27 Calgary Pride 2016 events to check out

Aug 26 2016, 3:45 am

Pride is nearly upon us, and if you haven’t mapped out all the events you plan to attend, now’s the time.

We’ve decided to help you out a little by providing a comprehensive list of parties and events happening around town. Here are 27 Calgary Pride 2016 events from August 26 to September 4.

August

Dirty Bingo

  • What: A fundraiser for the Calgary Dyke & Trans March, this bingo party will get dirtier at the night progresses. Prizes from Calgary Sexual Health and Venus Envy Ottawa will be up for grabs.
  • Where: Backwards Nightclub – 628 8th Avenue SW
  • When: Friday, August 26; 7 pm to 2 am

White Party – Kick Off To Pride

  • What: This fabulous white party starts off with a barbecue, followed by an open mic show. Drop your music off at 8:30 pm, the show starts at 9.
  • Where: The Backlot – 209 10 Avenue SW
  • When: Saturday, August 27; 5 pm to 2 am

Morley Pride: A Drag Diva Cabaret 

  • What: See some of the best drag divas Calgary has to offer such as Visa De’Klein, Miss Ellen Q & The Pumas, and Arginthia Hailey. Doors open at 8 PM.
  • Where: Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino – 888 Nakoda Way, Kananaskis
  • When: Saturday, August 27; 8 pm to 1 am

Eman El-Husseini & Jess Salomon Stand Up Comedy

  • What: A special pride standup comedy performance featuring queer power couple Eman El-Husseini and Jess Salomon. They’ll have you in tears.
  • Where: Yuk Yuk’s – 218 18th Avenue SE
  • When: Saturday, August 27; 8 to 10 pm

Resiliency through Time and the Pride Movement 

  • What: A panel discussion and cocktail reception that explores how pride movements have changed over time while creating an increasingly resilient LGBTQ community.
  • Where: Hyatt Regency – 700 Centre Street SE
  • When: Wednesday, August 31; 4 to 8 pm

Passionate Kisses: An evening of Story and Song

  • What: A romantic, jazz-influenced evening that celebrates the power of the queer kiss. The Coming Out Monologues YYC presents this special “My First Queer Kiss” themed series of spoken works.
  • Where: Charbar – 618 Confluence Way SE
  • When: Wednesday, August 31; 8 to 10:30 pm

September

Downtown Gay History Walk

  • What: Significant political and social events that affected the gay community will be highlighted on this walking tour through Calgary’s city centre. On the way, the group will pass by several historical watering holes where gays and lesbians gathered.
  • Where: Community Wise Resource Centre – 223 12 Avenue SW
  • When: Thursday, September 1; 7 to 8:30 pm

SNAP! Pride Party

  • What: Send Lisa Heinricks a selfie and she’ll paint your portrait. Postcard portraits are the theme of the show, but whether or not your purchase your selfie is up to you. Your portrait will be with the likes of gay icons Madonna and RuPaul.
  • Where: Loft 112 – #112-535 8th Avenue SE
  • When: Thursday, September 1; 8 pm

Movies on the Rise: Pride Edition

  • What: A special outdoor screening of the cult classic film “Priscilla Queen of the Desert.”
  • Where: St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Road NE
  • When: Thursday, September 1; 8:30 to 10:30 pm

The Wizard of Oz: Sing-A-Long

  • What: Come together for a sing-a-long to one of the most iconic (and gay) films of all time: The Wizard of Oz. Participation is encouraged, as is dressing up as your favourite character from the film.
  • Where: The Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Road NW
  • When: Friday, September 2; 7 to 10 pm

Factor 112: SNAP!

  • What: A contemporary spin on Andy Warhol’s Factory where high art meets down-low. See the latest paintings from queer artist Lisa Heinricks’ Awesome People project, as well as great tunes and an interactive photo booth.
  • Where: Loft 112 – #112 535 8th Avenue SE
  • When: Friday, September 2; 7 to 10 pm

Rae Spoon: Live in Concert

  • What: Join Calgary Pride for this intimate concert featuring award winning artist Rae Spoon and guests for a musical start to your long weekend. Rae Spoon has been called one of Canada’s best songwriters and their new album Armour does not disappoint.
  • Where: Festival Hall – 1215 10th Avenue SE
  • When: Friday, September 2; 8 pm to 2 am

Black Tie Affair (LGBTQ2S+)

  • What: Delicious food, an elegant atmosphere and off the hook music and performances await at the Black Tie Affair.
  • Where: Double Zero: Chinook – 1133, 6455 Macleod Trail SW, Chinook Centre
  • When: Friday, September 2; 9 pm to 2 am

