Celebrate loudly: Burnaby’s Pride season returns with a flag-raising ceremony and a free, family-friendly festival in Burnaby Civic Square, bringing together performers, community booths and accessible volunteer opportunities for locals and visitors who want to take part in 2SLGBTQIA+ celebration and support.

  • Flag moment: Pride flag raising at Burnaby City Hall on 20 July marks the official start and feels communal and symbolic.
  • Festival vibes: Burnaby Pride Festival on 25 July, 3–7pm, offers live music, drag, comedy and interactive booths in Civic Square , lively and welcoming.
  • Accessibility focus: Organisers invite ASL interpreters and live visual describers; volunteers with accessibility skills are especially valued.
  • Get involved: Local businesses can sponsor, host events or donate in-kind; volunteers bring the weekend to life.
  • Family-friendly: The festival is free and suitable for all ages, with programming for youth, seniors and families.

Why the flag-raising still matters

The Pride flag raising at Burnaby City Hall on 20 July is short and visually simple, but it’s a powerful way to kick off the season. It’s the sort of quiet ceremony that gives the whole city a moment to pause, recognise inclusion and signal support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For many people that first moment , seeing the flag fly , feels like a public welcome and the start of something celebratory.

City officials and community partners have kept the flag-raising as the anchor of Pride week because it’s both symbolic and accessible. According to event listings from Burnaby Pride and municipal schedules, the ceremony is a regular fixture and a gentle way for newcomers to dip a toe into Pride activities. If you want a low-key start, arrive early, bring a camera and soak up the communal vibe.

What to expect at the Burnaby Pride Festival

The main festival on 25 July runs 3–7pm in Burnaby Civic Square and is designed to be loud, colourful and open to everyone. Expect live music, drag performances, comedy sets and interactive experiences, plus community and vendor booths where you can meet local organisations and pick up information or merch.

Burnaby Pride’s website and the city’s events calendar both list the festival as free and family-friendly, so it’s an easy, budget-friendly way to spend an afternoon. Performers and vendors are still being announced, so follow Burnaby Pride on social media for the line-up. Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a sense of curiosity , the square fills with activity and it’s best explored on foot.

How to volunteer or support , practical tips

Burnaby Pride runs on community energy, so volunteering is the most direct way to participate. The organisers specifically welcome volunteers with accessibility expertise , ASL interpreters and live visual describers make a real difference for attendees. Local businesses can support through sponsorships, hosting events, or donating goods and services.

If you’re thinking of volunteering, sign up early and be clear about your availability and skills. For businesses, a simple first step is an email to the organisers to ask about sponsorship tiers or in-kind needs. The festival’s community booths also offer a straightforward way for organisations to engage with residents and promote services.

Accessibility, safety and family planning

Accessibility has been flagged as a priority for Burnaby Pride programming, which matters if you’re bringing children, older relatives or guests who need support. Look for ASL interpretation, quiet zones or sensory-friendly areas in the event listings as updates appear. The festival’s family-friendly label means activities will cater to a range of ages, but as with any busy event it helps to plan meeting points and check-in times.

Safety-wise, festivals in Civic Square usually have a visible security and first-aid presence; still, keep essential items on you and agree a rendezvous spot with your group. If anyone in your party needs extra assistance, contact organisers ahead of time , they’re used to working with volunteers and partners to make events welcoming.

What’s next and how to keep up

Dates are set for the two main events , the flag raising on 20 July and the festival on 25 July , but details like performer line-ups, vendor lists and specific accessibility provisions will be announced in the weeks leading up to Pride. Follow Burnaby Pride on social channels and check the city’s events pages for the latest updates.

Pride in Burnaby is about celebration, yes, but also about community-building and resilience. Whether you’re going for the performances, the booths or to show support, there’s something there to connect with. Mark your calendar, subscribe for updates, and consider how you might take part beyond showing up , volunteering, sponsoring or simply bringing a friend.

It's a small change that can make every Pride moment in Burnaby feel more connected.

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