Get excited for Pride

While Pride should be celebrated every day, New West Pride will be taking the lead on the August festivities that will be launching over the next few weeks.

Last month at council, Mayor Patrick Johnstone proclaimed Aug. 10-20 Pride ‘Week’ in New West—with the New West Pride Society board sharing during delegations it had many events planned—and based on its recently unveiled list of events, the group has certainly delivered. This is the 14th edition of Pride in New West.

The flagship Street Festival, which is happening on Aug. 19, will include a site-wide liquor licence, meaning guests who are of age will be able to wander the site with a drink in hand. Approximately 30,000 are expected to attend.

Some of the highlighted events:

• Youth Centre mural. This event is for those who are between the ages of 11 and 18 years old. The New West Youth Centre will be creating a collaborative mural to celebrate Pride—the art will be along the centre’s windows. This is happening on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 3:30 to 7:30pm.

• Flag raising ceremony. To kick off the events, this ceremony will be happening at noon on Friday, Aug. 11 at City Hall.

• TGD2SQ Swim. The popular Trans, Gender Diverse & Two-Spirit Inclusive Swim is back. Registration is recommended for this all-ages event, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 12.

• Queers in Technology. This event will celebrate tech achievements by queer artists. Registration is required, and there is a cost of $20. The event will take place at the New Media Gallery from 1 to 4pm on Sunday, Aug. 13.

• Queer Coffee Chats. Grab a coffee and/or a delicious treat at Delicia Cafe. Happening at 1pm on Monday, Aug. 14.

• Rainbow Aerial Yoga is your opportunity to, as the Pride Society puts it, “swing in the hammocks of rainbow colours.” All fitness levels are welcome. There is a cost of $25. The event will be taking place at Sea2Sky Wellness Club.

• The Pride Pet Parade. Billed as a ‘paw-some’ celebration of love and acceptance, this will be a collaboration between New West Pride and Bosley’s Columbia Square. The event will take place at 2:30pm on Aug. 19. Along with a splash pool and treats for your pet, there will also be prizes for best dressed pet.

Find the full list of events at New West Pride’s page, and be sure to give them a follow on their social media pages, including Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.

New West Pride is also looking for volunteers—learn more about how to apply.

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