Out of the closets and into the streets!
Victoria Pride Week has officially kicked off this week and there are several colourful events for the LGBTQ2+ community and allies to celebrate.
On Sunday, July 1st, the Annual Memorial Dragball Game hosted by Victoria Pride Society was attended by hundreds including a memorable run by Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
But if you missed it, there’s still a whole week’s worth of pride-related events coming up. Here’s what’s happening:
1. The Big Gay Dog Walk
- When: Friday, July 6th, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Where: Dallas Road Off-Leash Dog Area
- What: This free, family-friendly meet-up invites you to hang out with your furry friends, play some games, show off your style, and check out some gear! And yes, you are welcome even if you don’t have a doggie companion of your own!
2. Queer Music Bingo
- When: Friday, July 6th, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- Where: The Moon Under Water Brewpub, 350 Bay St
- What: This 19+ event is a fun night of LGBTQ2+ themed music bingo, where parts of the ticket proceeds go to the Victoria Pride Society. Tickets: $10 advance, $13 at the door.
3. Pride in The Word
- When: Saturday, July 7th, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Where: Ambrosia Centre, 638 Fisgard St
- What: Victoria Pride Society’s Pride in the Word is one of Canada’s largest Pride festival literary events. Each year it showcases both some of the proudest and most talented writers from Victoria and across the country, and is always a great time. Tickets are $14.26, and available online here.
4. Paparazzi Pridetacular Pride
- When: Saturday, July 7th, 11 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Where: Paparazzi Nightclub, 642 Johnson St
- What: Featuring Alma B Itches, YVR hostess of Shequel & Sanctuary, joins a bevy of YYJ beauties including Hentrietta Dubet, Noah Fence & the new MR & Miss Gay Vancouver Island. After the show, hit the floor to dance to DJ ronnyb’s Pride Anthems and get ready for more performers to hit the Pride Spotlight Stage! Tickets available online here.
5. 25th Annual Victoria Pride Parade
- When: Sunday, July 8th, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Victoria, from the corner of Pandora and Government to MacDonald Park at the corner of Oswego and Simcoe
- What: Watch over 100 colourful groups & floats, or march yourself with local businesses, non-profits, the LBGTQ community & their allies in Victoria’s biggest parade of the year. Follow the end of the parade to MacDonald Park in James Bay for the Victoria Pride Festival! This event is FREE for everyone and people of all ages are welcome.
6. The Official Pride After-Party
- When: Sunday, July 8th, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Where: Paparazzi Nightclub, 642 Johnson St
- What: Come on down to Paparazzi after the Pride Beer Garden closes for a wild night of dancing of with DJ ronnyb & spotlight performances from Shelita Cox & her It’s A Drag crew. This event is 19+. Tickets available online here.
7. Museum Happy Hour: Pride
- When: Thursday, July 12th, 5:15 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville St
- What: Grab your friends and pop into Museum Happy Hour after work for drinks, snacks and themed activities in one of the museum galleries. On July 12th bring “Pride” to the streets of Old Town. It will be a gay old time! This event is 19+ only and tickets are $10.50 – available online here.
