It's the most wonderful time of the year.
Make that the most fabulous time of the year.
Vancouver Pride Week is in full swing with some highlights still to come, so don’t put away those rainbow flags just yet. The theme of this year’s parade
is Gender Super Heroes.
July 31
The Davie Street Block Party runs Friday and Saturday nights in the Davie Village from 6 p.m. to midnight with a massive beer garden and carnival games, including giant Jenga and Twister, as well as new additions such as Human Foosball and the Gauntlet. A community stage set up at Davie Street’s historic rainbow crosswalk at Bute Street will offer up some of the city’s hottest talent, as well as the annual wimple-in ceremony of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
Don’t miss Headphone Disco, also taking place at Bute Plaza.
Aug. 1
Having attended the Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast for a dozen years or more, I can attest to the fact this event is more about rubbing shoulders with Pride grand marshals and catching up with old and new friends than the pancakes. But those are good, too. The breakfast takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Bute Plaza.
Pride in the Village Barbecue: Slept through the pancake breakfast? No worries, a by-donation barbecue takes place immediately after at Bute Plaza from noon to 4 p.m.
12th Annual Dyke March: From McSpadden Park to Grandview Park followed by a family friendly festival that begins immediately after the march at noon. Dogs and kids are not only welcome, but might even be required.
Aug. 2
The Pride Festival at Sunset Beach starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. with a beer garden, music, food, drag performers, speakers and more than 100 exhibitors. The Family Zone features free and by-donation entertainment, including a bouncy castle, the TD Kids Mural and, the best thing ever, the Puppy Play Area sponsored by the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society.
The highlight of Pride season in Vancouver is always the Pride Parade with commentary brought to you by Vancouver’s own Joan-E and Connie Smudge.
Following the parade, the party continues with Dining with Divas at the Boat House Restaurant, which also plays host to a viewing party for the parade with tickets available to purchase. Tickets are also available for a viewing party at Allstars Wings and Ribs located at the corner of Robson and Bute streets.
Clean, Sober and Proud presents Untoxicated, a party in the parking lot of Shoppers Drug Mart on Davie Street starting at 7 p.m. This celebration is dedicated to all who are clean, sober and proud.
The Pride Youth Dance runs from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Coal Harbour Community Centre for ages 14 to 25.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit vancouverpride.ca.
