2024 Guide to the Summer of Pride

Every year, Edmonton celebrates the annual Summer Festival Season, which runs from May to the end of September. June is Pride Month, which has traditionally been when the 2SLGBTQIA+ community gathers in unity and spirit to celebrate. Pride celebrations are about honouring and affirming the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, commemorating the progress made in the fight for equal rights, and recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Pride is also an opportunity for allies to show their support and solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, reinforcing the message that love, acceptance, and equality are universal values.

We bring some of these events to you in this Guide to The Summer of Pride. From our favourite Pride Day at KDays to the Edmonton Pride Festival at Sir Winston Churchill Square, the party runs all summer long!

Visit the Explore Edmonton Event Calendar and the Pride Edmonton Event Calendar for more events and details!

Len & Cub Photo Exhibition

Len & Cub features Len’s photos of their life and tells the story of their relationship against the background of same-sex identity and relationships in rural North America of the early 20th century.

Attend Len & Cub Photo Exhibition.

Allard Hall, MacEwan University

May and June

All Ages

Edmonton Queer History Walking Tours

The Edmonton Downtown Business Association and The Stollery Foundation and Edmonton Queer History Project are bringing back the popular Queer History Waking Tours:

• Queer History Bus Tour - June 8
• Politics and Protest - June 29
• Baths & Bars - July 10
• Buddys to Buddys - July 22
• Building a Queer Community - August 8
• Kings, Queens, and Queer Nightlife - August 18
• Special History of Pride: Creating a Welcoming City - August 22
  

See all Edmonton Queer Walking Tours.

Various locations downtown

Select Dates

All Ages

Regulating Morality: Exploring Edmonton's Queer History

Fort Edmonton Park will host this display presented by the Edmonton Queer History Project. Step back in time and discover some of the people, places, and moments that played a pivotal role in the ongoing story of our city's 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Follow Edmonton Queer History Project for updates.

Fort Edmonton Park

June to August

All Ages

Pride at the Archives

Visit the City of Edmonton Archives and explore our “Pride at the Archives” exhibit featuring photographs, artifacts, and archival material from the 2SLGBTQIA+ collections in the archives.

Check out Pride at the Archives.

City of Edmonton Archives

Month of June

All Ages

FLASHBACK (2024)

For the 50th anniversary of the launch of Edmonton’s second LGBTQ+ nightclub, Flashback, watch a film about the history of this hot spot and celebrate its restored neon sign, now at the Neon Sign Museum.

Attend screening on June 14, June 15, or July 18.

Metro Cinema

Select Days

All Ages

Four Decades of Resilience: Edmonton’s Journey of HIV/AIDS

A historic event is acknowledged as July 3rd marks 40 years since HIV/AIDS arrived in Edmonton, decimating the gay community. Two of the founders of the AIDS Network of Edmonton (now known as HIV Edmonton) will hold a presentation and Q&A discussion.

Visit Pride Edmonton for updates.

MacEwan University

July 3

All Ages

PRIDE VS. PREJUDICE: The Delwin Vriend Story

This award-winning film tells the story of an Edmonton teacher who was fired for being gay in the 1990s, which sparked a global movement for LGBTQ+ rights.

Visit Pride Edmonton or Metro Cinema for updates.

Metro Cinema

August

Edmonton Drag Festival

The annual Edmonton Drag Festival makes its return to deliver three incredible days of live performances, celebrating the art of drag and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists.

• 1+1=2Spirit Pow Wow: This free family-friendly, drug & alcohol-free event brings Indigenous dancers and drummers together to compete in categories throughout the day.

• Drag Fest Extravaganza: Over 20 talented local and Canadian drag performers bring their best game to the stage in a 10 hour drag marathon that showcases their talents, while also promoting acceptance, diversity, and inclusivity. Meet & Greet with RuPaul Drag Race queens Plasma, Nearah Nuff, Melinda Verga (from Edmonton!), Kiki Coe, and Aimee Yonce! Check Eventbrite for Meet & Greet ticket prices.

• The Ultimate Pink & White Drag Brunch: Brunch, Drag performances, a panel discussion on gender & gender diversity, a Werk Room Workshop & Games and more fun are all part of this memorable event. (18+)

Attend Edmonton Drag Festival

Sir Winston Churchill Square

May 31-June 2

All Ages daytime, 18+ evening

Pride Street Festival

Edmonton’s favourite pop-up event producer, Fruit Loop, partners with their besties at the Grindstone Theatre for a free-to-attend Pride kick-off! Activities will return to Old Strathcona in West Ritchie as they host a series of outdoor live performances, drag shows, dancers, photo booths, community booths, workshops, food trucks, beer gardens and late-night dance parties.

