Abel returns to the party he started for his first time at the stunning Imperial Vancouver! Opening set by Landon James! Enhanced lights and spectacle by Galactic Entertainment.
10pm—5am. Imperial, 319 Main St. Tickets $60--$80 and info at Glitter
RHYtHM of the NiGHT
Queer 4 queer dance party with gay bar gold all night long, a tribute to the 90s club kid culture & 80s gay bar. Bringing you all your faves throwbacks 80s & 90s and disco. Two dance floors, parking lot patio and multiple bars.
10pm—3am. The Warehouse at Eastside Studios, 550 Malkin St. Tickets $15--$20 online or $23 at door. Rhythm Of The Night
Sunday, Aug 4
Sunset Beach Festival
Join us for a festival along beautiful Sunset Beach with a Main Stage, Sunset Beach Oasis, Community Zone, Family Fun Zone, beer garden, food trucks, interactive art and more! Come by after the Parade or come early and dance all day beside the water! We will be ready for you. Headlined by Eureka O’Hara and Shuga Cain.
11am—6pm. 1204 Beach Ave. Sunset Beach Festival
Chandon Presents: Wild Pride Brunch Party
We would like to invite you to Celebrate Pride and Watch the Parade with us at our second Wild Pride Brunch Party at Hook Sea bar & Restaurant. The ultimate Vancouver Pride Brunch Party is here & we're excited to share this special event with you! Reservations Recommended.
11am—6pm. Hook Sea Bar, 1210 Denman St. Tickets $25 and info at Wild Pride Brunch
Junction Pride Party Patio
That’s right the patio is back for Pride so get a great spot and do a little candy watching as all the men and ladies will be hot, sweaty, and from out of town!
12pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Junction
2019 Vancouver Pride Parade
A celebration. A protest. A party. A place to take up space. An opportunity to don our finest and shiniest. A chance to recognize how far we have come and reflect on where we need to go from here. Ask ten different people and you will receive ten different answers on what the Pride Parade means to them. Whatever your reason, we invite you and yours to the 2019 Vancouver Pride Parade.
12—3pm. Robson St, Denman St, Beach Ave. Pride Parade
History Sunday
Celebrities Nightclub epic 14 Hour Historic Pride 2018 Finale From 2pm til 4am, we will be packing out their annual sold out 14 Hour dance floor and DJs: Kirsten Sollors, G-Luve, Diana Boss, Zak Santiago and many more. And you can’t forget their infamous Best Butt Contest hosted by Alma Bitches.
2pm—5am. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. No cover until 7pm. History Sunday
Chicas In The Afternoon
Welcome to the perfect way to start your Pride Sunday, at a day party. Come after brunch or whatever shenanigans you’re up to in the morning and join the outdoor party. We’re stoked to welcome back Sandy Duperval from Montreal / Toronto, whose live DJ + singing performance last year was so amazing that we got an overwhelming number of requests that she come back. And of course, she’ll be joined by Pride vets Nathalie Morel, Agent 99, Carolina Campos and long-time Vancouver favourite DJ Miss M. And did we mention Rose Garcia from The Real L Word and the Red Bull Lab Bar will be here too? Grab a customized cocktail and come get down with us.
4—9pm. Sheraton Wall Centre, 1088 Burrard St. Tickets $53 and info at Chicas In The Afternoon
CruiseyT - Pride Go Go Cruise
CruiseyT traditional Pride Cruise, celebrating 28 years in Vancouver's Harbour. Known as the Original Pride Cruises. DJs: DJ RonnyB & Charles Guilterre with entertainment by Eva Scarlett & Molly Poppinz. Ticket price includes a Roast Beef Buffet Dinner.
4—9pm. Harbour Cruises, 501 Denman St. Tickets $75 and info at CruiseyT
Untoxicated 2019: Clean, Sober and Proud
Vancouver Pride Society, TELUS, Last Door Recovery Society, and the Government of British Columbia invite you to Untoxicated 2019, Vancouver Pride's all inclusive SUBSTANCE FREE event. Join us at our new Thurlow and Davie Street Stage for the sober dance party of the season! Featuring Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob The Drag Queen, and Violet Chachki with MC Crystal Clearly and Alma Bitches. Special performances by Raye Sunshine and Jaylene Tyme Plus performances by Sienna Blaze, Kendall Gender, Cinnamon Winters, Anya Marx, Nana Mandibles, Continental Breakfast, PM, Madam Lola with music by DJ's Dave Ally and Lejos.
