While many Pride celebrations and events in other cities take place during the month of June, Calgary’s Pride celebrations typically take place near the end of summer. Because of this, Calgarians get to experience an extended summer of Pride, and better weather for the official festivities (yes, that’s why Calgary changed the date).
This year, Calgary Pride has extended the celebrations to a full week, with Pride Week running from August 31 to September 6. There’s also a new format, described as a “tapestry of events, performances, and celebrations woven throughout Calgary.” The tapestry consists of seven rainbow “threads,” each representing a different aspect of Pride events and celebrations.
Here are just a few of those events you can check out in Calgary this year.
Rang De: Night of Nasha
When: August 29
Rang De Pride’s annual Pride party aimed at Calgary’s South Asian queer community returns this year with a Y2K theme. Dance to beats from Montreal-based DJ Nush and check out drag performances from multiple incredible performers, including the “Bollywood Queen of Canada” and Canada’s Drag Race competitor, Sanjina DaBish Queen.
Velvet Room, 628 8 Ave. S.W., rangdepride.org
Drag Storytime
When: August 30
The Canadian Pride Historical Society, an organization dedicated to the history of the Pride movement in Canada, is hosting Drag Storytime, an all-ages event that starts with half an hour dedicated to mingling and browsing the store’s collections of 2SLGBTQIA+ literature. Following that, drag king performers Shane Onyou and King Neptune take centre stage to guide you through some magical stories, with all the flair you love from a drag show.
Owl’s Nest Books, 815a 49 Ave. S.W., eventbrite.ca
Passionfruit Brunch: Sip & Serve
When: August 30
Love a drag brunch? Don’t miss this edition of Passionfruit Brunch. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy a delicious selection of food, handcrafted cocktails and your own creations at the build-your-own Caesar bar, all while watching energetic drag and ballroom performances. After the brunch comes to a close, stick around because from 1 to 5 p.m., Charbar’s rooftop becomes a bumping party venue complete with live performances, music and fun in the sun.
Charbar, 618 Confluence Way S.E., eventbrite.ca
Flow Skate & Friends Calgary Pride Pop-Up
When: August 30
Have a blast at the Flow Skate & Friends Pride pop-up, a laidback skateboarding get-together. Created by Calgary-born entrepreneur Zia Stolbie, Flow Skate events are focused on a dance and rhythm-centred skate style built on flow, rather than tricks. Zoom around on wheels and enjoy a few non-alcoholic drinks provided by Vaycay Brew Co., Alleykat Brewing and Templ Brewing. The skate sesh is free and open to all ages, but adults can head to the after-party at Vaycay’s new upstairs patio where DJ PAYE4PREZ will be providing the music until the sun goes down.
Sunnyside Skate Park, 120 9a St. N.W., eventbrite.ca
Pride on the Patio Party
When: August 31
This year marks the End of the Rainbow Foundation’s eighth annual Pride Patio Party. Held at Cold Garden Beverage Company in Inglewood, the “Heated Revelry”-themed party promises an evening of food, drinks and celebration. Funds raised at the event support End of the Rainbow’s LGBTQ+ Private Sponsorship Program, which helps 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees start a new life in Calgary. The party runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and feel free to bring along a four-legged friend to join on Cold Garden’s dog-friendly patio.
Cold Garden Beverage Company, 1100 11 St. S.E., endoftherainbow.ca
TD Pride Block Party
When: September 1
The TD Pride Block Party finds a new home at the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association this year, and the party promises to be bigger than ever. This free, all-ages celebration features live music throughout the day from DJ Joash Charles, a performance from R&B group (un)decided and high-energy drag performances. There will also be food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, bouncy castles and more.
Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Ave. N.E., calgarypride.ca
Inglewood Pride
When: September 4 to 6
Put on your walking shoes, because Inglewood turns into an events hub during Pride weekend. Programming includes classic Pride events like drag performances and parties, plus events like Friday’s lawn bowling tournament and Saturday’s “Flex Appeal” arm wrestling showdown. The Black Pride Festival closes things out on Sunday with a day packed with music, food and celebration. Businesses along 9th Avenue are also taking part, with a wide variety of special Pride promotions.
Multiple locations, inglewoodpride.ca
Queer Arts Market
When: September 5
Support the creatives and business owners in Calgary’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community at Calgary Pride’s Queer Arts Market. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., shop for unique pieces, and maybe even scope out a new outfit to wear at the parade. Along with the market, Calgary Pride is also hosting an Indigenous Arts Showcase at the event, so be sure to check that out while you’re there.
BMO Centre (Hall F), 1912 Flores Ladue Parade S.E., calgarypride.ca
Pride on the Island
When: September 5 and 6
Drag fans will not want to miss Pride on the Island, a huge outdoor Pride party featuring the iconic American drag queen Trixie Mattel as the event’s headliner. Hosted by Calgary drag legend Karla Marx, this six-hour party promises exciting performances, great music and a festival atmosphere. On Saturday, September 5, enjoy an 18+ party with Dickens providing site-wide alcohol consumption, while Sunday, September 6 is a free, all-ages event for everyone to enjoy.
Prince’s Island Park, 698 Eau Claire Ave. S.W., calgarypride.ca
Calgary Pride Parade
When: September 6
The centrepiece of Pride Week, the Pride Parade is one event you can’t miss. Watch elaborate floats representing the many people that make up Calgary’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It’s a celebration of the community, and a reminder that Pride has always been about advocacy and standing up for the freedoms, rights, safety and visibility of all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
9th Avenue S.W., starting at 5th Street S.W. and ending at 4th Street S.E. in East Village, calgarypride.ca