small town,
big energy.
There’s always something happening in Banff, from casual hangs to bigger events. Keep an eye on what’s coming up here!
Community
Events
Community events are the heart of Banff Pride. These are the spaces where people come together without needing a guest list, a big plan, or a big reason. They are open, welcoming, and built for connection, whether you are showing up with friends, family, roommates, or on your own.
Expect low-pressure events that feel warm, creative, and easy to step into. Some are hands-on, some are social, and some are simply a chance to be around your people in a space that feels good. These events are all ages and designed to make Pride feel accessible, familiar, and rooted in everyday community life.
18+ events
late night
These are the after-dark events built for adults who want a little more volume, a little more edge, and a lot more queer joy. Think drag, dancing, drinks, bad decisions in the fun way, and the kind of energy that keeps Banff Pride from being too polite for its own good.
Our 18+ events are where the night opens up. They range from social hangs to full-on parties, but they all share the same spirit: playful, unapologetic, and made for people who want to let loose in a space that feels queer, affirming, and alive. These events are for grown-ups only, and they are meant to feel a little wild in the best possible way.
pride
outdoors
Pride Outdoors brings the celebration outside and into the mountains. These events are for people who want to connect through movement, fresh air, and the kind of shared experience that only happens when everyone is a little dirtier, a little tired, and having a great time.
From climbing clinics to group adventures, these events blend outdoor recreation with community care and inclusion. They are designed to be welcoming, skill-building, and rooted in the reality of Banff: stunning landscapes, active people, and a strong sense that Pride belongs everywhere, not just indoors. Whether you are trying something new or building on existing experience, Pride Outdoors makes space for queer joy in the Rockies.
banff pride festival 2027
OCTOBER 1 – 11, 2027
Join us for 10 days of 2SLGBTQIA+ community, culture, and connection in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Stay tuned! Full programming and ticket details coming summer 2027.
Want to volunteer for one of our events?
Help us make the magic happen.
Want to be part of something joyful, welcoming, and collaborative?
Join our volunteer crew and help bring Banff Pride to life in the heart of the Rockies. From setting up events to helping guests feel at home, there’s a place for everyone here. Whether you can lend a few hours or a full weekend, your time and energy help make these events possible.
All events
Ghostface Rave: Slay or Be Slain
Banff Sizzlers, Banff Pride and The Cab Co. present a Ghostface drag rave on Halloween night with Karla Marx, Smokey Waters and Angelina Starchild. Live DJ sets, pop-up drag and a costume party. 18+.
Film Screening with Mikah Meyer
Short films, one very long road trip and a Q&A with Mikah Meyer.
Banff Pride and the Lux are hosting a night of short films with Mikah Meyer, the filmmaker, national parks expert and LGBTQ+ advocate who was the first person to visit all 419 U.S. National Park Service sites in a single trip. The program includes five short films plus Miss Adventure, followed by a Q&A with Mikah about the stories behind them and what it takes to make the outdoors feel like it belongs to everyone.
When: Monday, November 2. Films start at 7:00 PM and run about 90 minutes, then the Q&A
Where: The Lux Cinema, 229 Bear Street, Banff
Tickets: $15 plus a $1.25 online fee, sold through the Lux. Get your tickets here.
A portion of every ticket sold supports Banff Pride, so your night at the movies helps keep queer events happening in Banff all year.
About the films
The night centres on Miss Adventure, Mikah’s new film, which follows his run across Mississippi. He co-directed it with award-winning adventure filmmaker James “Q” Martin, and it was paid for almost entirely by viewer donations rather than brand money (a lot of it from church ladies who heard Mikah sing on tour). Banff gets an early look: the film’s official world premiere is at the Kendal Mountain Festival in the UK later in November.
You may already know Mikah’s earlier short, Canyon Chorus, made with Wondercamp and Eddie Bauer. It follows Mikah, his choral mentor and a group of friends rafting Utah’s Desolation Canyon, and it’s part adventure story, part coming-out story. It was an official selection of the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, toured with the 2024-2025 World Tour and won festival awards along the way. He also made The Banff Monster at the 2025 Banff Adventure Filmmaker Workshop, so this one’s a bit of a homecoming.
About Mikah
Mikah grew up in Nebraska watching travel shows and never seeing anyone like him in them. Now he’s making that representation himself. He spent three years road-tripping to every U.S. National Park Service site, holds a master’s in classical singing, and tours a live show of films and music about the queer outdoors experience. He also created Outside Safe Space, a symbol people wear to show LGBTQ+ folks they’re welcome outdoors.
See us again at the Marketplace
Didn’t get enough Mikah? Banff Pride and Mikah’s Outside Safe Space are sharing a booth at the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival Marketplace later that week, Friday to Sunday, November 6 to 8, in the Kinnear Centre at Banff Centre. Come by for Outside Safe Space pins, patches and beanies, Banff Pride merch and a chat about the films. The Marketplace is free to visit.
