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34 Pride weekend events in Vancouver

Cruises, the Davie Block Party and the annual parade highlight one of city’s biggest weekends
PRIDE
The Vancouver Pride Parade is one of the largest and most successful events of its kind in the world. Photo Kevin Hill

One of the biggest, noisiest and most colourful weekends of the year hits our city as Pride 2014 gets into high gear for the long weekend. Along with the official Pride parade and market and the Davie Street Block Party, you’ll find dance parties, cruises, music, arts events, historical remembrances and something for every member of the family. Here’s an extensive list of events to look out for and enjoy. Also check out our stories on the parade marshals and the importance of chronicling LGBT history.

FRIDAY, AUG. 1

  • Pride Block Party: Start your Pride weekend off on the right foot at the Davie Street Block Party, and play games or dance with Pride to the hottest DJs of the summer! 4 p.m. to midnight. This is now an all-ages community focused event for Vancouver’s LGBTQ community, families, and allies. Come at 4 p.m. to participate in carnival games in the two community blocks (Thurlow to Jervis), listen to music, and participate in games by donation hosted by community groups and local non-profits. It’s held in partnership with the West End BIA. The beer garden is 19 years and up and opens up at 6 p.m.
  • Hot & Wet: The original women’s Pride cruise. The sexiest ship to ever cruise the Strait, sets sail with the loveliest cargo to ever ply the seven seas; hundreds of women celebrating with Pride. Juicy beats, remixed with beautiful views. 6 p.m. boarding, setting sail at 7 p.m. and returning at 11 p.m. MV Britannia (Harbour Cruises, north foot of Denman). Advance tickets $45, available at Little Sisters, VCV computers (888 Commercial), and online at CremaProductions.com.
  • Chicklets Cruise after-party: Want to feel the excitement of the Davie Street Festival, but from a comfortable seat? Enjoy the launch of your Pride weekend overlooking the heart of the Village at Heaven’s Door, 1216 Bute, from 9 p.m.–2 a.m. Tickets $15 advance at Little Sisters or online at CremaProductions.com.
  • Man Up — BONAFIDE Pride: Legendary drag king show featuring Ms. Jackson (SF), Airick X (PDX), and Lisa De Lux (YVR). Doors 9 p.m., show 10:30 p.m. at The Cobalt, 917 Main. Advance tickets $16 at Little Sisters EventBrite.ca. For more info, visit TheCobalt.ca.
  • Average Joe’s: Seventh anniversary party from 3-6 p.m. A social gathering for HIV positive guys. Junction Pub, 1138 Davie. JunctionPub.com.
  • Funktion Friday Pride: DJ Drew and sexy go-go boys, doors 9 p.m., $10 cover. Open until 4am. Junction Pub, 1138 Davie. JunctionPub.com.
  • Ruff Pride: A dance party for men who like their men RUFF. RUFF celebrates the masculine through the diversity of our community with music and performances. 9 p.m. at The Pint, 455 Abbott. DJs James Torres (SF), Adam Dready, Jau Douglas, Mumbles.
  • Hook N Sling: Celebrities Pride Ball presents the talented Hook N Sling, an Australian DJ now residing in LA who has played at the biggest venues and festivals across the Globe. Pacha, Space Ibiza, Global Gathering, and that is just a few. Opening the evening is Vancouver’s very own DJ Landon James & Marino, and he will get the crowd hopping. Celebrities Nightclub, 1022 Davie. Advance tickets can be purchased at ThisIsPride.ca or Little Sisters.
  • Queer As Funk: Kick off Vancouver Pride weekend at your favourite East Vancouver music venue, the fabulous Wise Hall. Totally unique in the history of Vancouver’s LGBTQ community, Queer as Funk brings together 10 of the city’s hottest queer musicians in an explosive, high-energy dance band. Hosted by the fabulous Zena Sharman. 9 p.m. at the Wise Hall & Lounge at 1882 Adanac. Tickets $25. QueerAsFunk.com.
  • Chicks Ahoy: Hey, warriors, rock the boat. This 2014 Pride cruise is aboard the Magic Spirit once again. If you are looking for some nautical naughtiness with a boat full of salty-tongued sailor girls, this is your night. Note that this year the Magic Spirit is docked at Plaza of Nations Marina at 750 Pacific Blvd. Boarding 7 p.m., sailing from 8–11 p.m. $45 advance, tickets and info available at FlyGirlProductions.com.
  • QSONG: QSONG (Queer Songwriters of a New Generation) is a 16-week song-writing workshop for queer, trans, and allied youth (14-25) to develop your songwriting chops. Led by queer singer/songwriters Sarah Wheeler and Melissa Endean, QSONG includes recording and broadcast opportunities, guest appearances by some of Canada’s top queer artists. Free youth workshop from 5–7 p.m. at the Roundhouse. Visit PrideInArt.ca.
  • Papa Party World Tour: Big Roger Events presents the Papa Party World Tour at Imperial Vancouver (319 Main). Featuring DJ Suri (Spain), Eliad Cohen (Tel Aviv), Nick Bertossi (Vancouver). Doors at 9 p.m. Tickets and passes available at BigRogerEvents.Showclix.com or at Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium,1238 Davie.

