8 Pride Events to Add to Your June Calendar

It's time to celebrate Pride Month in Vancouver!

While most of Vancouver’s official Pride celebrations aren’t until July 26, you don’t need to wait almost two months to get the Pride party started. From walking tours to speed dating to drag brunch, there’s plenty of excitement in June (and all summer long) to celebrate Pride Month. So, pull out those rainbows and get ready to celebrate all kinds of love with these eight Pride events and activities happening throughout June across the Lower Mainland. 

1. East Side Pride

East Side Pride poster on gradient background with event details and sponsors listed along the bottom
Credit: Vancouver Pride Society

It wouldn’t be the start of Vancouver’s Pride Season without East Side Pride. This year’s free, all-ages event is hosted by stand-up comedian Sasha Mark, and there’s no shortage of activities to fill your Saturday afternoon with plenty of Pride and joy like drag shows, a musical showcase by Queen’s Academy of the Arts, food trucks, artisan vendors and a summer BBQ put on by SAIGE Community Food Bank. 

When: June 22 (12-7 p.m.)
Where: Grandview Park, 1657 Charles St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Web: vancouverpride.ca/events/east-side-pride

 

2. Shade Never Made Anybody Less Gay: Pride Month Drag Brunch

poster for Shade Never Made Anybody Less Gay drag brunch hosted by Carrie Dawn, with event details on a rainbow background
Credit: Carrie Dawn

To keep the Pride celebrations going through Sunday, head to the Ventura Room for the Shade Never Made Anybody Less Gay: Pride Month Drag Brunch. Spend a Sunday afternoon sipping sparkling mimosas (or one of the specially curated gin cocktails), eating your fave bennies and enjoying a musical and laughter-filled drag extravaganza hosted by Carrie Dawn and featuring special mystery guests. 

When: June 23 (starts at 11 a.m.)
Where: Ventura Room, 695 Cambie St., Vancouver
Cost: $20
Web: eventbrite.com

 

3. Solid Pink Disco with DJ Trixie

Drag Queen Trixie Mattel in pink posing in front of the words "solid pink disco"
Credit: Trixie Mattel

Get your disco on with DJ Trixie for a Thursday that has Big Friday Energy (just remember, it’s not though). The beloved drag comedy queen and Season 3 RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner, Trixie Mattel, is bringing her Solid Pink Disco Pride Tour this way. So, put on your best pink outfit and head to the Commodore Ballroom for a disco-filled Thursday night.  

When: June 13 (8 p.m.)
Where: Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: From $55
Web: commodoreballroom.com

 

4. Surrey Pride Festival 2024

parade of people holding a rainbow flag above their heads
Credit: City of Surrey

If you’re looking for a Pride celebration closer to Surrey, the Surrey Pride Festival at Civic Plaza is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a full lineup of festivities. Enjoy performances from local singer-songwriter Matthew Presidente, a drag show by the legendary Kendall Gender and food booths (everyone’s favourite kind).

When: June 22 (1-8 p.m.)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
Cost: Free
Web: surreypride.ca/pride-2024-25th

 

5. Sapphic Speed Dating

Credit: Lez Hookup Events

Finding it hard to meet queer single ladies in Vancouver? The Sapphic Speed Dating event hosted by Lez Hookup Events is a perfect way to be sociable and flirty while celebrating Pride. The evening dating mixer has two suggested age-ranged events to sign up for (35+ and under 35) so you to find your most compatible match. Both events are at the Junction and appies and small talk are included with your ticket. 

When: June 29 (4:30 p.m.)
Where: Junction, 1138 Davie Street Vancouver
Cost: $38.61
Web: lezhookup.com/upcoming-events.html

 

6. Really Gay History Tour

Credit: Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours

For all you history buffs, or those who want to learn more about Vancouver this Pride, check out the Really Gay History Tour through Davie Village. Learn about the queer heroes who changed the city’s history, from drag kings to transgender crime fighters. The folks over at Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours are doubling up their steps with additional private tour times this Pride month. But don’t worry if you can’t go in June; the tour still runs year-round. 

When: Sundays and Tuesdays (10 a.m.)
Where: Davie Village (starting at 930 Burrard St and ending near Davie & Bute St.)
Cost: From $30
Web: forbiddenvancouver.ca/really-gay-history-tour

 

7. Free Fitness Classes at Fitness World

words "Free Fitness Classes" with extended black shadow on a rainbow gradient background
Credit: Fitness World

Sweat it out this June with some free fitness classes at several Fitness World locations around the city. This free class series for Pride is open to everyone including non-members. Enter the world of fitness this Pride and test out your dance skills with Zumba or cardio classes happening throughout the month.

When: June 13 – 30
Where: Various Fitness World locations
Cost: Free!
Web: fitnessworld.ca/pride-series

 

8. Queer Arts Festival 

Credit: Queer Arts Festival

This last one is kind of cheating in that it’s actually many events under one umbrella not necessarily designated as ‘Pride celebrations.’ But, with what looks to be a moving lineup of artistic events throughout June that showcase the talent and experience of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, it’s worth including. The Queer Arts Festival (QAF)’s theme this year is The Ties That Bind, highlighting the complexities of bonds within the queer and queer arts community. From clothing swaps to poetry in augmented reality, there’s something for everybody to enjoy including numerous accessible events, like the photo exhibit Queer Eyes, Queer Lives or the Trace Elements: QAF Film Night. 

When: All month long
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free (or pay-what-you-wish)
Web: queerartsfestival.com