Saturday, Aug. 8
Kick off New West Pride Week by taking in a Vancouver Whitecaps game. Head down to The Hub for the pre-game party, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., then take the SkyTrain downtown to the Whitecaps’ Pride Night Game. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased by visiting newwestpride.ca.
The Arts Council has put on a first-of-its-kind exhibit at their gallery in Queen’s Park. The New West Pride group exhibition showcases the work of six artists who relate to the LGBTQ community. Whether it’s paintings or a 3D installation, the exhibit has something for everyone. Artists include Belle Ancell, Shelly Stefan, Adam Menzies, Linnea Strom, Cliff Blank and Judy Villett. There’s a special “Pride Arts Celebration” on Friday, Aug. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. Most of the artists will be on hand. Otherwise, the exhibit runs 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until Aug. 16. Admission is free.
Sunday, Aug. 9
A community brunch is being held at Coming Home Café (753 Sixth St.) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Love Settlers of Catan? Board Game Warriors (708 Clarkson St.) is hosting an afternoon of fun from noon until around 6 p.m. Come play an opponent. Admission is free.
Lighthouse of Hope Christian Fellowship is holding a Pride service at their new home (726 12th Street) from 4 to 6 p.m. The Terminal Pub is throwing a Pride patio party. There’s going to be a DJ spinning the tunes, drink specials and summer games from 12 to 6 p.m. The pub is located at 115 12th St.
Ever been to a drag show? Pop over to the Heritage Grill (447 Columbia St.) to see high stilettos, bold lipstick and various hair-dos and outfits. Reservations are encouraged since this is a popular event. Call 604-759-0819. Tickets are $10.
What happens when old and young queers swap writing topics and give each other their opinions about the results? Answer: spoken word performances that challenge and inspire. The River Market is hosting Call and Response, a collaborative project of Quirk-e (Queer Imaging and Riting Kollective for Elders) and Youth For A Change. It’s all happening at 810 Quayside Drive at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation.
Monday, Aug. 10
Get your hands a little messy with tie-dye. Bring yourself, some friends and a white T-shirt to the Douglas College Student Union building, located at 88 7th St. Expect to relive a bit of your childhood as you experiment with all the colours of the rainbow. Things get underway at 11 a.m.
The City of New Westminster will be raising a rainbow flag at city hall (511 Royal Ave.) at noon. There will also be a Pride proclamation.
Tuesday, Aug. 11
Grab a blanket and some food and head over to Pier Park for the Love Lock Pride Family Picnic. Musical talent Quayside Voices will grace the crowd with A Capella. Games, dress up and music are all encouraged. The event runs from 5 p.m. to dusk. Help support the New West Pride Society by purchasing a love lock, for sale by donation.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
Get out your cowboy boots for the seniors’ (50+) hoedown at Century House, from 1 to 3 p.m. The dances include two-step, square dancing and line dancing. Dress up in your finest Western and rainbow attire. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided. Steel & Oak has put together a special Pride edition cask tapping at 4 p.m. in their tasting room.
To celebrate Pride in the Royal City, the cask will be Royal City ale with lavender and honey. $5.50 for a glass of beer.
Thursday, Aug. 13
Want to show off your baking skills? Take part in the Pride pie baking contest at the Royal City’s Farmers Market in Tipperary Park. Register your award-winning recipe at www.rcfm.ca. The friendly competition starts at 5:30 p.m. Sing at the top of your lungs at rainbow night karaoke at Fireside Grill, 421 East Columbia St.
There's a Pride trivia night at Frankie G's Pub, located at 305 Ewen Ave. Fun begins at 7:30 p.m. Need a ride? Call for a free shuttle: 604-328-6511.
Friday, Aug. 14
There’s a double down dance party at Starlight Casino (350 Gifford St.) starting at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Your tummy will hurt after you attend the Lafflines Comedy Club for an evening of jokes with Darcy Michaels. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets: www.lafflines.com.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Wrap up the week with the New West Pride Street Party, featuring performances by Bif Naked and many other Canadian artists. The event promises to be bigger than ever. There will be two stages, four beer gardens, food trucks and a children’s area. The party is from 3 to 8 p.m. on historic Columbia Street (Fourth Avenue to Begbie Street).
Join band Queer as Funk at The Columbia for a high-energy show that will leave you tapping your feet. It’s a mix of soul and Motown classics combined with contemporary favourites, like Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased by visiting www.thecolumbia.ca. Doors open at 8:15 p.m., the show starts at 9:15 p.m.
There are a couple of after parties, one at the Met and the other at the Heritage Grill. Both start at 8 p.m. Status Night Club (27 Church St.) will also be hosting a party, with two rooms and DJs. Doors open at 9 p.m.
