New Westminster keeps the Pride party going with fifth anniversary celebration

If you thought Pride season is over in the Lower Mainland just because Vancouver had its Pride parade, well, don't pack away your Pride just yet.

New Westminster's fifth anniversary Pride Celebration kicked off on August 8 and continues until Saturday (August 16). It has expanded to a nine-day festival that has moved to Columbia Street.

There's a veritable conga line of events going on, including a bowling night (tonight) at the Lucky Strikes Bowling Lanes, a Pride edition of the Royal City Farmer's Market, a concert by queer dance band Queer as Funk, a tye dye party, a Mexican-themed party, and more, more, more! (How do you like it? How do you like it?)

Things head outdoors with the Columbia Street Party on Saturday afternoon (August 16) at the Columbia Skytrain station. Entertainment will include musicians, drag kings and queens, DJs, buskers, a kid zone, and lots more.

The street party will be followed by a buffet of parties to choose from, including a dance party at Status Nightclub (27 Church Street, New Westminster) that'll keep the Pride vibe going strong. 

It's a great way to recognize and make visible the Lower Mainland queer communities that exist outside of traditional LGBT neighbourhoods such as the West End or Commercial Drive.

For more details about everything that's going on, check out the New West Pride website.