Bring your questions. Mikah’s got stories.
Volunteer
Want to help out? Pick a shift that works for you and we'll send you the details.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Banff Pride at the Mountain Film Festival Marketplace
Find us at the Festival Marketplace.
Banff Pride is sharing a booth with Mikah Meyer and Outside Safe Space at the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival Marketplace. Stop by for Banff Pride merch, Outside Safe Space gear and a heads-up on everything we’ve got coming up this winter.
The Marketplace runs over the last three days of the festival, with around 60 exhibitors filling the Kinnear Centre. You’ll find gear and apparel from brands like Arc’teryx, Rab and Fjällräven, signed mountain books, local artisans, trip operators and outdoor non-profits (that’s us). The Rab Stage has talks and events all three days, there are contests and prizes around the room, and grab-and-go food and drinks are on the first floor.
Friday, November 6: 4 to 7 PM
Saturday, November 7: 10 AM to 7 PM
Sunday, November 8: 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Kinnear Centre, 2nd floor, Banff Centre, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Cost: The Marketplace is free to attend
Meet Mikah and Outside Safe Space
Mikah Meyer is a filmmaker, speaker and LGBTQ+ advocate, and the first person to visit every U.S. National Park Service site in a single trip. He’s also the creator of Outside Safe Space, a symbol you can wear to let LGBTQ+ people know they’re welcome around you in outdoor, rural and active places.
The symbol is a tree. Its branches carry the rainbow, trans and bi flags, with triangles for every queer identity and a skin-tone trunk holding it all up. Put one on your pack, your jacket or your car, and people can tell you’re a safe person to be around, whether you’re queer or an ally. Share yours with #AdventurePride.
Look for Outside Safe Space pins, stickers, patches, keychains, magnets and beanies at our booth. Proceeds go back into getting the symbol out into more places.
Mikah’s spending the festival week with us. He kicks it off with a film screening at the Lux on Monday, November 2, and joins us at the booth all weekend. Thanks to Mikah for teaming up with Banff Pride on both.
Come say hi between films.
Getting there
Walking: It’s a 15 to 20 minute walk from downtown Banff up the Ken Madsen path (heads up, there are stairs). You can also walk up via Buffalo Street or St. Julien Road.
Shuttle: On Saturday and Sunday, Banff Airporter runs a free festival shuttle from the Fox Hotel & Suites, the Banff Ptarmigan Inn and the parking lot behind the Mount Royal Hotel to Banff Centre’s Jenny Belzberg Theatre. It runs every half hour from 7:30 AM to 2 PM and from 5 PM to 12:30 AM.
Transit: Roam Route 7 runs between downtown Banff and Banff Centre ($2 one way). During the festival, a free Roam bus also runs from the Banff High School Transit Hub to Banff Centre every 15 to 20 minutes, 1:30 to 11:30 PM, all three Marketplace days.
Driving: Parking is limited during the festival and isn’t guaranteed. It’s paid through the HONK app, with a $7 flat event rate. The parkade is at the north end of campus off St. Julien Road, and the lot is at the south end off Buffalo Street. On busy days you may need to park on Tunnel Mountain Drive and walk in.
Accessibility
Most Banff Centre buildings can be reached by paved paths, roads or ramps, but the mountain setting can be tricky if you have mobility limitations, especially in winter weather. Banff Centre has a wheelchair access and all-gender washroom map on its Maps and Directions page. If you need accommodations, contact the Banff Centre Box Office ahead of time at box_office@banffcentre.ca. Need a quiet break? Head to the Reading Room in the Elder Tom Crane Bear Room in the Max Bell Building.
Volunteer
Want to help out? Pick a shift that works for you and we'll send you the details.
After Hours: Ski Bunnies
Fur, puffy pink and retro ski races on every wall.
After Hours is back at the Rose & Crown, and this time we’re hitting the slopes without leaving the bar. Ski Bunnies is a retro ski lodge fever dream with performances by The Cabaret Company and a dance floor that goes till 2. Dress the part. Fur, pink puffers, headbands and fresh pow energy are all strongly encouraged.
When: Saturday, November 14. Doors at 9 PM, show at 9:30 PM, party until 2 AM
Where: Rose & Crown, 202 Banff Avenue, Banff
Tickets: $15 online through Showpass, $20 at the door. Get yours today!
Ages: 18+. Bring ID.
Grab your ticket early.
Après-ski, but make it 1 AM.
Volunteer
Want to help out? Pick a shift that works for you and we'll send you the details. Volunteers for this one need to be 18+.
Craft Nights at Altitude: Knots and Branches
Learn basic macrame and craft a one-of-a-kind wall hanging on a foraged branch. Beginner-friendly, all supplies provided. Registration required.
