Calgary Pride

The Prom
2024-06-14 19:30 - 2024-06-29 23:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Pumphouse Theatre, 2140 Pumphouse Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3C 3P5, Canada
Untold Stories Theatre invites you to The Prom, June 14 – 29 at the Pumphouse Theatre!
The Prom follows the story of a young girl, Emma, who wants to take her girlfriend to the prom, but when a hateful PTA parent turns the town against her and cancels the prom, a group of out of luck Broadway stars decides to step in and (attempt to) save the day. ‌
Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. You won’t want to miss our talented cast bringing this story to life!
Wednesday to Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25 + a processing fee
THE PROM CONTAINS CONTENT THAT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES. PARENTAL DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
We hope to see you there!

Village Pride Party
2024-06-21 17:00 - 23:00 | Village Brewery, 5000 12a St SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 5K9, Canada
Join us on June 21st, 2024, for the Village Pride Party hosted by Village Brewery in collaboration with Calgary Pride !
Embrace the celebration rooted in community support, savor delicious Village brews (alcoholic or non) and groove to music and live performances. We’ll be launching our 2024 Pride x Village Brewery collab brew and custom can. Be the first to give it a try.
Mark your calendars and get ready to raise a glass to pride.

Wordfest Presents Carley Fortune
2024-06-23 16:00 - 17:30 | Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library 800 3 Street SE, 800 3 Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0E7, Canada
Carley Fortune is FINALLY going to be on stage in Calgary! The breakout bestselling author of Meet Me at The Lake is doing a 4PM afternoon extravaganza on Sunday, June 23 at Central Library. Your ticket includes an exclusive, in-depth conversation, hosted by Wordfest’s Creative Ringleader Shelley Youngblut, as well as an audience Q & A and book signing. A Wordfest photographer will be there to take selfies with Carley that you can download after the show.
Doors open at 3PM. Go have an indulgent late lunch in the East Village, then come to the theatre for libations from Dandy Brewing Company and the Slow Burn Books pop-up store. Longing to add Carley’s bestsellers to your shelves? You can pre-order her latest and backlist here. And there will be a special cool treat to go with this (very) hot book and writer, courtesy of our friends at Village Ice Cream.

Alberta School Library Workers Presents: Pride 101- terminology, social etiquette and a safe space to ask questions
2024-06-25 17:00 - 18:30 | Fish Creek Library
This presentation was designed for school librarians who are looking to educate themselves so they can better support their students. It is a basic introduction to terminology, social etiquette, a safe place for questions, and includes some religious information for those who work in religious education. Although it has been designed for school librarians it is open to everyone.

Reading in the Wild
2024-06-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Memorial Park Library, 1221 2 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 1N8, Canada
Wordfest and Calgary Public Library are excited to announce Reading in the Wild, Calgary’s first annual outdoor Read-A-Thon! Imagine Calgary’s most beautiful inner-city park bursting with people of all ages enjoying the simple pleasure of reading outside. It’s time to bring those books off the shelves and into the sunshine! This event is for everyone – children, teens, seniors, friends, neighbours, colleagues, new Calgarians, well-behaved pups. Readers of all ages will be welcome to bring a blanket and book (or borrow one on site!) to the Park, to read amongst fellow readers in the wild.
This free, all-ages community event takes place on June 25 in Central Memorial Park, home to Alberta’s oldest library – opened in 1912 with funding from Andrew Carnegie, it is now a still-thriving national historic site as well as Wordfest’s year-round performance space, where we connect the world’s best writers with the world’s best readers.
You can bring your current read or we’ll supply the magic: You can choose from a specially curated selection from the Library’s collection, organized by age and interests, which you are welcome to check out at any time from the fabulous Memorial Park Library staff. Don’t have a Library card? You can sign up for a free one on the spot!
“Icelanders have Jolabokaflod, where families read together on Christmas Eve,” says Shelley Youngblut, Wordfest’s CEO & Creative Ringleader. “We wanted to create something just as life-affirming for Calgarians, but we wanted to expand the circle to include loved ones and perfect strangers. Fortunately, the perfect place to gather to celebrate curiosity and community was right outside my office window: a unique event in Memorial Park, in collaboration with Calgary Public Library, Wordfest’s founding partner.”

