Are you ready for it? Pride listings will start in just a couple of weeks so you snooze, you lose. Get those events in to me by July 15 at tomsnewlistings@outlook.com

Thursday, July 4

Indian Summer Festival

The 9th annual Indian Summer Festival returns to Vancouver, bringing locally and internationally renowned artists to venues across the city until Sunday, July 14. With the provocative theme of ‘Tricksters, Magicians, and Oracles,’ the 2019 festival lineup features futurists, novelists, stand-up comedians, musicians and storytellers both locally and from around the world. For a full list of events, venues and tickets go to Indian Summer Festival

Friday, July 5

Clubhouse Patio Sessions

For one season ~ no more no less ~ you get to enjoy the glorious parking lot oasis that is the Clubhouse's back yard, by the sunny light of the late afternoon, pre-party style! A few times a month all summer, they're opening the doors early for a FREE happy hour vibe! Lounge, flirt, shoot some hoops, and then stick around as the sun sets on the city's sickest queer parties coming your way! Nestled amongst blackberry brambles, auto shops, and the very heart of Mount Pleasant, come take advantage of this rare gem of a patio.

6—10pm. The Clubhouse, 238 East 1st Ave. Clubhouse Patio Sessions are always FREE and WEATHER DEPENDANT. Clubhouse Patio

Pride with Love

Join our girls as they head to Victoria Pride to show the city how it is done. Headlining is Carlotta Gurl, an extraordinary entertainer, with more than 15 years of experience and has been amazing audiences everywhere with incredible female impersonations. Gouda Gabor, she’s old-school glam that's classy, brassy and sassy and with more than 15 years of entertaining experience and last but not least Gina Tonic, The Duchess of Drink along with Woofie Goldberg, The bearded drag queen aka Intrepid’s own Sean Guist. After the show, hit the dance floor to continue the party!

11pm—2am. Paparazzi Nightclub, 642 Johnson St, Victoria. Pride With Love

Saturday, July 6

West End Farmers Market

I have it on very good authority that some of these farmers are to die for, so I may have to start buying my produce every Saturday! At the West End Farmers Market, shoppers will find a great selection of just-picked, seasonal fruits & vegetables, ethically raised and grass fed meat, eggs, & dairy, sustainable seafood, fresh baked bread & artisanal food, local beer, wine, & spirits, and beautiful, handmade craft. Kids and parents alike can enjoy entertainment by market musicians, a nearby playground, coffee and food truck offerings each week. Market runs every Saturday until Oct 19.

9am. 1100 Comox St. West End Farmers Market

Women's Street Fair & Flea Market

This weekly event is put on by the women of the Downtown Eastside (DTES) as a celebration of culture, inclusion, and community. Each week will feature music performances, food, and plenty of creative and unique goods. Come visit and support the creativity and innovation of women in the community! All self identifying women are welcome to come vend for the day. Reach out to us on Facebook or at the drop-in centre for more information, or email marketcoordinator@dewc.ca

11am. 500 Columbia St, between Pender & Hastings St. Women's Street Fair

Identity Music Festival

Identity is an all ages, LGBTQ safe space, music festival which focuses on bringing quality music to fans of varying ages. Music ranging from rock, punk metal to alternative to engage the underage communities around Metro Vancouver and provide a safe space for them to express themselves through music.

12—11pm. Red Gate Arts Society, 1965 Main St. Cover $12.  Identity Music Festival

Straight to DVD - Summer Blockbuster Edition

"Hey, have you seen that new superhero flick!? What about the latest sequel to your favorite franchise!?" These are all things people ask each other in the summer because the biggest and brightest movies come out over the summer months. Drunk Movie Day presents Straight to DVD - Summers Blockbuster Edition, as Part table read. Part sketch. Part improv. With absolutely stunning scripts + bits from: Mr Humour himself Ryan Steele along with Matty Vu, Christine Bortolin and more. Wear your depends as things are going to be funny.

7:30pm. Little Mountain Gallery, 195 East 26th Ave. Tickets $10 at door. Straight To DVD

Drag show fundraiser for Puppyteeth

A bunch of *amazing* drag performers are generously donating performances for this special fundraiser for Puppyteeth as his live/work studio was not only robbed but cleaned out of computers, cameras, projector and everything else he needs to work. ! Come enjoy the show, dance about, hang out, and help Jaik bounce back on his feet and keep making the delightful queer art we know and love! Featured are Vixen Von Flex, Alma Bitches, Rose Butch and many more.