TC Pride: The Movement

  • What: A monthly safe space for gay ladies, men, queer, trans, straight – whomever. Hosted by Girls on Deck, True Colours promises open hearts and open minds to bring you some great music.
  • Where: Nite Owl – 213 10th Avenue SW
  • When: Friday, September 2; 9 pm to 3 am

Camp fYrefly Pride Brunch

  • What: A pride brunch to honour the sexual and gender minority youth of the LGBTQ community.
  • Where: Hyatt Regency – 700 Centre Street SE
  • When: Saturday, September 3; 11 am to 1 pm

Calgary Dyke and Trans March 2016

  • What: Meet at the corner of 24th Avenue and 1st Street SW to march for gay and trans rights.
  • Where: 24th and 1st Street SW
  • When: Saturday, September 3; 2 to 5 pm

University of Calgary Gay History Walk

  • What: Join the Calgary Gay History Project’s Kevin Allen on a walk through the University campus. As a group, they will explore the institutions role in sparking the gay liberation movement in Calgary and other political and social events that affected the gay community.
  • Where: Q Centre, MacEwan Hall – 2500 University Drive NW
  • When: Saturday, September 3; 3:30 to 4:15 pm

The Wrong Kind of Girls: Proud, Loud and a Little Too Vulgar

  • What: The Wrong Kind of Girls are back with their ukuleles in hand, playing songs about birth control and lesbian stereotypes.
  • Where: John Dutton Theatre, Central Library – 616 Macleod Trail SE
  • When: Saturday, September 3; 7 to 9:30 pm

Youth Rainbow Rave

  • What: The annual youth pride dance is back for everyone aged 10 to 25. Bring your friends – there will be music, dancing, and refreshments!
  • Where: Loft 112 – #112 535 8th Avenue SE
  • When: Saturday, September 3, from 7 pm to midnight

BEEF Bear BEER Bash

  • What: After 8 years FAB is finally bringing its BEEF BEAR BASH event to Calgary to celebrate Calgary Pride! Beer specials, shooter cubs and an amazing DJ will set the tone for the beefiest, most fabulous Calgary Pride yet!
  • Where: The Blind Monk – 918 12th Ave SW
  • WhenSaturday, September 3, from 8 pm to 2 am

Glitter Gods and Kings

  • What: With all the excitement these groups are known and loved for, this fundraiser event brings riveting drag king and burlesque performances to the new Backwards club stage.
  • Where: Backwards Nightclub – 628 8th Ave SW
  • When: Saturday, September 3, from 9 to 11:45 pm

Pure Pride Calgary

  • What: The Grand Finale of Canada’s Pride Parades, you can expect a high energy dance party with live performances, VIP guests, and epic tunes from DJ’s Matt Effect and DJ Dopamine.
  • Where: Flames Central, 219 8th Ave SW, Calgary
  • When: Saturday, September 3, 9 pm – 2:30 am

Pride Parade Brunch


  • What: Sup mimosas on the patio as the Pride Parade passes by.
  • Where: Sonoma on 9th, 700 9th Avenue, Calgary
  • When: Sunday September 4, 10 am – 2pm

Calgary Pride Parade

  • What: The main event, Calgary’s Pride Parade sees upwards of 60,000 spectators line the streets to see 125 entries from community groups, corporations, politicians and public services bring the party to downtown. This year’s parade will be led by award winning writer, musician and filmmaker Rae Spoon.
  • Where: 9th Avenue, Calgary
  • When: Sunday September 4, noon – 1:30 pm

Pride in the Park

  • What: One of Calgary’s largest free outdoor cultural celebrations that immediately follows the Pride Parade. Enjoy a family zone, a cold beer or refreshing cocktail or browse the marketplace.
  • Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW
  • When: Sunday, September 4; 12:30 to 6 pm

ISCCA & Backlot Annual Post-Parade Celebration & BBQ

  • What: The Backlot and the imperial sovereign court of the Chinook Arch present the annual after the parade BBQ Fundraiser. All proceeds going to the Chosen Charities of the 40th reign . Hosted by Prince 38 Fred Wold-Would and the amazing 40th upper House.
  • Where: The Backlot – 209 10th Avenue SW
  • When: Sunday, September 4; 2 to 11 pm

Rocky Horror Picture Show Screening

  • What: Calgary Underground Film Festival has partnered with Fairy Tales and Hole in the Wall Studios for another edition of their unique presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show during Pride Week. Live pre-show featuring performances by Phil and Fake Mustache Costumes and full audience participation encouraged.
  • Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8th Avenue SW
  • When: Sunday, September 4; 10:30 pm to 2 am
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