Fairy Tales Queer Art & Film Festival
2024-06-27 17:00 - 2024-06-30 20:00 | The Grand, 608 1St SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 1M7, Canada
The longest-running Queer art and film festival in the Canadian prairies is back for its 26th year at the storied GRAND YYC!
Presented by The Calgary Queer Arts Society, Fairy Tales 2024 will showcase 33 short films, 15 artists, 10 makers, 7 feature films and 2 DJs – spanning all genres, media and runtimes. Come together and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ lived experiences and narratives YOUR WAY!
For the first time, discover a makers’ market and arts exhibition, hosted in the lobby of Calgary’s storied GRAND Theatre. Featuring over a dozen of Calgary and area’s finest creative talents, explore works of art from all disciplines and mediums. Who knows, you might stumble across your next obsession!
A huge thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends:
Brookfield Properties, CKUA, Eighty-Eight Brewing Co, the GRAND, Pembina, Calgary Arts Development, Canada Council for the Arts, Heritage Canada, the Government of Alberta, FOREIGNERZ and BSTS.

Paris is Burning: Film Screening
2024-06-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library 800 3 Street SE, 800 3 Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0E7, Canada
Friends! We are thrilled to announce our first Movie With a View of 2024! As a celebration of Pride Month, a nod to Queer culture, and a little teaser of what’s coming this summer at BUMP, we are screening Paris is Burning (1990) at Central Public Library on June 27th.
One night and one night only! We’re teaming up with the fine folks at Calgary Cinematheque, Calgary Public Library, and Calgary Pride to bring you this incredible film.
This event is FREE!
Thanks to Calgary Public Library, there will be free popcorn (while supplies last!).
Film: Paris is Burning (1990)
Date: Thursday, June 27
Location: Central Public Library
Address: 800 3 St. SE
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM

Queer Prom at The Confluence
2024-06-28 19:00 - 2024-06-29 01:00 | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5E1, Canada
Did you miss out on a much-deserved, authentic queer prom experience? Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect event to celebrate pride and community in a 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly environment this June? Join us for the first ever QUEER PROM at The Confluence on Friday, June 28!
Queer Prom at The Confluence is a celebration of resilience, diversity, and community. Come and be a part of something special as we dance, laugh, and celebrate together. Let’s make memories that will last a lifetime!
There’ll be glitter, glam, music, and food as we recreate all the magic of a perfect Prom night for 16+ members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Ticket Prices
This event has a pay-what-you-can ticketing structure. By offering pay what you can pricing and subsidized tickets, we aim to make Queer Prom at The Confluence accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from VIP ticket sales will go towards funding the Free Ticket Program, ensuring that as many people as possible can participate in this celebration of diversity and inclusion.
VIP Ticket – $100
You get:

Priority entrance
Exclusive access to the VIP reception area
Complimentary food and drinks at the VIP reception
Swag bag with event memorabilia

General Access (Pay what you can) – $10, $25 or $50
You get:

Access to the main event area
Red carpet arrival
Dance floor and DJ
Photo opportunities
Late-night snacks

Free Ticket Program
A limited number of free tickets will be available for individuals facing financial hardship. These tickets prioritize those in need.  If you would like to inquire about a free ticket, please email programs@theconfluence.ca with the subject line ‘Queer Prom Free Ticket Program’.

Afro Queer Pride Yoga
2024-06-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Community Wise Resource Centre, 223 12 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2R, Canada
The first in a Summer Series – Pride Month special: Afro Queer Yoga. Immerse yourself in the irresistible allure of a stylized playlist as the rhythm guides you through a journey of self-love and empowerment.
Move with the beat in a space where every pose celebrates the beauty of African heritage and the spirit of Pride. Let the seductive melodies awaken your senses, transforming each stretch into a powerful expression of your true self. Afro Queer Yoga is more than a class; it’s a celebration of identity, unity, and sensuality. There will be a 50 minute asana practice followed by a 30 minute conversation co-facilitated by Black Pride YYC. Afro Queer Yoga – because embracing who you are never felt so exhilarating.
Celebrate Pride with us at @communitywiseyyc.
Sponsored by Recovery Path Society in collaboration with @blackprideyyc 💋🧘🏾‍♂️🎶🏳️‍🌈