6—10pm. Davie & Thurlow St. Tickets $40 and info at Untoxicated
Sunset Cruise
Sunset Cruise is an intimate and private journey to the horizon and back, on the last day of Pride, as part of Alternative Pride and the pre-party for Backdoor Vancouver Pride 2019. Journey to the horizon on an epic 400 person charter cruise ship (the biggest we could find), for an incredible evening celebrating the last light of Pride week, and welcoming the carnal pleasure of the night to come. This is a private space made just for you. Dress up, or dress down, or take it all off. Happy Pride.
6—10pm. 1601 Bayshore Dr, unloading at 750 Pacific Blvd. Tickets $45 and info at Sunset Cruise
Hershe Bar-Vancouver Pride Closing Party
Our favourite happy ending and the crown jewel of Flygirl’s Pride weekend… Hershe is back with 2 rooms fully decked out. A double-faceted experience in true Hershe tradition-2 rooms, 1 mahoosive party. It’s the last night of Pride, so we’re going all out with festival vibes, face-painting, amazing live performers, and CO2 jets. Bring your old friends, new friends, friendly hookups—if they like to dance, we want to meet them. Take a nap after Chicas in the afternoon and go for round 2 with our multi-DJ lineup: DJ Automaton (LA, Portland), Riki Rocket (UK), O Show, Carolina Campos, Rose Garcia (Real L Word) and more.
8pm—2am. The Red Room, 398 Richards St. Tickets $20 and info at Hershe Bar
Pride Dance Party
Come dance, celebrate PRIDE! Music by DJ Mike Bermudez and DJ Dennis Kindle with Spotlight performances by Vancouver Drag Legends Joan E, Carlotta Gurl and Jaylene Tyme!
8pm—4am. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $15. Junction
Commercial Drag $5 Pride: All Hail Dust Cwaine
This pride event is for everybody. During Pride we see a lot of inflated prices and this can sometimes leave the financially fragile without a place to get rowdy and celebrate being Bisexual, Pansexual, Ace, Non Binary, Trans, or even gay. So our show will be $5. and we have a $5 menu, inching some libations at that cost! We are joined by 3 incredible YYC performers, DUKE CARSON (Jordan May), DeVery Bess, and ANNE XIETY (lmao) (Anne Xiety) also with Jerrilynn Spears (Cam Dienstbier), Aries Season (Luke Sumac Snowden) Belladonna Vonshade (Phoenix Govens), Mx Bukuru (Dominique Samuels), Homeo Hardware (Charlie Cook), Tommi (Samuel C. Carter), Lamé and more. Hosted by Dust, and probably Anne because she will steal the mic.
8pm—12am. The London Pub, 700 Main St. Cover $5. Commercial $5 Drag
Late Night Snack Pride Brunch
Save On Meats Diner x Alternative Pride present Late Night Snack Pride so say goodbye to that 'Pride Body', whatever that is, because, honey, you are going to EAT US UP! Food specials, drink specials, and some truly mouth watering performances. Come Hungry, Leave Entertained!
8:30—11:30pm. Save On Meats, 43 West Hastings St, 43 West Hastings St. $20 at door. Late Night Brunch
Babes On Babes // PRIDE Sunday
Vancouver's Queer Long Weekend Jam is back at Fortune Sound Club for a very special PRIDE SUNDAY! This party is stacked with high energy vibes and multi room experiences. Our headlining guest this year is Baltimore's Club Queen TT THE ARTIST! Featuring a queer powerhouse line up of local & international DJs from San Francisco & LA + Our local badass Queer dancers showcasing their unique style & finesse. Pride is our time to SHINE!
9pm—2am. Fortune Sound Club, 147 East Pender St. Tickets $20--$22 and info at Babes On Babes Pride Sunday
Studio54 Vancouver Pride
Come to a fresh and new Pride Party at Twelve West with Studio 54 Icons, guests and performers. Hot International GoGo boys, DJ Saul Ruiz from Mexico, opening with Local DJ's G-Luve and DJ IM. Venue completely transformed into a modern version of Studio 54. Think Studio 54 reinvented. Grab your balls boys, we are here to dance. Fun lyrical house, funky disco, NO CURCUIT! First hundred guests get a free cocktail - a "Chambles" other free give-aways all night long and tonnes of surprises!
