As final preparations for Calgary Pride’s 27th anniversary are underway, organizers are excited to host the largest Calgary Pride Festival in its history. The annual Calgary Pride Parade will also change to a new route along 6th Ave in downtown Calgary. The route runs West from 3 St SE to 6 St SW, then North along 6 St SW to 3 Ave SW. This new route will allow spectators and participants to flow directly into the Pride in the Park event at Prince’s Island Park.

"We are very excited to celebrate our 27th annual Calgary Pride Festival with a transition to Prince's Island Park, Calgary's premier outdoor venue" says Jason Kingsley, President and Executive Producer of Calgary Pride. "This is our largest festival yet; we have 175 confirmed parade entries, which is up from 150 last year, over 40 events, and a brand new parade route. Everything is changing and it is all positive growth!"

Calgary Pride is also pleased to announce the appointment of Laurissa Chapple to Executive Director of Calgary Pride, effective June 26th, 2017. Laurissa identifies with the pronouns, "they, them and their". Laurissa has an impressive background in business development and administration with more than 20 years’ experience in non-profit, retail and financial sectors, including Director of Communications and Festival Operations with the Victoria Pride Society. In addition to their significant qualifications, Laurissa is a passionate advocate for building community relationships, and looks forward to diversifying partnerships within the community.

Organizers are thrilled to be hosting a mix of incredible events celebrating Calgary’s diversity, inclusion, and equality. From the Hyatt’s Pride Patio Party on August 24th, the first Pride Night with the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium on August 26th, two fascinating history walks with local GSD historian Kevin Allen on August 31st and September 2nd, to Calgary Pride’s signature Parade and Pride in the Park events – this year’s events are set to create an incredibly unique experience for spectators and attendees.

The 2017 Calgary Pride Festival, presented by ATB Financial, will be held from August 25th to September 4th, 2017. The Calgary Pride Parade and Pride in the Park events will take place on Sunday, September 3rd, with the parade beginning at noon, and immediately followed by live entertainment, community marketplace, family zone, children’s activities, food trucks, and beer gardens on Prince’s Island Park.

For detailed events listing of 2017 Calgary Pride, visit calgarypride.ca/events.