Spark After Dark: Beyond the Rainbow - June 13
SPARK AFTER DARK (18+)

Beyond the Rainbow... AGAIN!

JUNE 13, 2025 | 6:00 PM – MIDNIGHT

DATE

Friday, June 13, 2025

WHEN

6:00 PM – Midnight

AGES

Adults only 18+
Must have valid photo ID

COST

General Admission $32.95

Members: $10

LEAD EXPERIENCES

  • THE CABARET COMPANY DRAG SHOWS

The Ultimate Drag Show

Cheer on the 19 local drag icons sashaying, slaying, and serving all night long—featuring headliners Icesis Couture and Jaylene Tyme. Partnered with The Cabaret Company.

  • VENDORS

Pride Market

Snatch up some local handcrafted goodies from the Pride Market curated by Little Modern Market.

  • ADD-ON WORKSHOP

Creative Workshop

Celebrate the freedom to express yourself in colour and style in The Rainbow Rebellion workshop!

Double rainbow – OMG! June is Pride Month, and on June 13, Spark After Dark (18+) invites you to Beyond the Rainbow…AGAIN!

From the science of identity to couture chemistry, this night celebrates the full spectrum of who we are and how we shine — through dazzling drag shows, inspiring talks, hands-on experiments, a vibrant Pride Market, and bold bites and cocktails.

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of Pride, community, and self-expression!

And here's a little extra for Spark Members.

During Spark After Dark events, Spark Members get VIP treatment, with perks like free parking and a fantastic 15% discount at the Spark Eatery, Astronaut Ice Cream café, and the Spark Store!

Purchase a Spark Membership now and enjoy the wonders of science!

THE ULTIMATE DRAG SHOW

In partnership with the Cabaret Company. Get loud for The Ultimate Drag Show, a spectacular celebration of self-expression, joy, and unapologetic fabulousness. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of local drag artists—expect glitter, glamour, and plenty of surprises!

MIX, MAKE, AND CELEBRATE PRIDE

  • LOCATION
  • LAB 1

Dance Floor

Step onto the dance floor with Get Gay Dance for a joyful, all-levels same-sex dance workshop—where everyone’s welcome to lead, follow, and have fun!

  • LOCATION
  • PIXELARIUS

The Creative Corner with Pinnovate

Show the world who you are by creating your own custom pronoun pin and friendship bracelets with Pinnovate!

  • LOCATION
  • OPEN STUDIO

Tuft Love Studio

Add your touch to a large, vibrant tufted rug designed by the community at the Tuft Love Studio booth. There will be chances to win it at the end of the night!

Calling all makers and creators! Spark is hosting a Pride Market in partnership with *Little Modern Market*. Want to be a vendor?

Apply now – Only 12 spots available!

FEATURED TALKS & SPEAKERS

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • SEAN STOTYN

The Mist-ical Origin of Rainbows

Rainbows hold great mystical importance across cultures throughout history, but what exactly are they? Join Sean as he takes you on a journey to understand the nature of light and how it interacts with water droplets to create one of the most stunningly beautiful optical illusions of the natural world.

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • KARLA MARX

History with a Drag Queen

PRIDE! The Villain Edit is the latest episode of History With A Drag Queen by Karla Marx, professor of history! Why do we only talk about queer heroes at pride? What about the villains, thieves, and murderers? Come dive into the darker side of nefarious queers this Pride!

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • CENTRE OF SEXUALITY

Allyship 365: Becoming an Ally for Gender and Sexual Diversity

Guests will learn about what it means to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, considering the ways that they can support and engage as allies, 365 days a year.

Inspiration Stage – Embrace Your Identity

Join us for Embrace Your Identity, a speaker series celebrating identity, expression, and empowerment.

This engaging event features thought-provoking presentations from Black Pride YYC, exploring the intersections of race and queerness; Skipping Stone, shedding light on gender-affirming care and advocacy; and local drag performers, who will take the stage to break down the artistry of wigs, transformative makeup, and the rise of drag kings.

Whether you’re here to learn, be inspired, or challenge perspectives, this series is all about embracing the full spectrum of Pride with passion and purpose.

ShaneOnYou

A COLOURFUL PRIDE WORKSHOP

  • ADD-ON EXPERIENCE

THE RAINBOW REBELLION: DIY FLAGGING & QUEER CHARM

Celebrate the freedom to express yourself in colour and style at The Rainbow Rebellion workshop! Explore the vibrant history of queer flagging and discover how colours, symbols, and accessories have shaped queer expression over time.

