Canada’s capital Ottawa held its first Pride event in 1986. What started as a modest one-day gathering has turned into a full week of LGBT Pride celebration, culminating in a festival and parade, and drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
Ottawa’s Capital Pride 2017 will run from August 21-27.
Events leading up to Ottawa Pride Week
A number of get-togethers, parties, and events take place during the week leading up to Capital Pride’s main weekend. These include:
- August 21: Rainbow Flag at Ottawa City Hall from noon to 2 pm, with an official proclamation from the mayor followed by a barbecue.
- August 22: Mr./ Mrs./Mx Capital Pride Pageant, held at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent St. 8-10 pm Tickets $ 15.
- August 23: Family Picnic in the Park, held at Hintonburg Park, 1064 Wellington St W. Family event with games, face painting and a barbecue
- Aug 25: Pride Social, Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St. Tickets $ 20, features music, appetizers, a cash bar, and dancing in the rotunda and outdoor plaza.
- August 26: Capital Pride Rainbow Party, 11 pm to 2 am at Barrymore’s, 323 Bank St. Ticket event
Ottawa Capital Pride Parade
On Sunday August 27, the Capital Pride parade returns to Bank Street from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. This is followed by the Ottawa Pride Festival Community Fair on Bank and Somerset streets, where visitors can see performers throughout the day. The fair also features dozens of booths from local vendors and organizations.
Ottawa LGBT Resources
In addition, bars and clubs, as well as LGBT restaurants, hotels and shops, have special events and parties during Pride weekend.
Check out the Daily Xtra, which has local and national LGBT news for more information on the scene here. Also take a look at the excellent LGBT site produced by the city’s official tourism organization, Ottawa Tourism.
