7 Pride events happening in and around Victoria this June

Pride month is here, and is bringing a ton of events happening in and around Victoria!

While Victoria’s official Pride celebrations run from Wednesday, July 1st to Sunday, July 12th, June is packed with fun things going on to celebrate the queer community in Victoria and beyond.

Pride celebrations are a joyous time celebrated all over the year to acknowledge the historical and ongoing persecution that queer people have gone through and to foster a community of people where love is love, no exceptions.

We wanted to highlight some of these great events happening around the city, so without further ado, here are 7 things happening in honour of Pride month in and around Victoria this June:

Sidney Pride at the Beacon Bandshell

In Sidney, the Pride celebrations’ motto is small town, big Pride. They aren’t kidding!

Rainbow street signs went up in the township last week, and Sidney will be showing its Pride all month long.

The official celebrations will be happening on Saturday, June 13th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Pride festival will include drag performances, live entertainment, music, dancing, storytime, lawn games and other activities for all ages in the famous Beacon Park Bandshell.

There will be more than 30 queer- and ally-owned businesses on site, as well as food trucks and vendors serving up delicious eats.

Get out to Sidney this weekend and show your support!

• Where: Beacon Park Bandshell, 9801 Seaport Place
• When: Saturday, June 13th – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sips & Sapphics at the Vicious Poodle

Sips and Sapphics is a monthly event that happens on the third Thursday of every month at the Vicious Poodle.

These events are a great time for sapphic people to meet other sapphics.

Organizers say the events exist to help people find belonging within a community that often isn’t centred.

The event is free, and anyone who identifies as sapphic is invited to attend.

• Where: The Vicious Poodle, 726 Johnson Street
• When: Thursday, June 18th – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Pride Flag Raising at the Jamie Cassels Centre

The UVic Pride Caucus (UPC) will be raising a Pride flag at the flag poles just outside the Jamie Cassels Centre on the UVic campus!

This event is going to be a great opportunity to see that colourful flag raised and feel a sense of community for UVic students and anyone who wants to make the trip out.

After the flag raising, the club will be going to the Grad House bar on campus for drag bingo with legendary drag artists Ket Bush and Vivian Vanderpuss.

The event is free and anyone is welcome to attend!

• Where: Jaimie Cassels Centre (JCC), 3800 Finnerty Road
• When: Tuesday, June 23rd – 4 p.m.

Queers and Beers at Whistle Buoy

Queers and Beers is a growing phenomenon in Victoria.

Once a month all summer, they’ll be hosting a meet-up for queer folx in and around the city, while appreciating some of the great craft beer that Victoria and Vancouver Island have to offer.

The next event will be held at Whistle Buoy on Wednesday, June 24th, but don’t miss the meet-ups at Herald Street on July 23rd and Philips on August 18th!

Non-alcoholic options are always offered for those who still want a fun hang-out without alcohol involved.

These events are free.

• Where: Whistle Buoy, 560 Johnson Street
• When: Wednesday, June 24th – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sober Pride Drag Show at Seaside Cider and Ciderhouse

Seaside Cider will be hosting a sober drag show at the farm! All of the drag show fun, none of the hangover.

Celebrate Pride with a night of fabulous performances from local drag artists Sylvester Stalletto, Honey DewMe, Ket Bush and Wander Lost Ascending, in a fully alcohol-free event made just for you.

Because Pride celebrations are for everyone.

Tickets are $49 and can be purchased here. Your ticket includes entry and unlimited popcorn and Sea Cider Temperance (0.0% ABV) sparkling cider!

• Where: Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse, 2487 Mount Saint Michael Road
• When: Friday, June 12th – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Pride Beach Party at the Capital Ballroom

Welcome summer, Pride and some beachy vibes!

Fruit Music DJ will be turning Capital Ballroom into a high-energy queer dance club with non-stop Pride pop anthems.

When things can’t get any hotter, the ICONIC Ket Bush will take the stage for an unforgettable number along with some extra special performances by Sylvester Stalletto, JJ Rabbit, Imanii and Aria Okay.

All genders and identities welcome!

Remaining tickets for the event start at $19.60 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Saturday, June 20th – 9 p.m.

Pride Eve: Pre-Pride weekend dance party at Paul Phillips Hall

Celebrate Pride early in Fernwood with a pre-Pride dance party celebrating community, self-expression and getting the party started early.

This is going to be an intimate, high-energy dance party featuring drag performers Henrietta Dubet and Imanii.

DJ NessT is going to be spinning tracks, and there will be a cash bar.

Whether you’re warming up for Pride week or just looking for a fun night out with your people, Pride Eve is your invitation to show up, show out and start the celebration early.

Early bird tickets are already sold out for this event, so get your general admission tickets soon! They’re $55 each and can be purchased here.

• Where: Paul Phillips Hall, 1923 Fernwood Road
• When: Friday, June 19th – 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.