In this 1.5-hour workshop for adults (18+), you'll design your very own custom PRIDE bandana using tie-dye techniques—whether you want to replicate a PRIDE flag, showcase your unique colours, or craft something personal to your journey, the possibilities are endless!

What’s Included:

• A brief history of queer flagging and its cultural significance

• A PRIDE-inspired bandana (that you tie-dye yourself!)

• All materials to create your own carabiner charm

• Expert guidance and support throughout the workshop

• One drink ticket for the event’s signature cocktail

Ready to join the rebellion? Get your ticket now and celebrate Pride in full colour!

Please bring valid photo ID. Adults 18+ only.

FEATURED FOOD

  • Rainbow Tray — $22

SPARK EATERY FOOD SPECIAL

What’s Included:

• Bourbon BBQ Red Chicken

• Tomato Pepper Rice Pilaf

• Cheesy Corn

• Green Salad with Basil Pesto Dressing

• Beetroot Hummus

• Blueberry Donuts

FEATURED COCKTAIL

  • Rainbow Paradise — $18

BEVERAGE SPECIAL

• Malibu Rum

• Blue Curaçao

• Pineapple Juice

• Grenadine

What You Need to Know Before You Glow

Spark After Dark: Beyond the Rainbow… AGAIN! is shaping up to be a high-energy, sold-out celebration — and we’re here for it! To help you make the most of your night, here are a few tips to keep things smooth, sparkly, and stress-free:

  • Parking
    It’s going to be busy — the TELUS Spark lot fills up quickly. If it’s full when you arrive, use the Calgary Zoo overflow lot just next door. Remember to pay at the machine or on the ParkPlus app to avoid a ticket.
  • Skip the Line
    Entry lines can get long. Buy your tickets online in advance so you can skip the wait and head straight to the fun.
  • Drink Tickets
    Save time by buying drink tickets in advance via Showpass when you purchase your admission. You can also scan a QR code at the event to buy them on-site — no waiting in line required.
  • Speaker Events
    Talks fill up fast! If there’s one you don’t want to miss, plan to arrive early to grab a seat. Standing-room only happens often!
  • Meet & Greet
    Drop by the Feature Gallery South to meet performers for free. Photos and autographs are available for purchase — all proceeds go directly to the artists.
  • Crowds & Queer Joy
    The Atrium gets crowded during the drag shows by the windows — it’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s part of the vibe. Grab a cocktail, soak it in, and enjoy the moment.

Dress up, show up, and get ready to glow — we can't wait to celebrate with you!

FAQ

    • Is there an ATM on site?

      An ATM is located on the second floor at the top of the entry stairs, outside of the Spark Eatery.

    • I'm a member, do I need a ticket?

      Yes! Spark Members receive a special ticket offer of $10 for all Spark After Dark events. That's over 60% in savings!

    • Can I buy tickets at the door?

      Yes! While tickets are available at the door, it is highly recommended to reserve yours online in advance to ensure you don't miss out on this event, as these events can sell out.

    • Are children allowed?

      Spark After Dark events are 18+, meaning no children are permitted. It's an opportunity for adults to enjoy unique experiences tailored specifically for a mature audience.

    • How much is parking?

      Parking is FREE for Spark Members. For everyone else, parking is $12 and is managed by Calgary Parking through ParkPlus. If paying through the ParkPlus mobile app, enter Zone 8310 or use one of the pay machines located near the front doors. To pay online with ParkPlus, click here.

    • Will the entire science centre be open for this event?

      Yes, including the Digital Immersion Gallery, Being Human, Open Studio, Steven's Lab, Infinity Dome, the Spark Eatery and Astronaut Ice Cream café!

    • Is there overflow parking?

      Yes! If there is not enough room in the Spark parking lot, visitors are welcome to use the north parking lot of the Calgary Zoo at 84 St. Georges Drive NE.

      Please note: Guests must pay for parking at the Calgary Zoo North Lot. Failure to do so may result in a ticket.

      For more details, visit the updated parking page: For more information, visit: Calgary Zoo North Lot.

Banquet: A Feast for the Senses!

Dig into the science of food at Banquet, Spark’s newest exhibition! From wild flavour experiments to surprising food facts, get ready for a hands-on, mind-blowing culinary adventure.

Learn More