Pop-up outdoor performances as The Birdhouse expands to Granville Island for Vancouver Pride 2024

Formerly Eastside Studios, the organization will host live music, drag show, and more at “Pride Island”

THE BIRDHOUSE IS expanding beyond its flagship location in Mount Pleasant (44 West 4th Avenue) and flocking to Granville Island for this year’s Vancouver Pride weekend.

At its new spot called Pride Island at 1457 Anderson Street, there will be celebrations in the form of a queer drag and music festival with local and visiting talent. In total, The Birdhouse will offer nine events across its two locations, four of which will be at Pride Island.

Pride Island festivities kick off on August 2 with Man Up: Pride Paradise, a multigender drag show with live music openers Toddy and Hot Dyke Party. The queer Asian dance party Ricecake: Sweat happens on August 3, and on August 4, Rhythm of the Day brings in an afternoon DJ showcase to keep the party going after the parade. The weekend culminates on the evening of August 4 with Level Up, a queer hip-hop night that will go until 2 am.

The fully licensed new venue will have pop-up bars serving alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and local food trucks will be on-site. The creative team of The Birdhouse is implementing an interactive visual-art installation while Queer Based Media offers an expansive LED light wall and other visuals.

ASL interpretation will be provided for the opening night show. The location has a flat concrete layout and wheelchair-accessible washrooms.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder and associate editor of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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