Kelowna Pride Month 2025 marks a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of Pride in the Okanagan. Running from May 30 to June 30, this year's theme, "Rise and Resist," underscores the dual nature of Pride as both celebration and protest. The month-long festival features a diverse lineup of events, performances, and community initiatives.
Official Pride Events
Kelowna's Next Drag Superstar
- Date: May 30
- Location: Red Bird Brewing
- Details: Eight finalists compete for the title, with audience participation determining the winner. Hosted by Ella Lamoureux.
Kelowna Pride March & Festival
- Date: May 31
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Locations: Stuart Park & City Park
- Details: The march begins at Stuart Park and proceeds to City Park, featuring live music, drag performances, food trucks, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Fruitcake Official Kelowna Pride After Party
- Date: May 31
- Location: Red Bird Brewing
- Details: Headlined by Canadian rock artist Bif Naked, with performances by Matthew Presidente, Pedwell, and LBEE the Drag Jack. Hosted by Ella Lamoureux.
All Wheels Welcome Ride for Pride
- Date: June 8
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Start Location: RCA Commons
- End Location: Railside Brewing
- Details: An accessible ride for all mobility types, featuring decorated wheels, free tune-ups by Kelowna Cycle, and food from local vendors.
Pets for Pride Parade
- Date: June 14
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Start Location: Knox Mountain Park
- End Location: Poplar Point Dog Beach
- Details: A parade celebrating pets, with costume contests in categories like "Aroooo Paul" and "Rainbow Royalty."
Trans & Enby March & Festival
- Date: June 20
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Start Location: Stuart Park
- End Location: Jubilee Bowl at City Park
- Details: An all-ages event featuring a march, performances, food trucks, vendors, and ASL interpreters.
2nd Annual Two-Spirit Powwow
- Date: June 28
- Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: City Park
- Details: A celebration led by Two-Spirit people featuring traditional dances, the crowning of 2S Royalty, and Indigenous vendor markets.
Community and Affiliate Events
Throughout June, Kelowna hosts a variety of community-led events, including drag brunches, trivia nights, zine fairs, and art shows. These events provide additional opportunities for engagement and celebration.
Get Involved
Performers
Kelowna Pride is seeking performers for the Trans & Enby March & Celebration on June 20. Interested individuals can submit their acts through the official website.
Vendors
Opportunities are available for vendors at the Trans & Enby March & Celebration (June 20) and the Two-Spirit Powwow (June 28). Businesses, artisans, nonprofits, and community groups are encouraged to apply.
Volunteers
Volunteers are essential to the success of Pride Month. Roles include event setup, parade assistance, and festival operations. Sign-up is available on the Kelowna Pride website.
Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities are open for businesses and organizations wishing to support Pride Month events and programming. Sponsorships offer visibility and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
History of Kelowna Pride
Kelowna Pride traces its roots back to 1996, when the city held its first Pride March, with Canada's first openly gay Member of Parliament, Svend Robinson, serving as Grand Marshal. A pivotal moment came in 2000 when KKelowna'sthen-Mayor Walter Gray was found to have violated the BC Human Rights Code by refusing a Pride proclamation—an event that galvanized the community. This led to the formation of the Okanagan Rainbow Coalition in 2004, which laid the foundation for what would become the Kelowna Pride Society. Since then, Kelowna Pride has grown into a leading voice for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in the BC Interior, organizing inclusive events, advocating for equity, and building community connections.
The Mission of Kelowna Pride
The Kelowna Pride Society is a not-for-profit organization run by a volunteer board and community members. Its mission is to uplift the dignity, equality, and self-determination of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through celebration, support, and advocacy. The society focuses on providing safe and inclusive spaces, empowering youth through peer support, advancing diversity and equity in the Okanagan, and forming strong local and international partnerships. As a member of Fierté Canada Pride and InterPride, Kelowna Pride stands united with global movements for queer rights and visibility.
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