The biggest celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Atlantic Canada is back and bigger than ever.
The annual Halifax Pride Festival kicks off Thursday, July 16 with events scheduled until Sunday, July 26. The Halifax Pride Parade is set to take place this Saturday, July 18, beginning at 12pm, followed by a day full of activities, performances and fun at the Garrison Grounds. The parade in particular brings thousands of people out onto the streets of Halifax to see the floats, but its far from the only popular event happening this year.
The highlights includes multiple events at the Garrison Grounds this weekend: the MelaNATION QTBIPOC showcase, a celebration of queer and trans BIPOC artists and performers, starting at 8:30pm on Thursday, July 16; The Bump drag event on Friday, July 17 at 9pm, headlined by drag artists Shea Couleé, Eboni La’Belle and Halifax’s own Mya Foxx; the DJ dance night The Grind after the parade om Saturday starting at 9pm and featuring Pierre Kwenders, and an exciting Drag Bingo event at 7:30pm on Sunday, July 19.
The week after will feature several more events at the Garrison Grounds, including the annual queer-themed ceilidh—the Gaylidh—on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30pm; the queer-twist on the famous game show courtesy of Eastern Front Theatre, Haliwood Queers, on Thursday, July 23, at 7:30pm, and finally, a brand new concert that hopes to set the stage for Canada Pride 2027, coming to Halifax next year: Pride Live, on Friday, June 24 at 7pm, featuring the one and only RALPH with a number of supporting queer artists and bands, including Burry, Good Dear Good, Wuzzo and more.
Lastly, a favourite of many, the Dykes vs Divas kickball game is set to take place at the North Common Ball Diamond #7 on Sunday, July 26, starting at 4pm.
“We’re expanding the festival this year to help prepare for the increased number of visitors we expect next summer, while continuing to invest in community events, local talent, and the grassroots spirit that makes Halifax Pride unique,” says Halifax Pride executive director Fiona Kerr in a press release. “Our goal is to showcase Halifax on a national stage without losing what makes Pride here feel personal and welcoming.”
There are plenty more events going on throughout Halifax for the festival, with a full calendar available on the Halifax Pride website. Tickets for all the performances and shows can be purchased here.
