Elk Valley Pride Festival – Sept 22nd 2024
The Elk Valley Pride Festival returns to Fernie from September 17–21, 2025, and organizers promise a five-day rainbow celebration in the mountains unlike any other. Hosted by the Fernie Pride Society, the Festival acknowledges with gratitude that it takes place on the unceded ancestral territory of the ?aqam and Ktunaxa Nation.
For those who have never attended Pride before, this festival offers the perfect opportunity to experience one of the most affirming, joyful, and inclusive community events of the year. Pride began as protest and resistance, with the first march held in 1970 one year after the Stonewall riots. Over time, it has grown into a worldwide celebration of love, identity, and courage. Every rainbow flag, every parade float, every laugh and cheer carries that legacy forward.
For many, attending Pride is about finally stepping into a space where being 2SLGBTQ+ is not just accepted but celebrated. It is a chance to let go of caution, hold a partner’s hand without fear, and be surrounded by people who understand what it means to feel different. Allies are also warmly welcomed—showing up at Pride is a way of saying “I see you, I support you, and I’m here to celebrate with you.”
Small-town prides like Fernie’s bring together a mix of locals, allies, families, youth, and visitors from far and wide. The result is a beautifully diverse and uplifting atmosphere where everyone belongs.
Pride Prom – Sept 20th 2024
This year’s festival highlights include:
Wednesday, Sept 17 – Pride Ride supply pick-up at The Arts Station, History with a Drag Queen – Villain Edition
Thursday, Sept 18 – Lunch & Learn DEI workshop, Flag Raising & Opening Remarks at City Hall, Pride Bike Parade, Rainbow Connections Picnic, Spirits & Songs concert at Fernie Distillers
Friday, Sept 19 – Drag Story Time, Youth Makeup Tutorial, All Bodies Swim, Cheers Queers Social at Fernie Brewing Co., Rainbow Reads with Joshua Whitehead, History Project Launch at Bramasole
Saturday, Sept 20 – Pride Stride Hike, Biggies Roller Jam, Spectrum Queer Arts Day in the Park, Wheelie Out Skate Jam, Ella’s Naughty Bingo
Sunday, Sept 21 – Sunday Sip Drag Brunch, Comedy Misfits Stand Up Tour
Festival organizers encourage newcomers to wear comfortable clothes, stay hydrated, and check the schedule early—drag shows and drag brunches sell out quickly. Bringing a friend can help ease nerves, but attending alone is just as valid. Pride is about showing up as your authentic self, wherever you are in your journey.
The Elk Valley Pride Festival has become one of the most affirming events in the Kootenays, where allies and 2SLGBTQ+ folks alike gather to celebrate community and diversity. Whether this is someone’s first Pride or their fifteenth, the Festival offers connection, joy, and the reminder that everyone deserves to belong.
For the full schedule and tickets: click here.
Photos: Fernie Pride
