It’s Pride time again, and New Westminster is ready to celebrate.
New West Pride Week officially kicks off tonight (Friday, Aug. 5), and the fun continues throughout the coming week — with the big street party coming next weekend. Find community, connection and celebration as the LGBTQ+ community and allies join together in a series of events featuring singing, dancing, eating, drinking, storytelling, worship and more.
Here are five highlights of the coming week’s festivities:
The Grapest Drag Show on Earth
Turn out at Pacific Breeze Winery (320 Stewardson Way) for an epic night of drag, wine and fundraising for Rainbow Refugee. Enjoy performances by Dandy and Phyllis, Belladonna VonShade, Juano Andres and Rainbow Glitz in the event presented by 3 Wave Fitness. Ages 19+. Tickets $27, buy through Eventbrite.
- When: Friday, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Flag raising at New Westminster City Hall
Turn out to New Westminster City Hall (511 Royal Ave.) for the official flag raising ceremony, which will see the Pride colours fly proudly over the city centre.
- When: Monday, Aug. 8, 12:15 p.m.
New West Pride Hoedown
Have fun square dancing, two-stepping and line dancing at this event presented by the Seniors Gay Straight Alliance at Century House, 620 Eighth St. Registration isn’t needed, and neither is dancing ability or experience — just turn out and learn the steps while you have fun. This is an all-ages event.
- When: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 1 to 3 p.m.
Drag Queen Storytime
Join Karmella Barr and Beardney Spears at the always popular Drag Queen Storytime at New Westminster Public Library’s main branch, uptown (716 Sixth Ave.). You need to pre-register by calling 604-527-4677 or emailing youth@nwpl.ca.
- When: Thursday, Aug. 11, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
New West Pride Street Festival
Turn out to Columbia Street, downtown, for the warm and welcoming street festival for people of all ages. You can enjoy entertainment on three stages, plus food trucks, a beer garden, an Untoxicated lounge presented by Last Door Recovery, a kids’ area, vendors and more.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 13, 3 to 8 p.m.
There’s much more on offer throughout the week: trivia nights, storytelling, Queer Family and Transgender Swims, a Rainbow Chorus sing-along, a youth Pride event, a Pride paddlewheeler cruise, a Pride worship service and more.
Find the full events roundup at the New West Pride website.
Five for Friday is a feature we're running each Friday online, highlighting five of just-about-anything in New Westminster. Got an idea for a future list? Email to let us know!
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca
