From its iconic Pride Parade to beloved sports spectacles like Dykes vs Divas Softball Game and dance parties such as The Bump, the Halifax Pride Festival has established many standout events. However, if you’re not checking Halifax Pride Festival’s online calendar, you are missing out on a whole host of other exciting happenings.
Featuring a plethora of events organized by both Halifax Pride and various community organizations, Halifax Pride Festival’s online calendar is the go-to resource to ensure your pride celebrations are as complete and relevant to you as possible. From social and artistic gatherings to newcomer moments and displays of activism, there’s something for everyone under the 2SLGBTQIA+ umbrella.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s look at some of the exciting events happening each day during this year’s Halifax Pride Festival.
JULY 14
Halifax ProPride
This one is for the professional community.
Join Pride at Work Canada for an evening of networking and connecting with diversity, equity and inclusion leaders, 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals and job seekers at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Featuring a panel discussion focused on building inclusive workplaces based on gender expression and identity, the night will also include a lively networking reception. Best of all, the event can be accessed in-person and via live stream.
When: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
JULY 15
Rainbow Refugees BBQ
Newcomers (and locals) are encouraged to come with their appetites for this tasty treat.
The Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia (RRANS), an organization dedicated to safe and supportive 2SLGBTQIA+ refugee resettlement in Nova Scotia, is hosting “Queering the World: Welcome BBQ” for the 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer community and the larger Halifax Pride community to mix, mingle, and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities here and around the world. The BBQ offerings include chicken and veggie options paired with music from around the world and great conversation.
When: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Garrison Grounds
JULY 16
Workout with North Endurance
Everybody is invited to this morning workout sure to help with keeping fit for the non-stop pride celebrations.
Join the team and community from North Endurance (home of West Street CrossFit) at the Halifax Common (near the North Common public washroom along Cunard Street) for a free outdoor workout. All are welcome — regardless of fitness level, with instructors available to help participants adjust or modify the workout to best fit individual needs and abilities.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Halifax Common (North Park and Cogswell)
JULY 17
Halifax Pride Comedy Show
Everyone in need of a laugh should hit up this hilarious show.
The Halifax Pride Comedy Show is back with an incredible lineup of out-of-towners and a few familiar faces to the Halifax comedy scene. Inviting audiences to enjoy a drink and entertainment under the stars, the event is hosted by Halifax’s very own Trina James and headlined by Brandon Ash-Mohammed.
When: 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Garrison Grounds
JULY 18
Pride March
This march puts the activism in pride.
Join Halifax Pride and mobilize in support of gender-affirming care at this year’s annual Pride March. The one-kilometre route will end at Peace & Friendship Park, where marchers will observe and participate in a candlelight vigil. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs or make one at a sign-making event at the Garrison Grounds just before the march.
When: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Province House (Granville St)
Beading Workshop
Craft lovers are encouraged to visit this workshop.
Join this event hosted by the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance for a unique experience with a focus on Indigenous culture and craft art. Attendees will be walked through the steps of creating their own beaded masterpiece to take home. Individuals interested in learning more about Indigenous culture are in luck as this is the first of several Two-Spirited events during July 18, 20 and 21 — all with a focus on Indigenous identity and expression in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Garrison Grounds
JULY 19
Decolonizing Gender and Sexuality from a Jewish Perspective: An Online Class
People of the Jewish faith (and those with interest in it) will surely learn something new about their religion at this online event, like how Judaism believes that there are more than two genders.
Listen in to lecturer Rabbi Dr. N Siritsky, MSSW, RSW, BCC — Atlantic Canada’s first queer and non-binary rabbi leading the newly forming virtual community “Reform Judaism in Atlantic Canada.” Viewers are invited to witness the trail-blazing rabbi discuss traditional and contemporary Jewish understandings of gender and sexuality in the Bible, Talmud and beyond.
When: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Online video chat
JULY 20
Youth Queer Prom
Queer youth are invited to a prom of their very own.
Hosted by the Youth Project, the Queer prom is a dance event open to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 19 and under, welcoming attendees to a space focused on allowing queer-identified youth to be themselves and dance the night away. Best of all, the dress code is ‘wear what you feel best in’ — however, Gay Sailors is this year’s theme for those who love a bit of structure. Chaperones will also be on hand at this drug/alcohol-free space.
When: 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Garrison Grounds
JULY 21
Pride In Homeownership Workshop
Prospective homeowners should definitely attend this information-packed session.
Join Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team and friends as they deliver knowledge that will help attendees on their journeys towards homeownership. Topics covered include the benefits of using a mortgage broker, understanding the impact of credit, assets and income, stereotypes in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Halifax real estate and what individuals need to know about real estate law.
When: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 5151 George Street
JULY 22
PRIDE LIVE: LHM Records Showcase
Local music listeners will love this showcase.
Check out LHM Records (a Maritime-based label that believes in equitable treatment of artists and the power and importance of music) and its incredible roster of musicians, including Hillsburn, Kim Harris, Keeper E. and WAANTS as they perform sensational setlist (and bring out a few special guests). Best of all, the concert is 100 per cent free; just be sure to register online.
When: 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Grand Oasis Stage (Grand Parade)
JULY 23
So Fetch! Dog Walk
This walk will do dogs and their owners some good.
Take part in this event co-hosted by TD Bank and walk Shubie Park for a brisk hour-long stroll which includes a mid-way break at the park’s off-leash beach area. Following the adventure, walkers are invited to enjoy some refreshments and conversation with fellow dog-lovers at the park’s parking lot.
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Shubie Park
JULY 24
Dis-Drag! & Dragtopia Presents: An All Ages Drag Show
Kids (and kids at heart) will love this family-friendly spectacle.
Take in the magic of childhood favourites with Dis-Drag! and Dragtopia, who have joined forces to produce an all-ages drag show featuring Disney-inspired acts. With pay-what-you-can admission, it’s the perfect opportunity to support local queens and maybe even win a prize provided by Venus Envy.
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: The Bus Stop Theatre
Of course, there are many more exciting events happening during this year’s Halifax Pride Festival. To see them all, visit https://www.halifaxpride.com/calendar.
