I’m so excited for this year’s Calgary Pride Festival (August 25th to September 4th, 2017). With all that’s going on around the world and here at home, the timing for this festival couldn’t be more perfect. Of course you know about the Pride Parade, which will take place on Sunday, September 3rd starting at 12:00pm. If you’ve never been before, I definitely recommend it. It’s a very family-friendly parade and a great way to show your support for the LGTBQ community. If you’ve been before, you already know it’s awesome, but make sure you take note that the parade has a new route this year!
For me, Pride is about raising awareness about LGTBQ rights…but also having a little fun along the way. And the week leading up to the parade will have a lot of events that are worth checking out. Here are some of my favourite, but check out Calgary Pride’s event listing for the full list. There is literally something for everyone!
This posted started as ten entries, but I’ve added more as the events get sent to me!Â
Concert: Wrong Kind of Girls
Friday, August 25th
John Dutton Theatre, Central Library
Doors at 7:00pm, show at 7:30pm
Admission: $20 Student/Senior: $15
The Wrong Kind of Girls are back!
Your favourite queer feminist ukulele comedy band has been busy with appearances at The Coming Out Monologues, CIFF, Heart of Excellence Awards, and opening for the likes of Rae Spoon, Margaret Cho, plus their premiere holiday show Wrong For The Holidays, and their latest Feeling Indoorsy concert at Festival Hall! The Wrong Kind of Girls are here and queer, with original songs and ukuleles in hand, ready to entertain you for a third year in a row.
With original songs ranging from birth control and lesbian stereotypes, to the perils of dating and queer anthems, the songs are sure to get stuck in your head and in your heart. Featuring new material and old favourites, Third Time and Still Not Charming will have you laughing, groaning, and singing along. Get your tickets here.
Calgary Stampeders Pride Night
August 26th, 2017
McMahon stadium
$30 tickets
This is epic!  For the first time ever, The Calgary Stampeders are hosting a Pride Night at one of their james. Join them for a night out at McMahon stadium as they kick-off Pride Week and watch the Calgary Stampeders take on the Toronto Argonauts.
First 300 tickets sold will have access to the exclusive pre-game tailgate (6 p.m.-7 p.m.) and will receive a $10 food voucher. HOT MESS DJ’s will be bringing the tunes!
Pride Kickoff Mixer
August 26th
East Village Junction Pop-up Retail Park
1:00-5:00pm
Start Proud is a non-profit organization with a mandate to facilitate the professional development of LBGTQ+ individuals as they transition from students to professionals.  The event will be held at the remarkable East Village Junction, The space is made up of 17 converted shipping containers, housing retail space, a stage, a beer garden and YYC food trucks will be on site to satisfy your appetite.  Click here for more information!Â
Family Pride BBQ
August 27th
2:00-5:00pm
Bridgeland Riverside Community Association and Park
Kick off your Calgary Pride Week celebrations with your family at the Family Pride BBQ. The event is open to all and includes free food and beverages, entertainment for the kids, special guests, fun, and games provided. Picnic and fun will go rain or shine (if rain we have use of tents and the community centre).
Screening: The Politics of Pride
August 28th
6:30pm
The Plaza
This one is a bit selfish, because it’s my own event. But there’s an amazing movie called Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride and I kinda want a lot of people to see it. So I’ve rented out The Plaza and will be screening it on August 28th. I’m not looking to make money, so the screening is only $5 to help cover the cost of the theatre. Any extra money will go to Camp Fyrefly. You can get your tickets in advance.
TD’s #PRIDEblockPARTY
August 27th
The ContainR in Sunnyside
6:00pm
This year, TD Bank is bringing their pride party to one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. They are partnering with BassBus and are planning a really fun event at the ContainR in Sunnyside. There will be DJ’s, a Drag Show and food trucks. It’s a free event, but there will also be an opportunity to help raise funds for the Skipping Stone Foundation.
Gay History Walking Tours
Downtown
Thursday, August 31st
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Meet at the 8th Ave entrance of the Hyatt Regency Calgary
Beltline
Saturday, Sept. 2nd
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Meet at CommunityWise (The Former Old Y) 223 12 Avenue SW
Join the Calgary Gay History Project’s Kevin Allen on a walk through the Beltline and Downtown Calgary. You’ll travel to significant historical gathering spots for the LGBTQ community in the inner city learning about significant political and social events that affected the gay community, including Calgary’s first gay bar, Club Carousel.
For more details visit Calgary Queer History’s website.Â
Pride Shabbat Dinner
Friday, September 1st
6:00pm
Temple B’Nai Tikvah
$10-$15
Join the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and Temple B’nai Tikvah for their community Shabbat dinner in celebration of Pride.The Shabbat dinner is an opportunity to bring together Jewish and non Jewish LGBTQ+ community members and allies as they celebrate the intersections within their Jewish and Pride communities. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids, seniors and underemployed.
Annual Premier’s Pride Brunch for Camp fYrefly
Saturday, September 2nd
Hotel Arts
$60
Okay, this is another selfish one because I’ll be hosting it, but the Premier’s Pride Brunch is always so much fun, and always so important because it raises funds for Camp Fyrefly, which is Canada’s only national leadership retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, intersexed, queer, questioning, and allied youth. So gather up your friends and buy a table and sip back some mimosas, because it’s going to be a day to celebrate!
Pure Pride Calgary Starring: Sasha Velour & Shea Coulee
September 2nd
9:00pm
The Palace
$40-$60
If I’m being honest, I’m probably most excited about this event. RuPaul’s Drag Race has been on for nine seasons, but I just started watching it last week and now I’m completely obsessed. I can’t believe the winner of the most recent season will be here for Calgary. If you’ve never seen it before, the previous season is on Netflix and it’s just so much fun. I regret waiting so lunch to watch it. But now I got my tickets and I can’t wait to celebrate Calgary Pride with some of the best drag queens in the world!
17th Ave’s Roadblock Pride Party
Sunday, September 3rd
11:00am – 11:00pm
Celebrate Pride with this brand new event! This is your chance to restaurant hop down 17th Ave, many parts which are closed due to construction. So since the street is closed, they are turning it into a reason to have a big ol’ party. Â Enjoy food and beverage specials, pop-up markets, and live music at all of our venues from 11:00am – 11:00pm