Attend Pride Street Festival

Outside Grindstone Theatre

June 1

All Ages

Pride Workshops

Which workshops will you take? Whether you explore drag makeup with instructors GoGo Fetch and Orpheus or get moving with an educational session to learn styles of Drag, Ballroom, and Gogo, you'll learn something new and have a blast doing it!

Register for a Pride Workshop

Grindstone Theatre

June 2

18+

Pride Dance Party

Expect jaw dropping drag, aerial acts, pole and burlesque performances, all in support of community partner, Rainbow Refuge. Expect drink specials, special guests and more!

Attend Pride Dance Party

Starlite Room

June 8

18+

Campio Brewing Monthly Drag Brunch

Have fun eating a delicious meal with good entertainment at one of Campio Brewing’s monthly Drag Brunches!

Attend a Campio Drag Brunch

Campio Brewing Company

June 9, July 21, & August 25

All Ages

Dragging Youth PRIDE Drag Show

This show will have entertainers of all ages and levels of experience in a loving and welcoming safe space.

Attend the Dragging Youth Pride Drag Show

Unitarian Church of Edmonton

June 15

All Ages

Drag Queen BINGO fundraiser for Camp Dragonfly

Join Dragging Youth and GoGo Fetch for a night of bingo, prizes and mini games as they set out to raise money for the Camp Dragonfly!

Attend Drag Queen BINGO fundraiser

Unitarian Church of Edmonton

July 28

All Ages

Laser Pride

Telus World Of Science Edmonton’s Laser Pride celebrates the rainbow of diversity and features some of the most well-known music associated with 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and fans. Immerse yourself in 360° of lights, lasers, and love!

See the Laser Pride Show

TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

June 1 – 29

What Am I Looking At?!

This uproarious comedy explores the challenges and triumphs of performing in a crack-of-dawn production, offering a fresh and humorous take on the world of drag.

Attend the What Am I Looking At Performance

Nancy Power Theatre at The Roxy

June 2 & 6

NUOVA Vocal Arts & Edmonton Vocal Minority

Experience the melodies from NUOVA Vocal Arts and one of the longest running 2SLGBTQiA+ organizations, Edmonton Vocal Minority (EVM).

• When The Sun Comes Out – A Chamber Opera - June 6, 8, & 9
• As One – A Chamber Opera - June 8 & 9
• Celebrate! - June 29

PRIDE Pancake Breakfast

Join the Downtown Edmonton Community League for Pride Breakfast!

Attend PRIDE Pancake Breakfast

DECL Community Space

June 8

Gay AF Market

YEG local 2SLGBTQIA+ Market filled with local makers, performers and much more! It is also wheelchair accessible and pets are welcome!

Attend the Gay AF Market

Bellevue Community League

June 9

Alt After Dark, Pride Night Market

Free entry to 35 local alternative vendors, artists and brewers, with a chance to win door prizes.

Attend Alt After Dark, Pride Night Market

Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre

June 14

Fyrefly’s 19th Annual Mayor’s Pride Brunch

Fyrefly’s Mayor’s Pride Brunch aims to raise funds to support Fyrefly as they celebrate 20 years of advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Enjoy your iconic brunch favourites as you watch an extravagant drag show and hear from Dr. Lana Whiskeyjack & Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.

Join for the Fyrefly’s 19th Annual Mayor’s Pride Brunch

Edmonton Convention Centre

June 16

Love Out Loud Night Market

Free entry to see 85 amazing vendors, crafters, designers, food trucks, music and 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Groups, with a chance to win door prizes.

Visit the Love Out Loud Night Market

Alberta Aviation Museum

June 28

Drag Me Out to the Ball Game 2024

Join for a fierce charity baseball game featuring YEG’s top Drag Performers followed by the Pride Party at RE/MAX Field’s outfield patio!

Attend Drag Me Out to the Ball Game 2024

Re/Max Field

June 22

Legends of Drag at Taste of Edmonton

Taste of Edmonton welcomes the Legends of Drag back to the McLennan Ross Stage!

Attend Legends of Drag @ Taste of Edmonton

Sir Winston Churchill Square

July 27

2024 Gay Edmonton Pageant

Competitors will vie for the prestigious titles of Mr., Mz., and Mx. Gay Edmonton, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. From mystical performances to spellbinding costumes, our contestants will leave you mesmerized.

Attend 2024 Gay Edmonton Pageant

Matrix Hotel

June 28

Edmonton Riverhawks Love Wins Pride Night

It’s a celebration of love and inclusiveness, with special guests from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, performers from the Party Queens, and the vibrant presence of Pride Tape. Bid on the Edmonton Riverhawks 2024 edition pride jerseys, with proceeds benefiting MacEwan University’s Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity.

Attend Edmonton Riverhawks Love Wins Pride Night

Re/Max Field

June 29

ISCWR Coronation Festival

Celebrate and honour Edmonton's trailblazing duo Emprices, Emprex 48 Tilda WorldEnds, and Emprex 48 Gabe Itch and crown the 49th Monarchs.

Attend ISCWR Coronation Festival

Matrix Hotel

August 11 - 17

Edmonton Pride Cup

Celebrating Pride 365 in Edmonton in true ICE District fashion, by playing hockey! Also enjoy live bands, DJs, Oilers alumni, and the first ever unveiling and presentation of the Pride Cup itself.

Stay tuned to the Ice District Calendar for event updates

Fan Park @ Ice District

August 17

Edmonton Pride Festival

And bringing the Summer of Pride to a close once again Churchill Square becomes home to three days of some amazing entertainment, the Rainbow Road Street market, a beer garden and more. (And they may be announcing the return of something we all have missed experiencing for a few years. Have you guessed what it might be?)

See Edmonton Pride Festival's website and social media for event updates

Churchill Square

August 17 – 25

Evolution Wonderlounge

Known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, Evolution Wonderlounge serves as a cornerstone for the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community, offering a safe and celebratory space for people of all identities. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, enjoy incredible performances, or connect with friends, Evolution Wonderlounge provides a lively and supportive environment for everyone.

Pride Months Shows:

• Indigenous HERstory – Berry Burst - June 1
• KLIMAX: Vol. 2 - June 2
• Pageantinta All-Stars: the Met Gayla - June 7
• Stretcher’s Strip N’ Slide 4: Saucier - June 8
• Honey’s Hype Squad - June 9
• Funhaus: RE/TRANSITION - June 14
• All Tease All Shade Trigger Warning - June 15
• Call Me Daddy - June 16
• From Canada’s Drag Race you will not want to miss EVO presents Kameron Michaels ft. DJ Chi Chi LaRue - June 21

Party Nights

• Pride Month Kick Off Party 2024 - May 31
• Pride Bash 2024 - June 1
• Liberation: Pride Underwear Night - June 8
• Glow With Pride 2024 - June 22

Events Around the City

Check out some of the Pride events for adults happening around the city.

• Drag Me Out - AFTER PARTY - June 22, Re/Max Field
• Rock and Roll Hall of Slay - June 1, Roxy Theatre
• FAB Pride Picnic- June 8, Rundle Park
• Community Pride Day at MacEwan June 8, MacEwan University
• Camren’s Cam Girls - June 9, Beercade
• Queer Idols - June 23, Beercade
  

Pride at KDays

KDays is going BIG this year with Pride Night! With a Pride Market, drag shows, DJs and parties, you are inevitably going to have a fabulous time. KDays is also partnering with local 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses, each of whom are selling specially made, limited time products to celebrate KDays. So be sure to stop by to see what special surprise they've all got in store!!

Attend KDays

Edmonton EXPO Centre

July 26

Fort Saskatchewan Pride Week

Experience the museum exhibit, flag raising with entertainment, block party (with live entertainment, lip sync battle, vendors and more!), family activities, kids activities, naughty paint night, outdoor concert with magician, music, activities, farmers market and more!

Attend Fort Saskatchewan Pride Week

Fort Saskatchewan

June 7

Fort Saskatchewan Pride Block Party

In honour of Pride Week and they are launching an amazing Block Party to celebrate, support and connect with community!

Attend the Fort Saskatchewan Pride Block Party

The Bears Den, Fort Saskatchewan

June 8

Stony Plain Pride in the Park

Come out to a family friendly event with activities, vendors, performances and so much more!

Attend Stony Plain Pride in the Park

Stony Plain Rotary Park

June 15

These are some of the many events that are currently planned, but we know many businesses are still preparing for even more events and gatherings. Keep an eye on the Pride Edmonton Calendar for more updates, along with how to celebrate all things PRIDE!

Happy Pride!