Calgary Pride 2025: dates, parade, festival

Calgary Pride 2025 takes place at Prince’s Island Park from August 30–31, with the theme Bursting into Bloom. This year’s festival is all about nurturing a community garden of 2SLGBTQ+ voices, including artists, healthcare workers, business owners, lawmakers, and everyone in between. United by the desire to grow and learn together, the celebrations highlight both the joys and challenges of Calgary’s queer community while centering love, resilience, and solidarity.

The Parade in Full Colour

The Calgary Pride Parade steps off at 11 AM on Sunday, August 31, travelling west down 9th Ave SE from Studio Bell to 5th St SW. This is the weekend’s showpiece, a kaleidoscope of floats, dancers, music, and floral creativity. This year’s parade pays tribute to local organisations that plant the seeds of inclusivity and change across Calgary and the wider region, reminding everyone that Pride is rooted in both celebration and advocacy. Expect an atmosphere of joy, unity, and welcome as 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and allies march together in a garden of colour.

Festival Day One: Bold & Brilliant

Kicking off on Saturday, August 30 from 5pm to 10pm, the first evening at Prince’s Island Park sets the stage for grown-up entertainment. Attendees can look forward to risqué performances from drag and burlesque artists, alongside marketplace vendors bringing extra flair and spice. It’s a night that promises to push boundaries and thrill the crowd.

Festival Day Two: Family Celebration

On Sunday, August 31, the park comes alive from 12pm to 10pm following the parade. Day two is designed with families and community in mind, offering inclusive entertainment for all ages. From drag performers and DJs to live bands, the stage will be alive with energy all day long. Alongside the music, festival-goers can enjoy an expanded beer garden with stage-side views, a diverse food lineup featuring both savoury and sweet treats, and a bustling marketplace filled with artisan makers and 2SLGBTQ+ businesses.

Spaces for Everyone

Beyond the stages, Calgary Pride’s festival includes spaces for relaxation, wellness, and play. The Sober Oasis offers alcohol-free drinks and a welcoming place to unwind, while wellness organisations will be on hand to share resources supporting physical, mental, and sexual health. Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained with fun activities and a bouncy castle in the dedicated Kids Zone.

Celebrate and Grow Together

Calgary Pride 2025 is a chance for the community to bloom together in solidarity, creativity, and joy. With performances, parades, inclusive spaces, and a strong commitment to local organisations, this year’s Pride promises a celebration rooted in growth and full of colour.

Book your stay early and choose from our selection of the best gay-friendly hotels in Calgary to be part of this blossoming celebration.