The Capital Pride Festival is an annual celebration of the diversity and inclusion of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Ottawa. The festival features various events, activities, and performances that showcase the pride and culture of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This year, the festival will take place from August 19th to 27th, and there are many ways you can get involved and support the festival. Learn more about the Capital Pride Festival here.
There are several community sport organizations in Ottawa whose purpose is to create safe and welcoming environments for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These organizations offer opportunities to access sport to those who haven’t always felt safe or welcome in traditional sport environments. Many of these organizations are participating in the Capital Pride Festival, and here’s where you can find them:
Gay Ottawa Volleyball
Be on the lookout for Gay Ottawa Volleyball (GOV) during the Capital Pride Festival! GOV is a volunteer-run group that provides a fun, inclusive, and social environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ volleyball players of all skill levels. GOV will be marching loud and proud in the Capital Pride Parade on Sunday, August 27th, so be sure to give them a wave! You can also learn more about GOV, their leagues, tournaments, drop-ins, and social events on their website.
Learn more about GOV here.
Rainbow Rockers Curling
One of the ways you can participate in the festival is by joining the Rainbow Rockers, Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ curling league. The Rainbow Rockers will have a booth on Bank Street at Slater for pride and will be having the inflatable curling rink again! You can visit their booth from 12-5 pm on August 26th and 27th and try your hand at curling on a fun and safe surface. You can also learn more about the Rainbow Rockers, their history, their events, and how to join them on their website.
Learn more about the Rainbow Rockers here.
Ottawa Front Runners
Another way you can get involved in the festival is by running or walking with the Ottawa Front Runners (OFR), a running and walking club for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies. OFR is hosting an open run and walk event on Tuesday, August 22nd at 6:30PM and a women-only run and walk on Friday, August 25th at 6:00PM. You can join them for a friendly and social exercise and meet new people who share your passion for running or walking.
OFR will also participate in the National Capital Pride Run (NCPR) on Saturday, August 26th, as runners, walkers, and volunteers. The NCPR is a charity run that supports local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations. You can register for the NCPR on their website. Finally, OFR will be staffing a table on Sunday, August 27th, during the Capital Pride Community Fair.
Learn more about the OFR here.
Ottawa Queer Softball League
If softball is your sport of choice, look for the Ottawa Queer Softball League in the Capital Pride Parade. This year marks the 15th year of the OQSL, which is an inclusive recreational softball league for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and allies, that aims to refine the skills of its members in a fun, safe & social environment.
OQSL is also host to the annual charity softball event Drag and Balls. This event is jam packed with drag softball, a DJ spinning the hits, and beverage and food concessions. Drag and Balls supports the Bruce House, an organization that brings hope, housing and support to individuals and families impacted by HIV in Ottawa and area. You can learn more about how to be a part of the Drag and Balls event here.
Learn more about OQSL here.
Rideau Speedeaus
Grab your suits and get involved with the Rideau Speedeaus during the Capital Pride Festival! The Rideau Speedeaus is primarily a gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer and two-spirited swim club, but welcomes everyone including members from the straight community. We value swimming in an inclusive, diverse, fun, open, trustful, safe, and supportive environment. During the Capital Pride Festival, the Speedeaus are hosting two free pride swims on August 22nd and 24th at the YMCA on Argyle Avenue. You can register for a free pride swim here.
The Rideau Speedeaus are also host to the SwimEAUthon – Pride Edition. Come out to the General Burns outdoor pool on Saturday, August 26th to help raise money for Capital Rainbow Refuge and le Bureau regional d’action SIDA (BRAS)! This 1500-yard swim will be followed by a picnic in the park to help celebrate with pride!
Learn more about the Rideau Speedeaus here.
Queer Bike Club Ottawa
Another way you can get involved in the festival is by cycling with Queer Bike Club Ottawa (QBC), a group that organizes bike rides for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies in Ottawa. QBC is planning on doing a bike ride before the Capital Pride Parade on Sunday, August 27th. You can join them for a scenic and fun ride around the city and meet other cyclists who share your interest in biking. You can also learn more about QBC, their upcoming rides, and how to join them at their Facebook page.
Learn more about QBC here.
Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club
Will you join the pack? The Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club aims to promote and encourage participation in rugby among those who have traditionally been under-represented in the game. The team members are predominantly part of the LGBTQA community, but diverse in its make-up, and inclusive of everyone. Check out the Wolves during the Capital Pride festival and be on the lookout for their signature rainbow rugby ball!
Learn more about the Wolves here.
Ottawa Pride Hockey
Ottawa Pride Hockey is a 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive group welcoming beginners and seasoned pros to the hockey rink! OPH is led by gender diverse people, and they strive to promote a safe space for everyone. Be sure to wave and say hi to Ottawa Pride Hockey as they participate in the Capital Pride Festival.
Learn more about Ottawa Pride Hockey here.
These are just some of the ways you can get involved with the 2023 Capital Pride Festival in Ottawa. There are many more events and opportunities to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Ottawa. You can check out the official website of the Capital Pride Festival for more information and updates. We hope you have a wonderful time at the festival!
If you have an event at the festival that you want to be promoted by the Ottawa Sport Council, please contact us on our website or social media. We would love to hear from you and help you spread the word about your event.
Contact us here.