7 DAYS OF FUN, AWARENESS AND PRIDE
Parade, speaker series among highlights of Pride in capital, writes Paula McCooey.
The Capital Pride Festival kicks off Monday with seven days of activities that will be capped off on Aug. 27 with the annual Pride parade.
The festival has come a long way since its inception in the 1980s, when it began with a small gathering at Strathcona Park. Now the event draws thousands in support of LGBTTQ+ rights.
New this year is the free TD Speaker Series on Aug. 24 in the city hall council chamber from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30.
Parade grand marshal Candy Palmater, a comedian, writer and activist, will deliver a keynote speech and invite a few storytellers to open the event.
“It’s (about) connecting with Candy and just hearing her story; she’s a self-described recovered lawyer-turned-feminist comic," said festival producer Mike Connors. “And she’s kind of like a Jill of all trades; she’s an actor, writer, columnist, she’s Indigenous and queer, so she offers a unique perspective, I think.”
Following is a sampling of the highlights. Visit Ottawa Capital Pride for the full calendar of events.
Aug. 21: Flag Raising. Join Capital Pride and Mayor Jim Watson at Ottawa City Hall for the raising of the Rainbow Flag for the official proclamation of Pride Week. A free barbecue hosted by Emergency and Protective Services will follow the ceremony. Capital Pride encourages workplaces throughout the city to #RaiseYourRainbow by hosting celebrations of their own and sharing them on social media with Capital Pride. Time: noon to 2 p.m.
Aug. 22: Pride Pageant. Join Capital Pride and hosts Eva Darling and Koko Shennel as this year’s contestants compete for the crown and the titles of Mr., Ms. and Mx. Capital Pride. Featuring DJ Ashley Gauthier, Kiki Coe, Karter Banger and Master Cameron Eric Leon, along with special guest judges Angie Sakla-Seymour, James Jefferson, Dave Schellenberg and China Doll. Where: Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent St. Time: 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $15
Aug. 23: Family Picnic in the Park. To celebrate LGBTTQ+ families of all kinds, the festival is hosting a free barbecue and an afternoon of family friendly programming such as face painting, crafts, games, storytime hour and more. Where: Hintonburg Park, 1064 Wellington St. W. Time: 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets: Free
Aug. 24: Human Rights Vigil. The vigil will reflect upon the ongoing struggle for true equality that too many members of the global LGBTTQ+ community face daily. Where: Human Rights Monument on Elgin Street. Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Aug. 25: The Pride Social. This event is back and on the move to the Museum of Nature. Gather your friends and indulge your senses with great music, appetizers, and dancing in the museum’s rotunda and starlit outdoor plaza. Beats, interactive lights and visuals will be provided by DJ Joel Cabana. The #LoveIsLoveIsLove photo booth will be on site to capture memories. Cash bar (19+). Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, Rotunda, 240 McLeod St. Time: 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets: $20 (price includes appetizers)
Aug. 26: Rainbow Party. Sashay presents the Ottawa Capital Pride Rainbow Party, featuring renowned Toronto DJ and producer Cajjmere Wray, DJ Zabber (aka Isabelle) and drag performances by Markida Brown, Jasmine Dymond, Kiki Coe, Koko Shennel and a special drag king guest. Where: Barrymore’s, 323 Bank St. Time: 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets: $18 online and $30 at the door.
Aug. 27: Pride Parade. This year’s grand marshal is actor, writer, columnist, international speaker, activist, comedian and multiple award-winning TV and radio personality Candy Palmater, who will make surprise appearances at signature events throughout the week. The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Bank Street and Gladstone Avenue. It will head west along Gladstone Avenue, turn north onto Kent Street to Laurier Avenue; head east along Laurier and then south along Bank Street to Somerset Street to finish.