HoliGAY Weekends Drag Show
2024-06-29 20:30 - 22:30 | The Attic Bar & Stage, 1413 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0T4
Another elongated weekend on your hands? Sounds like a fitting time to be in the company of two drag kings and their weird gay friends.
Make your way right over to The Attic to catch all the curve balls we’re ready to lob your way.
What else you got going on this “So called Canada” Day weekend? This is like getting drunk on a boat without the seasickness and sunburn.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.. but this is merely a suggestion, because the kingdom of capitalism is alive and well and crushing so we always offer a Community Pay What You Can (PWYC). To do that, just reserve your spot for free under PWYC and put whatever amount feels fair and doa-ble for you in the bucket at the door.
Comfort food downstairs. Pizza and pasta upstairs. Get dinner before, we dare you!
Gender Neutral Bathrooms on both floors.

AfroCare Support Network Launch Event
2024-07-26 16:00 - 18:00 | 915 33 St NE, 915 33 St NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2A 6T2, Canada
The AfroCare Support Network is excited to announce its official launch on July 26, 2024, at Action Dignity in NE Calgary from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This special event, themed “Summer of Strength: Empowering HIV Resilience,” marks the beginning of a new initiative dedicated to supporting the Afro-Canadian community through various programs and resources aimed at promoting well-being and social integration. Guests are encouraged to RSVP for the soft launch, where they will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening filled with fun, food, and cultural performances while learning more about AfroCare’s mission. Meet the team behind the network and explore the range of services offered as we celebrate this important milestone and embark on a journey to empower and uplift the Afro-Canadian community.

Disney’s The Lion King
2024-07-30 17:30 - 2024-08-17 22:00 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1M4, Canada
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist.
More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.
Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.
There is simply nothing else like The Lion King.

Wordfest Presents Jessica Waite
2024-07-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Memorial Park Library, 1221 2 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 1N8, Canada
Wordfest is thrilled to be showcasing Jessica Waite and her no-holds-barred, sometimes wry, always moving memoir, The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards. The conversation, hosted by Ali Bryan, starts at 7 PM MT and includes an audience Q & A and book signing. Waite’s journey from emerging author to centerstage with one of 2024’s most highly anticipated new books is almost too good to be true. And now you have the power to put her on the bestseller lists by pre-ordering copies of the book here for pick-up at the show. Of course, Owl’s Nest Books will also have The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards for sale at the event, along with Bryan’s backlist.
We are grateful to Simon & Schuster Canada for making it possible to celebrate our hometown success story!

Wordfest Presents Ann Powers
2024-07-31 19:00 - 20:30 | Memorial Park Library, 1221 2 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 1N8, Canada
Rock out (thoughtfully)! Wordfest is thrilled to present legendary music critic Ann Powers and her new book about an Alberta-born icon: Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell. The conversation, hosted by Wordfest’s Creative Ringleader Shelley Youngblut, includes an audience Q & A and book signing, fuelled by Shelf Life Books. Ticket holders can pre-order copies of Travelling and Powers’ backlist here for pick-up at the event.
We are grateful to HarperCollins Canada for making it possible to connect you with Ann Powers.

INCREDIBLE INDIA FEST 2024
2024-08-03 12:00 - 18:00 | WESTIN CALGARY AIRPORT, 671 AERO DR NE, CALGARY, AB, T2E 7Y5, Canada
We are delighted to announce the 3rd Annual INCREDIBLE INDIA FEST on August 3, 2024, a celebration of the rich culture, diversity and traditions of India. This festival promises to be a spectacular event that showcases the beauty, vibrancy and uniqueness of INDIA.
FREE ADMISSION & PARKING
The INCREDIBLE INDIA FEST will feature cultural performances, vendors, live music, traditional singing and dance, a range of activities for kids and authentic food stalls. Visitors will get a chance to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of India and experrience its diverse traditions firsthand.
The festival will take place at the WESTIN CALGARY AIRPORT from 12-6pm and we invite everyone to join us for a memorable experience. The festival is FREE and open to people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. We believe that the INCREDIBLE INDIA FEST will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate diversity and build bridges across cultures and communities.
So mark your calendars for the INCREDIBLE INDIA FEST and get ready to be dazzled by the colours, sounds and flavours of INDIA. We can’t wait to see you there!

