Whether you live in Vancouver or are just visiting for Pride 2017, here's a list of some must-attend events.
July 22
Pride Run & Walk and Pride Sports Day
8 a.m. start
Second Beach in Stanley Park
Community advocate Barb Snelgrove will once again host the annual Pride Run and Walk in beautiful Stanley Park. Sponsored by the Vancouver Frontrunners, the annual five to 10-km run and walk is followed by Pride Sports Day, which brings together members of the LGBTQ2+ community and their allies for a fun, active and inclusive day of celebration at Second Beach. Money raised from the run and walk goes to Vancouver Frontrunner's community beneficiaries, Out in Schools and the LOUD Foundation Scholarships.
Pride Sports Day includes live music, a variety of sports and recreational activities, a 19-plus beer garden, a sober picnic space hosted by Last Door Recovery Society, vendors, food trucks and community groups. For further fun, sports day organizers are partnering with the Vancouver Canucks, B.C. Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Note: an ASL interpreter is booked for the day and organizers ask that all attendees please refrain from using perfumes, cologne and strongly-scented products. To register for the walk/run visit vancouverfrontrunners.org.
Aug. 4
6 p.m. to midnight
Davie Village between Burrard and Jervis streets
Presented by Fido, the Davie Street Party includes music on multiple stages, fabulous food, dancing, cocktails, you name it. As well, check out some great new art including rainbow cloud swings that share stories of LGBTQ2+ elders while you swing, the Fido Pride Obelisk — an interactive art light tower that reacts to people speaking into the microphones below, and, (OMG), a giant Lite Brite — a larger-than- life version of a childhood favorite toy
The Fido Silent Disco is back again this year, with eight DJs to get you moving — a “silent” disco is a dance party during which participants wear headphones. Also back is the ChillZone presented by the West End BIA and sponsored by Together We Can, showcasing bands, poets and other performers. Dress appropriately, because both the Celebrities Stage and Jervis Stage promise to be hot, hot, hot with talent.
Aug. 5
Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast
All morning starting at 8 a.m.
Jim Deva Plaza at Davie and Bute streets
The Vancouver Pride Society invites you to join them for a by-donation community breakfast honouring one of the founders of Pride in this city. Enjoy syrup-covered pancakes and other breakfast staples in the heart of Davie Village. Share a meal with your loved ones or new friends, while also acknowledging Wallace’s legacy.
Aug. 6
Starts at noon
The Pride Parade is the heart and highlight of Pride Week in Vancouver. This community celebration is the culmination of everything the Pride Society works towards all year long. Bring the kids, bring the dog and bring your beads.
And if you don’t feel like lining the streets, you can purchase tickets to the Boathouse brunch and accessible parade viewing party. This year, a ticket ($45) provides access to all three floors of the Boathouse on Beach Avenue along with a delicious brunch buffet and cash bar. The lower level provides a street view of the parade and the open windows allow you to hear parade commentary from the legendary Joan-E, while the second floor will offer a live feed on large screen TVs and air conditioning. The third level provides a bird's eye view from the rooftop deck. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
1204 Beach Ave., near the bottom of the Burrard Bridge
11 a.m. on
This event brings together thousands from the LGBTQ2+ community and their allies for a day of fun-filled festivities. Enjoy the diverse entertainment lineup at the main stage, explore the Vendor Village, visit the Family Fun Zone, check out the new Community Zone or dance the afternoon away to DJs spinning in the beer garden. Stay and take in the festival for the whole day or pop by after watching the parade. The West End is incredibly busy on Pride Sunday, so walk, take transit or #RidetoPride and park your bike at the bike valet, which will operate by donation. There are Express Passes available for the beer gardens, so if you'd like to skip the line and head straight to the beer gardens, make sure to purchase a pass.
4 p.m.
Harbour Cruises at the north end of Denman Street
This sailor-worthy event takes place on the MV Britannia — Vancouver's largest charter vessel. Enjoy the sounds of house and nu-disco with DJs Sprlvr and Charles Guilterre and performances by the legendary Carlotta Gurl and Joan-E. This event sells out every year and boasts an incredibly fun crowd. Partial proceeds go to Vancouver Pride.
For ticket information for all Pride events visit vancouverpride.ca.
@sthomas10