9pm—2am. The Clubhouse, 238 East 1st Ave. Suggested donation $15. Puppyteeth

Sunday, July 7

Brunch With BABZ! The Glamour of it all!

This cruise will be worth it just to catch Conni and Babz fighting over the Microphone. YOHO Cruises and The Unstoppable Conni Smudge present Brunch with BABZ! The Glamour of it all! With Special Guest Star Jaylene Tyme as Barbra Streisand and Conni Smudge as, well, Conni Smudge. Enjoy Bottomless Mimosas from 11am-1pm, All you can eat brunch buffet, custom omelette bar and delicious drag performances! During the 2.5 hour sailing, take in spectacular views of Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coal Harbour and English Bay from one of our two outdoor decks. Best of all I will be onboard catching a few mimosas myself. Did you know if you have a ticket for YoHo then your trip back and forth on false Creek Ferries is included!!

11:30am—2pm. Yoho Cruises, 1698 Duranleau St, Granville Isl. Tickets $60 online or at 604-688-6625. Brunch With Babz & Connie

SODA POP - A Sparkling T-Dance

DJ Gingerbear and Mina Mercury take on the new Sunday tradition with the return of the Tea Dance with a twist – this one is SPARKLING! Starting at 3pm DJ GingerBear's sparkling SODA brings back classic grooves, retro beats and some new house that's sweet. Around 6pm Mina Mercury and guests put the POP into the night with her unique and exciting brand of drag and impersonation for a Pop-Up Video drag show. As a special treat try the 1181 Signature Earl Grey infused Vodka…its almost bloody English you know.

3pm. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. Soda Pop

VoiceStory Live: Shame

VoiceStory exists to provide a safe, positive space where any adult, regardless of age, gender, race or sexual orientation, can share a moment of their lives and inspire others. This event is not about promoting a business, pitching you a product or trying to sign you up for a program. What it is about is putting away the cell phones, disconnecting from the hustle and taking a moment to be with yourself and others. It’s all about people telling their authentic stories of facing their fears, overcoming adversity, accomplishing achievements, and experiencing great adventures. People empowering people through storytelling! It’s touching, entertaining, fascinating and most of all, you will experience connection on a new level.

7pm. Culture lab, 1895 Venables St. Tickets $15--$25 and info at VoiceStory

Monday, July 8

Condom Packing Party:

Pride is coming and if your friends are slutty like mine I feel I should do my part and pack like a thousand of those little packs just for Pride week. Looking for a great way to give back? Join HIM to help cram, stuff, and pack condoms and lube into tight little packages. While you’re there you can chat with your fellow volunteers and finish the evening off with a meal from one of the fabulous restaurants in the neighbourhood! And who knows maybe you can even get a sample pack to try out on a fellow volunteer after dinner.

6pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. Condom Packing

Latrice Royale: Here's To Life

She is large and in charge, chunky, yet funky. Bold and beautiful, babies! Join Latrice Royale in her acclaimed one woman show as she takes us on a celebratory journey of song and storytelling! Latrice shares tales of growing up gay in Compton, the events leading up to her ‘unfortunate incarceration’ and her infectious, ever-positive perspective that got her through it all. Get ready for an unforgettable and magical night with the fabulous Latrice Royale featuring her husband Christopher Hamblin on piano. Fresh from her run on All Stars 4, Latrice has more than proven why she has been a fan favourite and drag icon for all these years. Showing off her swerves and curves, and being in total control of herself; Latrice will wow you with this cabaret event that sold out venues all across the U.S. and U.K. Canada, now it’s our turn!

6:30pm. The Vogue, 918 Granville St. Tickets $30--$65 and info at Latrice Royale

Tuesday, July 9

Launch! An Accessible Open Mic for Queer Youth, Seniors, and Allies

Wanna try something new? The next open mic event is a great alternative to the bar-scene is and all-ages!  This is a safe, inclusive, accessible space for people of any genre and experience level to come perform. Or come check it out as an audience member! LGBTQ+ and allies welcome. A fun night for everyone.

7:30—9pm. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. No cover. Launch!

Wednesday, July 10

Queen + Adam Lambert: The Rhapsody Tour

What more needs to be said: Adam Lambert + Queen, take me now lord!

8pm. Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way. Tickets $60--$1300 (yes $1300) and info at Queen

Matthew Presidente: With The Boys

Rock/pop pianist/singer/songwriter Matthew Presidente has been a part of the music scene in Vancouver for nearly 20 years getting all of you out of your seats and grinding on the dancefloor for hours at a time. Now not only can you see him in person but also be involved in tonight’s release of his new rocking album “With The Boys”. In the tradition of Presidente’s releases this show promises to be loads of fun including special guests, games, prizes along with an evening of musical entertainment. Never will you be more entertained or have more fun on a Wednesday, or any other, night.

