While same-sex marriage was legalized in Canada in 2003, Vancouver has long been a home to a number of international events that celebrate diversity and the LGBTQ2+ community. Vancouver’s Pride celebrations started as a courageous and peaceful protest in 1978 and has quickly become one of the most grandiose, spirited and outspoken celebrations of inclusivity and the freedom to love who you want and to be who you are fiercely and openly.
Check out these new and recurring events to celebrate this summer (and all year ’round!).
Queer Arts Festival | June 16 – 28, 2018
Queer Arts Festival is Vancouver’s transdisciplinary arts festival celebrating queer art and artists through challenging art exhibitions, stimulating live performances and inspiring workshops.
Vancouver Pride Premiere | July 27, 2018
A longtime Pride favourite, this event is now bigger than ever in 2018. Hosted in Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza (800 Block Robson), kick-off this year’s celebrations with DJs, a silent disco, a beer garden and sober lounge, food trucks, community groups and vendor village, and the unveiling of the 2018 Interactive Art Project, all topped off with a main stage event. Stay tuned for the line-up of fabulous local talent and performances featured this year.
Vancouver Dyke March | August 4, 2018
An addition and alternative to the Pride Festival, the Dyke March is a smaller, more grassroots approach, followed by lively entertainment for the whole family in Grandview Park on Commercial Drive.
Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival | August 5, 2018
In this joyous celebration of diversity, anybody who shares the ‘life is a cabaret’ spirit will feel right at home! Parties, dances, cruises, a parade and a spectacular final event makes this an unforgettable celebration every summer. The parade is also a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go to ensure everyone, not just in Vancouver, but around the world, is able to love safely and fully.
Vancouver Queer Film Festival | August 9 – 19, 2018
Far from its humble roots, starting as a small volunteer project in 1989, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival is now the largest queer arts event in Western Canada. Each summer, the festival brings the very best in queer independent cinema from around the world to Vancouver.
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival | January 20 – 27, 2019
This festival has it all! Combining all the great elements of the traditional gay ski week with the bonus of a winter festival, as well as a more comprehensive and exciting range of culinary, health and wellness, spa, and educational activities.
For a current and comprehensive listing of upcoming rainbow-centric events in Vancouver, please visit the “What’s On” section of Gayvan.com; or check out DailyXtra.com’s weekly “Out in Vancouver” guide.
Where to stay
Vancouver has plenty of lodging. Click here for TAG-approved (Travel Alternatives Group) hotels that meet LGBTQ2+ standards and criteria.
