Out in Vancouver June 27 - July 7 with Tom Coleman

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, June 27

Rainbow Karaoke

Monthly meetup for LGBTQ2+ peeps and their allies and friends OUT in the ‘burbs’. Karaoke hosted by Stew & Sharon of Lone Tree Karaoke & DJ Service. Pub specials for food and beverages.

6:30—11pm. Paddlewheeler Pub, 810 Quayside Dr – 126, New Westminster. Rainbow Karaoke

Chicha Drag Bingo with Mina Mercury

Mina Mercury and a special guest drag queen each week will host Drag Show Bingo! There will be two sets of two games of bingo with lots of entertainment and numbers before and between bingo sets. There will be lots of prizes, outfits, numbers, fun, drinks and food specials! Proceeds go towards Foundation of Hope Charity; a LGBTQ charity that funds not-for profit LGBTQ refugee organizations.

8—10pm. Chicas Restaurant, 136 East Broadway St. $10 per bingo set. Chica Drag Bingo

Saturday, June 29

Victoria Pride

Dragball, Big Gay Dog Walk, Night Shift are just the tip of the iceberg for Victoria Pride events. There is something for everyone and best of all it is in Victoria so you can walk to everything no matter how much celebrating you have done. Pride runs until Sunday, July 7 so pick your events and come on over for a day trip or the whole week. Check online for all events, times and venues. Victoria Pride

Surrey Pride 20

The 20th Anniversary Surrey Pride Festival will rock the Plaza at Central City Shopping Centre and 102 Ave will be closed to traffic.

3—8pm. Central City, 10153 King George Blvd. Surrey Pride

West End Summer Art Market

Check out the great artists from around the West End and upgrade your art in your living space. Maybe some of them are even your neighbors. Or just be like me and sit back on Mary’s patio, have a cocktail and check out the art in comfort.

11am—5pm. Jim Deva Plaza, 1200 Bute St. Summer Art Market

ManUp A Beach Ball

Drag's a peach and life's a BEACH!! Sun's out, bums out, and quite honestly we're baking hot n' bothered. Strap on your thongs and slap on that SPF ~ cuz your saltiest dreams are about to come true with a midsummer night's steamy romp through the imaginations of the glamourpussy family that has brought you glittery fabulous all-genders drag since 2008!!!

9:00 pm - 2:00 am. Eastside Warehouse. 550 Malkin Avenue. ManUp A Beach Ball

Absolut'ly Dragulous

Voted the Number 1 drag show by Vancouver's Community; Absolut'ly Dragulous is a drag show like none other. A fine mix of classic glamour to punk rock to legendary ballads this show is one NOT to miss! Hosted by Vancouver's own legendary Queen of the West End Carlotta Gurl and her special guests are here to show you what Vancouver's drag scene is all about! Music provided by Resident DJ Mike Bermudez!

9pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $7. Absolut'ly Dragulous

RUFF Canada Day

Presented by STEAMWORKS Baths, RodRozen Designs & Celebrities Underground. Produced by Michel Nadeau Events. Get down for a party that covers all the bases and a few of your fantasies I am sure. Gogo Performances by Mr. RUFF 2019 Tim & The Men of RUFF. Leather, men, Pure Noise, Zarafan and a playroom: need I say more. If you still have anything left in you, energy that is not physically anything in you, then head to RUFFplay at Steamworks after the party. Don’t worry RUFF has thought of everything as there is a FREE RUFF shuttle to Steamworks every 30 minutes from 12:30—2:30am.

10pm—3am. Celebrities Underground, 1022 Davie St. Tickets $25 advance online or $30 at door. RUFF Canada Day

Sunday, June 30

Fruit Float

Sounds like a drink concoction at Mary’s but if you haven’t experienced the real Fruit Float you are missing out. Hosted by South Okanagan Pride it will be the most fun you have on water this summer. Bring your most colourful floaties and beach accessories to the inaugural SOS Pride Fruit Float down the Penticton River Channel or float with Coyote Cruises who are offering humans joining at a rate of $15 for the float and return trip! Also look for the large Visit Penticton tent, that where we will be, come say hi, get your Membership and find out more about SOS Pride. Don't forget your water and sunscreen! More details to come! Just a 4 hr drive for the time of your life.

