Richmond Pride Kickoff
Richmond’s annual Pride Week is back, and this year’s celebration centers on the theme "Pride in Momentum"—reflecting an active, evolving movement toward a more inclusive, vibrant, and equitable future for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks across Metro Vancouver.
Presented by the City of Richmond in partnership with local community associations, societies, and the Richmond Public Library, this year’s lineup features a mix of free outdoor parties, hands-on craft workshops, storytelling, drag performances, and intergenerational gatherings.
INFORMATION PAGE
🎨 Ongoing Exhibitions & Drop-Ins
Rainbow Colour Quest (July 27 – August 2): Drop by the Richmond Museum (7700 Minoru Gate) to follow a colour-coded scavenger hunt through The Maple Road Experience exhibition.
Living Horizons Art Exhibition: View a large-scale mural by artist/educator Mr. Tony at the Richmond Cultural Centre, using mountain landscapes as a metaphor for the 2SLGBTQIA+ journey.
Pride Puppy Story Trail (July 25 – August 29): Take a walk through the Richmond Nature Park (11851 Westminster Hwy) and read Robin Stevenson’s inclusive rhyming storybook displayed along the path.
🗓️ Day-by-Day Event Highlights
Sunday, July 26 — Kickoff Celebration
Pride Kickoff Outdoor Party (2:00 – 5:00 PM | Minoru Centre for Active Living): Free all-ages outdoor celebration featuring drag performance by Carrie Dawn, fusion dance, art stations, and community organization booths.
Make a Love Bomb (2:00 – 5:00 PM): Create custom, eco-glitter-covered wildflower seed bombs with clay to plant love across the city.
Monday, July 27
Movie Matinee: Small Town Pride (2:00 – 4:00 PM | Gulf of Georgia Cannery): Screening of the documentary following queer communities in rural Canada (Ages 55+, $5 registration).
Pride Rocks (4:00 – 5:30 PM | Brighouse Library): Paint custom Pride rocks with the Library Teen Ambassadors to keep or hide around town.
Tuesday, July 28
Pride in the Park & Sassy Jazz Dance (4:00 – 5:30 PM | South Arm Community Centre): Crafts, music, refreshments, and a stylish dance routine session (Ages 6+).
Tie-Dye & Rainbow Necklaces (5:30 – 6:30 PM | West Richmond Community Centre): Craft sessions for kids (necklace making) and teens/adults (tie-dyeing T-shirts).
Film Club Screening: Love is Strange (6:00 – 8:00 PM | Brighouse Library): A special Pride screening and discussion of the romantic drama (18+).
Thursday, July 30 — Community Day
Pride Stairs Repainting & Youth Music (12:00 – 4:00 PM | Cultural Centre Plaza): Grab a brush, listen to youth musicians, trade clothes at the swap, and refresh the iconic Pride stairs.
Screen Print & Paint Pride Patches (1:30 – 3:30 PM | Cultural Centre Plaza): Create wearable art patches with artists Cheryl Hamilton and lisa g (bring light-coloured clothing if you like!).
Outdoor Pride Zumba Party (6:30 – 8:00 PM | Minoru Centre): High-energy dance party in the park (13+).
True Voices: Pride Storytelling (7:00 – 9:00 PM | Gateway Theatre): Intimate evening of personal stories shared by 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, followed by Q&A over tea (13+).
Friday, July 31
Glitter: LGTea Party (3:30 – 5:30 PM | South Arm Community Centre): Garden tea party with lawn games for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies (Ages 13–18).
Pride Paint Night (7:00 – 8:30 PM | South Arm Community Centre): Guided canvas painting night celebrating self-expression (Ages 19+).
Extended August Events
Saturday, August 8 — Author Talk: Mischa Oak (2:00 – 3:30 PM | Brighouse Library): Q&A and presentation on his book Rainbow Wisdom: 18 LGBTQ+ Life Lessons for Everyone.
Thursday, August 20 — Pride Tea for Seniors 55+ (1:30 – 3:00 PM | Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre): Hosted by Drag Queen Phyllis, featuring tea, entertainment, and connection ($11.35, pre-registration required).
💡 Registration Note: While most drop-in events are completely free, select workshops (like Zumba, Storytelling, and Paint Night) require free pre-registration due to capacity. Visit Richmond.ca/Pride to reserve your spot!