“Your Future, Your Story...” This is the theme for Kelowna Pride 2020, which takes place September 18-27. As this year has been challenging for everyone, creating isolation and uncertainty, Kelowna Pride looks to bring people together in a safe, socially distanced way at some of Kelowna’s most premiere locations! And, if you can't make it to the physical event, many of them will be streamed live online.
Kelowna's Next Drag Superstar, Sept. 18-26
The 9th Annual competition will be a little different than in previous years. The all-new hybrid style of the event will bring Kelowna's Next Drag Superstar to more people than ever before. The tournament-style competition is a 3-day, event starting with the preliminaries on September 18 and finishing with the finale, where Kelowna's Next Drag Superstar will be crowned for 2020.
In-person tickets are $25 (per-show), six people maximum per table. Watch the live streams.
#exploreKelowna Like a Queen, Sept. 19
Want to find out how to #exploreKelowna like a Queen? Stop in at this Pride affiliate event to chat with local queen, Freida Whales, about her favourite spots to explore. Individuals will be given the opportunity to interact with Freida and ask up to two questions. The event is being co-hosted by Tourism Kelowna and Freida Whales at the Kelowna Visitor Centre from 2 to 4 p.m.
QueeReads - Fragments of a Unicorn's Soul, Sept. 20 & 27
A live book reading of the Fragments of a Unicorn's Soul by author, J.R. Loveless, will take place at Friends of Dorothy Lounge. The 18+ reading may contain coarse language and sexual themes.
Kelowna Pride's Outdoor Rainbow Market, Sept. 20
On a typical year, the Pride March would end at the Pride Festival, where you could browse vendors of all kinds. This year, the outdoor rainbow market looks to replace the vendor section of Pride with a farmers'-market-style event. Enjoy socially distanced shopping among the vines at House of Rose Winery.
A Sip with Sparkle: Pride ReMIX, Sept. 21
Event is available both in-person and live-streamed. This 19+ show will involve dangerously delicious cocktails created by the perpetually pickled queen, Sparkle, who will be joined by the endlessly elegant, Ella. Two cocktails will be featured: the "Homopopo," a shout out to the legendary Okanagan Lake creature, and "Off the Stonewall," a tribute to the beginning of the Pride Movement. Join the queens at Friends of Dorothy Lounge.
In-person tickets $25, six people maximum per table. To live stream the show, follow this link to register.
Kelowna Out & Proud Film Festival, Sept. 22-27
This Pride affiliate event is hosted in the Mary Irwin Theatre at the Rotary Centre of the Arts, featuring stories by and about the LGBT2Q+ community. Films showings include Chavela, Pallidus, Gayby Baby, Pink Unicorn, and Susanne Bartsch: On Top.
Kelowna Pride Parades, Sept. 22-24
Pedal: Sept. 22
Grab your bicycle and get set to ride! Pre-registration is required to participate in the parade. Watch the live stream for free.
Water: Sept. 23
Grab your stand-up paddleboards, kayaks or other people-powered watercrafts, and join the parade on Okanagan Lake. Pre-registration is required to participate in the parade. Watch the live stream for free.
Vehicle: Sept. 24
Grab your closest friends and join in the parade of vehicles. Pre-registration is required to participate in the parade. Watch the live stream for free.
Voices Unheard, Sept 22
The Voices Unheard live talk series has candid conversations with people of various racial backgrounds, sexuality, gender identity/expression, age, or ability, giving voices to underrepresented members of society. Hosted by Jessica Samuels, guests talk about struggles or challenges they may have faced, elevating their voices.
