As the city prepares for a summer of celebration, The Alchemist and Vancouver Is Awesome are joining forces to introduce a new signature event to the Vancouver Pride landscape: the “Pride Is Awesome Party.”

Start your Pride weekend early with the ultimate after-work celebration! Taking place on Thursday, July 30, from 6 to 10 p.m., the event will be hosted at the historic Bayside Lounge, located in the heart of the West End at Davie and Denman. Designed to serve as the perfect warm-up to Vancouver Pride weekend, the party invites members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies to connect, celebrate, and enjoy an evening of music, food, and drinks before the city’s larger, late-night festivities begin.

“We want to bring people together to celebrate Pride, while also supporting the Vancouver Pride Society through a portion of the event proceeds,” says Gail Nugent, publisher of The Alchemist and founder of Vancouver Cocktail Week. “The event is designed to be a fun and full party experience right after work or the beach.”

Whether you are looking to dance, socialize, or just soak in the incredible sunset views over English Bay, this is the curated Pride party you won’t want to miss. Best of all, it is all in support of the Vancouver Pride Society.

Event Highlights:
● Atmosphere: Situated in the iconic Bayside Lounge, guests will enjoy sweeping views of English Bay from the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ district.
● Entertainment: The evening will feature a dynamic soundtrack by local DJs Leanne, Marcela and G-Luve, keeping the energy high with a mix of nostalgic anthems, house music, and current pop hits. ‘Madonna’ (a.k.a Tracey Bell) will make an appearance and perform live.
● Experiences: Attendees can look forward to a memory photo wall featuring local drag artist Ra, various complimentary food tasting stations, along with a selection of wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks, and exclusive Pride-themed swag upon arrival.
● Community Support: Every ticket gives a portion back to the Vancouver Pride Society.

The Pride Is Awesome Party aims to complement the city’s existing Pride event calendar, offering an accessible, early-evening option that recaptures the energy of Vancouver’s classic party scene in a modern, inclusive setting.

Pride is Awesome Party – Thursday, July 30, 2026  – 6PM – 10PM – Bayside Lounge, 1755 Davie Street @ Denman — English Bay, Vancouver – Tickets

A portion of al event proceeds will support the Vancouver Pride Society, continuing a long-standing commitment to the community. Lodestar Media’s culture division—which includes The Alchemist, The Growler, and VITIS—has deep roots in local Pride programming, having partnered with the Vancouver Pride Society on the official Pride Guide for over 15 years.

The Alchemist is a premium publication dedicated to cocktail culture and the industry behind it, produced by the culture division of Lodestar Media. Alongside event production and community-focused initiatives, the team is behind Vancouver Cocktail Week.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.