A look at events scheduled for Pride Week
City showcases its strength in diversity as Pride Week gets underway Friday
Before the streets of downtown Calgary explode in a sea of rainbows on Sept. 2 for the 28th annual Pride Parade, Calgarians can take in multiple pride events during the Calgary Pride Festival which kicks off Friday.
The event originally began as a small march of LGBTQ Calgarians — some of whom wore masks and bags over their faces to conceal their identities and protect themselves from persecution. But, it has grown to become the second-largest parade in Calgary and one that showcases the city’s strength in diversity.
On Sept. 2, the Pride Parade, with more than 190 entries, will begin at 11 a.m. at 350 6 Ave S.E. and go until 1 p.m. However, the festivities don’t end there as the party will continue onto Prince’s Island Park with live music on the main stage and cold beers or cocktails at the Village Brewery Beer Garden.
But first, the week-long party starts Friday with the raising of the Pride flag at City Hall at noon. Here’s what else is happening around Calgary to help you get your pride on.
PRIDE TAILGATE WITH THE STAMPS
This tailgate party precedes the Stamps game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at 1:30 p.m. The tailgate will have a live DJ, face painting and much more. Tickets to the game can be purchased with the promo code PRIDE and a portion of proceeds will be donated to You Can Play and Calgary Pride. Get your game and pride face on! When: Aug. 25 — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: McMahon Stadium
PRIDE IN VIC PARK: TRANS & NON-BINARY 101 WITH JAMES DEMERS
This all-ages event is a fun and informational discussion with James Demers with OutReels Diversity Education Program all about trans and non-binary gender identities. Topics include language, experience and tips for developing your understanding of trans-identified people.
When: Aug. 28 — 7 to 9 p.m. Where: Memorial Park Library
PINK FLAMINGO PRIDE PINBALL PARTY
Enjoy pinball and great food and drinks at this event where you’re encouraged to come as your “filthiest self.” The event is for those aged 18+ and costs $10, but lets you play games for free all night and comes with a raffle ticket to win “awesome prizes.”
When: Aug. 29 — 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: Pin-Bar
REVERSED RACISM — PRIDE YOURSELF
This event showcases the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA2+ and black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) that breaks the “traditional Calgarian mould of a predominantly white-centred space.” Before the show, there will be a panel discussion with some of the performers talking about their experiences and answering questions. The event is 18+ with guest list online tickets at $10 and door tickets a suggested $15.
When: Aug. 30 — 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Where: Dickens Pub
FAB BEAR PRIDE
Party with the Fellowship of Alberta Bears, which promotes body positivity and all types of men, and celebrate pride weekend at the Palomino Smokehouse for the fellowship’s third annual BEEF bash. The social night includes a DJ and dance floor on the lower level with a full menu available on both levels until 1 a.m. Cost for members is $10 at the door and $15 for non-members.
When: Aug. 31 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club
PURE PRIDE CALGARY STARRING KAMERON MICHAELS, MZ CRACKER & EUREKA
For the 13th Anniversary of the Pure Pride Party in Alberta, dance the night away with three of the top five queens from Season 10 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. The night will also feature international DJ Producer Shane Stiel. The event is 18+ and costs $40.
When: Sept. 1 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: The Palace Theatre