2023

Nanaimo Pride Guide

This year's theme is 'Pride is Protest'

The last few years have seen a drastic rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiment, as those in power work to distract the masses from what's really making life so difficult. They aim to divide us, to focus our frustration, our desperation, on anyone but them.

Like the roots of the Pride movement, and so many civil rights movements before and after, this year's Parade and Festival theme is 'Pride is Protest'. It is time to bring our energy, our humanity, and our visibility back to the spotlight. It is time to again demand our right to participate, as our truest, most unapologetic selves, in the very society we contribute to every day.

Join us for 2023 Pride week and show the world that you will not be silent, that you will not stand by. That you will not allow your queer children, siblings, parents, and friends to be harmed by a regressive, fearful minority of people. Even more important, show your queer friends and family that you're willing to fight for them.

Pride is a safe space for all, please read our Safe Space Policy.

Upcoming Events

WildPlay Pride
Sat, Jun 10
WildPlay Nanaimo
Jun 10, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WildPlay Nanaimo, 35 Nanaimo River Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1S5, Canada
Fundraiser to support local queer youth. Live Music from 11am - 4pm Fun & Discounted Activities! *This is a community led event for more details please reach out to the event organizers.
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NPS Pride Party Extravaganza
Sat, Jun 10
Beban Social Centre
Jun 10, 7:00 p.m. – Jun 11, 12:00 a.m.
Beban Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 3K7, Canada
19+, Licensed event $25 Early Bird, $35 Door Enby6 Drag group as well as 2 DJs View this event on Facebook for more information: https://fb.me/e/1lnfEBf8u
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Hey Gaybies Drag Show
Sat, Jun 10
The Vault Cafe
Jun 10, 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Vault Cafe, 499 Wallace St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B7, Canada
Hosted by ThisTea Haus and the Vault Cafe, Tickets are on a sliding scale from $15 -$30 at the door. This is a community event.
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Pride Parade
Sun, Jun 11
Downtown Nanaimo
Jun 11, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Downtown Nanaimo, Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC V9R, Canada
Join us in downtown Nanaimo. The parade starts at Victoria Crescent, to Commercial Street and then to Front Street ending at Maffeo Sutton Park.
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Pride Festival
Sun, Jun 11
Maffeo Sutton Park
Jun 11, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Maffeo Sutton Park, 100 Comox Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3H7, Canada
Join the Nanaimo Pride Society for an afternoon of music, entertainment, food trucks and vendors at Maffeo Sutton Park.
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Pride Month Drag Show @ The Queens
Fri, Jun 16
The Queens
Jun 16, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Queens, 34 Victoria Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B8, Canada
Hosted by Slutilina, featuring OIivia Leads, Ra, Spicee pie $20 presale, $25 at the door *This is a community led event for more details please reach out to the event organizers.
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Youth Rainbow Masquerade Dance
Thu, Jun 22
Woodlands Secondary
Jun 22, 6:00 p.m. – Jun 23, 10:00 p.m.
Woodlands Secondary, 1270 Strathmore St, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2L9, Canada
Tickets at the door $5, for grades 11-12. *This is a community led event for more details please reach out to the event organizers.
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Gender Diverse Kids Camp
Mon, Jul 03
Please contact saplingsreg@gmail.com
Jul 03, 8:30 a.m. – Jul 07, 12:30 p.m.
Please contact saplingsreg@gmail.com
Please click RSVP for more information. *This is a community led event for more details please reach out to the event organizers.
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