We’ve curated a list of events that you’ll want to check out during the 2025 Halifax Pride Festival, from July 17 to 27…
Pride Month maybe over, but the celebrations continue across Canada. The 2025 Halifax Pride Festival is back for 11 days (July 17 to 27) and this year there are over 100 events across the Halifax Regional Municipality for people to enjoy. Many of the events are free, but some hosted at The Garrison Grounds are ticketed – but for a very affordable price.
Halifax is set to welcome names from Drag Race franchises like Two-Spirit Diva Jaylene Tyme (Canada’s Drag Race) and RuPaul‘s Drag Race All Stars 2 runner-up Detox. The pair will headline shows at The Garrison Grounds accompanied by local drag talent and DJs.
Unlike most Canadian Pride festivals, Halifax’s parade happens on opening weekend. Festival organizers say it “sets the stage” for the second week, which has a majority of the events.
The second week features a ton of fitness activities like workouts, a dodgeball tutorial, an aqua fitness class and more. There is also a sing-along, game night and cabaret event. The festival concludes with the highly-anticipated Dykes vs. Divas Ball Game.
With so much to do, we have handpicked a few events to check out. To see the full calendar, visit the Halifax Pride Festival website and be sure to check if registration or tickets are required.
melaNATION: A QTBIPOC Showcase
Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
The Garrison Grounds (entrance off of Sackville Street)
Admission: Starting at $12
Age: 19+ event, ID required
Canada’s Drag Race’s reigning Miss Congeniality, Jaylene Tyme, is headlining this event featuring burlesque, drag, music and a market. Originally a small community event, creator and local icon Elle Noir has turned into the largest QTBIPOC showcase in Halifax. Other performers gracing the stage include Akira Mayari, Cookie Cunninham, Helena Havok, Mya Foxx, Shampoo Extravaganza and more. Buy tickets here.
The Bump
Friday, July 18, 2025 from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
The Garrison Grounds (entrance off of Sackville Street)
Admission: Starting at $12
Age: 19+ event, ID required
It’s the city’s largest drag show serving high-energy all night with international and local drag talent. This year’s event is headlined by RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Detox, who is also doing a meet and greet at the event. Hosted by Diana B Tease, Mike Hunt and Hannibal Lickeder other drag performers include Asylum Jack, The Haus of Jeckyll (Heckella Jeckyll, Miranda Wrights, Eden Disorder), Matricide and more. Buy tickets here.
Halifax Pride Parade
Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
Cogswell Street Roundabout to Garrison Grounds
Admission: Free
Age: All
Atlantic Canada’s largest Pride Parade is back! Going through the heart of downtown Halifax, the parade will see over 120 entries (local and national queer organizations, business and community groups), 100 floats and 8,000 marchers. If you cannot make it to Halifax, you can stream the parade on CBC.
The Grind
Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
The Garrison Grounds (entrance off of Sackville Street)
Admission: $12
Age: 19+ event, ID required
Get ready to shake your groove thing because The Garrison Grounds is turning into a massive dance floor for one night only. This DJ event is hosted by former 99.9 Virgin Radio host Jax Irwin with genre-blurring, beat-dropping sensation MINOE headlining. The event promises fierce sounds, queer power, wild visuals and pure party vibes into the late night. Buy tickets here.
Pride March
Monday July 21, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Province House at 1726 Hollis Street
Admission: Free
Ages: All
Starting at Province House, this event brings the community together to share words of action and protest. Organizers ask participants to bring candles as the march heads to Peace & Friendship Park for a Candlelight Vigil.
Two-Spirit Teaching & Storytelling Circle
Tuesday July 22, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Garrison Grounds (entrance off of Sackville Street)
Admission: Free
Age: All
In collaboration with the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance, guests are invited to an intimate circle led by Elders, Knowledge Keepers or Two-Spirit leaders. Taking place in an on-site Teepee on The Garrison Grounds, those leading the circle will share teachings on roles, responsibilities and wellness focusing on cultural grounding and traditional knowledge.
Dodgeball Learn-to-Play
Tuesday July 22, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
John W. Lindsay YMCA at 5640 Sackville Street
Admission: Free
Age: All
Who says Pride is only about drag and dancing? Join Halifax Rainbow Dodgeball as they welcome newcomers and pros to play. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the rules and have some low stakes fun on the dodgeball court, then this is the event! Advance registration is required.
Dykes vs Divas Ball Game
Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Halifax Commons at 5816 Cogswell Street (Ball Diamond 7)
Admission: Free
Age: All
More sports…but with drag! This event has been closing out the Pride festivities for years. Come watch local drag stars and dykes in a head to head kickball battle and drag show at Halifax Commons. It’s sure to be a game to remember.
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