KICKING OFF PRIDE
On Friday, August 22, the front of the gallery transforms into a vibrant celebration for a special Pride edition of Pulse on the Plaza! We’re teaming up with Queer Centre Comox Valley to bring you an evening full of colour, connection, and community spirit — the perfect start to Pride Weekend in the Valley!
Music + More:
5:00pm | Indigenous Welcome | DONNA MITCHELL
5:05pm | Drag Performance | Be captivated by the dazzling KARA NEDGE (HYDE) as she celebrates trailblazers who boldly broke boundaries — bringing a performance full of charm, creativity, and unforgettable flair.
5:10pm | Salsa | Join CHRIS WOOD for a lively salsa lesson, then hit the floor to show off your fresh new moves. No experience (or partner) needed — just bring your energy and get ready to dance!
5:40pm | IndigiQueer Speaker | KIA EVERSON
5:50pm | Drag Performance | KARA NEDGE (HYDE)
5:55pm | Folk Punk | 2B-DETERRENT is a high-energy folk punk band will have you dancing and jamming along to her music.
6:30pm | DJ Set | DJ FALL ON BEATS has been dabbling on the decks since 2009. A true bass addict, this versatile DJ is known to bring the musical stylings of Electro Swing, Bass House, Tech House, Dutch House, all the House really, booty shakin’ breaks, Mid-tempo bmp tracks and even ranging from Dubstep to Slow Jams out in her energetic sets. Every set is perfectly curated to tell a story.
7:15pm | Drag Performance | KARA NEDGE (HYDE)
7:20pm | Comedy Set | PATTI SAVARD’s comedic style is a vibrant celebration of queerness, infused with humour that resonates with authenticity and charm. With roots in a small community, Patti brings a unique perspective to the stage, blending the warmth of small-town familiarity with the boldness of a confident and proud queer voice.
7:40pm | DJ Set | DJ RESISTER returns to Pulse on the Plaza, fusing music from diverse cultures into beats that bring the whole plaza to life.
Art-Making + Fun for the Whole Family:
- CV/Arts Art Wagon | Visit the Art Wagon to explore the powerful history of Pride — then roll up your sleeves and help create a collaborative community art project inspired by the event that sparked it all: THE STONEWALL UPRISING. Together, we’ll honour the past and celebrate the movement it ignited.
- CVAG Make Art Station | Join us for Pride button-making. Create a cool button that you can wear during the weekend’s Pride events and beyond. Designs were provided by the Q4Q ARTIST COLLECTIVE.
- Renowned Printmaker | ANDY MACDOUGALL will be onsite, bringing his passion for silk-screening to Pulse. Come create a unique print designed by meika johnson specifically for this event! Screen print a tote bag, t-shirt, paper for a print to frame, or on anything you can think of. (Tote bags will be provided for free!)
- Storytime | Littles (and their grown-ups) are invited to gather on the plaza for a special Storytime featuring uplifting tales about 2SLGBTQ+ families and kids. These sessions will be led by the wonderful team from the COURTENAY LIBRARY. Storytime will run multiple times throughout the event — so if you miss one, you can catch the next or join in for every single session!
- Dive into the Tickle Trunk! | Join artists EMILY BLEZARD and CLEO BUTCHER for a playful clothing exchange that celebrates creativity, self-expression, and community sharing. Browse, swap, and style to your heart’s content — the Tickle Trunk will be open all evening! Plus: Capture your fabulous look with Polaroids by RACHAEL HENSHAW.
- Queer 4 Queer Art Social | Coinciding with Pulse, this monthly event will also be happening upstairs in the Youth Media Project offices from 5:00 7:00pm. Stop by to say hello or join in on the fun — there will be food!
Refreshments + Snacks:
- Refreshing Drinks | CUMBERLAND FOREST SOCIETY will be running the bar, serving beer and mixed drinks all evening. There will also be plenty of delicious non-alcoholic options available for everyone to enjoy!
- Treat Yourself! | Cotton candy will be available from the Queer Centre as a fundraiser, and delicious ice cream will be served up by local favourite DAVE E. WO.
- Pulse Packs | There will be options to buy food at local restaurants and bring it to the event.
This Pulse on the Plaza is going to be unforgettable! Come be part of an evening filled with fun, connection, and celebration — and discover more about your 2SLGBTQ+ community. Everyone is welcome!
SUMMER PULSE ON THE PLAZA
Summer Pulse on the Plaza continues on Friday, September 26, with a fresh new theme and celebration of local creativity.
This series is brought to you in collaboration with Comox Valley Art Gallery, Comox Valley Arts, Elevate the Arts, and the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association.
Event Highlights:
- Free + family-friendly!
- Live music + performances!
- Make Art Stations for all ages!
- Downtown vibes + late gallery hours!
