Pride flag will fly in many communities
EAST > BY V. S. WELLS
Pride comes in many shapes and sizes. Some B.C. festivals are huge and sweeping, involving tens of thousands of revellers from across the country marching their way through downtown Vancouver. Others are smaller, with dozens— or maybe just a few—queer people coming together to celebrate their local scene. Wherever you are in this province, check out the interactive map on Straight.com to find out more about your nearest Pride event. Events in the Lower Mainland, the Sea-to-sky Corridor, and the Sunshine Coast are listed below.
SUNSHINE COAST PRIDE MONTH
(To June 30 on the Sunshine Coast) June 23 sees Roberts Creek Community Hall transformed for the best queer dance on the Sunshine Coast, running from 8 p.m. till late. The next day, celebrate Sunday in the Park with a parade from noon and an afternoon picnic in the park.
(June 23 at Grandview Park) A family-friendly, alcohol-free day at the park in the heart of the Drive. Enjoy live acts, local vendors, and sports sessions in the sunshine.
SIDE PRIDE
(June 30 at Holland Park) Live music, dancing, and drag performers provide the entertainment for Surrey. Drinking-age guests can mosey over to Blackbird Hall at 7 p.m. for the Glam and Glitter Ball afterward.
SURREY PRIDE FESTIVAL FRASER VALLEY PRIDE CELEBRATION
(July 13 and 14 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre) Fraser Valley Pride hosts a youth dance and drag show on July 13 for guests 13 to 25 years old. It’s followed by the 19plus Dinner and Variety Show on July 14.
SQUAMISH PRIDE CELEBRATION
(July 28 at a location and time to be announced) The event is still in its planning phase, but Safe ’n Sound Squamish is working on plans to host a pride celebration.
WHITE ROCK’S ANNUAL PRIDE PARTY
(July 28 at the Elks Hall) Liberal MP Gordie Hogg MCS a night of music, drag, and dinner. The White Rock Pride committee is fundraising for a rainbow crosswalk at Five Corners.
VANCOUVER ALTERNATIVE PRIDE
(August 1 to 6 at various locations) This grassroots, activist-led music and art festival promises 20 events in 10 locations over the course of five days.
VANCOUVER DYKE MARCH AND FESTIVAL
(August 4 at Mcspadden Park) The march begins from Mcspadden Park at noon, heading down Commercial Drive to Grandview Park for the festival (1 to 5 p.m.). Performances, vendors, and community space.
VANCOUVER PRIDE PARADE AND SUNSET BEACH FESTIVAL
(August 5 in Vancouver) B.C.’S biggest Pride parade drew 650,000 people last year. In the lead-up to this year’s 40th annual parade, there are events to celebrate all through June, July, and August. The parade traditionally runs from Robson Street at Thurlow to Sunset Beach, where there will be food trucks, a beer garden, arts and family events, and a main stage until 6 p.m.
NEW WEST PARTY PRIDE STREET
(August 18 on Columbia Street) The end of New West Pride Week (August 11 to 18) means a party. Volunteer-run fun and festivities, near the New Westminster and Columbia Skytrain stations.
BOLDFEST (August 30 to September 2 at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel) Although not a Pride event per se, this annual conference for queer women over 45 years old celebrates in its own way. Performers, panels, workshops, karaoke, and more, all under one roof.