Toronto is celebrating and recognizing Pride month with a ton of fun festivities happening across the city, with events leading up to the grand Pride parade on June 25.
Pride Toronto says this year’s theme is “Here, There, Everywhere,” which is about embracing the queer community’s existence and acknowledging their place.
Around the world, the contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ communities are praised, as they continue to strive for a more inclusive and accepting society.
Here are some of the events you can check out:
Royal Tea – Pride Month Kickoff Party
Pride Toronto will be kicking off Pride Month programming with an exclusive drag show, featuring a variety of Drag Superstars from the United Kingdom on June 2. Headliners include the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3, Krystal Versace, the breakout star of Canada vs the World, Victoria Scone and The Caribbean Empress of Birmingham, Black Peppa,among others. The party starts at 7 p.m. and will last until 11 p.m.
The Distillery District Queer Marketplace
For the first time ever, a Distillery District Queer Marketplace is coming to the Distillery District on June 5. The market includes a spread of local artists and artisans representing the 2SLGBTQI+ community such as Out of the Closet by Herwood, Relaxing Rocco and more. Along with the marketplace, visitors can enjoy The Distillery’s more than 70 shops, cafes, galleries, theatre and world class restaurants. There will also be live performances from Jump She Said, Ori Dagan and Kenny Kirkwood Band among others. The marketplace runs until June 11.
Pride Extravaganza with Priyanka
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is hosting a special one-night-only show by first-ever winner of Canada’s Drag Race, Priyanka. The drag queen is a multi-talented artist and international entertainer who invites the audience into her world with dance music and visuals. Tickets are $40 for the public and annual passholders and $30 for members. The show starts on June 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pride Pool Party with Sugar and Spice
Soak up the sun and take a swim at Pride Toronto’s legendary pool party. This year, TikTok-famous twins, Sugar and Spice, are headlining the event. The two were also contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15. To make the experience extra special, visitors can opt for bottle service, exclusive VIP Cabanas and meet and greets. The party starts on June 16 at 7 p.m. to June 17 at 1:00 a.m., at Grand Bizzare Supper Club.
Pride Parade
This year, the highly anticipated Pride parade includes over 250 groups promoting equality and inclusion. Thousands of marchers will line the streets of downtown Toronto on June 25 in conjunction with live performances, music and bursts of colour . The parade will start at the corner of Church and Bloor streets at 2 p.m. and make its way to Nathan Phillips Square. This year, the square features a new super size main stage and beer garden, as well as closing acts to end off the festivities.
