Six must attend events at the Okanagan Pride Festival

The 2016 Okanagan Pride Festival will kick off on Saturday and if you have never attended any of the events, this is the year to participate.

This year’s theme is “We Are One” as it celebrates and honours both the diversity and unity in the community, many becoming one. The week-long festival is being held from Aug. 6 to 13, 2016, and will include lots fun, family events.

Here are six events to attend during the 2016 Okanagan Pride Festival.

A brand new event will debut this year and also kick off festivities with some painting and wine. The Paint with Pride launch party will take place on Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. at Wine and Art Piano Bar. Attendees are invited to take part in the event with Fiona Neil as host to enjoy a glass wine and let your artistic skills flow on a blank canvas. The evening will include live music and is affordable at just $25 per person plus tax. Tickets are available online or at Wine and Art Piano Bar.

The turnout for one of the most important events continues to grow, and it is a not to be missed march in downtown Kelowna. Last year, the Trans March and Social saw 200 community members come out to support Kelowna’s Trans community and the event has grown to a yearly tradition. On Aug. 9 residents are invited to meet at the Sails on Bernard and Abbott Street for a march along the lakeshore path. The group will meet at 5:45 p.m. and begin the march at 6 p.m., making their way to Water Street and Cawston Avenue, then to the Laurel Packinghouse for a reception and entertainment. The event is free to attend and open to all ages. Quanah Style, one of Canada’s most infamous trans artists will be in attendance for a show stopping performance.

The popular Green Tees Golf Tournament will take place on Aug. 10 at the Orchard Greens Golf Club and is expected to be filled with laughter, fun, and a little bit of golf! One of the most popular events for pride week, the golf tournament will see players or teams begin with a shotgun start at 5 p.m. Once they are finished, a western buffet dinner will be served promptly at 7:30 p.m. at the clubhouse and feature spiced rubbed roast beef, oven roasted chicken and vegetarian options. Tickets for the event are $60 and bookings need to be made directly with the clubhouse. Tickets for the event must be purchased by Aug. 3.

Dubbed as the hottest ticket of the festival, the Kings and Queens of the Okanagan is sure to sell out fast as the drag show is a standout event. No pride festival would be complete without drag kings and queens and this year the best of the best are expected to strut their stuff on the stage at the Kelowna Curling Club. The event will take place on Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. New for 2016 is a VIP area which will include a private bar, reserved seating, complimentary glass of rose, and a special VIP swag bag. Tickets for the 19+ event are $20 and are expected to be snapped up quickly as the show regularly sells out.

The week will be wrapped up with a Pride Rally and March as everyone comes together to celebrate all community members. With Grand Marshal MP Stephen Fuhr leading the march, community members will meet at Stuart Park at 10:45 a.m. for marshalling and make their way along the lakeshore path to City Park for the opening of the Festival at the Beach. Attendees are encouraged to wear rainbow colours, have advocacy signs, and celebrate the diversity of the community. Small pride flags will be available on a first come, first served basis as there will be a limited supply.

After the celebrations in City Park, the We Are One Pride Dance will take place at Level Nightclub and feature over the top décor and live music. Glitter cannons and a balloon drop will help wrap up the week long celebrations, as DJ Showboy and Embassy DJ rock the dance floor. This event will take place on Aug. 13 with doors opening at 8 p.m. Advance tickets for the 19+ event are $20 or $25 at the door.

For more information and updates, visit the Okanagan Pride website or Facebook page.