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Pride Festival at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Experience a blend of traditional Japanese culture and diverse LGBTQIA2S+ representation through art, performance, and storytelling.
Date
June 1, 2025 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr S Lethbridge, Alberta
Event Details
Pride Festival at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: $15 per person: includes a drink, cookie and access to all events! Children under 5: FREE
We are proud to partner with Lethbridge Pride Fest to present a vibrant day of culture, community, and celebration during Pride Month. Set against the peaceful backdrop of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, this festival invites everyone to experience a blend of traditional Japanese culture and diverse LGBTQIA2S+ representation through art, performance, and storytelling.
Schedule of Events:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Artists in the Garden
Meet and support LGBTQIA2S+ artists and vendors featured in the hallway of the Bunka Centre.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Taiko Drum Performance
Enjoy the powerful rhythms of traditional Japanese taiko drumming performed by the Lethbridge Community Taiko Association.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Film Screening: Francheska: Prairie Queen
Held in the Bunka Centre Large Venue Room. This inspiring film follows Filipino care worker Francis (Kiko) Yutrago as they pursue a dream of becoming a drag performer while supporting their family back home. A special introduction will be given by the film’s main performer.
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Live Acoustic Performance
Lady Grime will perform a live acoustic set at the Pavilion Deck.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Japanese Sake & Beer Bar
Relax and enjoy traditional Japanese beverages on the Pavilion Deck. Cash and card payments are accepted.
Yukata & Happi Rentals – 2-for-1 Offer
Wear traditional Japanese summer attire and enjoy the festival in style. Reserve your rental online in advance.
All day | Cosplay with Pride – Show off your creativity and pride! Snap a photo of your cosplay at the Garden and message us on social media or email the photo to info@nikkayuko.com to win a special prize! The winner will be announced at the end of the day.
Prize: The Ultimate Nikka Yuko + Movie Mill Date Night!Includes:
$69 Date Night in the Dome for 2
$25 Gift Card to The Movie Mill
Important Information
Last Entry: 5:30 PM
Zensai Picnic
Pre-order required by 4:00 PM the day before
Event Ends / Venue Closes: 6:00 PM
Join us in honouring Pride Month with a celebration of diversity, resilience, and cultural appreciation. For more information about Lethbridge Pride Fest, visit lethbridgepride.com.
Organizer
- Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Established in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s Centennial, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden stands as a tribute to the contributions of Japanese Canadians to Lethbridge, Alberta, and as a lasting symbol of international friendship. The name “Nikka Yuko” blends elements of both Japanese and English: Ni (from Nihon, meaning Japan), Ka (from Canada), and Yuko (meaning friendship), representing the deep connection between the two nations.
Opening Day and Hours
Opening day for 2025 is Thursday, May 8th.
The garden is open five (5) days a week:
- Monday: 10-6pm
- Tuesday/Wednesday CLOSED
- Thursday: 10-6 pm
- Fridays: 10-8 pm (Last Entry 7:30 pm)
- Saturdays: 10-8 pm (Last Entry 7:30 pm)
- Sunday: 10-6 pm
Daily Programming
- Daily Garden Tours at 11, 1 & 3 pm
- Thursday: Tea: 2 pm & 4 pm Pavilion/Ceremony (Program)
- Friday: Food Truck Fridays/Sumo/Anime/Wild Nights; Ceremonies 2pm & 4pm
- Saturday: Nodate Tea Service 2 pm & 4 pm (Experience/Program)
- Sunday: Nodate Tea Service 2 pm & 4 pm (Experience/Program)
- Monday: Meiso (Relaxation) Mondays
Performances and Presentations: 3:00 pm
Yukata Dressing:
Guests can wear Yukata around the Garden and community 5 days per week.