HoliGAY Weekends Drag Show
2024-08-03 20:30 - 2024-08-31 22:30 | The Attic Bar & Stage, 1413 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0T4
Another elongated weekend on your hands? Sounds like a fitting time to be in the company of two drag kings and their weird gay friends.
What else you got going on this ~Civic Holiday~ weekend? This is like getting drunk on a boat… without the seasickness and sunburn.
Make your way right over to The Attic for drag, burlesque, and music!
Comfort food downstairs. Pizza and pasta upstairs. Get dinner before, we dare you!
Gender Neutral Bathrooms on both floors.
Doors at 7:45 pm, Show at 8:30 pm
Unfortunately, The Attic is accessible only by stairs.

Calgary Dragon Boat Festival
2024-08-09 10:00 - 2024-08-11 17:00 | N Glenmore Park Rd, Calgary, AB T3E, Canada, N Glenmore Park Rd, Calgary, AB T3E, Canada, Calgary, AB, T2G 2W1, Canada
The Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival is an exciting mix of dragon boat racing cultural celebrations featuring a main stage of entertainment beer garden, retail merchants, and food trucks. The Race & Festival strives to create an unforgettable experience while promoting teamwork and inspiration while respecting the land & water we play on.
The Race & Festival is one of Calgary’s premiere sporting events and family-friendly festivals. Taking place at North Glenmore Park the event will draw over 1250 competitors and 3000 spectators.
To support small local businesses which have been hit hard in the last couple of years the Calgary Dragon Boat Society has organized 50 vendors and 15 food trucks to participate in the festival.
For more information:
Charlene Delisle at marketplace@calgarydragonboatsociety.com

Aroma Mia! An ABBA Themed Drag Brunch
2024-08-10 10:30 - 14:00 | Aroma Cafe Bar, 1845 33 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2T1Z1, Canada
Aroma Mia! An ABBA Themed Drag Brunch
presented by Reckless Daughter Creative
Hosted by:
El Rey del Sol
Featuring:
Angelina Starchild
Dmitri Dmitria
Dogiichow
Noble Oney
Sound/DJ Stylings:
Ruby Swan
When?
Saturday, August 10th, 2024
Doors: 10:30 am
Brunch: 11:00 am
Show: 11:30 am
Where?
Aroma Cafe Bar
1845 33 Avenue SW, Calgary
Aroma Cafe Bar has an accessible washroom and ramp up to the front entrance. (Please note that the front door can be a bit narrow for some wheelchairs. Let us know how we can accommodate any needs here). There is parking on the surrounding streets and a bus stop right outside.
*There will be a PRIZE for best ABBA themed costume! So wear your BEST disco fits!

Alphabet Mafia Exhibit Launch
2024-08-15 17:00 - 23:00 | The Grand & SpanicArts, 608 1 St SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1M6, Canada
Join us on August 15 as we kick off a multidimensional celebration of art, dance, and culture from 5 PM until late at The Grand and SpanicArts.
Experience an evening filled with powerful visual arts, a fashion show featuring outstanding local designers, electrifying dance performances, and the iconic artistry of vogue. Explore a dynamic art exhibit celebrating the vibrant tapestry of queer art from diverse sectors. You won’t want to miss this iconic evening of art, fashion, and music!
Alphabet Mafia (August 15 – 18)
Set against the culturally rich and inviting backdrops of The Grand and SpanicArts, Alphabet Mafia promises to be more than just an art show—it’s a cultural milestone for a year of resistance and change. The program highlights a rich array of queer artists, each bringing their unique perspective to this celebration of culture and identity. This multidimensional art show delves into queer history, evolution, and the intergenerational legacies that continue to inspire and shape our community.
Join us for an evening that bridges generations, uplifts voices, and showcases the boundless creativity of the queer community. Alphabet Mafia is not just an event; it’s a celebration of who we are and the legacy we leave behind. Don’t miss this unique convergence!

Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge
2024-08-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall – Central Library, 800 3 St SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 2E7, Canada
The LGBT Purge: A History of Discrimination
Conversation with a Curator
The Canadian government investigated thousands of 2SLGBTQI+ employees, military personnel, and members of the RCMP during the Cold War, forcing many to resign – ruining lives and careers. In 2018, survivors fought back, and won a major class action lawsuit against the government of Canada.
Join Exhibition Curator, Scott de Groot (Canadian Museum for Human Rights), in conversation with Purge survivors Michelle Douglas, Wayne Davis, and Nancy Miller.
Doors and Networking 6:00 pm
Event Starts: 6:30 pm
Event Ends 8:00 pm
Exhibition
Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery, Central Library – August 26 – September 23, 2024
The Canadian government investigated thousands of 2SLGBTQI+ employees, military personnel, and members of the RCMP during the Cold War. Many of these employees and personnel were forced to resign, ruining lives and careers. But they fought back, and survivors won a major class action lawsuit against the government in 2018.
Le gouvernement canadien a enquêté sur des milliers d’employés, de militaires et de membres de la GRC du 2SLGBTQI+ pendant la guerre froide. Beaucoup de ces employés et du personnel ont été forcés de démissionner, ruinant des vies et des carrières. Les survivants ont gagné un important procès collectif contre le gouvernement en 2018 en raison de leur riposte.
In partnership with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Calgary Pride.

Pride & Glide
2024-08-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Olympic Oval, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
Let’s celebrate LGBTQ2S+ diversity at Pride & Glide.
Pride & Glide is back at the Oval, promoting equality and celebrating Calgary’s diversity, all on The Most Fabulous Ice in the World.
Guests get to enjoy a spectacular Drag Show followed by a public skate on our 400m Olympic ice surface. There will be music, it will be cool (literally), and most importantly, it will be a blast, open to all, and a celebration of Calgary LGBTQ2S+ voices and culture.
Show your Pride at Pride & Glide, only at the Olympic Oval.

Apollo Outdoor Pursuits Pride Hike And Mountain Potluck Picnic
2024-09-02 08:00 - 15:30 | Kananaskis Country
This is a relatively “EASY” short uphill hike to a mountain meadow where we will have a good ole fashioned PRIDE POTLUCK PICNIC lunch in one of the most scenic locations in Kananaskis country! Please bring one item in your backpack to share with the group, it can be anything (ex fruit, chocolate, meat and cheese, candy, jerky, snacks, homemade baking, veggies, beverages, salad, etc). Make sure that everything you bring for the picnic (plate, napkin, blanket or towel or jacket or similar to sit on, food, drink, etc) can fit into your backpack (do not plan on carrying additional handbags, etc). Although it’s a short hike it’s still a good 45-60 min walk in and it is uphill.

Anytime of year just driving to the trailhead is marvellously scenic. Because it begins so high this trail rockets you into the alpine much faster than most. After a very brief ascent through the forest, the trail enters a cirque and contours meadow slopes below the soaring peaks. The meadow is a wildflower haven that contrasts sharply with the surrounding austere scree and talus. If we are lucky we may see marmots, pikas, and the elusive white-tailed ptarmigan, after which this trail is named.

RSVP REQUIRED! EMAIL ApolloOutdoorPursuits@gmail.com

Wear and show your pride colours!!

Decompress & Destress Mindful Meditation with Jennifer
2024-09-02 12:00 - 16:00 | Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Kick off your day on September 2nd with a soothing and energizing experience before the rest of the post-Pride activities unfold! Join Jennifer at 12:30 PM in Prince’s Island Park for a one-hour Decompress & Destress Mindful Meditation session. In this peaceful setting, Jennifer will guide you through a sequence of mindful practices, including cleansing breathwork, positive visualization, and gentle seated yoga movements.
This session is designed to help you slow down, release tension, and embrace the present moment, giving you the tools to transform your day with greater focus, relaxation, and a sense of well-being. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this session offers a gentle introduction to mindfulness practices that can help you navigate the fast-paced demands of life.
Schedule:

12:30 PM: Meet by the public washrooms in Prince’s Island Park.
12:30-1:30 PM: Jennifer will lead participants to a quiet grassy spot in the park for the Decompress & Destress Mindfulness Meditation session.
1:30-2:00 PM: Jennifer will walk participants back to the public washrooms. Break time.
2:00-4:00 PM: Ken Ouendag will guide participants through a Forest Therapy session.

