Ready, set, rainbows: Vancouver Pride Society announces events lineup

Vancouver doesn’t have a pride month—it has a whole pride quarter. And Vancouver Pride Society, the big daddy of queer summertime happenings, has just released its full event lineup.

From July 28 to August 6, there are a dozen events around the city for all kinds of LGBTQ2S+ experiences. The theme is Reconnect, symbolizing the organization’s continued commitment to lift up QTBIPOC people and communities. This year also marks the first time that the main parade will take place on a new route, finishing at Concord Pacific Place. 

“This new site … and the [improved] accessibility are all in efforts to have community feel a sense of ownership over their Pride, a connection to their Pride, and a place where they can bring their community and feel safe and included and invited,” Allison Dunne, VPS co-executive director, told the Straight in an interview earlier this year.

The Bubly Davie Street Lounge at 1207 Bute Street returns for open-air celebrations, hosting events all through the Pride party era.

Here’s a look at everything that’s coming up: 

VanPrideFest

For the first time, Pride is going to be a two-day affair. The stage at Concord Pacific Place will be buzzing both Saturday and Sunday, featuring performances from Fefe Dobson, Coco & Breezy, Madison Rose, and Prado Monroe on the main stage over the weekend. There’s also drag from artists including Jaylene Tyme, Batty Banks, Mx Bukuru, and Genesis; a local artisan market; food trucks; and plenty of space to sprawl and play.

The parade itself is going to run from 12pm to 3pm on August 6, along a new route that’s 3.1km long and snakes around the south side of downtown.

When: August 5 to 6, 12pm to 7pm

Where: Concord Pacific Place

Admission: Free; VIP upgrades available on Saturday and Sunday for $79.73

Queers & Beers

Kick off Pride with this open-air hang starring local artists, featuring musical performances from Hoodie Browns, Leo D.E Johnson, Toddy & Friends, Sieski, and Tonye Aganaba.

When: July 28, 4pm to 10pm

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Admission: From $11.15, tickets available here

Silent Disco by MangoSweet

Every night after the Bubly Lounge events, MangoSweet will be hosting a silent disco. Party on (quietly)! Each event from July 28 to 30 includes silent disco access in the ticket price.

When: July 28 to 30, 10pm to midnight

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Van Vogue Jam Posh Ball 

Vancouver’s ballroom scene brings it to the children in the third annual Posh Ball, “The Gallery Kiki ball.” Don’t touch the performers, but feast your eyes on the art of ballroom.

When: July 28, 6pm to 11pm

Where: D6 at Parq Vancouver

Admission: From $22.63, tickets available here

Van Vogue Jam Posh Ball Afterparty

Keep the night going ‘til late with DJs, sick beats, and stunning moves. Afterparty tickets are sold separately.

When: July 28, 6pm to 11pm

Where: D6 at Parq Vancouver

Admission: From $22.63, tickets available here

Summer Sampler

DJ Softieshan showcases local QTBIPOC talent, with queer collectives Haus Bukuru, MangoSweet, and Ricecake coming to play alongside DJs from NormieCorp, Level Up, and Hotlatch.

When: July 29, 3pm to 10pm

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Admission: From $11.15, tickets available here

The Haven Takeover

Trans and non-binary art collective Transgender Expressions Haven will be showcasing captivating local trans performers, musicians, and artists.

When: July 30, 1pm to 5pm

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Admission: Tickets available soon here

Under the Table QTBIPOC Poetry Slam 

Queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of colour poets are going to bring their words and rhymes to Pride in a slam hosted by fanny kearse and featuring Adonis King, with the chance to win up to $250 in prizes. The COVID-conscious event has a mask policy to prioritize accessibility.

When: July 30, 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Admission: Tickets available by donation here; QTBIPOC poets can sign up here until July 21

One Night Stand Up

Comedy lovers gather for Comedy Here Often?’s Pride show, hosted by Shanda Leer and featuring Savannah Erasmus, Cassidy Anhorn, DJ On, and Patti Asvard slinging their funny stuff.

When: August 3, 7pm to 10pm

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Admission: From $15, tickets available here

ENBY 6 and Virago Nation

Vancouver’s all non-binary drag house meets the city’s all-Indigenous queer burlesque collective for an afternoon and evening of queer, iconic, sexy performances. 

When: August 4, 4pm to 10pm

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Admission: From $16.43, tickets available here

AfroQueer

This party for self-identifying queer Afrodiaspora will share art, music, dance, culture, and creativity, with all-Black DJs, dancers, vendors, security, and staff. 

When: August 5, 5pm to midnight

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Admission: $45, tickets available here 

Queen Titans 

Local drag icon Rogue hosts a slate of top-notch Vancouver performers, with artists including Bebo, Diamonté, Albion Top, Margaux Rita, Hazel, Batty Banks, and Atondra Deville taking to the stage.

When: August 6, 3pm to 10pm

Where: Bubly Davie Street Lounge

Admission: From $16.43, tickets available here

For full events listings, check out the Vancouver Pride Society website.