Montreal Pride dazzled thousands Aug 17 with a circus-themed parade. In the spirit of this year's circus theme, many parade participants dressed in flashy, over-the-top outfits. From red clown noses and face-paint to feathers and sequins, parade participants didn't hold back. Acrobats and gymnasts performed stunts on some floats, delighting crowds along the route. The weekend was filled with events, including a community day on Aug 16. Local queer groups lined St Catherine St — the city's gay strip — with information tables and booths. There was also a new event, the Avenue of Health and Well-Being, that promoted safer sex and healthy living. Two weeks earlier, Montreal hosted its annual gay festival, Divers/Cite. xtra.ca videographer Michael Pihach attended that event, check out his video report here. Some Montrealers organized an alternative gay event, called Pervers/Cite — read more about how the group opposes gay assimilation with events like More Drunk, Less Married. Check out xtra.ca's photos of the Aug 17 Pride parade below: