🗓️ June 3
đź“ŤNanaimo City Hall, Upper Parking Lot, 455 Wallace Street
⏰ 5 PM - 7 PM
(All Ages) Gather with us in community as we raise the Inclusive Pride and Trans flags high over Nanaimo. This annual tradition marks the official start of Pride Week with a short, meaningful ceremony that brings together local leaders, community members, and chosen family to celebrate resilience, visibility, and queer joy. You’ll hear a few short speeches, including words from local queer voices and allies, as well as performances to honour the moment.
This year, we’re growing the celebration into a full street fair — with community info booths, face painting, food and coffee trucks, and live music from DJ Trees. Drag Story Time will bring sparkle to the square, and there’s space to connect, wander, and kick off Pride Week with joy and visibility at the heart of our city.
What this event is:
This is a standing outdoor gathering held in the upper lot of Nanaimo City Hall. The ceremony starts at 5:30 PM and typically lasts 45–60 minutes, including a few short speeches and performances over a PA system, the raising of the Pride flag, and light mingling. It also features a street fair, with community info booths. The event is open to the public and intentionally welcoming for all ages and identities. Expect a low-pressure atmosphere with opportunities for connection, reflection, and community pride. Some attendees bring signs or flags, and many people come straight from work, so attire ranges from casual to colourful.
Accessibility:
Mobility: Outdoor venue with paved surfaces, no hills, gentle slope and cut curbs.
Seating: Limited accessibility seating only; attendees are welcome to bring personal seating if needed.
Restrooms: 1 accessible, gender-neutral portable washroom on site.
Parking and Transit: Accessible parking available nearby, but not directly at event, so drop-offs are welcome. The City staff lot at Franklyn and Robson will be available for use starting at 5 PM. You can also reference the City of Nanaimo’s Parking Map, or access limited, free street parking on Franklyn, Wallace Street, or Dunsmuir. Bus routes 1,5,6,30, and 20(A) will bring you close to the event.
Other Services: Food service available on site ($). There is no interpretation or captioning at this event. There is no sensory support space.
Safe Space Commitment: This event upholds Nanaimo Pride's Safe Space Directive, ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all attendees. Safe Space Crew will be onsite to provide support if needed.
Sensory Notes: Outdoor setting - no tents. Potential exposure to varying weather conditions. Moderate noise levels with amplified speaking and music. Small crowds.
General Accessibility & Inclusion Notes:
Questions? Requests? Reach us at
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Health & Safety: First Aid and Safe Space Crew volunteers present at major events.
COVID-19 Considerations: Hand sanitizing stations are available; mask-friendly environments are encouraged.
For links go to our event page:
https://www.nanaimopride.ca/event-details/nanaimo-pride-flag-raising
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