9pm—3am. Twelve West, 1219 Granville St. Tickets $6 and info at Studio 54
Backdoor Pride Edition
Vancouver's local international party brand, famous for their wild club and warehouse take-overs, returns to Vancouver as part of Alternative Pride Vancouver 2019. Every pride we find the most incredible space possible and this time we hit the jackpot. Take a chance as we reimagine the historic, and centrally located, abandoned Edge Water Casino into an on-the-water oasis where you are guaranteed to WIN BIG! This is our biggest party ever, and we are laying down a full house of queens, Djs, and go-go boys from across the world. Drawing inspiration from the unsanctioned dance events of the 1990s, we bring to you a never-before-seen dance floor, art installations, a specially curated lust lounge, and a space to make you go snake eyed!
9pm. The Edgewater Casino, 760 pacific Blvd. Tickets $30 and info at Backdoor Pride
Pride at Red GAYte
this event is intentionally ALL AGES and CHEAP so everyone can celebrate their pride – NOTAFLOF. If rainbow beer sponsors, gay banks, str8 diva headliners and spending All Your Money aren't your deal, SAME! Pride feels untouchable, corporate and for a televised audience, so we're stripping it down, turning it up, and celebrating the community right in front of us so come out to feel your pride, watch local queer heartthrobs play, and dance your sweet ass off all night long with DJs from Dame Vinyl.
9pm. Red Gate Arts Society, 1965 Main St. Tickets $10--$15 and info at Pride At Red GAYte
LEVEL UP Pride! Queer Hip Hop & Rap Dance Party
LEVEL UP this Pride at Vancouver's only monthly queer hip hop dance party! A celebration of queer art with drag performances, dancers and music. We've got lots in store & are moving the party to a bigger space. DANCE BATTLE hosted by Kevin Fraser with $400 CASH PRIZE. Enjoy the Cool Down Side Room with Chill R&B and Popsicles.
9pm—2am. Warehouse At Eastside Studios, 550 Malkin Ave. Tickets $20 and info at Level Up
Love & Freedom Events: The Party
Be free and feel love at Vancouver's Saturday night mega party - featuring the Vancouver debut of Italian Superduo The Cube Guys! Opening set by Vancouver’s Nick Bertossi at the stunning Imperial Vancouver with sexy gogos and with enhanced lights and spectacle by Galactic Entertainment!
10pm—3am. Levels Nightclub, 560 Seymour St. Tickets $50--$80 and info at Freedom
Love & Freedom Events: RE-UNITED: Closing Afterhours
Our infamous Sunday night pride after-hours returns to Gorg-O-Mish - Vancouver's premiere after-hours club and the original home of United! There’s no holding back at the weekend’s ultimate grand finale featuring Superstar DJ/Producer Isaac Escalante. Dance until 8am!
*3am—8am. Gorgomish, 695 Smithe St. Tickets $65--$85 and info at Re-United
Monday, Aug 5
CruiseyT - Pride Recovery Cruise
Typically, the last big event of the season, mostly filled with hospitality people that worked all the other events. This event takes place on the signature boat, the MV Britannia - Vancouver's largest charter vessel. With sounds of house and nu-disco, and performances by some of Vancouver’s legendary queens, this event sells out every year and boasts an incredibly fun crowd. No matter how you want to party this pride, this is the event to be at. DJs Del Stamp & Domtop with performances by Jaylene Tyme & Raye Sunshine. Ticket price includes a Roast Beef Buffet Dinner.
3—8pm. Harbour Cruises, 501 Denman St. Tickets $75 and info at CruiseyT
Wreck Beach Recovery Day
Come join at this cherished annual tradition, sweat and swim out the excesses of Pride Weekend, and see all your friends, and I mean ALL your friends!
12—8pm. Wreck Beach, Location More info at Wreck Beach Recovery Day
What’s On Queer’s information about access, road closures, and tips for the perfect pride weekend can be found here —>
Written by
Tom Coleman