While a portion of Canada celebrated Pride Month in June, the festivities kick off in Calgary over the September long weekend so there’s no rain on the parade — literally.

Since its inception in 1990, Calgary Pride has advocated for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in Calgary with annual parades, performances, and learning opportunities. Today, Calgary Pride hosts one of the city’s most anticipated festivals in an effort to promote equality and a sense of community, while reminding us of the ongoing fight for a city free from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

This year proves to be no different, with the annual pride parade happening on September 1st, along with other events throughout the week. But where to begin?!

We’ve got your guide to Calgary Pride, proudly presented by TD Canada Trust, with and a handful of must-do events happening in the city. Mark your calendars!

The Flag Raising Ceremony

Calgary Pride
Photo via Calgary Pride

This year’s festivities kick off with the Pride Flag Ceremony at The Confluence on August 23rd from 11 AM to 12 PM. Indigenous Elders and city officials will raise the Pride Flag to honour and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community, intentionally setting the stage for a week-long celebration filled with pride, unity, and joy.

The Pride Parade

Calgary Pride
Photo via Calgary Pride

This one’s a given. The annual parade is taking place on September 1st, starting at The Confluence and working its way down 9th Avenue to 5th Street SW. Starting at 11 AM, viewers can expect exciting music, eye-catching floats, and exuberant celebrations from businesses, organizations, and other special guests in the parade. What started as a mere 100-person rally in 1990 has since grown to an attendance of over 110,000 today. Calgary has certainly come a long way, but the work is never done!

18+ Festival Day

Calgary Pride
Photo via Calgary Pride

On August 31st and September 1st, Prince’s Island Park will be bustling with Calgary Pride activity. The first of the two-day event will be for adults only, with live performances, engaging vendors, and all sorts of opportunities for connection, self-expression, and celebration. The Trans and Dyke March will take over the stage from 4 to 5 PM, and the 18+ programming will run until 10 PM, featuring adult vendors, burlesque dancers, local DJs, and more.

All-Ages Festival Day

Calgary Pride
Photo via Calgary Pride

Day 2 of the Pride Festival is dedicated to families. Attendees can expect family-friendly activities, a variety of entertainment, and all sorts of vendors in a lush green setting that makes the park feel like an oasis for 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies alike. You can also grab a bite from the diverse array of food vendors or relax in the beer and sober gardens. Don your rainbow gear and round up the kiddos for a fun day of joy under the sun.

Everyone with love in their hearts is welcome to the festivities, so craft your rainbow outfits and bring your friends and families to see what Calgary Pride 2024 is all about. And while you’re at it, be sure to check out other Pride events happening throughout the city.

CALGARY PRIDE 2024

When: August 31st (5 PM to 10 PM) to September 1st (12 PM to 10 PM)
Where: Prince’s Island Park — 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
Cost: Free

Kendall Bistretzan

Branded Content Writer

Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.

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