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The 9th annual Banff Pride Festival program is LIVE, serving an extraordinary lineup of live performance, music, all ages programming, and a healthy dose of OUTdoor adventure.
From September 30th to October 10th, Banff National Park will be home to 11 consecutive days of events and activities. The event line up is topped off with four Drag Superstars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Canada’s Drag Race starring Plastique Tiara. Join in the festivities as locals and visitors alike celebrate diversity in Canada’s iconic mountain town. The 2022 program marks the largest and most robust Pride event in Banff to date!
“The rainbows you see in the storefronts and around town, plus the dynamic calendar of events during Pride Week, demonstrate Banff’s goal to welcome folks of all backgrounds and identities from around the world. It also embodies our sincere year-round efforts to make this special place one of acceptance, unity, and hope for those who are visiting and for those who call Banff home," said Corrie DiManno, Mayor of Banff. Dimano was a founding member of Banff Pride whose legacy has set the stage for another incredible year of celebration in Banff National Park.
Events kick off on Sept 30th with a Banff Pride Hoe Down with Calgary’s Rhinestone Cowboy Robert Adam, Amy Hef and Edmonton’s D’orjay The Singing Shaman at Warner Stables. The following day, Hot Mess brings their iconic energy to the Rockies to keep the party vibes high. The Banff Pride flag will be raised on October 3, after a night of sock hopping tunes supplied by Calgary’s The Corey Hotline Band on October 2nd.
Credit: LAO'D Productions / Banff Pride
“Country music and pride events go hand in hand because a lot of people in Alberta came from rural backgrounds and as much as their backgrounds maybe didn’t make them feel welcome there is an instinctual bond about that genre of music. It reminds people of home, or takes people to a space maybe they haven’t known but enjoy. My job is to hold true to country storytelling while at the same time create a space that includes all folk. I’m a strong advocate for rural spaces also being for everyone because heck a lot of us were born and raised into those spaces. We have just as much ties and feelings for the quiet countryside as anyone else, and I’ll sing about that for a VERY long time!” said Robert Adam.
Hold on to your lashes because WERK is bringing LEGENDARY Queens including Stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race and TikTok sensation Plastique Tiara and Canada's Drag Race Stars Kendall Gender, Stephanie Prince, and Synthia Kiss. Venues include the legendary Melissa’s MisSteak, and iconic Fairmont Banff Springs.
Tickets for these showstoppers are live on BanffPride.ca. In between the live music and performance, ongoing programming will be hosted at the Pride Market featuring LGBTQ
artisans and crafters. For those looking for interactive experiences, Drag Bingo is back at High Rollers, and award winning, legendary Vancouver comedic duo “The Ryan and Amy Show” take the stage at Mel’s on October 6th. Officially the highest elevation drag show in Canada, Mountain Top Drag is taking bereal worthy performances to new heights. Anthony Johnson and Dr. James Makokis, the first Two-Spirit team to compete on the Amazing Race Canada will be speaking live in Banff for an engaging conversation not to be missed.
To make the most of your festival experience, book your Banff Pride hotel experience via BanffPride.ca or set up a consultation to have your Pride getaway customized and planned for you. There are incredible deals available for attendees, located in the heart of the action and nightlife. Guests are encouraged to literally Taste the Rainbow in Banff this year, as local restaurants offer Pride themed cocktails and desserts. A portion of each drink and dessert sale are donated to a local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations.
The Banff Pride Festival has been made possible [in part] by the Government of Canada and other generous partners including Travel Alberta, ATB Financial, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Banff Canmore Community Foundation, Banff Hospitality Collective, Fairmont Banff Springs and Freddie.
Banff Pride has been celebrated since 2014. In 2021 it was incorporated as a non-profit Society. Its members are made up of residents of Banff National Park. The Board is made up of a diverse group of volunteers from Banff and Lake Louise. Beyond the the Banff Pride Festival each fall, year round programming includes Inclusivity Training for local businesses, pop-up Beers for Queers events, OUTdoor events including hikes, rock climbing and curling! The Banff Pride Society strives to create opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of the LGBTQ2S+ community in Banff National Park. For more information and to book your tickets, visit www.banffpride.ca
Book your Banff Pride adventure today. Click here to set up a consultation or to book today.
departuresXdean - an independent agent with Personal Travel Mgmt. (BC Reg. 2806) proud members of the IGLTA and the Ensemble Travel Group.
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