The month of June is almost here, which means Pride Month is around the corner! The first Edmonton PrideFest dates back to 1980 and has since become an annual tradition in the city that aims to amplify LGBTQIA2S+ voices.
At Southpark on Whyte, we are close to several LGBTQ+ businesses here in Edmonton. Consciously picking these queer-owned businesses this June — and the rest of the year, too — is a great way to do your part to help LGBTQIA2S+ culture thrive.
Support Local Queer Artists
The QUILTBAG
Only 3 minutes away, The QUILTBAG is an LGBTQ-owned business near us that is a retail space for LGBTQ+ brands, as well as a venue to promote work by local artists. Aside from selling and promoting local LGBTQ+ creations and wares, the business owners have started a Trans Community Fund that provides gender-affirming items to low-income trans, non-binary, and two-spirit people.
Enjoy LGBTQIA2S+ Events
The Grindstone
Whether you love comedy, sketches, or burlesque, The Grindstone has exactly what you are looking for! The Grindstone is a non-profit theatre that provides performing arts opportunities for LBGTQ+ artists. The Grindstone is also home to a licensed bistro and bar, so you can enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment just 13 minutes away from the Southpark.
Fruit Loop
Looking for inclusive and fun events to attend during Pride Month? Look no further than Fruit Loop, a non-profit organization that hosts everything from drag to contemporary dance. In addition to facilitating fabulous entertainment, Fruit Loop donates proceeds from each event to LGBTQIA2S+ programs across Edmonton, so by supporting Fruit Loop, you are doing your part to make the city a safer, more welcoming place.
A Night of Dinner and Dancing: Throw in a Local Drag Show Too
Campio
Finger-licking good food, craft beer, and a drag show is the recipe for a perfect brunch, and luckily, Campio Brewing Co. has all three covered! Campio is a local brewery in Edmonton that pushes the limits of creativity when it comes to providing quality beer and entertainment that is inclusive to people of all gender and sexual orientations. They host a regular Drag Brunch with appearances from some of the best drag queens in the area, like Tequila Mockingbird, Kio Karr, and more.
Evolution Wonderlounge
If you have yet to check out Evolution Wonderlounge (EVO), you have been missing out! EVO is an Edmonton club that serves the LGBTQIAS2+ community all year round by providing entertainment for all. Aside from hosting unforgettable nights on the dance floor, they also have drag, burlesque, trivia, and hockey nights supporting Edmonton Rage — a local queer hockey team.
Support LGBTQIA2S+ Friendly Businesses All Year Round Near Southpark
At Southpark, we are excited to be within walking distance of some of these fantastic businesses, so our residents can easily check them out during Pride Month and every month after too! Contact us to learn more about the exciting businesses and amenities in our neighbourhood today.