Organizers of the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival expect the number of people attending this year will eclipse last year’s record-breaking number.
Vancouver Pride Society president Ken Coolen is projecting that this year’s festival will draw 600,000 attendees, significantly more than last year’s record-breaking 530,000.
There are many events occurring in the days leading up to Sunday’s parade.
The popular Koodo’s Big Night Out — Davie Street Pride Party will kick off Pride Weekend Friday night. Set to run from 7 p.m. to midnight, on Davie Street between Burrard and Bute streets, the party will offer live music, DJs, drinks, dancing and a giant game of Twister.
Among the musical acts performing at the party are Sugarbeach and Destineak.
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, a pancake breakfast will be held on Davie Street in honour of one of Vancouver Pride’s founders, Terry Wallace.
Langara Golf Course will host the first annual Out on the Green Pride golf tournament, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
High noon Saturday will see the sixth annual Vancouver Dyke March and Festival, which takes place near Commercial Drive.
The parade will start at McSpadden Park and end at Grandview Park and will be followed by a music festival.
Sunday will see the parade and festival, which begins at Robson and Thurlow Streets at noon.
Prior to the event, a church service will be held at the Christ Church Cathedral on Burrard Street at 8 a.m.
After the Parade, the Pride Youth Dance will take place at the West End Community Centre from 8 p.m. to midnight, featuring DJ Jeremy. A donation of $5 is suggested.
