Each August, over 100,000 people gather in Vancouver in celebration of the city’s annual Pride Parade. Vancouver was the first Canadian city to host a Pride parade, with an unofficial parade happening as early as 1978. Later becoming officially recognized by the municipality in 1981, the parade and festivities have grown and broadened to the large scale it’s known for today. In the spirit of Pride, numerous vibrant events are hosted around the city and province to coincide with Vancouver’s Pride Parade each year. These festivities not only celebrate the accomplishments and rights of the 2SLGTBQIA+ community but also serve as a platform for awareness, solidarity, and acceptance. Here are some memorable events happening around Vancouver’s 2023 Pride Parade, showcasing the power of unity, love, and diversity.
Vancouver Pride Festival, Vision Event Photography Inc.
Vancouver Pride Society’s Pride Parade August 6, 2023
This signature event attracts over 100,000 attendees on Pride Weekend! Featuring over 100 local community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses and more showcasing their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The 2023 Parade will include 3 accessible viewing zones, 6 superstar hosts, and a VIP viewing area like no-other.
Blueprint Events: PRIDE August 1-6, 2023
Celebrities Nightclub’s annual pride festival. 6 nights of programming in collaboration with the 2SLGTBQIA+ community featuring drag shows, contests, live performances, DJ sets and more. Featuring almost entirely local partners and talent.
Day to Nite Festival 2023 August 4-6, 2023
Celebrate Pride 2023 at The Birdhouse Fly away with DOUBLE events each day and night of Pride weekend for DOUBLE the fun at the first official Day To Nite Festival.
Flygirl Pride 2023 August 6, 2023
Flygirl Pride can’t wait to welcome you back to Chicas, August 6, 4pm-9pm, and afterparty, Hershe Bar, August 6, 9pm-2am. Join for dancing, laughter, and the opportunity to create cherished memories together, embracing the power of inclusivity and acceptance.
Each of the legendary events has its own style, but some things don’t change: the community is inclusive, the scenes are spectacular, and the vibe is electric.
Level Up Pride August 6, 2023
IT’S TIME TO LEVEL UP, BABES!
Your favourite QTBIPOC centred hip-hop party is back for PRIDE!
This is a QTIBIPOC-centered event! Folks who do not identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour may attend but are asked that they show up to support and celebrate their QTBIPOC friends/partners/kin and be mindful of the space they take up.
Happyland August 6, 2023
Timbre Concerts and Sunrise Series present the second annual HAPPYLAND Festival, a fully inclusive Pride celebration festival taking place at PNE Amphitheatre and Playland Amusement Park with the goal of providing an inclusive space for attendees to fully self-express themselves while enjoying the music, performances, and community spirit.
Vancouver Mural Festival August 4-13, 2023
Vancouver Mural Festival is an annual outdoor celebration of public art designed to connect, reflect and celebrate diverse communities through art and live events. The VMF 2023 Pop-Up Art Series aims to highlight the immense talent of queer tattoo artists in so-called Vancouver and provide them with a wall as a platform to enhance their visibility and explore the versatility of their craft.
Vancouver Pride Society
Additional events in August:QUSIC: MT805 Kelowna August 9, 2023
Rebellious Unicorns presents a very special mid-week QUSIC show at Kelowna’s famous Red Bird brewing!
Don’t miss this special night as QUSIC brings some very special out-of-town talent! Vancouver’s Matthew Presidente is back but this time bringing a friend – Tara C Taylor! The two will kick off the evening with an acoustic set featuring highlights from both their catalogs. They will also finish the evening with a dance-y set under their new project – MT805.
Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2023 August 10-20, 2023
The Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF) is a vibrant space for queer arts, culture, and community. It showcases dynamic and thought-provoking films from British Columbian filmmakers as well as other Canadian and international directors and storytellers.
