Vancouver is celebrating its 39th Pride Week this year from July 31 to August 6, 2017, and there are events happening throughout the city.
Here’s a look at the biggest pride events this week:
July 31: Pride kickoff
Pride week celebrations begin with officials from the City of Vancouver reading the Pride Proclamation at Jim Deva Plaza in Davie Village. Over at city hall, the Pride and transgender pride flags will be raised on the north end of the building.
August 2: Prance on the Pier
This is an all-ages dance at the Shipyards in North Vancouver with food, games and drag performances.
This year, the Vancouver Pride Society is making use of RFID keychains at events which users can top up with money online and use to purchase drinks at events.
August 3: The Big Gay Sing and Welcome to Vancouver
The Vancouver Men’s Chorus takes the Revue Stage on Granville Island for a sing-a-long of Pride anthems. Tickets are $25.
Earlier that day, the Vancouver Pride Society is hosting a panel discussion called Welcome to Vancouver highlighting the personal stories of LGBTQ2+ refugees. Tickets are $20.
August 4: Davie street party and Queer as Funk performance
This neighbourhood bash in Davie Street Village between Burrard and Jervis features multiple music stages, a beer garden, delicious food and art installations.
That evening, Vancouver band Queer as Funk will also be playing at the Commodore Ballroom.
August 5: Dyke March and Terry Wallace memorial
Vancouver’s 14th annual Dyke March and festival begins in McSpadden Park at 11 a.m., where the parade will proceed down Commercial Drive to Grandview Park.
That morning, the Vancouver Pride Society is also hosting a memorial breakfast for Terry Wallace, one of the founders of Vancouver pride.
August 6: Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival
This is the main event of Pride Week. The parade promises floats, fun colours and performers. After the event, revelers can head to Sunset Beach for an all-day festival in the West End. As per tradition, the festival will hold a moment of silence for those who fought for LGBTQ2+ rights.
After pride
Even though the week is done, there are still a few more Pride events scheduled in Vancouver this summer.
The Vancouver Queer Film Festival runs from August runs from August 10 to 20, and features films that tell stories of transformative moments in the lives of queer people.
On August 19, the Vancouver Whitecaps are having their annual Pride Night. There will be a parade to the soccer match, where the soccer team will face the Houston Dynamo.
