What to know
- Vancouver Pride weekend features drag events from Friday through Sunday at venues across Davie Village, Granville Street and East Vancouver.
- The lineup includes Drag Race stars Roxxxy Andrews, Marina Summers, Venus, Van Goth and several prominent Canadian performers.
- The weekend also features drag king showcases, Black-led performances, a Muppets-themed brunch and QTBIPOC-centred dance parties.
- Ticket prices range from free admission to about $60, with some events offering reduced-cost tickets for people facing financial barriers.
Vancouver Pride is bringing some of the biggest names in drag to the city this weekend, but beyond the headliners, there’s no shortage of shows celebrating every corner of the art form.
For one weekend every year, Vancouver’s drag scene reaches another level. Pride weekend transforms venues across the city into stages for every style of performance imaginable, from internationally acclaimed Drag Race stars and high-energy nightclub spectacles to drag king showcases, Black-led productions and campy, themed brunches.
Read More
Whether you’re looking to see some of the biggest names in drag or discover local performers pushing the art form forward, there’s no shortage of shows to choose from this Pride weekend. From all-Black casts and drag king showcases to Muppets-inspired brunches and late-night dance parties, here’s where to catch unforgettable drag performances during Pride weekend.
Friday, July 31
The Future of Drag
When: Starting at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Celebrities Nightclub, 1022 Davie St., Vancouver
One of the summer’s biggest drag events, the Future of Drag is taking over Celebrities Nightclub for a star-studded show that will leave even the most well-versed drag fans stunned.
The event features some real heavy hitters, including RuPaul’s Drag Race star Roxxxy Andrews, Drag Race Philippines’ Marina Summers, and Canada’s Drag Race winners Venus and Van Goth. The rest of the lineup is also exciting, featuring Aurora Matrix, Eboni La’Belle, Hazel, Juice Boxx, Kendall Gender, Makayla Couture, Nearah Nuff, PM, Star Doll, Tiffany Ann Co., Androgynass, Genesis, and Mya.
Tickets are available for $60 plus fees.
Man Up Vancouver
When: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Where: The Pearl, 881 Granville St.
If you’re looking for a drag king show, look no further than Man Up. Described as Canada’s longest-running monthly drag king event, the event is back this Friday for a special Pride edition featuring “drag kings, things, and Queer performers.”
This is the 18th annual Pride edition of Man Up, which proudly brings Queer joy and Trans revelry to downtown. Doors open at 9:00 p.m., with live music by Blonde Diamond starting at 10, and drag performances at 11:15 and 12:15.
Read More
Drag acts include Rose Butch, Genesis, Vixen Von Flex, Bliss, Mx Bukuru, Yuen Young, Maiden China, SKIM, Bongganisa and Velvet Ryder, while DJs Softieshan and Krista Mac will keep the good vibes going all night long.
Tickets are general admission, priced between $ 28 and $ 38, and while tickets are available online, some will be available at the door. Organizers are also offering a limited number of $10 tickets available for folks facing financial barriers, with BIPOC community members prioritized. Email birdhousepwyc@gmail.com to request one of these discounted tickets.
Saturday, Aug. 1
The Muppet Drag Show: An Adult Pride Drag Brunch
When: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Where: Hotel At The Waldorf, 1489 E. Hastings St.
A unique drag experience inspired by everyone’s favourite puppets, The Muppet Drag Show is an adults-only affair offering brunch, complete with themed performances and cocktails. So if you’re a fan of quirky drag and retro themes, this might be the event for you.
Organizers describe the event as the unofficial drag brunch of the Vancouver Dyke March! So if that’s your vibe, look no further. Tickets are available for around $20, but space is limited. Doors for The Muppet Drag Show open at 11:30 a.m.
To Be Black Is To Be Free
When: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Where: SUM Gallery, 268 Keefer St.
An Emancipation Day celebration, this event celebrates Black 2SLGBTQIA+ expression and features an almost entirely Black cast, including Vancouver’s Haus of Bukuru and Edmonton’s Haus of Ebonii. Additionally, the show includes DJ O Show on deck, and a performance from burlesque artist Rainbow Glitz.
Centring Black queer artistry, this evening show is specifically programmed around Emancipation Day. The show is free to attend, presented in partnership with Hogans Alley and with support from the Vancouver Black Library.
You can register for the show ahead of time on Eventbrite.
Sunday, Aug. 2
Pride Sun Day Drag Show
When: 12 p.m. – 4 a.m.
Where: The Junction Pub, 1138 Davie St.
Head to Davie Village for a drag show and dance party that lasts well into the night at The Junction Pub. The annual Pride Sun Day Drag Show is back just in time for the Davie Village Pride Festival, with doors opening at noon, DJs keeping the party going until 4 a.m., and a show hosted by Weebee kicking off at 10 p.m.
Cover is $8 before 9 p.m., and $25 afterwards. This is one of the latest-running parties of Pride, so it’s a great addition to the end of any itinerary.
Read More
Level Up Pride
When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 9 p.m.–3 a.m.
Where: The Pearl, 881 Granville St.
Level Up Pride is a party for those who love hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall, featuring DJs, drag performances, and go-go dancers in the entertainment lineup.
A QTIBIPOC-centred atmosphere, organizers describe it as Vancouver’s only Queer hip-hop dance party. Event DJs include Softie Shan, Ur Girl Meems, Prince Morbucks, and Lykx, and the drag lineup includes Kendall Gender, Makayla Couture, Acacia, Buk, Velvet Ryder, Batty Banks, Asstrix, and Saint Solstice. Meanwhile, Gogo performers include Mx Jackson, Tyrel, Petty, Mak Daddy, Honey Bee and Nectar.
While the event is QTBIPOC-centred, community allies who are respectful of the space are also welcome to attend. Tickets start around $30.
