Celebrating pride is something we can do year-round, though the month of June brings us all together to collectively advocate for and support the LGBTQAI2S+ community. Build connections, be seen, and wave the flag of support and love as communities across British Columbia return to in-person pride festivities for 2022. Here are a few pride celebrations to add to your calendar this year.  

METRO VANCOUVER AND COAST

Sunshine Coast Pride Month: June 3-26, 2022

The Sunshine Coast is hosting a roster of fun pride events for all ages (and even our four legged friends) in Gibsons, Sechelt, and Roberts Creek. Participate in an array of activities, including an Indigenous pride eco walking tour, drag storytime, pride dances for youth and adults, plus a pet parade and BBQ.

Vancouver Queer Arts Festival

When: June 18-July 8, 2022

The Vancouver Queer Arts Festival amplifies unique perspectives and lived experiences from the LGBTQAI2S+ community through art, film, and literature. Artists from many cultural backgrounds will explore the 2022 festival theme of “Hauntings” in both playful and profound ways.   

Surrey PRIDE Festival

When: June 3- 26, 2022

This year, Surrey’s pride calendar is packed with live concerts, theme nights, and sporting events—all centred around the  “Open Minds and Open Hearts” theme. The marquis event, Surrey Pride, takes place on June 25 at Central City Plaza, where attendees can enjoy Indigenous performances, a drag show, and a Brian Adams Tribute Band, among other entertainment. 

Maple Ridge’s Pride Picnic in the Park With PLEA

When: July 16, 2022

This free family-friendly outdoor event, hosted by PLEA, takes place in Memorial Peace Park and features a fun afternoon of BBQ, face painting, games, and live entertainment. The annual event, which is funded entirely by donations to PLEA, has been going strong since 2016. 

Burnaby Pride

When: July 23, 2022

Burnaby Civic Square is home to the city’s fifth annual Burnaby Pride celebrations, with live music, drag, comedy, educational booths and activities for all ages. 

Pride in Poco 

When: July 23, 2022

On July 23, Port Coquitlam’s City Hall will light up in rainbow colours in support of LGBT2SQ+ communities. Pride in Poco, which is a collaboration between the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable and local youth, will feature an info booth and live performances.  

White Rock Pride Family Day

When: July 23, 2022

White Rock’s inaugural Pride Family Day is set for this July. All ages are welcome to attend the free street festival at Miramar Plaza, which includes a pop-up market, food stalls, a kids zone and live entertainment. The White Rock Pride Society is also hosting the Love is Love Dinner Gala that evening.  

Vancouver Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival

When: July 31, 2022

Vancouver’s West End will once again become a vibrant celebration hub as the 44th annual Vancouver Pride Parade winds its way through the neighbourhood (the first time since 2019). Organizers are also launching a raft of supporting events, including Pride Lounges, live performances, and more. This year’s festival theme of #TogetherAgain celebrates the beauty that comes from reuniting and uplifting of LGBTQ+ communities. Tickets for July’s Together Again events will be released on June 20, 2022.

New West Pride Week and Street Festival

When: August 5-14, 2022

New West Pride Week hosts pride-filled activities throughout the week, culminating in a big street festival on August 13 along Columbia Street. Attendees can enjoy live performances across three performance stages, as well as a children’s area, food trucks and beer gardens. Last Door Recovery Society’s Untoxicated Event will also participate in this year’s pride.

Delta Pride Picnic

When: August 21, 2022

Ladner Memorial Park will be abuzz with live entertainment, food trucks and community excitement at the fourth annual Delta Pride Picnic. The Delta Pride Society also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including bingo, parties, and shows. 

Squamish Pride Events

When: Throughout the year 

The Squamish Pride Society hosts events throughout the year, including Wednesday Socials at various venues throughout town. There is an exciting roster of events lined up in June, including  Drag Storytime event at the Squamish Public Library on June 18, drop in days at the Little Bookshop to participate in the Kids Artivist Project, and a Summer Social on on June 22, hosted by Howe Sound Women’s Centre as part of their Gender Diversity Inclusion Program. Plans are in the works for an inaugural Pride Bouldering event September 17-18. 

VICTORIA

Victoria Pride Week Festival

When: June 23-July 2, 2022

In-person events return to Victoria Pride Week for the 2022 season and the Victoria Pride Society has designated this year’s theme to be “Show the Pride in You.” The signature Victoria Pride Prade and Festival in the Park takes place Downtown on July 26 and is expected to draw at least 140 float entries and upwards of 40,000 spectators. The week of programming includes a dog walk, a special meet-up for youth, a drag ball game, and more. 

