Pride is almost here and with that in mind, these are the upcoming events that will get you hyped for next week!
Sunday August 19
Capital Pride, in partnership with Ten Oaks Project, Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, Kind Space, MAX Ottawa, Mothercraft Ottawa, Ottawa Wolves RFC, Safety – Support and Education for Trans Youth and The Queer Mafia, are hosting a family-friendly picnic from 2-5pm in Hintonburg Park (1064 Wellington St West).
The picnic will include a barbeque, face painting, bouncy castle and other children’s activities. The event is free to everyone, and please know that there will be no media at this event to protect the privacy of the families coming to celebrate together.
Monday August 20
As a part of the Capital Pride’s mandate to include the entire National Capital Region, there will be two Flag Raising Ceremonies this year. The first will take place at 10am at Gatineau City Hall (25 Laurier Street) and the second will be at 12pm at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West). Elected officials and embassy representatives will be present to raise the flags, but it doesn’t have to stop there!
Capital Pride is asking any businesses, organizations or other groups to show their pride, either by raising a flag, putting up a poster or any other way they want to show their support, and posting on social media using #raisetherainbow.
Need some fresh threads? This year the Youth Clothing Swap will be held at Arts Court (2 Daly Ave) from 4-8pm and will be a great opportunity to get rid of old clothes and pick up some new ones. This is a safe space for anyone transitioning to pick clothes that suite them best. The event is free and will have food and non-alcoholic beverages. As this is a youth event, it is only open to youth 25 years old and younger.
Tuesday August 21
This year, with the focus on commUnity, the speakers at the Human Rights Vigil will be focusing on the progress and obstacles facing the global LGBTQ2+ community. This event is free and will be at the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights at 220 Elgin Street from 8-9:30pm.
Wednesday August 22
The newly opened Ottawa Art Gallery (50 Mackenzie King Bridge) will be the backdrop for this year’s Youth Art Festival. Young, queer artists will have the space to showcase their art from 5-8pm including live music and performance art, photography and painting. This is a free event for youth ages 25 and under, and provides free food and non-alcoholic beverages. Get you free tickets online.
For the first time, there will be a circus themed block party, hosted by TD Canada Trust at Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park. Hot 89.9 will be present and providing music. There will also be a drag performances and burlesque by Koston Kreme and Capital Tease Burlesque. This event is free to enter with a cash bar on site and runs from 6-9pm.
Continuing with the expansion in Gatineau, Bar le Tonik (283 Boul Alexander-Taché), will be hosting an 80’s and 90’s themed party night as of 8pm. Entry to the club is free and there is a costume contest, so come out in your best 80’s or 90’s themed outfits.
Thursday August 23
Let the contest begin! The Capital Pride Pageant is happening at the Delta City Centre Hotel (101 Lyon Street) from 7-10pm. Hosted by Kiki Coe and DJ Ash Gautier and featuring a special performance by Drag Race Season 9 and All-Stars Season 3 queen, Aja. This is a ticketed event with a cash bar. Special Guest Judges include festival headliner Brooke Candy, Ottawa’s own China Doll, James Jefferson of Blackbook Lifestyle and Justin Gomes of Shopify.
Regular tickets are $20 and meet-and-greet tickets for Aja cost $70. Get you tickets early to see who wins Mr. Capital Pride, Ms. Capital Pride and Mx. Capital Pride 2018.
Friday August 24
Nature Nocturne Bursting with Pride
Taking place at the Canadian Museum of Nature, this month’s Nature Nocturne is all about Bursting with Pride. This event will feature a musical performance by The Peptides, drag performances, and the crystal ball illusionist Lacey Lucidity. This is a 19+ event. Tickets cost $25 each and features a cash bar and can be purchased online.
Barrymore’s will be hosting The Rainbow Party. This party will feature DJs, drag performances and special guests. Tickets will be available online.
Saturday August 25
For the first time, Somerset Street between Bank and O’Connor will be closed for the Capital Pride festival stage. Saturday will feature artist of the future Denique, Canadian trans artist Quanah Style, Drag Race alumni The Vixen, The Launch’s Elijah Woods x Jamie Finds and headlined by the incomparable Brooke Candy! Check out the Capital Pride website for each performer’s show time. This event is free!
Sunday August 26
This year’s Pride Parade starts at 1:30pm at Bank and Gladstone and will feature over 130 groups marching to show their pride. Led by the Grand Marshal China Doll, the International Marshal and the Youth Marshal, this signature event is one not to be missed.
Want to know how to end your Pride week right? You need to check out the TD Mainstage, located on Somerset Street between Bank and O’Connor. Featuring Canada’s trans artist Quanah Style, electronic Anishinaabe artist Ziibiwan, Canadian singer-songwriter Andrew Cassara, eclectic and vibrant DJ Amara and Canadian rock legend, Bif Naked! This is a free event, so there’s no excuse to miss it.
Looking for even more events? There’s more events listed on the Capital Pride website, so check them out and have a happy Pride!
