Vancouver Pride Society has announced the schedule for the highly anticipated 2024 Canada Pride Festival and the star-studded line-up of VanPrideFest taking place July 26 to August 4. This year’s Canada Pride Festival promises to bring the biggest Pride season the city has ever seen!
Image submitted / Photo by Lung Liu
Vancouver Pride
Building on its commitment to supporting local 2SLGBTQIA+ groups, the Vancouver Pride Society has collaborated with Queer-serving organizations to curate an eclectic lineup of events and performers that reflect the diversity and spirit of Pride.
With over 40 events planned across the city, including the main festival VanPrideFest and the yearly Vancouver Pride Parade, attendees can look forward to free and low-cost events that cater to all ages and interests.
VanPrideFest
VanPrideFest returns to Concord Pacific Place on August 3 and 4 for two free days of fun. Saturday’s lineup will bring top-tier drag talent to the TD Main Stage, featuring performances from Canada’s Drag Race Season 4 Winner, VENUS, Canada’s Drag Race Season 3 Winner, Giséle Lullaby, Canada’s Drag Race Season 2 Winner, Icesis Couture, as well as Canada’s Drag Race alumni Aurora Matrix, The Girlfriend Experience, Kendall Gender, Melinda Verga, and Synthia Kiss.
Sunday will spotlight the incredible musical talents of Canadian artists Rêve, Witch Prophet, LU KALA and more. With two stages open for the entire weekend, guests can expect non-stop entertainment and excitement from noon to 7 pm on both days featuring the aforementioned acts, as well as some of the most talented local performers Vancouver has to offer.
In addition to VanPrideFest, the Bubly Davie Street Lounge will host a series of dynamic events from July 26 to August 4, kicking off with a special opening ceremony led by local Indigenous icon Jaylene Tyme.
Canada Pride 2024
Granville Island will be transformed into a Queer haven as Canada Pride takes over with a laid-back lounge featuring a variety of events starting on August 1st.
Vancouver Pride Parade
The annual Vancouver Pride Parade will take place on August 4. This staple celebration will paint the town rainbow and lead the party into the last day of VanPrideFest.
Follow the Vancouver Pride Society on Facebook for updates.
The weekend event list is filling up and this Friday to Sunday you an look forward to music, markets, entertainment, tours, and another Burnaby Blooms pop-up. Find these events and many more things to do around Vancouver:
This week landmarks around Vancouver will light up in blue in honour of Coast Mental Health’s Courage To Come Back Awards, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals. Watch for BC Place, Science World and the Vancouver Convention Centre as they light up tonight, and City Hall along with the Burrard Bridge on May 25th.
Blue for Coast Mental Heath’s Courage To Come Back Awards – Photo Submitted
Vancouver to Light Up For The Courage To Come Back Awards
Now in their 26th year, the awards to date have raised over $25 million in support of community-based mental health services in the Greater Vancouver area.
“Thanks to the generosity of donors, Coast Mental Health provides outreach services, housing support, food security, mental health support for youth and adults, peer support services, training and employment and many other programs that are vital to the long-term recovery of vulnerable people living with mental illness.” Comments Isabela Zabava, Executive Director, Coast Mental Health Foundation
Hosted by Chris Gailus – co-anchor for Global News Hour at 6 – and Jillian Harris, founder of Jillian Harris Design, star of Love it or List it, the evening will celebrate the inspiring journeys of five award recipients across the following categories: Addiction, Mental Health, Physical Rehabilitation, Medical and Youth. Each has overcome extraordinary adversity to come back and give back to their community.
Coast Mental Health – an independent registered charity – is the largest provider of community-based services for people living with mental illness in British Columbia. Each year, the programs made possible through donors’ generous support of Coast Mental Health Foundation at the annual Courage To Come Back Awards, which have raised over $25 million to date, provide outreach services, housing support, food security, mental health support for youth and adults, peer support services, training and employment and many other programs that are vital to the long-term recovery of vulnerable people living with mental illness.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC supporter groups have come together this season to host a Prideraiser Campaign benefitting QMUNITY, an incredible local organization that provides vital resources and support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Prideraiser Campaign for QMUNITY
Whether you’re a casual supporter, a passionate member of one of the supporters groups, or simply want to contribute to a great cause. Join The Sisters, Rain City Brigade, Prawnsiders, Vancouver Albion, Southsiders, and Couch Ultras in this initiative.
How it Works
You can make a pledge to donate a specific amount for each goal scored by the Whitecaps during the campaign period (from June 1 to July 1, 2024). At the end of the campaign, organizers will total goals and you will receive and email prompt to fulfill your pledge by making a direct donation to QMUNITY.
“We are committed to celebrating diversity and unity, raising our voices against hate, injustice, homophobia, and misogyny. We believe that soccer is more than just a game – it’s a platform for positive change and community solidarity.” – The Sisters on behalf of the Whitecaps supporter groups
Have fun cheering on the ‘Caps and also knowing you’re supporting a wonderful local cause. Follow the The Sisters on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
About QMUNITY
QMUNITY is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives. They provide a safer space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included. Their building serves as a catalyst for community initiatives and collective strength.
It’s going to be the largest crowd in Whitecaps MLS history this Saturday as our boys in blue take on Messi’s Miami squad. Over 50,000 fans are expected at BC Place, with a free street party on Robson ahead of the match.
Whitecaps Street Party for Miami Match on Saturday
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Time: 3:00pm start
Location: Robson Street from Beatty to Hamilton
The street party will have music, games, food, and beverages from $5.
Former Whitecaps FC captain Jay DeMerit will be meeting fans from 3:30pm to 6:30pm on Terry Fox Plaza, courtesy of Finning. Fans can enter to win a Jay DeMerit 50th anniversary signed jersey, a Finning baseball cap, and a LEGO bulldozer.
The Brick will be on Terry Fox Plaza selling Soccer Brickley Bears to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network® to help sick children across Canada.
Led by supporters (Southsiders, Raincity Brigade, Vancouver Sisters, Vancouver Albion, Prawnsiders) the march will depart from the Southsiders’ home base at Dublin Calling on Granville at 6:00pm. It will turn down Robson Street and meet up with supporters coming from Fable Diner & Bar at Richards, and they’ll all continue to BC Place from there. Everyone is invited to join!
Please note that sections 201/202 and 253/254 are part of the Whitecaps FC supporters section
Section 253 is general admission
No opposing team jerseys or apparel (Inter Miami CF) will be permitted to be worn in the supporters sections
Expect standing, singing, chanting, and potential obstructed views
Tickets for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs InterMiami CF match are still available here. Gates will open at 6:00pm, kick-off is 7:30pm. Full match details are available online.
Of note: “While we haven’t received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand they will not make this trip. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent, and it was important for us to communicate to our fans as soon as possible,“ said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC CEO.