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Nanaimo Pride 

When: June 8-12, 2022

In-person events return to Nanaimo Pride with a jam-packed calendar of events that include a flag raising ceremony at City Hall, a youth prom, a pride-themed adventure experience at WildPlay Nanaimo, and live performances. Nanaimo’s official Pride Festival takes place June 12 in Maffeo Sutton Park. 

Campbell River Pride

When: June 18, 2022

The North Island Pride Society is hosting a vibrant celebration in Campbell River on June 18. The day kicks off with a Paws for Pride walk (with prizes for best costumes and tricks), followed by the Party at Spirit Square. Live performances will include a special appearance by Drag King Adam Lamborghini.

Comox Queer Culture Summer Series

When: June 18-July 1, 2022

The Comox Valley is home to a variety of fun pride events throughout the summer. Cabaret-A Good Old Fashioned Drag Show takes place at the Comox Legion on June 18. Next up, Summer heats up with UNCAGED at Wayward Distillation House on July 9, an outdoor nightclub with circus performers and a DJ. Rotary Hall at Filberg Centre is home to a Variety of Pride Show with stand-up comedy, drag, and singers (tickets will be available on July 1). The organizers raise funds for the Queer Culture Bursary, allowing a young person to continue their post-secondary education. 

NORTHERN BC

Dawson Creek Pride Walk

When: June 11, 2022

This year marks the community’s first ever Pride Walk, although the Dawson Creek Pride Society has been representing the LGBTQAI2S+ community since 2002.   

Quesnel Pride Walk and After Party

When: June 13, 2022

The Quesnel Pride Society has been hosting pride events since 2014 and returns to in-person events this year with a pride walk and after party. 

Vanderhoof Pride Walk

When: June 25, 2022

Vanderhoof will hold its first official pride walk in the community’s history on June 25. Attendees are encouraged to come to Riverside Park in the afternoon of June 25.

Prince George Pride Drag Dance

When: July 9, 2021

Prince George is joining in the Pride fun this summer with a Drag Dance at Civic Centre on July 9. Stay updated on the Prince George Pride Facebook page for more details on upcoming pride events.

Special Mention: Although their events have now passed, the Northern Peace Pride Society also hosts a variety of events in May and early June, including an art exhibition, dance, Pride Walk and a Festival in the Park.

KOOTENAY ROCKIES

Kimberley Pride 

When: June 25, 2022 

The community of Kimberley will wave the rainbow flag June 25 with an action-packed line-up of ways to celebrate that includes parades for humans and dogs, Artrageous Picnic in the Park, and a Pride Fest Dance. 

Kootenay PRIDE, Nelson BC

When: August 29-September 4, 2022

After two quieter years, Kootenay PRIDE will return to its normal level of activities in Nelson this Labour Day long weekend. Baker Street will once more come alive on September 4 as the pride parade winds its way through town. Follow Kootenay Pride on Facebook and Instagram for details on the exciting roster of events.

Elk Valley Pride 

When: June and September 21-25

The Fernie Pride Society hosts a range of events to celebrate pride during the month of June (and year-round). Participate in sport-themed events, such as Queers on Gears bike meet-up June 12 and Putt N’ Picnic golf event June 18. The annual Elk Valley Pride Festival is set to hit Fernie September 21-25, featuring events for the whole family. Follow the Fernie Pride Society on Instagram for the most up-to-date info on Pride 2022.

THOMPSON OKANAGAN

Kelowna Pride Week 

When: June 6-12, 2022

Kelowna Pride, the largest Pride festival in BC’s Interior, returns for 2022. Events include coffee chats, live performances,  and the signature parade and festival in Kelowna City Park. 

Kamloops Pride Week

When: August 22-28, 2022

The Kamloops Pride team has pulled together a list of entertaining events for the 2022 season, including stand-up comedy, a week-long scavenger hunt, nature walks, and a silent disco. The week ramps up to the Pride Parade and Party in the Park on August 28. 

BONUS: WINTER PRIDE 2023

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival 

For the snow-minded, it’s never too early to start thinking about winter. The annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is slated for early 2023 with skiing and snowboarding events, arts and culture experiences, and themed gatherings. 

Peak PrideThe Rebellious Unicorns event group brings Peak Pride to ski resorts in BC’s Interior with a touring, multi-stop pride festival that includes fun on and off mountain events. One of the signature activities is the ski and snowboard parade where snow sliders can show their pride on the slopes. Dates and locations will be announced in the coming months.

PUBLICATION: Destination BC Blog (hellobc.com)

Photo: FransA, Pexels