Guide to Halifax Pride Parade 2016 and events around the city

The Halifax Pride Festival officially kicked off Thursday afternoon with the raising of the Prideflag.

This year's theme is "This Is Why." Willem Blois, the chair of Halifax Pride says itreflects a shift back to the original spirit of pride.

"This years theme, we chose it, out of a lot of concerns from the community that pride was moving too far away from its roots. Its roots as a riot, as a march," Blois said.

Halifax Pride Festival runs from July 14 to 24.

See the Live Stream oncbc.ca/ns

If you are unable to attend the Pride Parade, you can watch all the excitement on ourlive streamonline atwww.cbc.ca/nsas the fabulous entries go by.

Tune in between 1:30 p.m. to the end of the parade to catch all the excitement of one of the largest Pride Parades in the region.

• Halifax Pride Festivalfull event schedule

TD Speaker Series: Ann-Marie MacDonald

When:Thursday,July 14, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where:Halifax Central Library, Paul O'Regan Hall

What:Canadian playwright, novelist, journalist andactor Ann-Marie MacDonald kicks off Pride's TD Speaker Series talking about her award-winning career as a queer artist.

So Fetch Pet Show

When: Saturday,July 16, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where:Jollytails 3484 Intercolonial St., Halifax

What: Apageant where dogs are the star of the show. It's freeand you don't need a pet to enjoythe show.If you think your dog has what it takes to be named Best In Show,register at JollyTails.ca

Mic Mac Mall Lip Sync Battle

When: Saturday, July 16,3p.m. to 5p.m.

Where: Mic Mac Mall, 2nd level, Bay Court

What: Grab your crew, pick your song and start rehearsing now to take the stage. The mall is offering a grand prize of a $500 mall gift card and the chance to be a partof their Halifax Pride Parade float.For information on how to register, visit the Mic Mac mall website.

Dykes vs. Divas Softball Game

When:Sunday, July 17, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where:Halifax Common Canada Games Baseball Diamond

What:The softball rivalry continues after rain washed out last year's match.

Opera Backwards

When:Thursday, July 21, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

When:Bus Stop Theatre

What:Halifax Summer Opera Festival is hosting its second annual Opera Backwards: A Very Queer Show. The show switches up traditional gender roles in famous operas to explore gay and lesbian stories through classic arias and duets.To purchase tickets visit the Halifax Summer Opera Festival website.

29th AnnualHalifax Pride Parade

When:Saturday, July 23, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where:Downtown Halifax

What:The paradekicks off atthe DND dockyards and weaves its way to the Garrison Grounds by way of Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road.If you can't make it downtown for the fun, don't fret:CBC Nova Scotiawill be livestreaming the parade atwww.cbc.ca/ns.