11am—3pm. Penticton River Channel, Penticton. Fruit Float

Canada Day Block Party 2019

As if we need a reason to go drink at Red Truck Beer but you need to be convinced you still will have one as the biggest block party ever is back. The celebration which sees over a thousand guests, returns for the first time ever at the incredible Red Truck Brewery for a massive parking lot party! This is a long weekend outdoor event! Live Music! Hot Tubs! Craft Beer Garden! Vendors! Games! Going til' sunset! With a selection of artists as diverse as the country we celebrate; from Juno-nominated to up-and-coming, with LGBTQ and indigenous participation, this Canada Day Block Party is going to be LEGENDARY!!! Hosted by Quanah Style and Continental Breakfast this party is off the hook. And yes, there is even a section for you to celebrate legalization, if you know what I mean.

1—9pm. Red Truck Beer, 295 East 1st Ave. Tickets $19.99--$29.99. Block Party

Sweet Queer Heat Parking Lot Party

Come check out this new queer popup space, next to Postmark Brewing in Railtown. We have both the inside and outside open for chill summer drinks and hangs. Tasting booth sponsored by Jägermeister, serving up Jager and Cold brew from Salt Spring coffee and Berlin Mules to cool you off. DJs, Giant Beer Pong, Flip Cup Games and more featuring Skylar Love, Krista, Lola Phyne, Awood, Armistice and Leahbabe plus hosted by Downtown-Vancouver Queer Party.

3—9pm. 49 Dunlevy Ave. Sliding scale $10--$15. Sweet Queer Heat Party

Legends Cabaret

Ladies, gentlemen, fabulous humans and children of all ages, Jaylene Tyme and special guests celebrate old school glamour and world class celebrity impersonation in this truly remarkable spectacle of Vancouver drag. Jaylene is a former Empress of Vancouver and a master of illusion, re-creating incredible looks including Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner, Cher and many more. This is an 'ALL AGES SHOW' (until 10 PM) All fans of the "Art of Drag" are welcome to come experience a world of magical transformations and superb entertainment.

6:30pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $5. Legends Cabaret

Babes on Babes: Blimes Edition & Guests

This month they are turning it up a notch with a highly anticipated guest performance by the multitalented BLIMES. Straight out of San Francisco this Femcee is a veteran on the mic whose skills and versatility will have you counting down the days until show time. Babes On Babes is a Queer long weekend event. We are a
collective of artists, DJs and promoters with the desire to showcase and celebrate local and international Queer talent. For a full list of entertainment check online.

10pm—1:30am. Fortune Sound Club, 147 East Pender St. Cover $18. Babes On Babes

Monday, July 1

Absolut Canada Day BBQ

Come on out this Canada Day for an Absolut Barbecue hosted by the 48th Reign of the Dogwood Monarchist Society! All proceeds from the BBQ are going to support this year’s chosen charities: Rainbow Refugee, Saige Community Food Bank, Zee Zee Theatre, Urban Native Youth Association and Positive Living BC.

2—7pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. $10 gets you a Burger (beef or veggie) or a Hot Dog and an Absolut Highball! Absolut BBQ

CruiseyT - Canada Day Fireworks Cruise

CruiseyT brings back the Canada Day Fireworks Cruise! Join in for the gayest Canada Day party where you will soak up the sun and enjoy a front row view of the Fireworks at Canada Place. Not only do you get DJs Del Stamp and Darren Kerr but the entire Bratpack will be on board for your showtime entertainment. Come check out Jane Smoker’s sea legs, maybe flats would be a better idea gurl.

