It’s that time of the year again – Capital Pride is here! At the National Arts Centre, we celebrate the excellence of the queer community on our stages and in our public spaces throughout the year. We welcome 2SLGBTQ+ artists, audiences and their allies to a Capital Pride week filled with love, respect, and celebration.
Join us at the NAC for a week that celebrates acceptance and the incredible talents of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Happy Capital Pride, everyone!
The Festival kicks off with The Capital Pride Pageant on Saturday, August 19th. Festival Weekend takes place Friday, August 25th to Sunday, August 27th and closes with the Pride Parade on Sunday, August 27th. Full event schedule available at capitalpride.ca
Pride Pageant
August 19, 8 pm | Southam Hall, National Arts Centre
Capital Pride crowns the new reigning monarchs of the year in this dazzling pageant of local talent. Prepare to be entertained and amazed as performers take the stage and showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. It’s a night of celebration you won’t want to miss!
Pride Flag Raising
August 21, 10 am | Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W
The week kicks off with the Pride Flag Raising ceremony at Ottawa City Hall. Join us as we raise the rainbow flag and embrace the spirit of unity and inclusivity. It's a moment of pride, and we can't wait to share it with you!
Aviva Chernick
August 22-23, 7:30 pm | FREE! Wood Terrace, National Arts Centre
Aviva Chernick, a mesmerizing performer with a powerful voice, will grace our stage during Capital Pride. Get ready to be moved by her incredible talent and soulful music that touches the heart.
ElderQueers storytelling workshop with Mary Ellen MacLean
August 21-25, 1-4 pm (registration required) | National Arts Centre
Explore the art of creating and performing captivating stage stories in this weeklong workshop. Whether you're new to storytelling or an experienced writer, all are welcome to share their serious, comedic, or blended tales. Join us for a fun and supportive experience, connecting with others and celebrating the power of storytelling.
We have an NAC float in this year’s Pride Parade!
August 27, 1-3:30 pm | Elgin Street and Laurier
Join us on Sunday, August 27 for the annual Pride Parade, where you’ll spot our fabulous NAC float making its way through the streets. Wave, dance, and celebrate with us as we march proudly in support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Genetikos II on the Kipnes Lantern
During Capital Pride week at the National Arts Centre, we are delighted to showcase the awe-inspiring artwork by two-spirit artist Richard Heikkilä-Sawan. Running on the Kipnes Lantern for the duration of the Capital Pride, Genetikos II speaks to the essence of identity, diversity, and self-expression within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, invites us to explore the intricacies of our own identities, and celebrates the unique tapestry of the queer experience.
