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 in 2008.
The Parade starts in downtown Vancouver, at Robson and Thurlow, 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 2, 12pm - 2pm
Pride Festival, Sunday, August 2, 11am - 5pm - Where: The Pride Parade route begins at Robson St. and Thurlow in downtown Vancouver, proceeds west on Robson to Denman, then south to Beach Ave, ending at Sunset Beach, where the Pride Festival takes place.
- Getting to the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival: Like the Celebration of Light and other huge downtown events, driving (and parking) will be extremely difficult. Take the bus, SkyTrain (Granville Station is within easy walking distance of the Parade starting point), or walk.
Organized by the Vancouver Pride Society, the Pride Parade celebrates its 31st anniversary in 2009.
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.
