It's the last weekend of Calgary Pride, but there's still a ton to be proud of in the city. What started as Calgary's first pride festival in 1988 has transformed into full-blown celebrations, vibrant events, entertaining drag shows and informative panels — all in the name of recognizing, understanding and celebrating gender and sexual diversity.
The art-walk exhibit, now in its second year, is one such example. Created by Shaw Communications, in partnership with Calgary Pride, The City of Calgary and Calgary Arts Development, Shaw Pride Marches On features murals by artists from the city's 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies. The art walk and other Pride activities provide the perfect opportunity for people to come together this year to show their public support for the Queer community.
The art walk is just one of many fun, interesting and thought-provoking events being held across Calgary this year. Check out what else is happening and show your bright and bold colours, loudly and proudly!
Pride Marches On Art Walk
Price: Free
When: Until October 3
Address: Central Memorial Park, 1221 2 St. S.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Check out the work of the eight talented artists chosen through Shaw's Pride Marches On initiative to produce exceptional and colourful art installations at this year's art walk, located at the four corners of Central Memorial Park.
While there were many creative and inspirational submissions, the committee picked Pride in Solidarity, You are Queer Enough, Metamorph, and Liberation Now because these artworks captured what Pride, community and connection means in 2021.
The murals were created by artists Ash Adams, Vanessa Toews, Colin Menzies, Wilmer Aburto, Chishimba Matthew Kangombe, Mackenzie Bedford, Nicole Wolf and Mike Hooves.
Reading With Royalty
Price: Free
When: September 4 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (also throughout September and October at various libraries across the city)
Address: Various libraries throughout Calgary, including Central Library, 800 3 St. S.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Pride has no age limit, so why not round up the whole family and head out to Reading with Royalty? This glamourous public reading by Calgarian drag performers celebrates diversity and inclusion by teaching kids to see past gender stereotypes and accept everyone for the individuals they are.
You'll need a library card to attend, which is free, and you can pre-register on Calgary Public Library's website. These events will follow health and safety guidelines for COVID-19, which you can learn more about here.
While you're at Central Library, be sure to check out Shaw's Pride Marches On art walk — only steps away from the Library's entrance.
Big Pride: Parade Day At The Drive-In
Price: By donation, pay what you can per car
When: Until September 5 at various times
Address: Telus Spark Drive In, 220 St. Georges Dr. N.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't love the drive-in, and who doesn't love live music? At this event, you get to enjoy both with an all-ages outdoor concert featuring three fabulous Canadian artists: Wares, D'orjay The Singing Shaman and The Lovebullies.
Sit back and relax in your vehicle or book a patio for up to 10 adults (limited availability). COVID-19 restrictions are in place, including only leaving your vehicle if necessary. You can learn more here.
Pride Flotilla
Price: Raft rental from $39, or bring your own raft and make a $20 donation to Calgary Pride
When: September 3 from 4:30-6 p.m.
Address: Shouldice Park (starting point), 4900 Monserrat Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you're hoping to enjoy yourself while supporting your local 2SLGBTQIA+ community this year, don't miss the Pride Flotilla. With a food truck or two, music and a pride float parade, there's no room for a bad time.
Book online with The Paddle Station Raft Rentals and 20% of proceeds will go to Calgary Pride.
Elton John Tribute
Price: $30
When: September 3-4 at 8 p.m. and September 5 at 2 p.m.
Address: Ironwood Bar and Grill, 1229 9 Ave. S.E., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you're an Elton John fan, love live music and if you want to be Vegas-style entertained (with multiple, funky costumes featuring Elton's iconic glasses), this event is a no-brainer.
Rob Skeet is performing a tribute to the Rocket Man himself, backed by the four-piece band, Husky Tower. Covering 50 years' worth of Elton songs, along with the showmanship you'd hope to see, this is one gig you'll need to book ahead for.
Pride Brunch In Support Of Camp fYrefly
Price: From $20
When: September 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Address: Online or at Hotel Arts, 119 12 Ave. S.W., Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy brunch and support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth at the same time with Pride Brunch.
Funds raised from the event go to Camp fYrefly, an initiative from Calgary's Centre for Sexuality, which enables 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to find the community, mentors, activities and opportunities they need to thrive.
You can attend the event in person at Hotel Arts, or you can watch from the comfort of your home via the online stream. Enjoy a mini-pride party over a delicious meal as you listen to stories from camp and touching performances from 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
If you're in Calgary and watching from home, Pride Brunch has organized special takeout menus from Winebar and Yellow Door Bistro so you can get the full experience. If attending the event in person, be sure to check out the art-walk exhibit, which is just a few minutes away in Central Memorial Park.
While the Shaw Pride Marches On art walk and many other pride events are bright and fun, it's important to remember the purpose of the pride festivities: to come together, to address the ongoing struggles that 2SLGBTQIA+ people face and to celebrate diversity.
After a challenging year that left many people feeling isolated, it's more important than ever to send a powerful message of connection and support to 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians. So march on with Pride and let your colours fly!
To learn more about the Shaw Pride Marches On art walk, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Narcity does not condone illegal gatherings. Always make sure to follow all provincial public health measures and respect physical distancing.
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