A dandelion forcing its way through a crack in the pavement, blossoming against all odds, in a world that desires to crush it down.
To Taylor Sanford, Calgary Pride’s sponsorship and fund development manager, that is the metaphorical vision behind Calgary Pride’s 2025 theme, “Bursting into Bloom.”
While Calgary Pride has tried to account for the worst of the city’s weather by holding the parade at the end of summer, you can never really know what’s going to happen at an outdoor event in Calgary.
“Bring a sun hat. Bring a water bottle, some sunscreen,” says Sanford. An emergency poncho and an umbrella will also go a long way, just in case the weather decides to go the opposite direction.
Before Pride, be sure to plan what kind of experience you want.
August 31, the day of the parade, is an all-ages event where the whole family can come along and enjoy the spectacle and the festival that follows.
If you want your pride to be a little spicier, then August 30 is the day you’ll want to show up. This early celebration is adults-only, when drag performers take over the festival grounds, and market vendors sell their most salacious goods.
No matter how you Pride, there’s something to make you feel seen.
Calgary Pride takes place on August 30 and 31 at Prince’s Island Park. The parade marches down 9th Avenue on the 31. For more information, check out calgarypride.ca.
