Let’s cut to the chase: The summer is passing us by and we’ve had very little exposure to sunshine in the last couple of months.

What gives, West Coast?

No matter. The streets of our fair city are about to get brighter — Vancouver Pride is upon us! Still, some more sun would be nice, right?

Here are some highlights of what’s happening around town for the 2012 Vancouver Pride Festival:

Pride Movie Night (Wednesday, Aug. 1): Features Kinky Boots (1995), a fun film about a man who inherits his family’s failing small-town shoe business. Along comes Lola, a drag performer in need of a good pair of shoes. Hijinx ensue. At Denman Cinema (7 p.m.)

G(r)ay & Glamorous (Thursday, Aug. 1): Social dance for LGBT elders and allies. By donation and accessible. At Barclay Manor from 5 – 8 p.m.

Barefoot Davie Street Dance Party (Friday, Aug. 3): Let’s be clear, Barefoot is the sponsor — you need to wear shoes. Hit up Davie Street (between Burrard and Jervis) on Friday night for some DJs and dancing. Cash only and 19+.

Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast (Saturday, Aug.t 4, 8:30 a.m. – noon): The annual breakfast honouring one of the founders of Vancouver Pride. This is by-donation and is in the heart of Davie Village at Bute Street.

34th Annual Pride Parade (Sunday, Aug. 5): It all culminates with this city’s most-colourful parade. It’s the fifth largest Pride parade in the world: 150 floats and thousands of participants and spectators lining the streets. It starts on Robson, heads south on Denman Street and finishes down on the beach. Starts at noon.

Pride Festival and Market (Sunday, Aug. 5): Head down to Sunset Beach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for live music, more than 150 vendors and a beer garden.

Pride Youth Dance (Sunday, Aug. 5): An alcohol and drug free celebration for queer/trans youth and their allies. Caters to 14-25 youth looking for a safe, affordable party. Admission is by donation, but no one gets turned away. At the Westend Community Centre from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Download the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival guide at VancouverPride.ca.