Fun Calgary Pride 2025 Events to Check Out

While many Pride celebrations and events in other cities take place during the month of June, Calgary’s Pride Parade & Festival typically takes place near the end of summer. Because of this, Calgarians get to experience an extended summer of Pride, and better weather for the official festivities (yes, that’s why Calgary changed the date).

This year, the Calgary Pride Parade & Festival takes place on August 30 and 31, and there are tons of additional events taking place leading up to then that celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Here are a few of the Pride events you can check out in Calgary this month.

Crocodile C*#t: A Queer Dance Party

When: August 22

Don your alligator print and wetland boots at the ultimate crocodile-themed queer dance party. Presented by Generic Lesbian Party, the music lineup keeps the dance floor moving with local DJs Paye4Prez, Nalgótica and Cybervvitch. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Dickens Pub, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., @genericlesbianparty 

Rang De South Asian Queer Party

When: August 23

Not everyone is going to feel represented at a Pride event, even among queer friends. South Asian queer folks have a fun event to check out on August 23 at the Rated Ultra Lounge, just around the back of Fortuna’s Row. A stacked lineup of DJs keeps the party going from 9 p.m. to midnight, and drag superstar Dayna Hart will serve looks on stage. Tickets are $33.28.

Rated Ultra Lounge, 314 3 St. S.E., eventbrite.com

Pride Open Mic Comedy

When: August 24

From Calgary’s staple Laugh Loft and Calgary Pride comes a Pride open mic comedy night at The Attic on August 24. Take your tight five to the stage for an audience of accepting folks and enjoy the company of laugh-out-loud host Karla Marx. Open mic spots are limited — you’ll want to make sure you’re there by 7 p.m. so you don’t miss the chance to perform. Turn your friends into comedy guinea pigs and start testing out those jokes.

The Attic, 1413 9 Ave. S.E., @theatticyyc

We Say Gay: Queer Kid Lit Lecture

When: August 27

An erudite spin on the usual Pride activities, head to Central Library on August 27 for the University of Calgary humanities department’s 7th Annual 2SLGBTQIA+ lecture. This year’s topic is the banning of books that discuss queer issues from K to 12 schools, a trend ongoing in the U.S. and Canada. The lecture is led by Dr. Kenneth Kidd, PhD, a UCalgary instructor in the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies department. It’s completely free to attend, but you’ll want to reserve your spot with tickets online.

Central Library, 800 3 St. S.E., eventbrite.ca

The Cabaret Company Events at Dickens

When: August 27 to 30

If the rainbow mural at the entrance didn’t clue you in, know that Dickens is one of Calgary’s hottest spots for queer celebration. Leading up to Pride, The Cabaret Company is presenting several events at Dickens, including a They Got Talent Pride Ball on August 27, the Dollhaus all trans drag competition on August 29 and the Big Gay Burlesque event on August 30.

Dickens, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., 403-233-7550, dickensyyc.com; thecabaretcompany.com

Up & Out Rooftop Pride Kickoff

When: August 28

Kick off Pride weekend at the Up & Out Rooftop Pride Kickoff hosted by Pride In Business. The event features networking opportunities, a live DJ, hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary welcome drink. A portion of ticket sales goes to the End of the Rainbow Foundation, which supports 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees.

Calgary Marriott Downtown, 110 9 Ave. S.E., prideinbusiness.ca

WERK Events

When: August 29 to 31

WERK is hosting several events over Pride weekend. On August 29 at Palace Theatre, dance the night away while listening to the DJs at NSFW Obey. On August 30, head to National on 8th for a rooftop drag brunch hosted by Lilith Fair with performances from Canada’s Drag Race queens Tynomi Banks, Jada Shada Hudson and more. The Palace Theatre is also hosting a queer techno event called Breed on August 30.

Multiple locations, @werkyyc

Pride Brunch

When: August 30

If your idea of the perfect Pride features a little less booze and a lot more food, then the Centre for Sexuality’s Pride Brunch is the place you’ll want to be. This annual event raises funds for Camp fYrefly, a camp for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Southern Alberta. Drag performers keep you entertained as you enjoy your delicious eats. Single tickets available for $75.

Hyatt Regency, 700 Centre St. S.E., showpass.com

Pride Slam

When: August 30

The Calgary Apollo Softball Association is an independent community-driven softball league for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Over Pride weekend, it hosts a one-day tournament full of baseball and fun events aimed to bring together Calgary’s queer athletic community. If you want to play, check the website for registration information.

Deerfoot Athletic Park, 1503 Trans Canada Hwy., casaleague.ca

Calgary Pride Parade & Festival

When: Festival on August 30 and 31; Parade on August 31

You didn’t think we would forget to list the Pride Parade & Festival, did you? This year’s Pride Festival takes place in Prince’s Island Park on August 30 and 31. You can also catch the parade on Sunday, August 31, which kicks off at 9th Avenue S.E. and 6th Street S.E. Grab a spot along the route and join thousands in celebrating the beauty, diversity and resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Calgary.

Festival at Prince’s Island Park; Parade starts at 9th Avenue S.E. and 6th Street S.E., calgarypride.ca

This story includes events featured in The Scene‘s story about 2025 Pride events by Catrina Bowles. Read it and more Calgary Pride coverage at thescenecalgary.com.

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