6:30—11:30pm. Harbour Cruises, 501 Denman St. Tickets $45 and info at CruiseyT

Wednesday, July 3

GAYlarious - Another Comedy Fundraiser

An evening of laughter, fun, excitement and friends and help raise money for New West Pride Society. The evenings lineup will leave you with your cheeks hurting and tears of laughter. The evening will be hosted once again by the amazingly talented and funny (trust us, she will crack you up) Jennifer Robertson. Jennifer is a Vancouver born and raised actress and writer who you may just recognize from CBC's Schitt's Creek! What is that? You want Drag? We got you! Dust and Channing Titanium, 2 of the Lower Mainland's most comedic drag performers will take the stage. Steev Letts is a big sweaty gay oaf. He finds inspiration in the many gross rituals that unite us all and aims to make you laugh at that which makes you cringe. Steev won the 2018 Vancouver Yuk Off, won Breakout Artist of the Year at the 2019 Vancouver Comedy Awards and has performed at JFL Northwest and the Grindstone Comedy Festival. Steev is just one of the many talented performers for you tonight so don’t think the guy will be carrying the whole show. He has lots of help.

6—10pm. The Columbia, 530 Columbia St. Tickets $40 online along with lots more info at Gaylarious

Bingo For Life

A pillar of our community for decades, Bingo For life is a weekly drag bingo fundraiser which benefits Vancouver Friends For Life Society programming and services. Mary's on Davie - Bingo For Life is excited to offer its event to ALL AGES, with food, cocktails, and of course - your favourite Davie Party Gurl - Carlotta Gurl! One of the best nights of fun on Davie: Bingo not Carlotta…although…

7—9:30pm. Mary’s On Davie, 1202 Davie St. Suggested donation $10. Bingo For Life

Friday, July 5

Hi Five

5s, 5s, 5s, 5s - across the board, get ready to sweat on the dance floor with your queer fam jam. 5 star DJ team: Softieshan, Body Party, Ponyboy, Emo Ammonia and Skylar Love. Hip hop / r&b / guilty treasures / top 40 remixed / rap / house party jams / pop / lip sync worthy beats / 90s & 80s dance / house. Best of all remember the patio is open early for cocktails.

6pm Patio. 9pm—2am Hi Five. The Clubhouse, 238 East 1st Ave. $5 cover. Hi Five

TUTS 2019: Mamma Mia! and Disney's Newsies

Join for two dazzling adventures under the stars this summer with Mamma Mia! and Disney's Newsies. Enjoy a captivating evening of musical theatre surrounded by the scenic beauty of Stanley Park as young talent from across the Lower Mainland share the stage with some of Vancouver’s finest professional theatre artists. This season offers a spectacular set of feel-good family hits – one of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads; the other of a band of misfits fighting for what is right. Don’t miss this beloved tradition that has been filling summer nights with song and dance since 1940! Check online for alternating show until Saturday, Aug 17.

8—10pm. Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park. Tickets $20--$45 and info at TUTS

The Dirty Betty Show! - Bye Bye Betty Edition

SILLY. SASSY. SAUCY. Catch the Dirty Bettys one more time, before they go on tour for the summer! A Comedic Variety Show perfect for your saucy night out. Grab your ladies, your gents, a big box of wine and get ready for Vancouver's sassiest comedy show. Featuring Vancouver's hottest comedians, improvisers, and drag queens. This is one sassy night out you won't want to miss!

8—10pm. Café Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Dr. $10 at door. Dirty Betty Show

Best Friends: A Comedy Show with Yumi and Dust

Vancouver’s sweetest comedy best friends, Yumi Nagashima and Dust, bring a wild and mysterious comedy variety show featuring some amazing stand up comics alongside some stellar local drag talent! This show is a fusion of two communities of local performers aiming at bridging the gap at a comedy and drag variety show.