SATURDAY, AUG. 2

  • Absolut Patio T-Dance: DJ Jeffery Michael (no cover) 2–6 p.m., followed by Hype Pride with DJ Mike Bauer, featuring the Absolut Dragulous Pride Show with Carlotta Gurl and guests. Showtime 10:45 p.m., doors 9 p.m., cover $15, open until 4 a.m. Junction Pub, 1138 Davie. See more at JunctionPub.com.
  • The 11th Vancouver Dyke March and Festival: This year’s march takes places at noon at McSpadden Park and continues down Commercial Drive for a family friendly music Festival. Adding to the already successful Vancouver Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Week, the Vancouver Dyke March and Festival Society (VDM) has added an East Side March and Festival to the line-up. See VancouverDykeMarch.com.
  • El Hangover: Man Up presents the East Van Parking Lot Pool Party at The Cobalt, 917 Main. Beach decor, beer pong, turf lawn, dancing, day-after cures, and more. DJs China G (SF), Lisa De Lux (YVR), and Airick X (PDX). Doors 2 p.m., party till 9 p.m. Advance tickets $12 at Little Sisters and EventBrite.ca.
  • Queer Bash: Choose Your Own Adventure: East Van’s dress-up mess-up is back channelling your favourite themes with performances by Isolde N. Barron, Jaylene Tyme, and Miss Cobalt 2014 Valynne Vile. Plus DJ Jef Leppard and Colby B (NYC). The Cobalt, 917 Main. Advance tickets $16 at Little Sister’s and Red Cat Records.
  • Atlantis: Playhouse Saturdays presents Atlantis with DJs Mattilda Ho and Adam Dreaddy. Doors from 9 p.m. Celebrities Nightclub, 1022 Davie.
  • Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast: A community breakfast in recognition of the pioneers of the Pride movement in Vancouver. Come join in for an outdoor breakfast by donation (proceeds go to the Vancouver PRIDE Society), listen to stories of the past, and browse through the Vancouver Pride Society’s archives. Davie Street Plaza (the rainbow crosswalks) at 9 a.m.
  • Glitter: Big Roger Events presents Glitter: The Main Event at Five Sixty (Seymour Street). Featuring DJ Abel Aguilera (Miami), DJ Del Stamp (Vancouver). Tickets and passes available at BigRogerEvents.Showclix.com or at Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium (1238 Davie).

