Beacon Avenue around the Rainbow Crosswalk will close and sound will fill Beacon Park on June 13, 2026 as the Sidney Pride Event returns to the waterfront for its sixth year. The Town of Sidney approved the road closure and sound amplification, and organizers from the Sidney BIA expect a growing crowd at the free gathering, which runs from 11am to 3pm at the Beacon Park Bandshell.
The celebration is organized through the Sidney Business Improvement Area and local community organizers, bringing live music, drag performances, spoken word, artisan vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities to the shore of the Salish Sea. Beacon Avenue will be closed to traffic in the area around the crosswalk, so drivers should plan an alternate route.
The event grows out of a tradition that began about five years ago and features the permanent Rainbow Crosswalk at Beacon Park, a visible symbol of inclusion for the LGBTQ2S+ community in this seaside town. Past gatherings have included opening remarks from Saanich–Gulf Islands MP Elizabeth May and Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith.
This year’s festival is part of a series of Pride Month activities in Sidney, with performances and music reaching the waterfront area.
The Council decision came at the May 25, 2026 regular meeting, where the town issued the necessary permits for the celebration. The full event listing is available on the Town of Sidney Events & Attractions page.
