June is the month for shorts, ice cream and pride. It’s Pride Month and in Edmonton we have a bunch of different ways to celebrate. The 38-years-running Edmonton Pride Parade was recently cancelled by the Pride Festival Society in April, leaving Edmontonians to wonder how they will celebrate LGBTQ2 Pride. Luckily, many new events will be popping up to make up for the lack of parade.
Imani’s Pride Kick-Off Party
Molly Stogrin / MacEwan University
The talented drag queen Imani will be hosting Imani’s Pride Kick-Off Party. The party will have a lineup of drag performers to keep you entertained. The event will take place at Yellowhead Brewery, where they will have $4 sleeves and a new Pride-themed beer to try. There will be enough drinks and drag to make a salty Rupaul smile.
When: June 7, doors at 8 p.m.
Where: Yellowhead Brewery, 10229 105 St.
Cost: $10
Pride March 2019
Molly Stogrin / MacEwan University
The cancellation of the original Pride Parade won’t stop Edmonton from rallying together and marching in solidarity to show support for the LGBTQ2 community. There’s an alternate “parade” in the form of a march — Pride March. The march will be on June 8 at 11 a.m. The location/march route is currently TBD, but you can follow the website for a location update. The events are somewhat of a mystery as well, but there will certainly be BBQ and other food available afterwards.
When: June 8, 11 a.m.
Where: TBD
Cost: FREE
Pride Patio Party and BBQ
Molly Stogrin / MacEwan University
After walking in the Pride March all day, patio seating and a cold drink will be a much-needed remedy. The Black Dog Free House will be opening up its rooftop patio to serve you the best Pride March after-party, where if you buy a promoted drink you get a free dog — of the hot or veggie variety. All attendees will have an opportunity to enter to win a custom classic bicycle from ReVamped Cycle. So come out, have a bite and maybe win a bike.
When: June 8, 12 p.m. (BBQ from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Where: The Black Dog Freehouse, 10425 82 Ave.
Cost: FREE
Pride in the Park Revamped
Molly Stogrin / MacEwan University
If sitting and drinking on a patio isn’t your style, Evolution Wonderlounge is shutting down the street to host this all ages Pride party. There will be a bunch of activities, including live music, bouncy castles and crafts. Bring a picnic blanket and some sunscreen to enjoy the festivities.
When: June 8 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Evolution Wonderlounge, 10220 103 St.
Cost: FREE
Pride Wrap Up Street Party
Molly Stogrin / MacEwan University
To wrap-up Pride with a big bow, Thrift Shop will be shutting down 103 Street for a street fair. The event will have seasoned queens to entertain you all afternoon. They’ll even have a special cabaret performance by Lilith Fair. There will be a dinner to go with the show from 5 p.m to 7 p.m., as there’s free food for everyone in attendance. This is an 18+ event, but they are making an exception for your fur babies. For $10 you can get a portrait of your dog with the iconic queen, Teen Jesus Barbie. You can feel good about your dog’s modeling because all the portrait proceeds go towards Rainbow Refuge — an organization that helps establish LGBTQ2 refugees in Edmonton. After dancing on the street you can move into the Thrift Shop and jam out to several different DJs. If you’re feeling gutsy, you can enter the midnight dance off for a chance to win some Pride themed goodies!
When: June 15, 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: Thrift Shop, 10311 103 St.
Cost: $10 (includes the street and indoor parties)