Join UPEI in celebrating Pride Fest ’26!
Pride is recognized on PEI and at UPEI in July as part of the national summer-long “Pride season.” The PEI Pride Festival takes place this year July 24–August 2. Organized by Pride PEI—a not-for-profit organization that celebrates and promotes inclusion and diversity—Pride Fest ’26 is an opportunity to celebrate and embrace equity, diversity and inclusion; show our Panther Pride; and visibly acknowledge that we continue to move forward together as a University community. Pride Fest '26 Schedule
One of the signature events of the festival is the PEI Pride Parade when individuals, families, friend groups, and organizations join a colourful line-up to walk through the streets of Charlottetown. This year, the annual PEI Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, July 25.
Each year, the UPEI Student Union registers the University’s parade entry on behalf of the entire Panther community. All UPEI students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends are invited to walk together in collective celebration and action! Everyone is asked to meet in the parking lot off Terry Fox Drive behind the Government buildings at 9:30 am—look for the UPEI vehicle! Parade will start at 10 am. Wear bright rainbow colours and be ready to wave and cheer!
If you are unable to make it to the parade, you can express support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in other ways such as wearing bright rainbow colours and/or decorating your workspaces during the 10-day Pride Fest. Check out the selection of UPEI Pride t-shirts and crews at the UPEI Bookstore, open Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm: https://upei.bookware3000.ca/clothing/unisexmen/pride
Another idea is to attend the Dry Happy Hour Series—Queer Networking event on Monday, July 27 from 4:30–6:00 pm at The Guild at 111 Queen Street. Hosted by UPEI's very own Experiential Education team, this event is open to all job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs, and folks who want to meet new people or deepen connections. Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies are invited to join an afternoon of drop-in-style, casual networking. Come find mentorship, fresh talent, your next collaboration, or just hang out and practice those social skills!
UPEI will also recognize PEI Pride by flying the Progress Pride Flag at the flag plaza near Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place from July 24–August 2. The pedestrian crosswalk near the quad has also been touched up and is displaying Pride colours!
Happy PRIDE!
