Catch a lively, all‑ages 2‑Spirit night in downtown Vancouver , drag, DJs, music and community resources come together at the Bill Reid Gallery on Saturday 8 August, a welcoming celebration that spotlights Indigenous 2‑Spirit culture and contemporary Northwest Coast art.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Saturday 8 August, 6–8pm at the Bill Reid Gallery, 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver.
  • Tickets and price: Online purchase required; $40 regular, $35 for gallery members and Indigenous Peoples.
  • What to expect: Drag performances, live music from DJ O Show, refreshments and a welcoming, all‑ages atmosphere.
  • Community resources: The Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) will share zines, educational material and staff to answer questions about 2‑Spirit identities.
  • Host gallery: The Bill Reid Gallery is Canada’s only public gallery dedicated to Indigenous Northwest Coast art, making this party also a chance to connect with local artwork and history.

Why this night matters: celebration meets cultural context

This event isn’t just a party , it’s a moment where performance and Indigenous identity meet in a public, museum‑space setting. The Bill Reid Gallery has long centred contemporary Northwest Coast art, and putting 2‑Spirit culture on the programme makes the relationship between art, gender and identity visible in a friendly, accessible way. Expect colour, warmth and a sense of community , and the odd fabulous costume.

Who’s performing and why they’re important

The line‑up mixes well‑known drag artists with Indigenous and Afro‑Indigenous talent. Ella Lamoureux and Ilona Verley bring mainstream visibility from shows like Call Me Mother and Canada’s Drag Race, while Jaylene Tyme, Theo Rhetical and Thanks Jem bring distinct Indigenous voices and styles. DJ O Show (Orene Askew) will provide the soundtrack; as an Afro‑Indigenous Squamish Nation artist and educator, she layers cultural pride into the music. It’s a programme designed to entertain and to uplift.

Practical details: tickets, accessibility and what to bring

Tickets must be bought online ahead of the night , that keeps lines short and helps the gallery manage capacity. Admission concessions are available for gallery members and Indigenous Peoples. The event is billed as all‑ages, so families can attend, though the performative energy will skew evening‑adult. The Bill Reid Gallery sits in downtown Vancouver near public transport; check the gallery website for accessibility info and any COVID or health updates before you go.

Learn, ask, connect: CBRC and resources at the event

Organisers have invited the Community‑Based Research Centre to be onsite with zines, resources and staff ready to talk about 2‑Spirit identities. That’s a welcome practical touch for visitors who want to learn more beyond the performances. If you’re curious, shy or want resources for a young person in your life, take a few minutes to speak to the CBRC representative , it’s what the night is for as much as the show.

A night that honours art and community

Putting drag and 2‑Spirit visibility inside the Bill Reid Gallery feels right: the building celebrates Indigenous creativity every day, and this event folds contemporary queer Indigenous culture into that ongoing story. Whether you go for the performances, the music, or the chance to learn, it’s an evening that promises to be joyful, inclusive and rooted in local art.

It's a small change that can make every celebration feel safer and more visible.

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