New Westminster Pride is more than just a street festival: it’s a whole week of activities and performances for all ages.
This years Pride kicks off tonight (Aug. 11) with the New West Pride Cruise departing from the New West Quay, from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for this 19+ event. Call 604-525-4465 for more.
On Sunday (Aug. 12) there’s board games, a special Pride church service and the drag show.
In the morning, join LGBTQ+ board game enthusiasts Gaymer’s Group Pride Board Game Event for an afternoon of fun. Board Game Warriors at 708 Clarkson St. from 12 to 6 p.m.
“All are Welcome” to come to Lighthouse of Hope Christian Fellowship (726 12th St.) for a special Pride service from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Head over to the Big Huge New West Pride Drag Show at Heritage Grill (447 Columbus St.) from 7 to 10 p.m. Mz. Adrian and her “bevy of beauties” are pulling out all the glitter for this one.
Monday we have the official Pride flag raising ceremony at city hall (511 Royal Ave.) by the friendship garden at noon.
In the evening, Youth for Change and New West’s art council will be hosting their their annual art show Into the Queer Mind. It runs from 6 to 9 p.m. with a spoken word performance at 7:30 p.m., all at the Centennial Lodge Art Gallery, 103 Third Ave. in Queen’s Park.
There’s more all-ages fun on Tuesday.
Bring the whole crew out to the family picnic. Bring your own food and drinks but, if you forget, the concession will be open. There will be crafts and games for the kids. It’s at Westminster Pier Park (1 Sixth Street). Free.
At night, you can try out some brews at Steel and Oak Brewing Co (1319 Third Ave). There’s two special New West Pride kegs to try out from noon to 9 p.m. All glass proceeds will go to the New West Pride Society.
On Wednesday afternoon, grab your cowboy boots and head to the hoedown. This popular event is back with square dancing, two-step and line dancing. Don’t know how? Don’t let that stop you. There’s going to be a lesson for beginners. Stop by Century House (620 Eighth St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
In the evening, stop by Begbie Tavern (609 Columbia St.) for Rainbow Pride Trivia. Bring a team and challenge yourself. Half of the questions will be LGBTQ+ related. The rest will be sports, pop culture and music trivia. There’s a grand prize of $200. Reservations are recommended for this 19+ event.
Do you like pie? On Thursday, there will be a pie making contest. Bring your best pie and, if you impress the judges, you’ll get bragging rights in New West, which is priceless. Pie slices that aren’t used in the contest will be sold. Proceeds will go to New West Pride. 3 to 7 p.m. at Tipperary Park on Royal Avenue.
Get ready to belt your heart out at Rainbow Karaoke on Thursday night. The 19+ event is put on by Lonetree Karaoke & DJ Services at the Paddlewheeler Pub at 810 Quayside Dr. This annual event is back with food and drinks, fabulous songs and of course, a lot of fun people from 7 to 9 p.m.
Friday night, come celebrate Pride at The Terminal Pub (115 12th St). There will be food, drinks, and special door prizes from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Don’t forget a special Pride edition of Fridays on Front. There’s food vendors, music, and entertainment. 5 to 9 p.m. on the 600 block of Front Street.
Saturday is the final day of Pride week with the annual street festival. It’s bigger and better than ever. There will be performances on three stages all day, along with food, activities for kids, and plenty of entertainment. It runs 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Columbia Street.
