Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to coincide with the Stonewall riots and is dedicated to the celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ pride and liberation.
While Calgary’s official Pride festival doesn’t occur until late August/early September (apparently, the possibility of better weather overrules history), there are still plenty of celebrations happening in the city throughout June. Here are a few worth checking out!
Think you know your history? Put it to the test at an evening of trivia that celebrates queer history, icons, and culture for a chance to earn prizes while having tons of fun.
When: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Where: Women’s Centre of Calgary — 39 4th St. NE
Cost: Free
For anyone who spent high school dances yearning for a perfect slow dance that could never happen, this one’s for you. Each song at this party is selected for maximum slow dance-ability, and dance cards and secret mailboxes make the experience extra sweet. All genders and sexualities are welcome, so bring your friends, partner, or come solo.
When: Friday, June 6, 2025
Where: Rising Tides Taproom — 4545 Bowness Rd. NW
Cost: $10+
Hear from a panel of local queer authors about their experiences as writers before partaking in the book swap. Bring a 2SLGBTQ+ book you love (and are willing to part with) and you’ll go home with a new favourite!
When: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Where: Women’s Centre of Calgary — 39 4th St. NE
Cost: Free (but bring a 2SLGTBQ+ book to swap!)
Black people are at the heart of queer culture and experience, and yet so much of their history, resilience, and excellence is overlooked. Come connect, learn, and celebrate on Juneteenth at this free event that aims to uplift and affirm.
When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Where: Women’s Centre of Calgary — 39 4th St. NE
Cost: Free
GENREFLUID parties are the place to go for a night of genre-blurring, body-moving sounds in hip-hop, house, amapiano, rap, gqom, disco, and beyond. A packed, high-energy, inclusive dancefloor is all but guaranteed.
When: Friday, June 20, 2025
Where: Common UNDRGRD — 731 10th Ave. SW
Cost: $11+
Celebrate Pride in style with incredible performances from some of Calgary’s hottest names in drag. While tickets are free, the event is first-come, first-served, so arrive early to avoid capacity restrictions.
When: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Where: The Royal Canadian Legion #264 — 1918 Kensington Rd. NW
Cost: Free
Learn about the history of drag, the importance of drag families, the growing ledge of accessibility, and more from a panel of local drag icons.
When: Monday, June 23, 2025
Where: Central Library — 800 3rd St. SE
Cost: Free
This ain’t your grandma’s bingo (unless she’s like, really cool). Get ready for a night of bingo hosted by hilarious and talented Drag Queens, along with raffles, snacks, and free tickets to Drag Me to Cowboys for the first 50 people who purchase tickets.
When: Friday, June 27, 2025
Where: The Royal Canadian Legion #264 — 1918 Kensington Rd. NW
Cost: $27.96
This monthly event features all types of performances by queer creatives in Calgary. Check it out and enjoy an evening of music, poetry, art, comedy, and more.
When: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Where: Bell’s Cafe — 1515 34th Ave. SW
Cost: Free
And while you’re having fun and supporting the queer community in Calgary this month, it’s also important to remember that for many, Pride is less of a celebration and more of a call for liberation — especially when so many 2LGBTQ+ people still face structural, systemic, and interpersonal barriers. Being a vocal ally is important, so don’t forget to stand with the community, not just in June, but year-round.
