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Lingering controversy aside, Capital Pride will proceed as planned. The festival, held every August in Ottawa since 1986, celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and commemorates the first gay rights demonstration in Canada. Over 150 people marched on Parliament Hill the same month in 1971 to demand equal rights, a moment that continues to shape the city’s Pride celebrations.
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Running through August 25, Capital Pride will host cultural showcases, community gatherings, panel discussions, workshops, and its signature parade.
Here are some of the main events:
On Friday, it’s the inaugural Bumpah2Bumpah, a free party showcasing Black Queer DJs from Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal. The party starts at 8:30 p.m. on the Rogers Event Stage at Bank and Somerset.
Also Friday night, the TD main stage at Bank and Slater will host the festival kickoff show a free show at 7 p.m. with a lineup of Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ artists including Tafari Anthony, Ralph, Queen Priyanka, and Queerlesque in the Capital.
On Saturday morning, the Community Stage begins a weekend full of programming at Bank and Florence, concentrating on local performers.
Starting at noon, there’s the Capital Pride Street Festival, stretching 14 city blocks on Bank Street including local community groups, artisans, and businesses. There will be extended restaurant bar patios and food trucks to sample.
The Capital Pride Drag Show Extravaganza returns Saturday with a host of drag performers. Hosted by Karamilk and Devona Coe, you can see local drag stars along with special performances from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the TD Stage at Bank and Slater.
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Starting Saturday and continuing on Sunday, the Family Pride Zone at Dundonald Park will present two days of family-friendly events with live music, art tents, crafts, and other games.
At the Rogers Stage, you can learn how to line dance based on the history of LGBTQ+ country dancing, combining traditional steps with a range of music from honky-tonk to contemporary pop. It’s a beginner-friendly session.
On Saturday night is the big show, featuring Tegan and Sara on the TD stage at Bank and Slater, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday brings the Pride parade starting at 2 p.m. at Elgin and Laurier streets. The parade will go south of Elgin Street, west on Gladstone Avenue, and north on Kent Street.
A post-parade party will be held at the TD Stage from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In addition to its marquee events, Capital Pride has collated a long list of independent community events for people to check out.
A full list is available on the Capital Pride website
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