Arts & Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Pride Week (July 31- August 6)

A parade viewing party, fitness fundraiser, a queer PNE takeover and some RuPaul's Drag Race queens for your Pride Long Weekend.

By Kerri Donaldson /

Here’s your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, send an email to kdonaldson@canadawide.com.

Credit: Maxine’s Cafe & Bar

1. A Pride Campout at Maxine’s Cafe & Bar

August 3

Four courses, dessert and some incredible drag queens? Sounds like a no-brainer to me. In partnership with UBC’s CampOUT!, Maxines is getting in on the Pride festivities with fabulous servings of food, drink and drag (with MC CoCo and DJ Christian Flores entertaining you all night long). Partial proceeds from the evening of camp will support CampOUT!, an outdoor summer camp for Two-Spirit, queer, trans, questioning and allied youth from across BC. Check out the 4-course menu and secure your spot at the table here.  

When: August 3
Where:Maxine’s Cafe & Bar
Cost: $147.50
More Info: maxinescafebar.com

2. Fitness is Such a DRAG: Pride Fundraiser

August 1

Get your heart pumping for a good cause! This isn’t your average workout session—it’s a fitness extravaganza featuring performances from Canada’s Drag Race star Kendall Gender, Bibi SouPhresh, Tiffany Ann Co., and Venus. Expect beginner-friendly cardio sessions, a Vendor Village and a swag bag full of wellness goodies. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds go to the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society.

When: August 1
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery – North Plaza)
Cost: By donation
More Info: eventbrite.ca

3. A Rainbow Brick Road Afterparty at The Lamplighter

August 3

Freehouse Collective is pulling out all the stops with a long weekend full of parties—so why not kick things off at the official afterparty for the Gastown BIA’s Rainbow Brick Road celebration this Thursday with hosts Lamplighter serving up live music from 8pm-10 pm followed by a DJ spinning until 2 am (it’s the long weekend afterall, so book off Friday now and make it an even longer one!) Check out their website for more Freehouse Collective Pride events and Happy Pride!

When: August 3
Where: The Lamplighter
Cost: Free
More Info: freehouse.co

4. Free To Be Pride Celebration and Parade Viewing

August 6

Come celebrate a Sunday Funday at the starting point of the Vancouver Pride Parade and celebrate with live hosts (Nate Fadear and Ilona Verley from Season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race), parade commentary, drag performances and a DJ PARTY SET by DJ ChoCha to keep the party going throughout the day. Reserve your spot now (doors are at 10:30 am and the cost includes guaranteed entry before 12 pm and a free drink) (but… if you don’t get there by 12 pm you risk forfeiting your ticket so don’t let punctuality rain on your parade!)

When: August 6
Where: The Three Brits Public House
Cost: $43.93
More Info: eventbrite.ca

 

Trixie Mattel. Photo by Albert Sanchez

5. HappyLand Festival: A Queer PNE Takeover

August 6

Pride + amusement park rides = Vancouver’s most fun way to celebrate Pride! You’ll be screaming on the rides but also for the performers as this special Pride edition takeover features local drag talent alongside world-famous drag queens Trixie Mattel and Pabllo Vittar. You’ll get exclusive access to thrilling rides, music, performances, food trucks and mini donuts (the carnival food queen herself!) Plus, a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the Vancouver Pride Society and QMUNITY.

When: August 6
Where: PNE Amphitheatre and Playland Amusement Park
Cost: From $59
More Info: happylandfest.ca