Happy Pride Month, Okanagan!

All of June is dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ pride, including the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, 2-spirit, and queer culture and community to our society. It’s about acknowledging our shared history and our dedication to ongoing equality and awareness.

Here at Editors’ Picks OKANAGAN, we support all Okanagan residents and all Okanagan businesses, and that includes members of our queer community. So join us this June as we celebrate all the ways you are loved and seen exactly as you are.

Queer Zine Fair at The Laurel Packinghouse

On June 4th, stop by The Laurel Packinghouse for Kelowna’s third annual Queer Zine Fair, hosted by Kelowna Museums and the University of British Columbia Okanagan Library! For those unfamiliar with zines, they’re small, self-published, non-commercial booklets of any genre. The size and artistry behind them allow artists to promote plenty of diverse stories, giving an outlet that’s easy to produce but still full of exceptional writing.

Date: June 4th, 5PM – 8PM

2-Spirit, Trans & Non-Binary Storytelling Night at the Caetani Cultural Centre

Come together as a community to listen, learn, and grow from the experiences that are shared by 2-Spirit, Trans, and Non-Binary folks in the Okanagan. Expect raw beauty, deep laughter, strong feels, and moments that will linger with you long after the night ends. A beautiful addition to the event is a pop-up from Vernon Access Closet where folks can look at and try on gender-affirming garments!

Date: June 4th, 7PM – 9PM

Fruitcake Pride Official After Party at Red Bird Brewing

Enjoy an outdoor, high-energy live music celebration hosted by Rebellious Unicorns. This event brings together music, performance, and community for an evening that’s all about celebrating individuality, expression, and connection. Fruitcake is known for blending live music with an electric party atmosphere, so expect vibrancy, big and bold colours, and that infectious energy. It’s the perfect way to show up in full Pride spirit and dance the night away.

Date: June 6th, 7PM – 11PM

Walkin’ Rollin’ Pride Parade with South Okanagan Similkameen PRIDE

Meet on the front lawn of the SS Sicamous for a walk—or stroll—or ride—to celebrate the importance of Pride month! Bring your flags and rainbow colours because this walk culminates at the outdoor rink for a Penticton pride block party. With free roller skate rentals, music by DJ Miss Demeanor, performances by Keisha Dances, food trucks, community booths, and more, this is the type of celebration that fuels the community.

Date: June 8th, 1PM

Pride Tea Party at the Kelowna Downtown Library

This one is family-friendly! Enjoy a colourful celebration in honour of Pride full of crafts, games, tea and treats as the Kelowna Downtown Library celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. All ages welcome.

Date: June 20th, 2PM – 4PM

While this list is by no means exhaustive on all the amazing Pride events going on throughout the valley, they are our #TopPicks for ways to show up and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community throughout the Okanagan! 

When everyone is welcome and included, our entire valley thrives. So cheers to our queer community, now and always.

Xx,

Your Okanagan Curators