How this queer elder plans to celebrate Vancouver Pride 2026
Pride Season is the best time of the year and I am so excited it’s only 3 weeks away. I’m 73. But what, you might ask, does a 73 year old do during Pride?
Because there are many of us elders out there, given the baby boom bubble and all, I thought I would outline my Pride dance card and maybe it will help you with your own planning.
Pre-Pride Planning
As the editor and publisher of What’s On Queer BC I see events as soon as they drop and I buy tickets. I also tell my friends to buy tickets. This is a vital piece of advice - don’t wait! Tickets go fast to most of the popular events.
I have friends from out of town, so we plan meetups, sleeping arrangements, and schedules. Then I bring out the rainbow bead crafts. Our first get together will be Friday afternoon when we’ll sit in the cool of my apartment and plan the weekend.
Friday
For many years, we have danced to the amazing music of Queer as Funk in the Commodore on Friday night. What a fantastic start to the weekend, we typically see all our friends there, and it’s not a hugely late night - even this old lady can handle it!
Saturday
It’s tradition to attend the Vancouver Dyke March. Some years I’ve been a vendor, some years I’ve been in a band (Bushy Park) on stage, many years I have marched. This year I have talked friends into walking with Karin (my co-editor) and I in the march behind a What’s On Queer BC Banner.
The Dyke March is part protest, part celebration. You can expect political action, you can expect a broad spectrum of community, you can expect solidarity. As the VDM notes on their website, “ - the inclusion, empowerment and celebration of trans and cisgender women and femmes, butches, as well as other trans, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals.” Allies are always welcome as well. Why not give it a try this year?
The March starts at McSpadden Park (2125 Napier St, Vancouver) There are some pre-march festivities - mostly we all gather and chat and re-connect. The March itself typically heads out at noon, and proceeds down Commercial Drive. It’s a 1.2-kilometer route finishing in Grandview Park, where we will enjoy an afternoon festival with vendors, food trucks, and live performances.
Be sure to wear a hat and bring water. It can all be quite hot. Sometimes there are chairs available under tents for elders, but likely you’ll need to bring your own chair or blanket if you plan to stay for any length of time. It can be a good idea to drop chairs and blankets at Grandview prior to heading over to McSpadden.
We’ll hang out in the park a while, taking in the music and strolling through the vendor booths. Hopefully we’ll then head over to Le Hangover a block party at the Birdhouse (just off 4th and Main). There’ll be beer, food, and music - what more could one ask for? These tickets are currently sold out however, so we may go instead to the Public Disco at 3rd and Ontario. Or we may elect to go out for a nice dinner on the Drive and call it an early night.
Sunday
Parade day!
I’ve been to every parade since the year I came out. For years I had a regular spot, but these days I’m less entrenched. I love the new route, and enjoy wandering the boulevard along Pacific looking for the best views. Some years, I scooter down on my kick-scooter and meet up with friends walking the parade route. Last year friends and I ubered to Granville Island then took a ferry over to David Lam Park. This is highly recommended for any of you who have mobility concerns. The Parade passes right by David Lam. Bring a parade chair or portable stool if you can. And again, lots of water and a hat.
Womyns Dance
There was a time when friends and I would head over to Chicas for a few hours after the parade. But this year, we’ll likely head home for a nap! Then wake ourselves and prepare for for an evening with friends on the lovely decks of the Vancouver Rowing Club. Every year as long as I can remember (except the Covid years) Sunday has finished with the Womyn’s dance at the Rowing Club. Originally it was put on by the Duelling DJs then by DJ Jakki. This year it’s a fundraiser for Rainbow Refuge and hosted by Pat Hogan and DJ Joan.
The sun will set over Vancouver harbour, the buildings of the city will be lit with rainbows, music will float over the waters and we’ll all feel full - and tired! Another amazing Pride has gone down.