Edmonton Gay Pride

The capital of Alberta and the province’s second-largest city, Edmonton has earned the nickname “Festival City” for its many annual events. It’s only fitting that this city of about 750,000 has a sizable Gay Pride Week (said to be the fourth largest in Canada), which comprises a number of engaging events in the middle of the month of June. This year, Edmonton Gay Pride takes place from Friday, June 8, through Sunday, June 17, 2012. Keep in mind that Edmonton Pride differs from many similar Pride weeks in that the main event, the parade and celebration, take place near the beginning of the week, on June 10, not at the end.

Details about Edmonton Pride will 2012 will be added here as they become available. To give a sense of the festivities, here’s a look at last year’s event:

Edmonton Pride’s most prominent event is the Gay Pride Parade, which takes place on Saturday and begins at noon and runs east for several blocks along Jasper Ave NW, from 108 St. NW, continuing past Alberta College Campus, and then turning north (left) up 99 St. NW before ending at Churchill Square. Here’s a map of the parade route.

The parade is followed by the Edmonton Pride Festival, at 1 pm in Churchill Square, which includes a beer garden, food stalls, a community and business fair, and live entertainment – this year’s headliner is Robin S. The festival last until 8 pm.

Edmonton Pride consists of numerous additional events throughout the week, including a Pure Pride Dance Party on Saturday, following the festival, a kick-off party on Friday. There are also church services, sports competitions, a PFLAG gathering, Queer History bus tours, a film festival, Pride Youth events, and – on the final day of Pride Week, Sunday, a Mayor’s Pride Brunch. In other words – lots to keep you busy.

Of course, additionally, plenty of gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops will be extra busy during this busy time, and catering heavily to LGBT visitors. Check local gay papers, such as Outlooks Magazine for details. Also check out Travel Gay Canada’s online directory on Alberta, which has extensive information on Edmonton’s gay scene; and for tourism information, the GLBT travel page of the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.