This article was published on September 16th, 2021
Banff Pride 2021, held October 3-11, in Banff, Alberta, has just announced an incredible line-up of events and activities, and is set to be a wonderous event of Pride glory in the backdrop of the picturesque Canadian Rocky Mountains. The week-long event will celebrate diversity, kindness, and love.
Highlight Events
This will be a truly exciting week filled with drag shows, live music, a Pride walk, Pride flag raising, drag brunch, festive craft beers and cocktails, and powerful presentations by the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s a look at just some of the many events taking place in Banff to celebrate Banff Pride.
October 1 – Big Gay Libra Birthday
The pre-pride festivities will kick off with the Big Gay Libra Birthday on October 1st. Karla Marx celebrates her big day by bringing her friends to let loose on a radiant and spectacular stage in a birthday bash of the ages for all Libras! The unofficial kick-off is an event you will regret missing!
October 2 – Pride Week Kick Off Party with Brooke Lynn Hytes
The official kick-off begins with Canada’s drag race host and star of RuPaul’s drag race season 11, Brooke Lynn Hytes. She will be giving an epic performance that you leave you gagging for more. The DJ will keep the dance floor banging all night long with performances from local queens like Gogo Fetch, Jesse Hannibal, Chelsea Horrendous and Transgender Comedian Cindy Rivers, and an amazing emcee named Aimee Beaudoin.
Seats to the show are on sale now, and the unrestricted VIP seats give you full access to the private VIP lounge, a great view, two hard seltzers and a meet and greet with the queen herself, Brooke Lynn Hytes. Doors to the event open at 9 pm, and there are two showtimes to choose from at 10:00 pm and 11:30 pm.
October 2 – Drag Brunch at Fairmont Banff Springs featuring Brooke Lynn Hytes
The biggest drag brunch in Banff! Brooke Lynn Hytes will return on this day to host the event. Banff Pride and Truly Hard Seltzers are co-presenting the event and. The resident queens from the kick-off party are back to serve you moves. This time you’ll see a special performance by trans comedian Cindy Rivers.
There are three tiers of tickets which all include brunch – the difference is that in the higher tiers, you get a welcome beverage, and with the highest tier, you get the best seats in the house! Book a whole table to make sure you can stay with your chosen party. Otherwise, it will be an event to make new friends.
October 4 – Rainbow Walk and Flag Raising Ceremony
This is your chance to leave your mark on the world. Grab your flags and rainbow swag and get to stepping in the rainbow walk through the downtown core of Banff.
October 7 – Queer-Lesque
A show about female empowerment and the embodiment of choice! Queer-lesque is an intergenerational burlesque and cabaret show that explores the history of queer exotic dancers.
October 9 – Mountain Top Drag Show
Banff is taking pride to new heights with its mountain top drag show. You will experience the view of six stunning mountain ranges that will leave you breathless. There will be a host of local drag queens that will have you gasping for air as the queens leave you speechless and in awe.
There are many more exciting events throughout the week. See the full event schedule here.
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Taste the Rainbow
Local restaurants will participate in a rainbow-themed cocktail event, and you can have a great time with the largest event schedule ever! Taste the rainbow will offer a range of rainbow drinks that will keep you refreshed during the festivities. You can try coffee, candy, and citrus-flavored drink along with delicious sweets and cakes, too.
See the line-up of participating businesses here.
Health and Safety
Alberta has a new set of COVID-19 measures that will be in effect during Banff Pride. This will help to keep locals and visitors safe throughout the week. This includes limited event capacities, mandatory masks for all indoor public spaces, showing your proof of vaccination, physical distancing, and sanitizing stations.
Experience Banff
Banff is an iconic Canadian destination. Banff and Lake Louise Tourism welcomes the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come celebrate Banff Pride, including Canadians and fully vaccinated Americans who are eligible to enter Canada. This is an incredible time to visit Banff and surrounding area, as the autumn colours emerge. Take in activities including the azure blue Moraine Lake near Lake Louise aboard ROAM Transit, a guided boat tour of Lake Minnewanka, wild life and scenic views of Banff National Park, the stunning views from the top of Sulphur Mountain from the Banff Gondola, and a guided tour aboard Open Top Touring.
Plan your trip and book your accommodation now by visiting Banff Lake Louise Tourism. https://www.banfflakelouise.com/
Grab Your Banff Pride Tickets Now
Banff Pride is one of the last Pride celebrations in Canada for 2021. For more information about the events, locations and activities, and to book your tickets to Banff Pride events while they’re available, head over to www.BanffPride.ca now!
