How to Celebrate Pride in 2022

Celebrating pride is something we can do year-round, though the month of June brings us all together to collectively advocate for and support the LGBTQAI2S+ community. Build connections, be seen, and wave the flag of support and love as communities across British Columbia return to in-person pride festivities for 2022. Here are a few pride celebrations to add to your calendar this year. 

METRO VANCOUVER AND COAST

Sunshine Coast Pride Month (June 3-26, 2022)
The Sunshine Coast is hosting a roster of fun pride events for all ages (and even our four legged friends) in Gibsons, Sechelt, and Roberts Creek. Participate in an array of activities, including an Indigenous pride eco walking tour, drag storytime, pride dances for youth and adults, plus a pet parade and BBQ.

Surrey PRIDE Festival (June 3- 26, 2022)
This year, Surrey’s pride calendar is packed with live concerts, theme nights, and sporting events—all centred around the  “Open Minds and Open Hearts” theme. The marquis event, Surrey Pride, takes place on June 25 at Central City Plaza, where attendees can enjoy Indigenous performances, a drag show, and a Brian Adams Tribute Band, among other entertainment.

Maple Ridge’s Pride Picnic in the Park With PLEA (July 16, 2022)
This free family-friendly outdoor event, hosted by PLEA, takes place in Memorial Peace Park and features a fun afternoon of BBQ, face painting, games, and live entertainment. The annual event, which is funded entirely by donations to PLEA, has been going strong since 2016.

Burnaby Pride (July 23, 2022)
Burnaby Civic Square is home to the city’s fifth annual Burnaby Pride celebrations, with live music, drag, comedy, educational booths and activities for all ages.

Pride in Poco (July 23, 2022)
On July 23, Port Coquitlam’s City Hall will light up in rainbow colours in support of LGBT2SQ+ communities. Pride in Poco, which is a collaboration between the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable and local youth, will feature an info booth and live performances.

White Rock Pride Family Day (July 23, 2022)
White Rock’s inaugural Pride Family Day is set for this July. All ages are welcome to attend the free street festival at Miramar Plaza, which includes a pop-up market, food stalls, a kids zone, and live entertainment. The White Rock Pride Society is also hosting the Love is Love Dinner Gala that evening.

New West Pride Week and Street Festival (August 5-14, 2022)
New West Pride hosts a week of pride-filled activities, culminating in a big street festival on August 13 along Columbia Street. Attendees can enjoy live performances across three performance stages, as well as a children’s area, food trucks and beer gardens. Last Door Recovery Society’s Untoxicated Event will also participate in this year’s pride.

Delta Pride Picnic (August 21, 2022)
Ladner Memorial Park will be abuzz with live entertainment, food trucks, and community excitement during the fourth annual Delta Pride Picnic. The Delta Pride Society also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including bingo, parties, and shows.

Squamish Pride Events (Throughout the year)
The Squamish Pride Society hosts events throughout the year, including Wednesday Socials at various venues throughout town. There is an exciting roster of events lined up in June, including  Drag Storytime event at the Squamish Public Library on June 18, drop in days at the Little Bookshop to participate in the Kids Artivist Project, and a Summer Social on on June 22, hosted by Howe Sound Women’s Centre as part of their Gender Diversity Inclusion Program. Plans are in the works for an inaugural Pride Bouldering event September 17-18.

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Nanaimo Pride (June 8-12, 2022)
In-person events return to Nanaimo Pride with a jam-packed calendar of events that include a flag raising ceremony at City Hall, a youth prom, a pride-themed adventure experience at WildPlay Nanaimo, and live performances. Nanaimo’s official Pride Festival takes place June 12 in Maffeo Sutton Park.

Campbell River Pride (June 18, 2022)
The North Island Pride Society is hosting a vibrant celebration in Campbell River on June 18. The day kicks off with a Paws for Pride walk (with prizes for best costumes and tricks), followed by the Party at Spirit Square. Live performances will include a special appearance by Drag King Adam Lamborghini.

Comox Queer Culture Summer Series (June 18-July 1, 2022)
The Comox Valley is home to a variety of fun pride events throughout the summer. Cabaret-A Good Old Fashioned Drag Show takes place at the Comox Legion on June 18. Next up, Summer heats up with UNCAGED at Wayward Distillation House on July 9, an outdoor nightclub with circus performers and a DJ. Rotary Hall at Filberg Centre is home to a Variety of Pride Show with stand-up comedy, drag, and singers (tickets will be available on July 1). The organizers raise funds for the Queer Culture Bursary, allowing a young person to continue their post-secondary education.

NORTHERN BC

Dawson Creek Pride Walk (June 11, 2022)
This year marks the community’s first ever Pride Walk, although the Dawson Creek Pride Society has been representing the LGBTQAI2S+ community since 2002.

Quesnel Pride Walk and After Party (June 13, 2022)
The Quesnel Pride Society has been hosting pride events since 2014 and returns to in-person events this year with a pride walk and after party.

Vanderhoof Pride Walk (June 25, 2022)
The city of Vanderhoof will hold its first official pride walk in the community’s history on June 25. Attendees are encouraged to come to Riverside Park in the afternoon of June 25.

Prince George Pride Drag Dance (July 9, 2021)
Prince George is joining in the Pride fun this summer with a Drag Dance at Civic Centre on July 9. Stay updated on the Prince George Pride Facebook page for more details on upcoming pride events.

Special Mention: Although their events have now passed, the Northern Peace Pride Society also hosts a variety of events in May and early June, including an art exhibition, dance, Pride Walk and a Festival in the Park.

Featured image: A Pride celebration for two.| Tourism Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.