New West Pride Week is just around the bend.
The annual event kicks off on Aug. 6 with a dance party at The Brooklyn Bar, following by a host of activities that will get you in the spirit of the LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Below is the full list of what to expect.
Saturday, Aug. 6
Kick off a week of Pride by dancing the night away with pop and classic dance tracks at The Brooklyn Bar (250 Columbia St.). From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. enjoy food, drink specials and prizes with no cover.
Sunday, Aug. 7
The annual Pride patio party is back and bigger and better than ever with a DJ spinning beats, summer games, giveaways and drink specials from 1 to 7 p.m. Held at The Terminal Pub (115 12th St.), co-sponsor Steel & Oak will have two specially-created Pride beers on tap. No cover.
From noon onwards Board Game Warriors (708 Clarkson St.) and the Gaymers, who meet weekly, are hosting a free afternoon of everyone’s favourite board games free of charge.
Lighthouse of Hope Christian Fellowship is hosting a service for all at 4 p.m. at Heritage Hall at 726 12th St.
The weekly Sunday Night Drag Show is on at The Heritage Grill (447 Columbia St.) Join Mz Adrien and friends for adult entertainment made all the more fabulous for Pride. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door. Reservations are recommended for this popular show. Call 604 759 0819.
Monday, Aug. 8
Join city officials, community members and local organizations as the rainbow flag is raised at New West city hall (511 Royal Ave.) at noon to celebrate New West Pride Week. Afterwards, all our invited to join the delegation as they head for lunch at The Heritage Grill.
In partnership with Youth for a Change and Quirk-E, The Arts Council of New Westminster will be presenting a multidisciplinary celebration of the arts by LGBTQ+ artists, including a visual arts display, musical performances and poetry readings. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park.
Tuesday, Aug. 9
A night of family fun awaits at the Pride Family Picnic at Pier Park (bottom of Fourth Street) Bring your own picnic and a blanket and join the New West community for an outdoor movie screening of Labyrinth. The picnic starts at 6 p.m. and the movie kicks off at dusk. Games, dress-up and music is encouraged. There will also be ticket giveaways through a partnership with The Vancouver Queer Film Festival.
Wednesday, Aug. 10
Brush up on your line dancing, two step and square dancing for an afternoon of fun at the Seniors Gay/Straight Alliance second annual hoedown. All ages are welcome and beginners, have no fear—instruction is learn as you go. The free event is held at Century House (620 Eighth St.) from 1 to 4 p.m. and includes refreshments.
The HIM Clinic (38 Begbie St.) is hosting a free information session and Q&A on the facts of PrEP from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11
Join the Douglas College Student Union Pride Collective for an afternoon tie-dye and barbecue party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 88 Seventh Ave. All are welcome.
Royal City Farmers Markers is celebrating Pride from 3 to 7 p.m. at Tipperary Park (Fourth Street parking lot at Royal Avenue). Enjoy farmers’ market goodies and the Annual Pride Pie contest, knowing all proceeds are going to New West Pride. Sign up at rcfm.ca.
Don’t be shy—channel your inner diva and join Rainbow Karaoke to sing by the river at The Paddlewheeler Pub (810 Quayside Dr.). The evening starts at 7 p.m.
The Met Bar and Grill (411 Columbia St.) is hosting its weekly trivia night with a theme for Pride week. Show off your queer knowledge between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 12
Uncover—an exhibit featuring LGBTQ+ artists and allies who live or work in New West—is having its opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.) Artists will express perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues and their relationship with society. The exhibit runs from August until Sept. 30.
Join talented LGBTQ+ and ally storytellers of all ages and backgrounds as their share their everyday experiences. MC’d by Janice Bannister and Marylee Stephenson. We All Have a Story! takes place at Chronic Tacos (66 10th St.) starting at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door.
Saturday, Aug. 13
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Unifor (326 12th St.), visit artisans as they set up mini-studios to show off weaving, hat and handbag making and felting, accompanied by New West artists demonstrating painting as part of the New Westminster Culture Crawl. There will also be a marketplace and refreshments by donation.
New West Pride Columbia Street Party
Cap off New West Pride Week with the New West Pride Street Party on Columbia Street from 3 to 8 p.m. The street party, complete with three stages, is expected to draw thousands. Hosted by Jazmine Khan, see live performances on the main stage by Michael Fraser, Kimmoral, Miz Adrien and Top Less Love Tekno Party. The free party includes a children’s area, five outdoor pubs, a drag show stage, a puppet show and food trucks with shade.
New West Pride After-Parties - Keep the party going!
Craft Night Market at The River Market will be on until 9 pm.
BLUSH - Women’s Dance Party at Ava Fitness. Dance all night to the eclectic sound of DJ Cho Cha's house music while watching gorgeous pole dancers wow you with their amazing tricks. Advanced Tickets can be purchased at www.avafitness.ca.
Pride Night at The Met. A local favourite. The Met will keep it casual for you so you can catch up with friends and reminisce about your perfect Pride day. No cover.
The Heritage Grill always throws a good party and Pride is no exception. Stick around after Pride and see why The Heritage Grill is New West Pride’s Business of the Year Award winner.
Extravaganza Eleganza Cabaret and Dance will be at The Columbia! Visit www.thecolumbia.net for tickets! This will sell out.
Wind Down Sunday - Aug. 14
Join in for a gentling, a quieting and a deepening time under the trees in Tipperary Park, at Sunday Worship. Meet at the Friendship Garden. Service by Rev. Debra Thorne. Tipperary Park, Fourth Street at Royal Ave., New West, 11 a.m. Free. All are welcome.
Are you coming for Community Brunch? Wrap-up Pride the New West way! Coming Home Café is a New West LGBTQ+ institution and their brunch is the only way to recover from a week-long party! From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 753 Sixth St., New West.
For more information, visit www.newwestpride.ca.