Banff Locals Winter Market
Banff Pride has a table at Oesa Arts’ Banff Locals Winter Market at 102 Banff Avenue, every third Saturday from November to February, 5 to 9 PM. Free to attend.
Festive Market
The Banff Pride Festive Market at the Rose and Crown on Saturday, December 19, 11 AM to 3 PM. Holiday shopping from 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses and allies, upstairs in the back bar. Free to attend.
Banff Locals Winter Market
Banff Pride has a table at Oesa Arts’ Banff Locals Winter Market at 102 Banff Avenue, every third Saturday from November to February, 5 to 9 PM. Free to attend.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Robert Adam, in concert
Presented by Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Robert Adam is a non-binary country storyteller who blends heartfelt nostalgia with shimmering showmanship. Raised under the wide-open Alberta sky, Robert writes from the heart first — crafting songs that feel like late-night confessions, starlit promises, and road-trip revelations.
A vocal powerhouse, Robert has earned a reputation for stopping folks of all walks of life dead in their tracks. Known for their dynamic live performances, Robert has built a reputation for transforming stages big and small into safe, glittering spaces of connection. From the great and spectacular Calgary Stampede, to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, this “Dream Angel Cowboy” has charmed the hearts of audiences all over the world.
As a songwriter, Robert channels the honesty of classic country with the warmth of contemporary queer culture. Robert’s lyrics have a gentle, mystical aura about them that stay with the listener long after the song is finished. Winning the 2025 YYC Award Songwriter of the Year award.
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is excited to bring together world-renowned musicians, artists, and writers, as well as passionate audiences, for the 2026 Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival. Running throughout May to September, the 2026 festival invites audiences to experience a season of artistic discovery of over 100 free and ticketed events. Tickets are now available for the 2026 Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival!
Banff Centre's club for summer weekend nights returns. With regular programming from June through August, come to CLVB '33 for a refreshing drink, a tasty bite, impeccable vibes, live music, cabaret, jazz jams, DJs, karaoke, readings, and Peak Laughs comedy series.
Craft Nights at Altitude: The un-serious movement class
A beginner-friendly night of hula hooping, circus props, and permission to be bad at something new. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Craft Nights at Altitude: Zine night. tiny books, big ideas
July's Craft Night at Altitude. Make your own zine with artist Gini Dickinson. All materials provided. Registration required.
Movement on Rock
A full-day 2SLGBTQIA+ outdoor climbing clinic in Banff for adults who have climbed indoors and want to try real rock. Learn top-rope movement techniques including edging, smearing, stemming, laybacking, and more.
Drag Me To Cowboys Ft. RuPaul
Drag Me to Cowboys ft. RuPaul. Saturday July 11. Banff Pride’s code BANFFPRIDE saves you $20 on general admission.
Drag Trivia
Smokey Waters and Karla Marx host a night of drag and trivia in Banff. Build a team, bring your best guesses, and find your people. Free entry, 18+.
Outdoor Rock Systems
A full-day 2SLGBTQIA+ outdoor climbing clinic in Banff focused on rope management, anchor building, and anchor cleaning. Designed for adults ready to build technical climbing skills in a supportive community setting.
Peak: Rooftop patio party
After Hours is Banff Pride’s late-night playground, an ongoing series of high-energy, unapologetically queer parties built for the night owls, and dance-floor devotees. Electric queer chaos in spaces that feel just a little forbidden.
Craft Nights at Altitude: Cut, layer, hang
Turn reclaimed fabrics into a landscape collage you'll actually want on your wall. All materials provided. Registration required.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Drag Bingo
The balls are dropping. Drag Bingo is back.
Banff Pride is at High Rollers on Thursday, May 21 for an evening of drag-hosted bingo, live performance moments, and local prizes. Your hosts for the night, Nada Nuff and Visa DeKlein are serving looks, reading numbers, and probably reading you too. Find a seat. Get your dabbers ready.
18+. Bingo cards included with your reservation. Seating is limited, so reserve yours in advance.
Date: Thursday, May 21
Time: 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: High Rollers Banff
Tickets: Reserve in advance.
Craft Nights at Altitude: Dirt under your fingernails
Start your own herb garden from seed in a room full of queer folks, allies, and curious first-timers. All supplies provided. Registration required.
After Hours
Friday, May 8. Banff Ave Brewing Co. Tap Room. 9pm-12am.
DJ Karla Marx. Good music. No bullshit.
Queer nights in the mountains hit different. You belong here.
18+. $5 online, $10 at the door.
All welcome.
Minibus to Queer Youth Prom in Calgary
Our annual Queer Youth Prom is a free, registration-only night of music, dancing, and genuine belonging created for 2SLGBTQIA+ and ally youth 17 and under who deserve a prom that actually feels like theirs.
Welcome To Wellness
Bison Courtyard will host the free-to-attend annual Welcome To Wellness event on Thursday, May 7th, and we’d love for you to be part of the fun! Join us from 11am – 2pm for a day filled with free Food & Drink, Live Music, Giveaways, and info on wellness in your Banff community.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Speed Friending
New to the Bow Valley? Been here for years but your friend group could use a refresh? Speed Friending is your low-pressure, high-vibe evening of quick conversations, quirky icebreakers, and real connections at Good Earth Coffeehouse. Think speed dating, but for friendship.
Bunnies & Brunch
Hop into Banff’s most playful spring celebration. Bunnies & Brunch is Banff Pride’s Easter drag brunch packed with pastel fantasy, big performances, and brunch-time mischief.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Donuts & Conversations
A donuts & conversation gathering about staying connected to each other when the world feels overwhelming. By frankie d's donuts and in collaboration with community helpers banff, ywca banff, banff pride and settlement services.
Thursday, march 26th
5:30pm arrival, 6pm start - 8pm finish
191 sundance rd, banff (Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi, the pavilion building at sundance park)
free community event, all welcome
If the state of the world has you feeling anxious and unsure what to do, you're not alone. this free community gathering is a space to slow down together.
We'll talk about how to stay informed and care for ourselves so we don't burn out. well hear brief lived-experience reflections from community members navigating anti-immigration sentiment, anti-trans harm, and global conflict, and discuss ways we can support people in our local community.
this is not a therapy session. there is no expectation to share personal details. you are welcome to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable to you; listening, and engaging in conversation as much or as little as you choose.
This is not a political forum or space for debating policy or arguing perspectives. Harm, discrimination, or dismissal of lived experiences will not be tolerated.
important details (please read)
this free community gathering is for anyone who has been feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world. if the constant news cycle has left you feeling anxious, irritable, or unsure what to do. you belong here.
there is no expectation to share personal details. you’re welcome to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable. listening, reflecting quietly, or engaging in conversation as much, or as little, as you choose.
IMPORTANT:
this is not therapy.
it is not a political forum.
it is not about debating policy or arguing perspectives.
discrimination or dismissal of lived experiences will not be tolerated.
this gathering is about acknowledging how rising hate, violence, instability, and dehumanization are impacting real people in our community. it’s a structured, facilitated space to feel less alone, and explore ways to support people in our local community.
plan for the evening
we will begin by naming what feels heavy and how it’s showing up in our bodies, relationships, and daily lives.
we’ll hear brief lived-experience reflections from community members navigating racism, anti immigration sentiment, anti-trans harm, and global conflict... focused on what they are carrying and what is helping them stay steady.
we’ll explore how to stay informed without drowning, how to regulate when everything feels overstimulating and how to support ourselves better so we don’t burn out and have compassion fatigue.
we’ll talk about what is within reach, meaningful ways to support each other and stay connected locally.
what to bring
yourself, notepad and pen if you'd like to take notes. anything that helps you feel grounded or comforted. blankets, pillows are welcome.
parking
free in the parking lot.
venue accessibility
the venue is wheelchair accessible
bathrooms
venue bathrooms are stalls and universal.
seating options: chairs will be available for all participants. you’re welcome to sit, stand, move around, or step outside as needed. if you prefer a specific seating arrangement, please speak with a volunteer or reach out in advance.
scents: this event is not officially scent-free but we kindly ask participants to avoid strong perfumes or scented products.
lighting: there will be no flashing lights or sudden visual effects. a powerpoint will be displayed on a projector at the front of the room for the presentation. you’re welcome to sit closer if needed for visibility.
acoustics: a microphone will be used to support clear and comfortable hearing.
language & communication: the event will be facilitated in english. If you need any interpretation or other communication assistance, please email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com.
food & allergens: frankie d’s donuts will be provided. donuts are made in a shared kitchen where nuts are present and may contain trace allergens. some gluten free and vegan donuts will be available and sourced from external suppliers. if you have allergies, please inquire before consuming.
safety, support & care: a support person from Community Helpers Banff will be present. you’re encouraged to take care of yourself throughout the evening, including stepping out or leaving early if needed. local support resources will be shared. this event is not therapy or a replacement for professional advice.
contact & feedback: for questions or accommodations, email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com (at least 48 hours before the event).
feedback forms will be available at the event
Pride Night Ski
Pride Night Ski returns to Banff for an unforgettable evening of skiing, snowboarding, music, and mountain magic at Mt. Norquay. Inclusive. Electric. Under the lights.
Beers For Queers
Join Banff Pride’s Beers for Queers every first Wednesday at Banff Ave Brewing Co. A relaxed, welcoming night to connect with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and visitors in the heart of Banff.
Big Gay Burlesque
Big Gay Burlesque lands in Banff for one unforgettable night of tease, glamour, and unapologetically queer performance. 18+ | Saturday, February 28 | Rose & Crown.