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City hall

Pride Week officially launched at city hall Monday with the raising of the rainbow flag and a declaration from Mayor Gregor Robertson, dubbed the "hottest major in North America" by some gay American travel writers I met a couple of years ago at the parade.

I was at city hall, but missed the ceremony because the chamber meeting held beforehand went 45 minutes late and with deadlines looming I had to leave. But I hear the ceremony was touching, as well as comical, with a surprise appearance by "Queen Elizabeth" who was lead in by a bagpiper.

HRH was Bill Monroe, a longtime community organizer, activist and drag queen named one of this year's grand marshals alongside transgendered beauty contestant Jenna Talackova. This year's posthumous grand marshal is community leader David Holtzman, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack earlier this year.

West End

With Pride Week in full swing, there's lots going on across the entire city, including Pride Bingo for Life Wednesday night, Aug. 1, at Celebrities Nightclub on Davie Street, which starts at 8 p.m. followed by the Dogwood Monarch Society's Charity Drag Show at 11 p.m.

Grandview Woodland

On Saturday, Aug. 4, one of the most kid and dog-friendly of all Pride events takes place on Commercial Drive. The annual Dyke March begins at noon at McSpadden Park on Victoria Drive and East Fourth Avenue before weaving its way to Grandview Park on the Drive for an afternoon festival of community, music and fun.

Yaletown

The Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown is the location for the Pride in Art Community Art Show, which runs until Aug. 18.

The show is part of the Queer Arts Festival 2012 and includes visual works by queer artists in any medium. Admission is free.

Also at the Roundhouse as part of the festival is Random Acts of Queerness, which celebrates the centenary of gay artist John Cage, who died in 1992. Admission is by donation.

Downtown Eastside

The Cobalt Hotel on Main Street presents Cheap and Easy: an East Van Queer Pride Party Aug. 1 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and the first 50 people will receive goodie bags, which organizers promise will make the trip to the East Side well worth it. Also at the Cobalt is the Pride Ball Aug. 2 with performances by Bambibot, Jaylene Tyme and Vava Vunderbust. From 8 p.m. to "late." Check out colbolt.ca for events and tickets.

West End

The annual Pride Debauchery Party takes place Aug. 2 at Numbers Cabaret on Davie Street. The debauchery starts at 10 p.m. and doors open at 8.

Barb Snelgrove is back as host and promises this year's Debauchery event will be even more daring than last. I've never attended one of these parties, but I have seen pictures. My suggestion is to wear something waterproof.

West End

The Barefoot Davie Street Dance Party offers some of the hottest DJs of the summer and considering the temperature is expected to soar by Friday, this should make for one steamy night.

Shoes are required for the party, named after Barefoot Wines and Bubbly. Davie Street will be closed between Burrard and Jervis for the bash, which many consider the true start of the Pride weekend.

West End

The Pride Parade starts at noon Aug. 5 on Robson Street before continuing along Denman and then winding down Beach Avenue and ending at the Pride Festival and Market. For the first time ever, official 麻豆传媒映画Pride beer will be served at the festival. 麻豆传媒映画Pride G'ALE beer is a collaboration between local brewers R&B Brewing Company and the 麻豆传媒映画Pride Society. Partial proceeds from every keg and bottle sold of G'ALE will be donated to the society. This year's festival market includes more than 150 booths offering a mix of products, services and community information and support. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For a complete list of events visit vancouverpride.ca.

South Hill

The South Hill Neighbours Society is hosting a Bike Maintenance Workshop Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. The workshop takes place outside South Hill Church, 5887 Prince Edward St. The cost is $2. Email southhillneighbours@gmail to reserve a spot.

Downtown

On Thursday, Aug. 2, Seedstock is hosting an art show at W2 Media Caf, 111 West Hastings, called Art as Money as Art.

麻豆传媒映画Seedstock is the city's first community currency bartering program. The show features submissions from several local artists, some of which will be chosen by the audience to go on the paper Seedstock bills. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit seedstock.ca for more information.

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