Ottawa’s Capital Pride 2025 brings drag shows, parties, art events and more to Canada’s capital from August 16 to 24…
The nation’s capital is getting ready to welcome 2SLGBTQI+ people from across the country August 16 to 24 for its annual Pride. Now don’t write off this Pride festival just because Ottawa is always teased as “the town that fun forgot.” The Capital Pride schedule is packed and ready to prove Ottawa is fun, adventurous and a bit kinky.
Capital Pride has a wide array of events catering to the various 2SLGBTQI+ subcultures. There are events to keep you active, release your inner artist and where the dress code is leather and chains.
It also will feature plenty of drag events with an extravaganza for drag kings, a drag pageant and shows featuring members of the House of Couture (Icesis, Kimmy and Makayla), along with other Canada’s Drag Race queens. Of course there will be brunch! A Pride festival isn’t complete without one…or two!
We’ve curated some events below to help you celebrate love and diversity on Parliament Hill.
Pride Night Market
Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Parkdale Market at 366 Parkdale Avenue
Admission: Free
Age: All
Bring a reusable tote bag because you’re probably not going to leave empty handed. The 4th annual Pride Night Market is back. The outdoor event welcomes over 60 2SLGBTQI+ vendors and will feature a roller skate night courtesy of Rideau Rollers. Plus local queer and trans artists will be performing. That’s a lot to pack in for just four hours!
Pride Hike
Sunday, August 17 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
T’s Pub at 323 Somerset Street West (for pick-up and drop-off)
Admission: $15
Age: 18+
Out at Camp is once again hosting a Pride Hike, which takes the 2SLGBTQI+ community and its allies through the natural beauty of the capital’s surroundings. The scenic 8.75km adventure takes you to Gatineau Park where hikers will start at Lac Philippe stopping at various lookouts including one at Lusk Lake. After the trek, attendees will enjoy a picnic with sandwiches from La Bottega and have the opportunity to swim at Plage Parent. After drop-off, you’re more than welcome to join Out at Camp at T’s Pub for a drink. Get your tickets here.
Drag Brunch
Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Broadhead Brewing Company at 1680 Vimont Cour
Admission: Starting at $23.00
Age: 19+
If hiking is not your thing, then head over to Broadhead Brewing Company for splits, death drops, eggs and bacon. The event will feature Canada’s Drag Race season four contestant Aimee Yonce Shennel along with Saltina Shaker, Sunshine Glitterchild and Dulce. Grab your tickets here.
Halo-Halo: An Asian Drag Fiesta
Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saboroso Bistro at 782 Eagleson Road
Admission: Starting at $17.00
Age: All
Named after a Filipino dessert (meaning mix-mix) this event celebrates the diversity of the queer Asian community. Come watch performances by Hong Dong, Babeblade, Aishwarya Coe and more. You’ll also get to taste some Filipino cuisine including Sisig, Inasal, Lumpiang Shanghai and of course Halo-Halo. Grab your tickets here.
Capital Pride Pageant
Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
National Arts Centre Southam Hall at 1 Elgin Street
Admission: $48.00
Age: All
Watch local drag artists compete as they vie for the titles of Mr., Mx. and Ms. Capital Pride 2025. The event is hosted by Cyril Cinder and judged by Canada’s Drag Race season four contestant Kiki Coe, Hercusleaze and Miss Patience Plush aka Capital Pride’s 2025 Grand Marshall. Get your tickets here.
Crowned in Colour: A Night of Kings
Friday, August 22, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Cafe Nostalgica at 601 Cumberland Avenue
Admission: Starting at $17.00
Age: 19+
This night is for the drag kings. The event brings kings who competed in the Mr. Luscious King Drag competition for what is promised to be a night of “jaw-dropping” performances with dazzling costumes. The event starts with a social, followed by the show at 8:30 p.m. Kings in attendance include BJ Stroker, Ego Stroker, Hong Dong and more. Get your tickets here.
Cuffed: Leather, Lace & Chains
Friday, August 22, 2025 from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Avant-Garde Bar at 135 Besser Street
Admission: Starting at $17.00
Age: 18+
This “lesbo-sapphic QTBIPOC” party is described as being rooted in pleasure. Come dressed in leather, lace and/or chains for a night of dancing, flirting and turning heads with those sickening looks. You can even compete in a best dressed competition. DJ TriniDaddy, DJ Maz and DJ Celestial Bean will be spinning and their will be a performance by Miss Patience Plush. Organizers say the event is open to lesbians, sapphics, femmes, studs, theys, thems, and the full 2SLGBTQI+ community. Get your tickets here.
Drag & Balls
Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Riverain Park at 400 North River Road
Admission: Free
Age: All ages, but the Beer Garden is 19+
For the record, the balls being referred to in this event name are softballs – the sports kind! This charity event for Bruce House, which provides support for people and their families impacted by HIV, is disco themed. Not only will you witness a few home runs, but you’ll be dancing to beats by DJ POWR Haus and enjoying a BBQ and beer garden.
Street Festival
Saturday, August 23 to Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Banks Street from Slater Street to Gladstone Avenue
Admission: Free
Age: All
Organizers are calling this year’s street fair bigger than ever. Taking over 14 city blocks, stop by to check out local community groups, artisans and small businesses. Restaurants and bars will also have extended patios for the weekend.
Drag Extravaganza
Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
TD Main Stage at Banks Street and Slater Street
Admission: Free
Age: All
Join Canada’s Drag Race contestants Makayla Couture, Aurora Matrix, Jaylene Tyme and Perla as they perform for the Pride attendees. The event is hosted by Karamilk and Devona Coe.
Capital Pride Parade
Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue
Admission: Free
Age: All
With over 200 groups and 10,000 marchers the annual parade will return to the streets of Ottawa. Starting at Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue the parade goes through the city ending at Kent Street and Albert Street. So start picking out that colourful outfit and get ready for a day of live music, drag and DJs.
Post-Parade Drag-A-Palooza
Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
TD Main Stage at Banks Street and Slater Street
Admission: Free
Age: All
Say goodbye to another Pride festival. This post-parade event starts with a series of drag performances by Canada’s Drag Race winner and local Ottawa native Icesis Couture along with Aimee Yonce Shennel, Kiki Coe and Kimmy Couture. End the night dancing to the beats of DJ BLK PRL.
For more information about Capital Pride visit its website.
Hartu Ki / 11 August 2025
In 2024, the Pride Parade was mostly a Hamas Palestinian parade, and the clueless LGBT people seemed oblivious to it.
I have no interest in any Hamas Palestinian LGBT parade.