Festival Performers
Are you ready to take the stage at one of the biggest celebrations of love, identity, and community in Atlantic Canada? Halifax Pride is looking for incredible talent to light up our festival! Whether you're a drag performer, musician, DJ, dancer, or speaker, this is your chance to be part of an unforgettable lineup.
How to apply
The application process is a little different this year, so please review these steps carefully:
Each performance opportunity/event requires a separate application. To be considered for multiple events, you must submit an application for each one.
All applications will require the following:
Contact information of applicant (or group).
Performance information including group size, performance genre, and proposed performance description.
Promotional information including social media, promotional photos, and bio.
Please review all priority groups and genres before applying for events.
Deadline to apply is Sunday, March 30th at 5:00pm AST.
PERFORMER APPLICATIONS - SIGNATURE EVENTS
melaNATION: A QTBIPOC SHOWCASE
Date: Thursday, July 17
Time: 9:00pm - 12:00am
Location: Garrison Grounds
Eligibility Notes: Applicants must identify within the 2SQTBIPOC community to be considered. Applicants must be 19+.
Genres: Group drag, solo drag, dance, music, comedy, spoken word, burlesque, other performance mediums.
Pay: REVIEW THE 2025 PERFORMER PAY STRUCTURE HERE
This showcase is a space for QTBIPOC artists to shine—whether you’re a musician, poet, drag performer, dancer, or bring something entirely unique to the stage.
THE BUMP
Date: Friday, July 18
Time: 9:00pm - 2:00am
Location: Garrison Grounds
Eligibility Notes: Applicants must be 19+.
Genres: Hosts, Group drag, solo drag, dance, burlesque.
Pay: REVIEW THE 2025 PERFORMER PAY STRUCTURE HERE
The Bump is Halifax Pride’s high-impact drag spectacle, spotlighting dynamic drag groups and high-energy drag solo acts.
DRAG ON THE MAINSTAGE
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Garrison Grounds
Eligibility Notes: Applicants must be 19+.
Genres: Hosts, group drag, solo drag, other performance mediums.
Pay: REVIEW THE 2025 PERFORMER PAY STRUCTURE HERE
This showcase highlights emerging and seasoned drag artists ready to take their performance to the next level in front of the biggest crowd of the entire festival.
THE GRIND
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 9:00pm - 2:00am
Location: Garrison Grounds
Eligibility Notes: Applicants must be 19+.
Genres: DJ, dance, gogo.
Pay: REVIEW THE 2025 PERFORMER PAY STRUCTURE HERE
The Grind is Halifax Pride’s ultimate DJ and dance party, bringing together the best beats and the fiercest moves. We’re looking for DJs who can keep the energy high and the dance floor packed, as well as dancers who bring flow and attitude to the stage.
MUSIC ON THE MAINSTAGE
Date: Sunday, July 20
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Garrison Grounds
Eligibility Notes: Applicants must be 18+ or have written consent from a guardian.
Genres: Hosts, solo music, group music, choirs.
Pay: REVIEW THE 2025 PERFORMER PAY STRUCTURE HERE
Music on the Mainstage is where live music takes center stage. We’re looking for talented solo artists, bands, and musicians who can bring the sound and spirit of Pride to an audience ready to celebrate.
SPEAKING EVENTS
Date: July 17 - 27
Time: Various
Location: Garrison Grounds, online, other venues within HRM
Eligibility Notes:
Genres: Speakers, educators, moderators.
Pay: REVIEW THE 2025 PERFORMER PAY STRUCTURE HERE
Halifax Pride’s speaking events provide a platform for discussions that educate, inspire, and challenge. We welcome activists, artists, scholars, and community members to contribute to panels, workshops, and keynote talks.
Don’t see your GENRE listed in the events above?
OTHER GENRES / EVENTS
Date: July 17 - 27
Time: Various
Location: Garrison Grounds, online, other venues within HRM
Eligibility Notes:
Genres: all performance mediums
Pay: REVIEW THE 2025 PERFORMER PAY STRUCTURE HERE
We’re also looking for performers to bring energy and excitement to community stages and spaces throughout the festival! From acoustic sets and spoken word to pop-up drag performances and cultural showcases, there are plenty of ways to be part of the celebration.
DYKES VS DIVAS PARTICIPANT APPLICATION
DYKES VS DIVAS BALL GAME
Date: Sunday, July 27
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Ball Diamond, Halifax Commons
Eligibility Notes: Applicants must be 19+.
Genres: Hosts, drag
Pay: There is no fee associated with game participation. Hosts are paid a performance fee. REVIEW THE 2025 PERFORMANCE PAY STRUCTURE HERE.
Get ready for one of Halifax Pride’s most legendary events—Dykes vs. Divas! This annual kickball game brings together drag performers, dykes, and all-stars from the 2SLGBTQ+ community for a hilariously competitive, high-energy afternoon of entertainment.
For more information about Dykes vs Divas, please email Ty Craig at tyler@halifaxpride.com.
Performer Questions?
For any questions please reach out to Cat MacKeigan, Production Manager at cat@halifaxpride.com.
