Rainbow-coloured balloon awnings, fabulous drag queens, leather daddies, "Dykes on Bikes": From the scantily-clad to the elaborately-headdressed, Vancouver's Pride Parade is a magnificent display of diversity, spirit, creativity, and unity and one of the city's can't-miss summer events.
Beginning as a protest march through Davie Village in 1978, the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival has become a world-class Pride celebration, with over 150 float and parade entries, a party for 80,000 people at Sunset Beach, and over 500,000 attendees.
The Parade starts in downtown Vancouver, at Robson and Bute, and winds its way through the West End--the historic centre of Vancouver's LGBT community--culminating at Sunset Beach, where the party continues with a Festival of vendors, live music on the Vancity Festival Stage, beer gardens and more.
- When: Pride Parade, Sunday, August 5, 2012, 12pm - 3pm
Pride Festival, Sunday, August 5, 2012, beginning at 2pm
Organized by the Vancouver Pride Society, the Pride Parade celebrates its 34th anniversary in 2012.
With more than a half-million spectators and participants expected, space along the route will be at a premium. Go early to ensure a good spot.
