After two years of virtual Pride due to COVID-19, Pride Month is finally back to Toronto!
We wanted to help you maximize your celebrations, so we’ve put together a list of some of the top events taking place this Pride Month.
Whether you’re looking to hit up a drag show are to catch some music from LGBTQ2S+ artists, we’ve got you covered.
Check out 16 events to celebrate Pride Month below.
Toronto Zoo Drag Queen Storytime
June 11th | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Check out some fun for the whole family with the Toronto Zoo Drag Queen Storytime. Drag performers Tiffany Boxx and Erin Brockobic read “some animal-themed children’s stories that teach lessons of inclusion, diversity, self-love, and respect for others,” the event explains. It’ll take place in the Waterside Theatre of the Zoo, free with Zoo Admission!
Cabana Pool Party with Symone
June 15th | 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
One of the most coveted Pride Month events this year is Cabana Pool Party with Symone, presented by Bud Light Seltzer. The event will not only feature Rupaul’s Drag Race star Symone, but it’ll also feature sets from local queens like Sofonda, Miss Fiercalicious, and Luna Dubois. DJs Karim Olen Ash and Cesar Murillo will keep the good vibes going all day, so get ready for a fun-and-sun-filled day of drag, music, and GoGo dancers!
NXNE: Pride Showcase
June 16th | 9:00 pm
North by North East is returning to more than 25 of Toronto’s top live music venues to celebrate emerging new music. With low price admission showcases, the festival highlights emerging artists from Canada and around the world. This year’s theme is “Talent Is Everywhere,” with an emphasis on gender equity and BIPOC representation. Pride Toronto is taking over an entire venue for a one evening show case at NXNE. It’ll highlight 5 curated individual 2SLGBTQ+ bands, each with a 40-minute set.
Night at the Aqueerium
June 17th | 8:00 pm – 12:00 pm
Want to spend a (very gay) night at the aquarium? On June 17th, Ripley’s is hosting their annual “Night at the Aqueerium” Pride event. “It’s the most colourful time of the year,” the event description reads. “Night at the Aqueerium (19+). Dive into all the colours of the rainbow and dance the night away to DJs curated by Pride Toronto. Light installations will be set up, plus there will be refreshments and plenty of photo ops!”
Kings & Queens: An Open Drag King & Queen Night
June 17th | 10:00 pm – 1:00 am
MRG Live and Woody’s present an open drag king & queen night. Hosted by Sofonda Cox, Sugar Stixxx, and Justin Dreamer, the event takes place at Adelaide Hall. Tickets are $15 and it’s sure to feature a whole slew of amazing performances from local drag artists.
Pride BACKYARD Festival
June 18th | 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Stackt is back with its annual BACKYARD festival, but this time it’s in honour of Pride. The event is set to feature musical performances, DJ sets, a small business vendor marker, an exclusion fusion tasting menu experience, and a drag brunch. Get ready for a stackt day of activities at BACKYARD festival.
AIDS Candlelit Vigil
June 21st | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Hosted by The 519, the annual AIDS Candlelit Vigil takes place on June 21st this year, from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. “An open community event is held annually at the AIDS Memorial to remember, honour, and celebrate the people who have died of AIDS and to celebrate those who live with the virus,” the event description explains. “The 2022 AIDS Candlelight Vigil theme is People, Purpose, Passion.”
Broadway Nights with Brooke Lynn Hytes
June 22nd | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Hosted by the Queen of the North herself, Brooke Lynn Hytes, get ready for a special one-night-only event at Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Wednesday, June 22nd. Podium Concert Productions is presenting Broadway Nights, which is a concert event dedicated to celebrating iconic Broadway musical performances. A world-class orchestra led by Musical Director Mark Camilleri will accompany Brooke Lynn Hytes throughout the performance.
Starry Night
June 23rd | 5:00 pm – 11:59 pm
Beloved annual event Starry Night returns to Barbara Hall Park as part of the Green Space Festival. The event serves as part of the 12th annual Pride fundraiser for The 519. This year’s headliners include Bosco, Willow Pill, Angeria Paris Van Michaels, Icesis Couture, Pythia, and more.
Trans Pride
June 24th | 7:00 p.m.
Toronto’s Trans March is renowned as one of the biggest Pride events around the world. While the march is for all of the trans, non-binary, friends, and allies, but the event encourages Trans women of colour and people with different abilities to lead the march, which starts at Church St. and Hayden St. The march will wrap at Allan Gardens, where there will be a stellar lineup of trans performers. The Rally starts at 7:00 p.m. and the March starts at 8:00 p.m.
Resurrection: a YES YES YALL block party
June 24th | 10:00 pm – 2:00 am
Yes Yes Y’all is back and better than ever with Resurrection. “It’s been a long windy road but YYY gearing up for the return of the summer,” a description explains. “After a 2 year hiatus, the block party is back and ready to celebrate all our colours ❤️. A night to remember with Yes Yes Yall and friends: Half Queen (NZ), Bambii, Teeno, and more! Expect bangers.”
The Dyke March
June 25th | 1:00 p.m.
The Toronto Dyke March is where self-identified dykes come to create a “political and visible space.” The Dyke March is where women and trans people from all across the community come to celebrate and show their power, strength and diversity. The rally starts at 1:00 p.m., with the March kicking off at 2:00 p.m.
Drag Ball
June 25th | 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Hosted by “your favourite sweet and sour treat” Lemon, Drag Ball is back in-person and bigger than ever. The event is set to feature more than 30 local drag queens, kings, gender performers, and surprise guests from Drag Race Canada and Call Me Mother. This is one event you definitely won’t want to miss.
Pride Parade
June 26th
What is Pride Month without the Pride Parade? On June 23rd, head to the corner of Church Street and Bloor Street to witness over 200 groups marching in celebration of LGBTQ+ people. The parade, which is one of the largest in North America, comes stacked with performances, floats, and marchers every year.
Priyanka’s Taste Test Show
June 26th | 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Winner of Canada’s Drag Race season 1, Priyanka Love, is returning to her hometown with her debut EP Taste Test. She’ll be bringing the EP live to the TD Main Stage on Sunday, June 26th. That album has hit a whopping 5+ million streams, and she’s sure to perform her viral hit single, “Come Through.” So get ready to round out your Pride Month in style with this set!