Kelowna Pride Week
Event Details
This year, Kelowna Pride Week will be held from June 1 to 9, with the highlight being the Pride March and Festival on June 8. Kelowna Pride has come a long way since its beginnings over 25 years ago and has grown exponentially, now drawing over 12,000 people who come together to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusivity.
Location
A Celebration of Inclusivity and Diversity
Every year in June, Kelowna puts on a vibrant, inclusive, and unforgettable show – Kelowna Pride Week. This momentous event, dedicated to promoting equality and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, is a colourful affair filled with a variety of activities, performances, and parades that embody unity, diversity, and love.
When and Where?
Kelowna Pride Week is slated to take place from June 1st to June 9th, set amidst the city’s stunning backdrop of mountains, lakes, and vineyards. The main events will be centred around Kelowna's downtown area, renowned for its picturesque waterfront, numerous parks, art galleries, shopping centres, and restaurants.
What Can You Expect?
Throughout the week, you can expect a series of events designed to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness about the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. The festivities kick off with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Kelowna City Hall. Other key events include educational workshops, themed parties, community discussions, movie nights, and art exhibits.
One of the standout events is the Pride March, an exuberant and peaceful demonstration that snakes through the city’s main streets, where participants and onlookers alike can wave their rainbow flags high. After the march, the party continues with a post-march celebration featuring music, dance, food trucks, and a variety of local vendor booths.
But the highlight of Kelowna Pride Week is undoubtedly the Festival at the Park. Held at Kelowna's City Park, this day-long event invites attendees to enjoy live performances from local and international artists, informational booths from community organizations, family-friendly activities, delicious food, and more.
Getting Involved
Beyond being a spectator, there are numerous opportunities to get involved with Kelowna Pride Week. The festival encourages volunteering and offers several roles to choose from, ranging from event setup and logistics to communications and photography.
Pride Week Events
Official & Affiliate Events:
Friday, May 31
Pride on the Rocks / The Ruins Crag at Eain Lamont Park
Saturday, June 1
Pride Lift + Flow / Red Bird Brewing
Pride Drag Brunch / Friends of Dorothy (Multiple dates)
Kelowna Drag Storytime / Kelowna Art Gallery
Sing for the Ring Round 2 / Revelry
Leather Launch Party / Studio on Water
Sunday, June 2
Pride Drag Brunch at the Delta Grand / Delta Grand Okanagan Resort
Ride for Pride / RCA to Vice & Virtue
Ella's Naughty Bingo / Red Bird Brewing
Monday, June 3
Kelowna Pride Week Official Launch / BNA Brewing Co & Eatery
Queer Zine Festival / Laurel Packinghouse
Tuesday, June 4
Sugar Cookie Decorating: Rainbows & Unicorns / Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School
The Big Gay Dog Walk / Kelowna City Park and Lake Ave Beach
Wednesday, June 5
Pride Dinner & Drag Show / Friends of Dorothy
Trans March and Celebration / Stuart Park to Revelry
MOONBEAM Queer Electronica / Friends of Dorothy
Thursday, June 6
1st Annual 2 Spirit Pow-Wow / City Park
Drag Music Bingo: Pride Edition! / West Kelowna
Friday, June 7
Coffee With Queers / Bright Jenny Coffee Laurel
Kelowna's Next Drag Superstar presented by Heritage Law: Finale / Red Bird Brewing
Late Night Drag Party with Mina Mercury, Gloria Hole & Eddi Licious / Friends of Dorothy
Saturday, June 8
Pride Yoga / Stuart Park
2024 Kelowna Pride March / Stuart Park to City Park
2024 Kelowna Pride Festival / Downtown Kelowna
Queer Craft Club
NRG - Stride With Pride / Red Bird Brewing
FruitCake Pride / Red Bird Brewing
Pride Party Vol. 2 with Mina Mercury, Gloria Hole & Eddi Licious
Sunday, June 9
Central Okanagan United Church - Pride Worship / Central Okanagan United Church
A Prideful History - Sunday Service with Kelowna Unitarians / Kelowna Unitarians
50+ Pride Picnic / Mission Creek Regional Park
Wrap Up
Kelowna Pride Week is an embodiment of acceptance, inclusivity, and unity. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally, attending Kelowna Pride Week in June is a powerful way to stand with the community, learn, and of course, have a blast.