The Elk Valley Pride Festival returns to Fernie from September 17–21, 2025, bringing five days of rainbow celebration in the mountains.

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. Each year, the Festival welcomes 2SLGBTQ+ folks, families, friends, and allies from across the Elk Valley and beyond to gather in celebration of diversity, connection, and community.

The 2025 Festival schedule includes a vibrant mix of events: the Pride Ride bike parade, flag raising at City Hall, Spectrum Queer Arts Day, Rainbow Reads, drag storytime, youth workshops, live music, outdoor activities, and evening performances. From hiking and biking to drag brunches and comedy shows, the Festival offers opportunities for all ages to celebrate and participate.

Festival Schedule 2025:

Wednesday, Sept 17

• Pride Ride Decorating Pick-Up | The Arts Station

• History with a Drag Queen – Villain Edition | The Arts Station (19+)

Thursday, Sept 18

• Lunch & Learn DEI with Karla Marx | Senior’s Centre

• Flag Raising & Opening Remarks | City Hall

• Bike Parade & Rainbow Connections Pride Picnic | City Hall / Main Street

• Spirits & Songs with Abby Young | Fernie Distillers

Friday, Sept 19

• Drag Story Time & Craft Time | Senior’s Centre

• Youth Makeup Tutorial | Senior’s Centre

• All Bodies Swim | Fernie Aquatic Centre

• Cheers Queers Social | Fernie Brewing Co.

• Rainbow Reads with Joshua Whitehead | Fernie Heritage Library

• History Project Launch | Bramasole

Saturday, Sept 20

• Pride Stride Fairy Creek Hike | Meet at Freshies

• Biggies Roller Jam, Spectrum Queer Arts Day, and Wheelie Out Skate Jam | City Hall

• Ella’s Naughty Bingo | Senior’s Centre (19+)

Sunday, Sept 21

• Sunday Sip Drag Brunch | Senior’s Centre (19+)

• Comedy Misfits Stand Up Tour | The Pub Bar & Grill

The Elk Valley Pride Festival continues to grow as one of the most affirming and inclusive celebrations in the Kootenays. Full details, ticket links, and travel guides are available at FerniePride.ca