After the meditation, you’ll have time to unwind further before heading into the Forest Therapy walk. Just bring a yoga mat, a willingness to relax, and let’s breathe together as we appreciate the beauty in ourselves and the world around us.

Unwind in Nature: A Forest Therapy Walk with Ken Ouendag
2024-09-02 14:00 - 16:00 | River Cafe, 25 Prince's Island Park, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0R1, Canada
After the vibrant celebrations of Calgary Pride, join us for a peaceful escape into nature on September 2nd. Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Ken Ouendag, this event offers a soothing way to decompress, reconnect with the natural world, and share a tranquil experience with your community.
Forest therapy, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku or “Forest Bathing,” invites you to slow down and tune into your senses. During this guided walk, Ken will lead you through a series of gentle invitations designed to help you relax, refresh your mind, and deepen your connection with the surrounding environment.
This isn’t just about the benefits nature provides—such as reduced stress, improved mood, and a greater sense of belonging—it’s also a chance to share stories, enjoy a cup of forest tea, and simply have fun in a supportive community setting.
Spaces are limited to 20 participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. We’ll gather at 2:00 PM near the public washrooms (under the River Café) and wrap up by 4:00 PM. Please remember to complete a waiver as part of the registration process.
To register, contact Ken Ouendag @nature.connected.

Becoming an Ally: Being an Engaged Bystander
2024-09-04 15:00 - 16:30 | Alberta
Through interactive activities and discussions, this workshop explores the roots of harassment experienced by those with intersectional identities, particularly the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and provides strategies to address discrimination, prevent harassment, and highlight the role of bystanders. This is achieved through an overview of power and privilege, interactive opportunities to reflect on attitudes and beliefs around gender and sexual diversity, and practical tools for being an engaged bystander. Participants will leave this training prepared to address harassment and discrimination in a way that empowers the person experiencing harm, while calling people who perpetual harm into productive discussions.
In partnership with The Centre for Sexuality.

PRIDE at Shelf Life Books
2024-09-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Shelf Life Books, 1302 – 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Celebrate Pride 2024 at Shelf Life Books with a fun-filled extravaganza of local talent including drag performances by Dogiichow & Osmo Cis, literary readings by Skylar Kay and Bret Crowle, hosted by Kevin Allen.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Osmo Cis is an androgynous, time travelling drag king who landed in the scene in 2022. He is as offbeat as he is handsome, using humor in his performances to entertain audiences while making them wonder, “what does cis mean again?” You can find Osmo at his new drag-improv show ‘Whose Drag is it Anyway?’ on October 18 at Congress Coffee, every other month at the Ship and Anchor, or co-hosting the ‘HoliGAY Weekends’ show every long weekend Saturday at The Attic. He’s even on Instagram! @cosmonautbinary
Dogiichow is the Campy and equally Trampy sensation, they have been gracing stages and entertaining audiences across Alberta and beyond. Best known for their custom if slightly questionable fashion sense. When they are not being a drag jester for crowds of barking fans they can be found accepting challenges of hot dog eating contests, watching cheesy cult classic b-movies and judging arm wrestling contests. Their drag is a celebration of their two spirit indigiqueer identity and a love of entertaining. Where will their journey take them next? Space! Probably not but you’ll just have to stay tuned.
Skylar Kay is an emerging writer from Calgary, AB. She has an interest in Japanese literature, specifically haiku, and has been pursuing this interest in her poetry since 2016. In addition to being a haiku enthusiast in creative writing, Skylar also participates in the academic side of Japanese literature, seeing publication in both academic and literary journals.
Bret Crowle is a multi-genre creator who has spent the last year singing, dancing, playing pretend, and editing her forthcoming debut poetry collection for Frontenac House. The collection, Jesus is a Voyeur, will be making its way to you this October. When not creating, she can be found looking for faces in the clouds, listening to the same albums over and over again, and participating in the deeply healing art of noisemaking.
Kevin Allen is a fourth-generation Calgarian who has been documenting and profiling queer people and events for 30+ years. Kevin started the Calgary Gay History Project in 2012 to uncover and preserve stories from Calgary’s 2SLGBTQ+ past (www.calgarygayhistory.ca). The Project has achieved national recognition and led to the award-winning documentary film: Gross Indecency: The Everett Klippert Story; and the best-selling book Our Past Matters: Stories of Gay Calgary. Additionally, Kevin works as a senior election administrator for both Elections Canada and Elections Alberta.

