Mood Swing (July 31, 2025)
/
PROMOTIONAL POSTER FOR THE VANCOUVER TRANS MARCH ON AUGUST 1 DESIGNED BY @amesketches.
Pride weekend has finally hit Vancouver – and we’re back with a special Pride edition of Mood Swing! If you forgot to buy tickets to that hot Pride party that's now sold out, are allergic to rainbow capitalism or just realized it’s Pride weekend (thanks to your favourite newsletter), don’t panic! I’ve got you covered with a list of free and low-cost events with no tickets required.
Whether you want to march the streets, catch a drag show or dance the night away, read on to find the perfect match for your Pride vibe and don’t forget to subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get local events sent straight to your inbox every Thursday!
TRANS MARCH ☆ If you yearn for a Pride event that returns to its roots as a protest, join the Vancouver Trans March on Friday, August 1, down Commercial Drive. A group of grassroots volunteers organizes the annual march to kick off Pride weekend, celebrating the spectrum of gender diversity and drawing attention to the issues that continue to affect trans, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, intersex and BIPOC lives. Come early to help make signs at Trout Lake, join the march at 6 p.m. and enjoy the post-march celebration at Victoria Park, featuring live performances and a clothing swap.
FRIDAY AUGUST 1, 5PM - 9PM ☆ COMMERCIAL DR ☆ FREE!
BLACK BOX DANCE PARTY ☆ If you’re looking to get sweaty and sexy, check out the special Pride edition of Black Box at The Lido on Friday, August 1. With no cover charge or pre-purchased tickets required, you can whip this one out if your friends are struggling to find a place to party. I can’t promise you’ll find a hottie to MO on the DF, (makeout on the dance floor — duh), but I can promise great queer vibes and banging house, disco and garage tunes from Main Street Dance Authority.
FRIDAY AUGUST 1, 9PM - 2AM ☆ THE LIDO, 518 E BROADWAY ☆ FREE!
DYKE MARCH ☆ Because one march isn’t enough, hit the streets again on Saturday, August 2 for the annual Vancouver Dyke March, also on The Drive! The march starts from McSpadden Park at 12 p.m. sharp and travels down Commercial Drive to the festival grounds at Grandview Park, where you’ll find live performances, food trucks, and over 55 community organizations, local businesses and artisan vendors. The free mobile store Distro Disco will also be on site collecting donations – check their Instagram to see what’s needed!
SATURDAY AUGUST 2, 12PM - 5PM ☆ COMMERCIAL DR ☆ FREE!
PACHANGA AT GINA’S ☆ If you want to keep the queer vibes going after Saturday’s Dyke March, head over to Gina’s in Chinatown for a night of reggaeton, drinks and dancing. The newly opened Mexican restaurant is for queers, by queers and offers a mostly plant-based menu of Mexican-inspired dishes and cocktails. No need to pre-book tickets, just pay what you can at the door and come ready to hit the dance floor.
SATURDAY AUGUST 2, 7PM - 12AM ☆ GINA’S, 227 E PENDER ST ☆ PWYC
UNTOXICATED DRAG SHOW ☆ Whether you love to watch drag on your TV or at your local bar, this show is sure to have an artist you recognize. Hosted by Last Door Recovery, Untoxicated takes over David Lam Park on Sunday, August 3, for an evening of drag excellence in a supportive and sober environment. The stacked lineup is headlined by Drag Race royalty Naomi Smalls and Yvie Oddly and also features local legends like Kendall Gender, Jaylene Tyme and Alma Bitches.
SUNDAY AUGUST 3, 3PM - 8PM ☆ DAVID LAM PARK ☆ FREE!
