small town,
big energy.
There’s always something happening in Banff, from casual hangs to bigger events. Keep an eye on what’s coming up here!
featured event
Beers for queers
Join us at Banff Ave Brewery for our monthly social night, a relaxed, no-pressure space to grab a drink, meet new people, and reconnect with familiar faces in the Bow Valley.
Community
Events
Community events are the heart of Banff Pride. These are the spaces where people come together without needing a guest list, a big plan, or a big reason. They are open, welcoming, and built for connection, whether you are showing up with friends, family, roommates, or on your own.
Expect low-pressure events that feel warm, creative, and easy to step into. Some are hands-on, some are social, and some are simply a chance to be around your people in a space that feels good. These events are all ages and designed to make Pride feel accessible, familiar, and rooted in everyday community life.
18+ events
late night
These are the after-dark events built for adults who want a little more volume, a little more edge, and a lot more queer joy. Think drag, dancing, drinks, bad decisions in the fun way, and the kind of energy that keeps Banff Pride from being too polite for its own good.
Our 18+ events are where the night opens up. They range from social hangs to full-on parties, but they all share the same spirit: playful, unapologetic, and made for people who want to let loose in a space that feels queer, affirming, and alive. These events are for grown-ups only, and they are meant to feel a little wild in the best possible way.
pride
outdoors
Pride Outdoors brings the celebration outside and into the mountains. These events are for people who want to connect through movement, fresh air, and the kind of shared experience that only happens when everyone is a little dirtier, a little tired, and having a great time.
From climbing clinics to group adventures, these events blend outdoor recreation with community care and inclusion. They are designed to be welcoming, skill-building, and rooted in the reality of Banff: stunning landscapes, active people, and a strong sense that Pride belongs everywhere, not just indoors. Whether you are trying something new or building on existing experience, Pride Outdoors makes space for queer joy in the Rockies.
banff pride festival 2026
OCTOBER 2–12, 2026
Join us for 10 days of 2SLGBTQIA+ community, culture, and connection in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Stay tuned! Full programming and ticket details coming summer 2026.
Want to volunteer for one of our events?
Help us make the magic happen.
Want to be part of something joyful, welcoming, and collaborative?
Join our volunteer crew and help bring Banff Pride to life in the heart of the Rockies. From setting up events to helping guests feel at home, there’s a place for everyone here. Whether you can lend a few hours or a full weekend, your time and energy help make these events possible.
All events
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Queer Voyage
Drag, comedy, craft beer, and an evening on Lake Minnewanka.
Pride hits the water this June.
Climb aboard the Pursuit's Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise for a trip across emerald glacial water with the long evening light on the peaks. Local microbrews from Banff and Canmore at the bar. The Rockies in every direction.
You'll learn a thing or two from Pursuit's interpretive guides. You'll laugh hard. You'll meet people who get it.
Your ticket supports Banff Pride.
Lake Minnewanka, Friday June 12, 5:00pm - 6:30pm. Check-in by 4:45pm.
18+ Two-guest minimum per booking Weather dependent
Getting there:
Lake Minnewanka is a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Banff along Minnewanka Loop Drive. The ROAM bus runs from town for free, so consider leaving the car behind. The lot fills fast in summer.
If you're driving, give yourself two hours before the cruise to find parking and walk the shore. If you're taking the bus, board at least an hour before your cruise time. Check ROAM's schedule before you head out.
The Outdoors for All.
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Craft Nights at Altitude: Cut, layer, hang
Turn reclaimed fabrics into a landscape collage you'll actually want on your wall. All materials provided. Registration required.
After Hours
After Hours is Banff Pride’s late-night playground, an ongoing series of high-energy, unapologetically queer parties built for the night owls, and dance-floor devotees. Electric queer chaos in spaces that feel just a little forbidden.
Outdoor Rock Systems
A full-day 2SLGBTQIA+ outdoor climbing clinic in Banff focused on rope management, anchor building, and anchor cleaning. Designed for adults ready to build technical climbing skills in a supportive community setting.
Movement on Rock
A full-day 2SLGBTQIA+ outdoor climbing clinic in Banff for adults who have climbed indoors and want to try real rock. Learn top-rope movement techniques including edging, smearing, stemming, laybacking, and more.
Craft Nights at Altitude: The un-serious movement class
A beginner-friendly night of hula hooping, circus props, and permission to be bad at something new. All supplies provided. Registration required.
After Hours
After Hours is Banff Pride’s late-night playground, an ongoing series of high-energy, unapologetically queer parties built for the night owls, and dance-floor devotees. Electric queer chaos in spaces that feel just a little forbidden.
After Hours
After Hours is Banff Pride’s late-night playground, an ongoing series of high-energy, unapologetically queer parties built for the night owls, and dance-floor devotees. Electric queer chaos in spaces that feel just a little forbidden.
Drag Bingo
The balls are dropping. Drag Bingo is back.
Banff Pride is at High Rollers on Thursday, May 21 for an evening of drag-hosted bingo, live performance moments, and local prizes. Your hosts for the night, Nada Nuff and Visa DeKlein are serving looks, reading numbers, and probably reading you too. Find a seat. Get your dabbers ready.
18+. Bingo cards included with your reservation. Seating is limited, so reserve yours in advance.
Date: Thursday, May 21
Time: 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: High Rollers Banff
Tickets: Reserve in advance.
