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🏳️🌈 Friday, June 12 – Club Soda: Sober Pride DanceTime & Location: 7:00 PM at the Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way
Tickets: $25 each
Tickets are available online and physical tickets can also be purchased (CASH ONLY) at the following locations:
> Fitz Ave. - 27 Commercial St.
> Culture Craze - Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy Unit 116 (located by Entrance 4 across from Sport Chek)
Overview: (18+) Back for its fourth year! Nanaimo’s sober Pride dance is growing, and you’re invited. Club Soda is a beloved part of Pride Week for anyone who wants to dance, connect, and celebrate in a space that’s substance-free, low-pressure, and full of queer joy. Whether you’re sober, sober curious, in recovery, or just looking for a party without booze… this event is made for you. We are excited to host this year's dance in a beloved space, the Nanaimo Museum!
DJ Chris Bigelow kept the dance floor packed at HalloQueen and you can expect the same great music along with fun lighting, mocktails, snacks, and plenty of space to move, chill, or recharge. New this year - need a break from the dance floor or it just isn't your thing? Visit the sensory space, a quieter room where you will find activities such as crafts and games.
What this event is:
This is a sober indoor dance party held at the Nanaimo Museum (located on Level 2/M of the Vancouver Island Conference Centre). This substance-free event features two distinct environments: a high-energy Main Exhibit Space with a DJ and pop-up flow/hoop performances, and a separate Low-Sensory Space for those looking for a quieter connection, crafts and games.
Music will be played through a sound system, with volume set to energizing but not overwhelming levels. Lighting will be dynamic, but with no strobes or harsh effects. No smoke machine or haze will be used. You’re welcome to dress up, dress down, stim, socialize, or take breaks as needed. This is an 18+ event focused on community celebration in a respectful, inclusive environment.
Accessibility:
Mobility: Fully wheelchair-accessible venue. Level 2 (Museum level) is accessible via elevator from the underground parkade or the street-level entrance through the Visitor Centre. The Museum features wide pathways. Main entrance doors (from the parkade side and Commercial Street side) are double-wide and equipped with push-button automatic door openers.
Seating:
Main Exhibit Space: A variety of seating is available around the perimeter of the room, with a mixture of standard-height tables and high-top tables provided.
Low-Sensory Space: Standard-height tables and chairs are provided for art, games, and resting.
Requests: Reserved accessibility seating and companion seating are available. Please email [email protected] to arrange.
Restrooms: All washrooms are gender-inclusive. Please note: Washroom doors are standard single-wide swing doors (push to enter/pull to exit) and do not have push-button automatic openers.
Washroom 1: 6 regular stalls, 1 accessible stall with a handrail (wall side), and 3 small hand sinks.
Washroom 2: 1 regular stall, 1 accessible stall, 2 urinals, and 2 hand sinks.
Parking and Transit: A 300-space underground parking garage provides quick and easy access to the VICC/Museum. You can also reference the City of Nanaimo’s Parking Map, or access limited, free street parking in the surrounding area. Bus routes 1, 5, 6, 30, and 20(A) bring you closest to the event. Find more transit info here.
Other Services:
Food/Drink: Free snacks (including peanut-free and gluten-free options) and a water station are available. A Cash Dry Bar will serve pop, juice, mocktails, and zero-alcohol beverages.
Coat Area: An unmonitored area for hanging coats is available.
Communication: There is no interpretation or captioning at this event.
Safe Space Commitment: This event upholds Nanaimo Pride's Safe Space Directive, ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all attendees. Safe Space Crew will be onsite to provide support if needed. Read the policy here: https://www.nanaimopride.ca/safe-space-policy
Sensory Notes:
Main Exhibit Space: Loud, energizing music and low lighting with non-strobing party lights; no smoke machines will be used. Expect a crowd of up to 200 participants. The threshold into this space is approximately 9mm with no gap.
Low-Sensory Space: A separate room away from the main DJ noise, accessed through manual double doors. Includes art supplies (which may have slight scents) and games. The threshold is approximately 5–8mm with no gap.
COVID-19 Considerations: Hand sanitizing stations are available. Mask wearing is encouraged, and we fully support all attendees who choose to wear one. If you would like us to set aside specific space or tables to help you feel more comfortable, please reach out to us in advance at [email protected].
Questions? Requests? Reach us at [email protected]
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Event Venue
Nanaimo Museum, M Graham, Museum Way, Nanaimo, BC V9R, Canada
Tickets
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