Calgary Pride is starting this week, and there are a whole bunch of cool things to check out.
The festivities start on Friday, August 24 and will run until Sunday, September 2 — which is also when the highly anticipated Pride Parade will take place.
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While it would be fun to attend every event that is being put on, there are those of us who don’t really have the financial capital to front the cash for all those tickets — luckily enough, plenty of the events this week are completely free to attend!
Here’s our list of all the free events to check out at this year’s Pride.
Calgary Pride Flag Raising
What: Watch as the Pride flag is raised and listen to speeches by leaders in the community.
When: Friday, August 24, 2018
Time: Noon to 3 pm
Where: Municipal Plaza — 800 MacLeod Trail SE
Admission: Free
Pride tailgate with the Calgary Stampeders
What: There’s a Pride-sponsored tailgate party before the Calgary Stampeders game on Saturday, August 25.
When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
Time: 11 am to 12:30 pm
Where: McMahon Stadium — 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
Admission: Free
Calgary’s Rainbow Railroad Station Launch
What: Grab some food, partake in a silent auction, and celebrate the launch of the Rainbow Railroad Station’s campaign to assist LGBTQ+ refugees.
When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
Time: 11:30 am to 3 pm
Where: End of the Rainbow Foundation — #4 1515 Centre Street S
Admission: Suggested donation
Pride in Vic Park: Youth and Senior Tea Social and History Walk
What: Attend an intergenerational afternoon tea and a history walk led by Kevin Allen.
When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
Time: 12:30 to 2:30 pm
Where: Calgary Public Library — The Central Library 616 MacLeod Trail SE
Admission: Free
Pride Block Party ft. Neighbour
What: Check out some live music at the ContainR site in Sunnyside.
When: Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: ContainR Site in Sunnyside — 1010 2nd Avenue NW
Admission: Free
Queer Country Line Dancing
What: Learn how to line dance with a beginners’ workshop courtesy of expert dancers.
When: Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Time: 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: Dickens Pub — 1000 9th Avenue SW
Admission: Free
Pride City/Deep Roots 9
What: Check out this celebration from the SHARP Foundation at the always-enjoyable Broken City.
When: Tuesday, August 28 to Sunday, September 2, 2018
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Broken City — 613 11th Avenue SW
Admission: By donation
Free gelato from ATB and Fiasco Gelato
What: Grab yourself a scoop of free gelato on Wednesday.
When: Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: ATB — 102 8th Avenue SW
Admission: Free
Pride: A Conversation
What: This event features a discussion that is open to everyone and includes a panel of seven LGBTQ+ Calgarians.
When: Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: West Hillhurst Community Association — 1940 6th Avenue NW
Admission: Free
Otahpiaaki Closing Weekend
What: Head over to East Village Junction to check out the closing weekend of Otahpiaaki.
When: Friday, August 31 to Sunday, September 2, 2018
Time: 5 pm
Where: East Village Junction — 439 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Unity in Uniform 2018
What: Say thank you to the service people who keep the community safe.
When: Friday, August 31, 2018
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: The Bank and Baron Pub — 125 8th Avenue SW
CMC Sing-Along: “The Greatest Showman”
What: Join the Calgary Men’s Chorus for a singalong of this musical movie.
When: Friday, August 31, 2018
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Globe Cinema — 617 8th Avenue SW
Admission: By donation
Outliers: Calgary’s Queer History Screening (Director’s Cut)
What: Watch a free showing of a documentary showing the history of Calgary Pride and how it became the event that it is today.
When: Friday, August 31, 2018
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Venue — 1221 2nd Street SW
Admission: Free
Pride Friday Divas at Backlot
What: Take your talents to the stage at The Backlot for a drag show that is open to performers.
When: Friday, August 31, 2018
Time: 10 pm to 3 am
Where: The Backlot — 209 10th Avenue SW
Admission: Free
Pride in the Park
What: One of Calgary’s largest free outdoor celebrations is back at Prince’s Island Park right after the Pride Parade. Expect music, dancing, drinks, and food.
When: Sunday, September 2, 2028
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Admission: Free
Calgary Pride Parade 2018
What: The biggest event of the entire week, the Calgary Pride Parade is expected to see upwards of 75,000 spectators and over 190 entries.
When: Sunday, September 2, 2018
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Starts at 350 6th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
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