Notes from the TRINITY Ball & Rave: Loud, Proud and Future Forward

Thursday August 22, 2024

Last Saturday, the city of Calgary witnessed a monumental event that will echo in our memories for years to come—the TRINITY Kiki Ball & Rave, the grand finale of this year’s BUMP Festival. As the night unfolded, it became clear that something extraordinary was happening. This was more than just an event; it was the birth of a new cultural ethos, a powerful underground artistic spirit that felt like the dawn of a new era.

The TRINITY Kiki Ball & Rave was loud, proud, and unapologetically QTBIPOC-forward. It was a celebration that felt both futuristic and rooted in the rich history of ballroom culture, reimagined in a way that only Calgary’s vibrant arts scene could deliver. The event broke new ground, bringing together the high-energy allure of a ballroom event with the pulsating beat of an outdoor rave, all under the evocative theme of TRINITY.

From the moment the festivities began guests were immersed in a world where self-expression reigned supreme. The Kiki Ball brought to us by VOGUE YYC set the stage with fantastic vogue walkers from across the country strutting, spinning, and slaying in a dazzling display of performance art, dance, and fashion. The atmosphere was electric, with each performance elevating the energy, leaving the crowd in awe.

As the evening transitioned into the outdoor rave, a new wave of euphoria swept over the crowd. The music, curated by the legendary MIKEQ, the unstoppable Jasmine Infiniti, and the dynamic duo REDLINERS, was nothing short of transformative. The beats resonated deep within, creating a space where bodies moved freely, unapologetically. It was a powerful reminder of the communal joy that music can bring—a shared experience that transcended the individual and created a collective celebration of life, love, and liberation.

The event was also a testament to the inclusivity and reverence that lies at the heart of Calgary’s LGBTQIA2S+ community. With the foundation laid by VOGUE YYC and AMBIEN, the TRINITY Kiki Ball & Rave was not just a party but a resounding celebration of queer underground culture—a space where everyone was welcomed, celebrated, and uplifted. As we look back on the TRINITY Kiki Ball & Rave, it’s clear that something profound has shifted in Calgary. A new era has been ushered in, one that celebrates the underground, the queer, the bold, and the futuristic. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where this powerful artistic spirit takes us next.