Fernie Pride Society
The Fernie Pride Society supports and connects the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Elk Valley. Incorporated in December 2016, the Society is a hub for 2SLGBTQ+ people and their allies, programming special events as well as providing resource referrals.
That's a wrap on the 2025 Elk Valley Pride Festival
Mark your calendars for September 16-20th, 2026.
Stay tuned for photos and recap videos!
What an incredible celebration! The Elk Valley Pride Festival was a beautiful testament to our community’s commitment to love, inclusion, and authentic celebration.
From the moving flag raising ceremony with Mayor Milligan and Petra’s speeches, and joyful bike parade to the vibrant Spectrum Arts Festival, roller skating, naughty bingo, hiking, and unforgettable drag brunch – every moment was made special by you. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, decorated your windows, volunteered your time, and showed up with open hearts.
A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this festival to life. Your dedication made all the difference. To our generous sponsors and local businesses who supported us, and to the City of Fernie for your continued partnership – we are deeply grateful.
Special congratulations to all our window decorating contest participants! Your creativity brought “Pride through the ages” to life throughout downtown. Thank you to Ski Base (runner-up) and IGS (grand prize winner) for your outstanding displays.
This festival reminded us of the power of community when we choose love over fear. While the festival may be over, our work continues year-round through programs like the Queer Health Initiative, gender-neutral washroom guide, Kootenay Pride Guide, and so much more.
If this weekend inspired you, we invite you to get involved with the Fernie Pride Society. Together, we’re building a community where everyone can thrive.
With pride and gratitude,
Anne
On behalf of the Fernie Pride Society Board & Staff
Rainbow Bench Project
Fernie Pride is working with the communities of Elko, Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie to donate and install durable, low-maintenance rainbow benches in all 4 towns.
The Pride benches are a visible sign for residents and visitors that everyone belongs in our Elk Valley communities and that the towns promote the values of equity and inclusion as being vital to the fabric of our towns. They are permanent fixtures that symbolize the importance of acting on these values and finding opportunities to elevate the voices of the 2SLGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities.
Queer Health Initiative
Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ in whole health. This project has many sub-projects, including subsidized counseling, free at-home HIV testing kits, gender inclusive washrooms, and pay-what-you-can hair cuts.
Subsidized counseling now available!
2SLGBTQ+ Youth
Fernie Pride Society youth initiatives are proudly supported by the Tegan & Sara Foundation, Fierte Canada Pride and the Government of British Columbia. Fernie Pride recognizes the importance of allowing youth to have a contributing and visible in the community.
To this end, we work with funders and the Elk Valley Youth Pride committee to provide diverse and engaging programming as directed by the people that it impacts the most – the youth! From inclusive sex ed to summer camp to monthly events, there is something for everyone!
Projects & Programs
Fernie Pride Society, with the support of your donations and grant funding, undertakes many projects and programs to support and connect the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Elk Valley and throughout the Columbia Basin.
In 2024-2027, the Major Projects are creating the Kootenay Pride Guide, and the Queer History Project.
Elk Valley Pride Festival
Mark your calendars: September 16-20, 2026
A rainbow celebration in the mountains! Join us in Fernie for a 5-day celebration of Pride featuring a bike parade, flag raising, Spectrum Queer Arts Day, Rainbow Reads, drag storytime, workshops and education, hiking, biking, drag shows, live music, and so much more!