How to Do the Vancouver Pride Parade Right, According to Experts

Mark your calendar (preferably using a sparkly pen) for Sunday, August 3: that’s when the annual Vancouver Pride Parade rocks and rolls through the city. We asked event vets Alexa Fraser (15-year attendee, four-year parade participant and now parade host) and Bucky Yaqub (content creator, street interviewer and “self-proclaimed queer icon”) for insider advice on how to prep, pack and party proud.

1. Shop bright and shop local. “You name it, you’ll probably see it: sequin pants, mesh everything, body paint, leather, mismatched socks,” says Yaqub, adding that it’s a refreshing change of pace from Vancouverites’ usual “50 shades of beige and grey.” Fraser suggests browsing Model Express, JQ Clothing and Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium for pride looks.

READ MORE: Inside Drag Star Kendall Gender’s Dressing Room

2. Pack smart. Our pride experts stress hydration and protection from the elements: think lots of water and plenty of sunscreen. Fraser always packs their portable phone charger and naloxone kit; Yaqub’s sun-ready staples include “an extravagant hat.”

3. Don’t forget the basics. Glitter and glam are essential, but keep functionality in mind. “I can’t stress comfortable shoes enough—leave the heels to us drags and gogos,” says Fraser. Yaqub shares a deodorant PSA: “We want to smell your Ariana Grande perfume, not your body odour, in a crowd of over 100,000 people.”

4. Build education into your celebration. Respecting the roots and ongoing activism and protests that make up Pride is fundamental. Along with attending queer dance parties and drag shows, Fraser “also makes a point of visiting the Sex Workers Memorial on Pendrell and Jervis, and brushing up on West End history.”

READ MORE: This 91-Year-Old Drag Queen Continues to Slay On Stage

5. Get a prime spot. “Street closures can throw a major wrench into driving or transit plans, so make sure to plan your route ahead,” says Fraser. They add that the host stations are “the place to be” (there are three along the parade route) and that it’s always busier to the west than at the east end of the march.

6. Plan beyond the parade. Pride weekend is packed with events. Fraser’s highlights include Man Up at the Commodore on August 1, Rhythm of the Night on August 2 and the Birdhouse Block Party daytime events on August 2 and 3.

7. Check social media for more hot spots. Yaqub says Instagram is one of the best ways to find out about other non-parade festivities. “Look for cute posters reshared on people’s stories and stalk your favourite drag performers’ socials to see where you can tip them,” he recommends.

8. Be present. Fraser reminds attendees to take breaks: “You’ll have an incredible time going to a few memorable events, rather than running yourself ragged the whole weekend.” Yaqub reminds everyone to embrace the joy: “Vancouver Pride is a serotonin boost whether you’re on stage or in the bleachers, and whether you’re a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or not.”

9. Schedule in recovery time. Even if you don’t go full party animal, the post-Pride regimen is a must. On Monday, Fraser always winds down with a barbecue at the beach with friends and chosen family, where you might also find Yaqub “swimming and slaying” (if he’s not “rotting and recovering in bed”).

Pride Fuel Pit Stops

West End institution Tom Sushi (1175 Davie St., tomsushi.com) has long been a lunch go-to for Pride attendees.

A bit farther east, there’s the gorgeous patio and affordable happy hour at Parker Rooftop (1379 Howe St., parkerrooftop.com).

In Yaletown, Dovetail (1079 Mainland St., dovetailrestaurant.ca) is a great pick for cocktails and mocktails alike

Downtown’s Café Medina (780 Richards St., medinacafe.com)  is a destination for Pride weekend brunch specials.