Craft Nights at Altitude: Dirt under your fingernails
Start your own herb garden from seed in a room full of queer folks, allies, and curious first-timers. All supplies provided. Registration required.
After Hours
Friday, May 8. Banff Ave Brewing Co. Tap Room. 9pm-12am.
DJ Karla Marx. Good music. No bullshit.
Queer nights in the mountains hit different. You belong here.
18+. $5 online, $10 at the door.
All welcome.
Minibus to Queer Youth Prom in Calgary
Our annual Queer Youth Prom is a free, registration-only night of music, dancing, and genuine belonging created for 2SLGBTQIA+ and ally youth 17 and under who deserve a prom that actually feels like theirs.
Welcome To Wellness
Bison Courtyard will host the free-to-attend annual Welcome To Wellness event on Thursday, May 7th, and we’d love for you to be part of the fun! Join us from 11am – 2pm for a day filled with free Food & Drink, Live Music, Giveaways, and info on wellness in your Banff community.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Speed Friending
New to the Bow Valley? Been here for years but your friend group could use a refresh? Speed Friending is your low-pressure, high-vibe evening of quick conversations, quirky icebreakers, and real connections at Good Earth Coffeehouse. Think speed dating, but for friendship.
Bunnies & Brunch
Hop into Banff’s most playful spring celebration. Bunnies & Brunch is Banff Pride’s Easter drag brunch packed with pastel fantasy, big performances, and brunch-time mischief.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Donuts & Conversations
A donuts & conversation gathering about staying connected to each other when the world feels overwhelming. By frankie d's donuts and in collaboration with community helpers banff, ywca banff, banff pride and settlement services.
Thursday, march 26th
5:30pm arrival, 6pm start - 8pm finish
191 sundance rd, banff (Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi, the pavilion building at sundance park)
free community event, all welcome
If the state of the world has you feeling anxious and unsure what to do, you're not alone. this free community gathering is a space to slow down together.
We'll talk about how to stay informed and care for ourselves so we don't burn out. well hear brief lived-experience reflections from community members navigating anti-immigration sentiment, anti-trans harm, and global conflict, and discuss ways we can support people in our local community.
this is not a therapy session. there is no expectation to share personal details. you are welcome to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable to you; listening, and engaging in conversation as much or as little as you choose.
This is not a political forum or space for debating policy or arguing perspectives. Harm, discrimination, or dismissal of lived experiences will not be tolerated.
important details (please read)
this free community gathering is for anyone who has been feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world. if the constant news cycle has left you feeling anxious, irritable, or unsure what to do. you belong here.
there is no expectation to share personal details. you’re welcome to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable. listening, reflecting quietly, or engaging in conversation as much, or as little, as you choose.
IMPORTANT:
this is not therapy.
it is not a political forum.
it is not about debating policy or arguing perspectives.
discrimination or dismissal of lived experiences will not be tolerated.
this gathering is about acknowledging how rising hate, violence, instability, and dehumanization are impacting real people in our community. it’s a structured, facilitated space to feel less alone, and explore ways to support people in our local community.
plan for the evening
we will begin by naming what feels heavy and how it’s showing up in our bodies, relationships, and daily lives.
we’ll hear brief lived-experience reflections from community members navigating racism, anti immigration sentiment, anti-trans harm, and global conflict... focused on what they are carrying and what is helping them stay steady.
we’ll explore how to stay informed without drowning, how to regulate when everything feels overstimulating and how to support ourselves better so we don’t burn out and have compassion fatigue.
we’ll talk about what is within reach, meaningful ways to support each other and stay connected locally.
what to bring
yourself, notepad and pen if you'd like to take notes. anything that helps you feel grounded or comforted. blankets, pillows are welcome.
parking
free in the parking lot.
venue accessibility
the venue is wheelchair accessible
bathrooms
venue bathrooms are stalls and universal.
seating options: chairs will be available for all participants. you’re welcome to sit, stand, move around, or step outside as needed. if you prefer a specific seating arrangement, please speak with a volunteer or reach out in advance.
scents: this event is not officially scent-free but we kindly ask participants to avoid strong perfumes or scented products.
lighting: there will be no flashing lights or sudden visual effects. a powerpoint will be displayed on a projector at the front of the room for the presentation. you’re welcome to sit closer if needed for visibility.
acoustics: a microphone will be used to support clear and comfortable hearing.
language & communication: the event will be facilitated in english. If you need any interpretation or other communication assistance, please email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com.
food & allergens: frankie d’s donuts will be provided. donuts are made in a shared kitchen where nuts are present and may contain trace allergens. some gluten free and vegan donuts will be available and sourced from external suppliers. if you have allergies, please inquire before consuming.
safety, support & care: a support person from Community Helpers Banff will be present. you’re encouraged to take care of yourself throughout the evening, including stepping out or leaving early if needed. local support resources will be shared. this event is not therapy or a replacement for professional advice.
contact & feedback: for questions or accommodations, email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com (at least 48 hours before the event).
feedback forms will be available at the event
Pride Night Ski
Pride Night Ski returns to Banff for an unforgettable evening of skiing, snowboarding, music, and mountain magic at Mt. Norquay. Inclusive. Electric. Under the lights.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Big Gay Burlesque
Big Gay Burlesque lands in Banff for one unforgettable night of tease, glamour, and unapologetically queer performance. 18+ | Saturday, February 28 | Rose & Crown.