Get ready for a weekend of love and rainbows because Kamloops is celebrating the LGBTQ community in a big way this year.
Out in the Street will be the first ever Pride Parade to hit the streets of downtown Kamloops on Sunday and Kamloops Pride has a whole weekend of events planned to make it a celebration to remember.
Pride president Kirstin McLaughlin said about 55 businesses and organizations are registered to participate in the inaugural event and more than 100 individuals have already signed up. Business registration has closed, but individuals can register on the morning of the event.
It’s shaping up to be a huge success, with several things to check out leading up to the main event. Here is what is coming up for the first big Pride Weekend:
Thursday, August 17th
Sharing Our Stories: Trans and Non-Binary Lives
Have you ever wanted to better understand trans and non-binary people? Do you wish you could better support the trans community?
Trans and non-binary folks will be sharing their personal stories at this forum presented by Gender Haven, a local support group, on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Downtown Kamloops Library. The audience will also have the opportunity to ask questions. The event will be family friendly.
Night Out
The Blue Grotto is kicking off Pride Weekend celebrations with a burlesque showcase on Thursday night. Vancouver-based burlesque performers April O’Peel, Vixen Von Flex and Melody Mangler will join a crop of local entertainers for an unforgettable evening. Bring cash for the silent auction. The show is 19+. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available online.
Friday, August 18th
Design Your Pride Sign-Making Party
Padlock Studios is hosting this sign-making party on Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Local artist Nicole Stanchfield will be there offering tips and tricks to make a one-of-a-kind sign to carry in Sunday’s parade. Supplies will be provided and the event is family-friendly. Padlock is on the first floor at 175 Second Ave.
Saturday, August 19th
Pride at the Farmers’ Market
Stop by the Kamloops Pride booth at the Kamloops Farmer’s Market on Saturday and meet some of the folks behind Pride Weekend. The market runs 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the 200 block of St Paul Street.
Proud Out Loud
Pride is taking over CJ’s Night Club for Proud Out Loud and a night of dancing. Tickets are $12.50 online or at the door. A gender-neutral washroom with keypad entry will be accessible.
Sunday, August 20th
Out in the Street
The first downtown Pride Parade has been dubbed Out in the Street to symbolize a “commitment to encouraging visibility and celebration of members of our local LGBTQS+ communnity.” The parade is walking only, so no motorized vehicles, but bikes are welcome.
Check-in and registration starts at 10 a.m. in Riverside Park. Community organizations will also have booths set up. A brief welcome will commence at 10:45 a.m. and the parade will begin at 11 a.m. Bring a reusable water bottle because there will be water stations set up. After the walk, participants are encouraged to explore the community booths and enjoy eats from local food trucks.
Rainbrew
Red Collar is hosting the official Pride afterparty with a special Pride cask. Stop by and grab a brew after the parade! The events runs 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Will you be heading out to any Pride events this weekend? Tell us in the comments and don’t forget to tag your Instagram photos with #KamloopsBCNow for a chance to be featured on our feed!
