It’s June, you know what that means! Happy Pride, y’all!
We wanted to take a minute to acknowledge some of the incredible work that goes on to honour the amazing queer communities across the Salish Sea and beyond.
Pride festivals on Vancouver Island have a long history. Early Pride events emerged slowly and quietly in Victoria, from grassroots celebrations in the 80s.
Like so many Pride celebrations and events around the world, the community celebrations here were started by a group of lesbians local to the area, and have grown into the phenomenon that they are today.
Pride celebrations look a lot different than they did back then, but the prerogative is the same. They create a space that is safe and inclusive for folx from all genders and sexual identities. Love is love, period.
They pay homage to the work and the resilience of those brave early champions of the cause, who lived in a different environment and paved the way for the joyous celebrations that we see today. The celebrations also work to prevent the same persecution from happening again.
There are now Pride festivities all over Vancouver Island, and we wanted to highlight some of them.
Let’s dive right in and take a look at 5 Pride celebrations happening in and around Vancouver Island this summer:
Victoria Pride
Right here at home on the South Island, we have one of the biggest Pride festivals in BC.
From Wednesday, July 1st to Friday, July 12th, fan-favourite events will be taking place all over the city.
The Big Gay Dog Walk on July 8th, the Pride Parade on July 12th and the Festival in the Park on the same day are all events that keep growing every year in the city.
One you definitely won’t want to miss, though, is the Memorial Drag Ball Game on July 1st in Vic West Park.
Drag Kings and Queens take to the field in their most fabulous attire, and despite donning heels and wigs in the heat of summer, put on the most entertaining sports game you’ll attend all year.
Get out and catch a fly ball or two!
- Where: Victoria, varying locations
- When: Wednesday, July 1st to Friday, July 12th
Tofino Pride
Tofino Pride is a growing phenomenon on the island. Hosted by Hotel Zed Tofino, the celebrations will be back for their fourth year on June 13th and 14th.
They may be a relatively new affair, but the parade, vendors, drag performances and community celebrations are beloved.
The Tofino celebration of inclusive love, queer joy and chosen family kicks off on June 13th with a Pride March, a pop-up market featuring local queer artisans and free live entertainment.
Island drag legends Vivan Vanderpuss, Eddi Licious and Woofie, the bearded drag queen, will all be performing.
The following day on June 14th, ROAR, the on-site live fire restaurant at Hotel Zed Tofino will host two drag events: a brunch and an Après Surf, Tofitian for “happy hour”. In 2024, ROAR hosted Tofino’s first drag show at Tofino Pride, and the community has embraced the tradition, with both events expected to sell out.
Show up as you are and celebrate joy across 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Where: Tofino, BC
- When: Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th, with an Après Surf Pride Kick Off on Friday, June 12th
Saltspring Island Pride
Saltspring Pride has quickly become the third largest Pride festival in the province.
Hosted by Diverse and Inclusive Salt Spring Island (DAISSI), the festivities will be taking place Thursday, July 16th to Sunday, July 19th this year.
With a vision of highlighting a visible and vibrant queer community on Saltspring, DAISSI is a beacon of belonging in their community.
DAISSI has big plans for the festival this year, keep an eye on their Facebook page here for details as they come in.
Ahead of the festivities, Queer as Funk is performing this weekend for a community potluck and dance at the ArtSpring Theatre. Check out more details here.
- Where: Saltspring, BC
- When: Thursday, July 16th to Sunday, July 19th
Nanaimo Pride
Nanaimo’s first Pride march took place all the way back in 1997 as a protest and a powerful act of courage.
This year, Nanaimo Pride celebrates its 10th year.
From protest to parade and resilience to celebration, it’s all about community.
This year, the festival and parade will be taking place on June 14th, but there are events happening all month long.
For a full calendar and list of events, check out the Nanaimo Pride events page here.
- Where: Nanaimo, BC
- When: Sunday, June 14th
Sidney Pride
Another small but mighty Pride community, Sidney is hosting its Pride celebrations this year on June 13th.
Drag performances, music, dancing, story times, food trucks, lawn games and more than 30 queer and ally vendors will be present for the party at the Sidney Bandshell.
This is another community that will be celebrating all month long, though. You can find decorations and deals across the township, letting everyone know that hate is the only thing unwelcome in Sidney.
- Where: Sidney Bandshell, Sidney, BC
- When: Saturday, June 13th – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wherever and however you celebrate Pride, the magic of these events is knowing that regardless of parades and celebrations, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is there for one another.
If you can make it, show up for the queer community at a celebration near you. If you can’t, find other ways to support! Whether it’s by showing a little more love to someone else, or to yourself.
Have a favourite Pride celebration in or around Vancouver Island that isn’t on the list? Show some love and let us know about it in the comments below!
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