9pm. Backstage Lounge, 1585 Johnston St, Granville Island. Matthew Presidente

Friday, July 12

Ice Cream & Donut Run Club 1 Year Celebration

Now this is my kind of event, if only I could get pushed in a cart I’d be in heaven. But unfortunately you don’t get to eat the ice cream and donuts until after the run, damn those healthy people. It’s been one year since the first Ice Cream & Donut Run Club began! Come celebrate with a short run, followed by donuts from Dipped Doughnuts, snacks & beer provided by Stanley Park Brewing, and other surprises back at the store. New Balance will be giving away a pair of shoes to one lucky winner too. All attendees will receive 20% off their purchases at the store on the night of the event.

7—10pm. New Balance, 1158 Robson St. Tickets $5 and info at Run Club

Saturday, July 13

Positive Living BC Presents: Drag Brunch

Positive Living BC Presents: Drag Brunch: A Charity Fundraising Event.  Yes the Queen of Brunch is now doing a land-locked show, but I bet her legs are just as wobbly. Hosted by the unstoppable Conni Smudge and featuring performances from Alma B Itches, Jaylene Tyme, Sienna Blaze and Carlotta Gurl! This drag extravaganza will include a surprise drag transformation from the crowd, as well as a homoerotic art silent auction. All proceeds go to benefit the life changing programs and services that Positive Living BC offers to people living with HIV.

11am—3pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. By donation for Positive Living. Drag Brunch

Fraser Valley Pride 2019: Dinner, Dance & Variety Show

7th Annual Fraser Valley Pride Celebration Dinner, Dance, & Variety Show. Tonight includes, dinner, dancing, silent auction and performances by The Valley Clique [ Anida Tythole, Justice, Jo King], Stephen Scaccia, ARMY of SASS - Abbotsford and Tha Realm Dance Studio.

5:30pm. The Stage In Mission, 32998-1st Ave, Mission. Tickets $20--$50 and info at Fraser Valley Pride

Man Up: Amateur Hour!

For the first time in several years, they are bringing you a stand-alone, sans-Queers&Beers, Amateur Hour drag show. A very special all-levels queer variety show! These open-calls, audience-supported, gender-exuberant queer stages are where the magical spirit of our community is birthed! Featuring new and familiar faces from the emerging drag scene, including one special guest flying in from Cranbrook, BC especially to perform.

6pm. The Clubhouse, 238 East 1st Ave. Cover $10 but no one is turned away. Man Up

Sunday, July 14

Rrrrrrretro Jam! 80's? 90's? I Couldn't Possibly!

YOHO Cruises and The Unstoppable Conni Smudge present a Retro themed BIG BOOZY BOATY BRUNCH! Join Conni, Lola and the Yoho crew aboard the M.V. Carousel II for cocktails, brunch and plenty of fabulous fun in the sun and all the 80’s hits you can handle before throwing the old gal overboard. Dress to impress as best 80’s or 90’s outfit wins a pair of tickets to the next Big Boozy Boaty Brunch!

11:30am—2pm. YOHO, 1676 Duranleau St, Granville Island. Tickets $55 and info at Connie's Big Boaty Cruise

In Advance

Sometimes there are gay events that are so popular they sell out weeks before you may even hear about them. If there is an event like that which gives back to a good cause, then I will be posting one of them here, so you have a chance to get your tickets before they are gone.

Wednesday, July 31

McLaren Sparkles 2019

Celebrate Pride with fun, frivolity, food & fireworks at the 19th Annual McLaren Sparkles along with host Conni Smudge! Sparkling Wine Welcome, Host Bar, Scrumptious Canapés, Live & Silent Auctions and the fabulous "Sparkle & Shine, Pick Your Wine", Treasure Table! And all for a good cause as McLaren Housing Society provides safe, secure, affordable housing and support services for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS to increase the opportunity for health, wellness, independent living and a sense of community.

7:30—11pm. TD Tower Penthouse, 700 West Georgia St. Tickets $140 and info at McLaren Sparkles

Where’s the Pride?

What’s On Queer has a great listing of 2019 BC Pride Celebrations, on their Resources page. As well, we’ve gathered all the events on our calendar, just choose from the Special Events Dropdown or click on the banner in the right hand column.

Written by
Tom Coleman

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