SUNDAY AUG. 3

  • 36th Annual Vancouver Pride Parade: Attracting a crowd of more than 650,000, the Pride Parade is renowned on the international stage as one of the largest and most successful events in the world in support of LGBTQ communities. The parade begins at noon at Robson and Thurlow, heads west to Denman, follows Denman to Pacific and Beach, and finishes at the Sunset Beach Festival site at 3 p.m.
  • Sunset Beach Festival & Market: More than 150,000 Pride partiers take in the festival and market, which is a great place to be before, after, and even during the parade, running from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. This celebration includes live music by local performers, and the local market provides a great mix of products, services, and community organizations. This is a pedestrian event for the general public who can come and enjoy the day, watch live performances, purchase food from one of the food vendors at the picnic zone or in the food court. Browse through 100 or more booths at the market to buy some pride souvenirs or view local artisans work, or you can learn more about local non-profits and other exhibitors. There is a 19 years and up beer garden with DJ, and live music on the main stage. Bring your family to the family zone for some kid-friendly events. No parking available, but there will be a bike valet available for use along the seawall.
  • Trouble: Big Roger Events presents Trouble, the 14th Annual Post Parade T-Dance at Vancouver Fan Club (1050 Granville) from 3–8 p.m. Featuring DJ Quest (Vancouver) and DJ DubbulDee (Montreal). Tickets and passes available at BigRogerEvents.Showclix.com or at Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium (1238 Davie).
  • Dance Party: With DJs Drew and Mike Bauer, featuring the Diva’s Pride Show with Willie Taylor and guests Mandy Kamp and Carlotta Gurl. Showtime 10:45 p.m., doors at 9 p.m., cover $15 and open until 4 a.m. Junction Pub, 1138 Davie.
  • CHICAS Hot House of Hotties: Tiptoe through the picnic blankets at this flirty, flowery garden party in the gorgeous gardens of Vancouver’s iconic Sheraton Wall Centre from 3–9 p.m. Inside there’s a full-on dance party with LA’s DJ Saratonin. $45 advance. Tickets and info at FlyGirlProductions.com.
  • Swirl: DJs T, Delux, and Kasha Kennedy will rock the Boathouse (1795 Beach) all day and night, from 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Party overlooking English Bay, and steps from the Pride Parade and Festival. Tickets $25 at Little Sisters or online at VancouverPride.ca.
  • Hershe Bar: Hershe Bar is a two-club, one night festival. One ticket gets you access to two dazzling clubs and five dynamic DJs. Gossip and Blvd 22 have both undergone transformations, with new names (Harbour and Privé), new looks, and even better sound and lighting systems. $30 advance. 750 Pacific Blvd. Tickets and info available at FlyGirlProductions.com.
  • Big Gay Sing!: The perfect post-Pride Parade pairing. Round out your Pride Sunday with a Queer Arts Festival mainstay, Big Gay Sing! This festive participatory music-making spectacle is led by the Vancouver Men’s Chorus. There will be prizes for the most outrageously dressed audience members. Tickets $20, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Roundhouse. See PrideInArt.ca.
  • History: After the Parade head to Celebrities and make history at the ninth annual Gay Pride Party Marathon. Celebrities presents a 14-hour non-stop party marathon beginning with DJ DarylO and Johnny Jover, Mattilda Ho, Lisa DeLux and Zach Shore joining forces to close Vancouver Pride 2014 with a big bang! Best Butt Contest at 4 p.m. with host Iona Whipp. The party goes from 3p.m. to 4 a.m., No cover from 2:30–8 p.m., $15 after 8 p.m. Celebrities Nightclub, 1022 Davie.
  • United: Big Roger Events presents this Pride closing party at Gorg-O-Mish Afterhours Club (695 Smithe). Featuring Ivan Gomez (Spain) and DJ Tristan Jaxx (SF). Tickets and passes available at BigRogerEvents.Showclix.com or at Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium (1238 Davie).
  • Cruisey T Pride Party Cruise: A Cruisey T Production is proud to present Vancouver’s Largest T Dance Party Cruise. Boarding at 4 p.m., Sailing from 5–9 p.m. DJ Adam Dreaddy and entertainers Raye Sunshine and Kitty. Tickets start at $40.
  • Cruisey T Pride Go-Go Cruise: A Cruisey T Production presents the Pride Go-Go Cruise with DJ Zach Shore and The Perry Twins (LAX), along with entertainers Joan-E and Carlotta Gurl. Boarding at 5p.m., sailing from 6–10 p.m. Tickets start at $50.
  • Hustla — Pride Gangbang: Homo hip hop has never been this crunk as Peach Cobblah, Bambibot, Jane Smoker, Lady Jem, and Celestial Seasons square off in a drag queen rap battle. With DJ Jef Leppard and That’s So Raven. The Cobalt, 917 Main. Advance tickets $17 at Littler Sister’s and Red Cat Records.

MONDAY, AUG. 4

  • Recovery Trivia: With Host Richard Romano starts at 7:30 p.m. and free to play. Followed by Industry Night with DJ Drew, $3 cover (free for industry staff). Patio opens at noon. Junction Pub, 1138 Davie.
  • Pride Recovery Cruise: A CruiseyT Production presents the Pride Recovery Cruise with DJ Del Stamp and DomTop, along with entertainers Joan-E and Jaylene Tyme. Boarding at 3 p.m., sailing from 4–8 p.m. Tickets start at $50.