Boots and Pride: A Line Dance Celebration!
2024-09-14 17:00 - 19:30 | Ranchmans Cookhouse & Dancehall, 9615 Macleod Trail S, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 0P6, Canada
Join us this Saturday, September 14 for a night of fun, dancing, and colourful vibes as we celebrate with a Line Dance Lesson and a jam-packed playlist to keep you moving all night long!
🕔 BeginnerLine Dance Lesson: 5:00-6:30pm with instructors Zach & Sean
🎶 Line Dance Playlist: 6:30-7:30pm
👗 Colorful attire encouraged! Show up in your boldest and brightest!

Come From Away
2024-09-17 19:00 - 2024-09-22 19:00 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1M4, Canada
The true story of the small town that welcomed the world.
Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY has won Best Musical all across North America!
The New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony Award® -winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”
On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

Fall Writers' Retreat - Writers' Guild of Alberta
2024-09-20 15:00 - 2024-09-22 14:00 | Sanctum Retreat, 11 Sanctum Way, Carolin, Alberta, T0M 0Mo, Canada
Please join The Writers’ Guild of Alberta for a weekend of writing and togetherness. This retreat is a perfect opportunity to work on your craft and connect with your peers — don’t miss out!
We are so excited to be welcoming two world-class facilitators, Saskatoon-based poet Leah Horlick and Calgary-based fantasy author, C.L. Polk. You can expect a talk from Leah Horlick as a welcome address on Friday evening, two interactive workshops (one with each facilitator) on Saturday, a group discussion and Q&A session on Saturday evening, and a farewell address from C.L. Polk on Sunday morning. All sessions are optional, and time is otherwise self-directed.
About the Facilitators
Leah Horlick (she/her) is the author of three collections of poetry: Riot Lung, For Your Own Good, and Moldovan Hotel. She is the past recipient of a Stonewall Honor Title and ARC Poetry Magazine’s Poem of the Year Award, among others. Leah lived on Unceded Coast Salish Territories in Vancouver for nearly a decade, during which time she and her dear friend Estlin McPhee ran REVERB, a queer and anti-oppressive literary reading series. Last year, Leah was the 2022-23 Canadian Writer-in-Residence with the University of Calgary’s Distinguished Writers Program. She has since returned to Saskatoon, on Treaty Six Territory and the Homelands of the Métis, where she grew up as a settler.
C. L. Polk (they/them) wrote the Hugo-nominated Kingston Cycle, including the World Fantasy Award winning Witchmark, The Midnight Bargain, and the Nebula-winning Even Though I Knew The End. Before writing fantasy novels, they worked as a film extra, a costermonger, and also identified lepidoptera by eye. Mx. Polk lives in Calgary, on the territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, and the Métis Nation (Region 3). Mx. Polk is represented by Caitlin McDonald of the Donald Maass Literary Agency.
Sanctum is surrounded by beautiful boreal forest and is close to the Raven River for those who find inspiration from nature. We hope to see you there!

Ruby Swan presents... The Kings & I: An Alt-Pop Cabaret
2024-09-27 19:30 - 22:30 | Congress Coffee, #1A 215 36 Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 2L4, Canada
Brat summer may be over, but the alt-pop party doesn’t have to end. Come hear Ruby Swan serenade you with her original swan songs, plus a collection of today’s best alternative pop from artists like Charli XCX, Hannah Diamond, Lady Gaga, and more.
Featuring one-of-a-kind drag duets with Calgary’s hottest kings, this alt-pop cabaret is a live music and drag experience you don’t want to miss!
Performances by:
♡ Noble Oney
♡ Osmo Cis
♡ El Rey del Sol
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door (cash and card accepted).
Seating is first come, first served.
Want a more exclusive experience? Our limited VIP seating package gets you preferential seating, exclusive merchandise, and a keepsake Polaroid photo op with the performers.