10pm. Yuk Yuk’s, 2837 Cambie St. Tickets $20 advance online or $25 at door. Best Friends

Pride with Love

Well worth a ferry trip to Victoria. Welcome back to the stage the Legendary GOUDA GABOR your host for the evening. Headlining is CARLOTTA GURL (YVR), Carlotta is an extraordinary entertainer, with more than 15 years of experience and has been amazing audiences everywhere with incredible female impersonations. Joining her are Gouda Gabor, she’s old-school glam that's classy, brassy and sassy and with more than 15 years of entertaining experience. Gina Tonic, the Duchess of Drink and Woofie Goldberg, another bearded drag queen aka Intrepid’s own Sean Guist.

11pm. Paparazzi Nightclub, 642 Johnson St. Victoria. Cover $12. Pride With Love

Saturday, July 6

Bye Felicia – Ursula MAJOR

It is the 11 Year Anniversary of the Biltmore Cabaret and they have extended last call until 3:00am. Join for cake, balloons, and champagne!! Let's Celebrate 11yrs of Biltmore Cabaret in style at Bye Felicia. Ursula Major is a genderfuck performance artist and personality that will captivate you with her bodacious curves from one side, and her beard and bulge from the other. This constantly evolving mishmash of tattoos, fur, corsets, wigs, makeup, sweat, and rearranged body mass will make you wonder why you are struggling to hide a fear boner. For best results, surrender yourself to the illusion of her femmasculinity. Host Alma Bitches has one mission at the party: to slay you and give you life! Werk! Afterwards surrender yourself to DJ G-Luve.

10:30pm—3am. The Biltmore, 2755 Prince Edward St. Tickets $10 online at Bye Felicia

Backdoor Victoria Pride

Matt Troy brings his amazing Backdoor to Victoria: the party is not bad either. Backdoor Victoria Pride is a one-night pop-up party where queers from all over the PNW converge on Victoria. Seattle, the lower mainland, and Vancouver Island fairies unite to leave our labels behind and enter the Backdoor. Join us in a totally-out-of-this-world Pride Party Palace of desire, love, and magic. This is a party where everyone is welcome - boys, girls, squirrels, femmes, mens, theys, thems, ladies, babies, grannies and daddies! This is a 4 room party including a 3 rooms of music, a lounge, an amphitheatre, an attic, and a curated 420 patio! Special PNW Drag Show at 9:30pm. Honestly go online to check out the performers and talent as it is way too much to list here. If you miss Backdoor, you may as well just pack it in.

8pm—2am. Indeed Victoria, 751 View St, Victoria. Tickets $40 and info at Backdoor Victoria

Sunday, July 7

Drag Camp for All Ages!

Pride is coming up so start honing you craft. Come check out Vancouver’s first Drag Camp for All Ages presented by the Storytelling with Drag Queens Foundation and hosted by Candie. Learn about the educational and performative aspects of drag through our fun family event. Today’s workshop is Drag History and Culture / Storytelling with Tommi, GaySha and Dank Sinatra! Hands-on activities, prizes and a chance to perform on stage! Featuring amazing readings and performances by our wonderful Storytelling with Drag cast too!

11:30am—1:30pm. Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Dr. Tickets $12 adult, $7 drag kid. Drag Camp

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

Symphony at Sunset

Perfect for date night and it is free. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Park Board are pleased to present Symphony At Sunset, its second annual free, open-air concert. Last summer’s inaugural Symphony At Sunset was an unmitigated success with more than 14,000 people attending the free concert on the large lawn at Sunset Beach. This year, the VSO expects to build on that success and has once again, partnered with the Vancouver Park Board (VPB) to ensure an exceptional experience for everyone who attends the concert this summer. Symphony At Sunset is a free and accessible family event and will be alcohol and smoke-free.

7—9:30pm. Sunset Beach Park, Beach Ave. Free concert. Symphony At Sunset

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 10

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