Blog by: Lauren Semple

The countdown to Nanaimo Pride Week 2024 has begun, and excitement is in the air!  The Nanaimo Pride Society has been hard at work planning and preparing for this year’s events. Prepare to join us in a joyous celebration of diversity, inclusion, and love as we come together to honour and uplift the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in our vibrant city. This article will give you a taste of the magic that awaits you during Nanaimo Pride Week 2024. 

Key Events and Activities

Pride Week starts with a bang on June 4th with the Pride Flag Raising ceremony and street fair at Nanaimo City Hall. Join us as we raise the rainbow flag high, accompanied by the reading of the Pride Month Proclamation, live 2SLGBTQ+ entertainment, delectable food, and a mini street fair on Dunsmuir Street. It’s a free event for all ages, symbolizing the beginning of a week filled with pride and joy.

The celebration continues on Friday, June 7th, with “All That Glitters: A Sober Pride Celebration” at the Cavallotti Lodge. This inclusive event offers a safe, supportive, sober space to celebrate and enjoy a mocktail bar, bumping DJ sets, and electric drag performances. Tickets are available at nanaimopride.ca, for this evening of glittering gold-plated fun.

On June 8th, get ready to dance the night away at “Get Your Groove On: Pride Dance” held at the Bowen Auditorium. Nanainmo’s legendary bellbottom ambassador, Wunderbread, takes the stage with infectious disco and funk, creating a pure celebration atmosphere. With bar service, DJ Trees, and a lively crowd, it’s a 19+ event you won’t want to miss. Secure your tickets at nanaimopride.ca and prepare for a night of non-stop dancing.

The pinnacle of Pride Week happens on Sunday, June 9th, with the annual Pride Parade & Festival. Join us as we march and dance through downtown Nanaimo, spreading love and unity with every step. The parade culminates in the vibrant Festival at Maffeo Sutton Park, featuring live music, a buzzing beer garden powered by Travel Bar, a diverse vendor market, mouthwatering food trucks, and a Kids Zone hosted by the Nanaimo Duncan and District Labour Council. It’s a free event open to all ages, promising a day of fun and 2SLGBTQ+ celebration for the whole community.

Pride Week is a celebration of the rich tapestry of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Nanaimo. From artists and activists to local businesses and organizations, our community shines bright, adding colour and diversity to our city’s cultural landscape.  Get ready to paint the town rainbow as we celebrate Nanaimo Pride Week 2024 in style!

Looking for a place to stay during Nanaimo Pride Week 2024? Explore Nanaimo’s accommodations offerings here.