What to know
- Pride celebrations are taking place across Ontario throughout June, from Milford to Niagara.
- Events include parades, drag performances, community fairs, family-friendly festivals and even a pop-up wedding.
- Several celebrations are free to attend, while others offer ticketed entertainment and special programming.
- Pride Month recognizes and celebrates 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada.
While Toronto is a hub of all things Queer — especially in June — From Hamilton to Kingston to Muskoka, there are events for the 2SLGBTQ+ community happening throughout Ontario all month.
Statistics Canada reports that across Canada, 1.3 million people (or about 4 per cent of the population) identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and with Pride being an occasion to honour the resilience and courage of our community, it’s important to celebrate loud and proud… pun intended.
Thankfully, while Ontario is a big place, it’s also a province with a major Pride rundown across towns and cities this month. From Milford to Muskoka, Whitby to Niagara, Queer & Now has rounded up nine Pride events outside of Toronto to check out this month.
North of Toronto
York Pride
Address: York Pride Festival Grounds, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., Newmarket
When: Saturday, June 13
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., people in York Region will be able to celebrate Pride with a day-long celebration featuring a market, performances, and a Pride Parade.
The parade kicks off with a Trans March before continuing with the annual Pride walk, and is scheduled for 4-5:45 p.m., starting on Main St. The procession will head south on Queen St., east on Water St., before wrapping up at Doug Duncan Dr.
Alliston Pride
Where: The Krasman Centre, 17 Paris St., Alliston
When: Saturday, June 20
From 11:30-3:30, Alliston will be celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community loud and proud at The Krasman Centre. For the third year in a row, rainbows will take over the space for an afternoon of entertainment and togetherness in Simcoe County.
The event lineup includes keynote speakers, drag performances, live music, community services booths, a free BBQ, children’s activities, popcorn and snow cones.
Entry to the festivities is free, with part of Paris St. also blocked off for the event, aiming to create a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike to celebrate Pride in a smaller-town setting.
Bala Bay Diva Pride Weekend
Where: Bala Bay Inn, 3063 Muskoka Rd. 169, Bala
When: June 19-21
Even further north, Muskoka is getting in on the Pride celebrations this year with Bala’s first-ever Pride Weekend. Hosted by the Bala Bay Divas and special guests, for three days, drag performances, a Pride brunch, and evening shows will take over the Bala Bay Inn.
This is a good fit for people looking to combine a cottage weekend with Pride celebrations, with accommodations available at the Inn and throughout the surrounding area.
East of Toronto
Youth Pride Durham
Where: Region of Durham Headquarters, 605 Rossland Rd. E, Whitby
When: Saturday, June 13
Specially designed for young people in Durham Region, this Pride celebration is one of the more family-oriented events on the list.
From 1-4 p.m., attendees can look forward to fabulous drag performances, storytelling, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, a magic show, dancing and DJ sets. Additionally, aiming to create a hub for those looking for community supports, The Resource Village will feature representatives and team members from organizations across Durham Region sharing information about the programming they offer to 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the area.
Compass Rose Pride Party
Address: 575 Crowes Rd., Milford
When: Sunday, June 7
Calling all you lovebirds considering eloping, we have an event for you. Set on the gorgeous Compass Rose property, which serves as a wedding and event venue, the fourth annual CR Pride Party is wedding-themed, with a twist.
It also serves as a pop-up wedding, giving attendees access to an officiant and a gorgeous venue to tie the knot, as well as a built-in reception. Tickets are about $48 and include live sets by DJ Lynz, canapés by Hawley Crescent Catering and Events, and a welcome drink.
There will be food and drinks available for purchase at the soirée, with proceeds going to Rainbow Railroad. The party kicks off at 6 p.m.
Kingston Pride Parade and Community Fair
Where: Memorial Centre and Confederation Park, Kingston
When: Saturday, June 13
Founded in 1989, Kingston Pride is back for another year of Queer festivities, featuring a weeklong celebration of the 2SLGBTQ+ community with the theme Resilience & Liberation in Action.
The annual Pride Parade begins at noon and travels down Princess St. through the city’s downtown core, before ending near the scenic waterfront.
Following the parade, attendees can enjoy the Kingston Pride Community Fair, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Confederation Park. Local vendors, artists, community organizations and small businesses will be available in abundance, while local performing artists provide live entertainment and family-friendly programming throughout the day.
West of Toronto
Wrap it Up
When: Saturday, June 6
Where: Moose & Goose, 54 Paul De Divitiis Senior Wy., Thorold
Niagara goes big when it comes to Pride, celebrating the season with a week-long schedule of events at the beginning of the month, and wrapping up with a party on Saturday, June 6.
Wrap it Up is this year’s official Pride Niagara after-party, featuring Canada’s Drag Race Season 6 superstar, Dulce. A proud Latina queen, her high-energy performance will blend her cultural roots with fierce choreography, vibrant looks, and crowd-hyping charisma.
In addition to performing, Dulce will be hosting a meet-and-greet, while performances from local queens are also slated throughout the night.
This 19+ party kicks off at 10 p.m. and runs til 2 a.m., with DJ Osito spinning all night. Tickets are $20 and available in advance.
Tri-Pride’s annual Pride in the Park
Where: Willow River Park, Kitchener
When: Saturday, June 6
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Tri-Pride‘s annual Pride in the Park is one of the largest Pride events in Waterloo Region, celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge and drawing thousands of attendees throughout the day.
Described by organizers as a day of Queer celebration, protest and joy, this event runs from 12-8 p.m. and features a vendor marketplace, beer garden, a kidz zone and a rundown featuring eight hours of live music, DJ sets, drag performances and more.
Hamilton Pride
When: Aug. 21-23
Where: Pier 4 Park, Hamilton
Those looking to keep the celebrations going long into the summer should head to Hamilton, where Pride is honoured in August.
The festivities kick off on Friday, Aug. 21, from 5-11:30 p.m., continuing the next day from 11 a.m. until midnight, and wrapping up with a drag brunch on the 23. The brunch will be hosted on the fourth floor of Hamilton Stadium, located at 64 Melrose Ave. N.
Pride-goers can enjoy live performances and music, food trucks and local vendors, community service booths, a designated family area, as well as a sensory-friendly space. There will also be a vendor market, featuring both food and artisanal items and art, while a beer garden will also be on-site.
