A quick guide to navigating Pride weekend in Toronto
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Pride month's grand finale — the pride parade — is happening on Sunday. And as the final weekend of the month approaches, Toronto will be filled with events celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
As the largest Pride celebration in the country, these events attract millions of visitors to the city every year.
Pride Toronto says this year's ceremonies include a focus on the transgender and non-binary community, and that it's important to use Pride as a platform for visibility, education, and advocacy. This year's event also features a 99 per cent Canadian lineup of performers, organizers say.
Here are some of the highlights in the city this weekend:
Friday, June 27:
Opening Night: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
TD Main Stage - Nathan Phillips Square - 100 Queen St. W.
The weekend kicks off with opening night, and Pride Toronto says the celebration will include a lineup of some of the best 2SLGBTQI+ dance artists in the world.
Sober Pride: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Paul Kane Parkette - 58 Wellesley St. E.
This year, the festival says it's proud to host an event that embraces fun and celebration without substances.
StreetFair: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
StreetFair is taking over Church Street from Bloor to Dundas and this year, and Pride Toronto says it's bigger than ever with more than 200 stalls. It's expected to include a carefully curated selection of unique shops, food and activities.
Trans Rally and March: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Charles Street Riser (March Rally Point) - 620 Church St.
Pride Toronto says this event offers a powerful space to honour trans, non-binary and two-spirit identities while raising awareness and advocating for trans human rights. According to the website, the day begins with the Trans Community Fair that showcases trans community groups, and closes off the night with the Trans Afterparty at the Community Stage.
New Ho Queen // All In: Asian Pride: 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Mill Street Wellesley Stage - 15 Wellesley St. E.
New Ho Queen is returning to Pride Toronto's Wellesley Stage for Asian Pride. Pride Toronto is encouraging people to come dance and celebrate queer Asian artistry, resilience and self-expression with local performers and DJs.
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Saturday, June 28
Family Pride: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Church Street Public School - 83 Alexander St.
Pride Toronto says Family Pride offers a vibrant environment where parents, caregivers and children under 12 can connect, play, and celebrate together. The weekend event is expected to be filled with live music, storytelling, arts and crafts and family-friendly entertainment, all designed to create a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQI+ families.
Dyke Rally and March: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Charles Street Riser (March Rally Point) - 620 Church St.
Pride Toronto says attendees can start the day with inspiring speeches, performances, and sign-making prior to the march. Starting at 2 p.m., attendees will march through the streets of Toronto.
Youth Pride: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Church Street Public School - 83 Alexander St.
Pride Toronto and the SOY Youth Advisory Committee are bringing back another year of showcasing youth excellence through singing, dancing and drag performances.
Sunday, June 29:
Pride Parade: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rosedale Valley Rd. and Park Rd., west on Church St., south on Yonge St., to Nathan Phillips Square.
Toronto's Pride parade kicks off at 2 p.m., with over 25,000 marchers and more than 250 groups expected to participate. Pride Toronto says the event isn't just a parade, but also a vibrant display of strength, pride and solidarity.
Two-spirit and Indigenous Pride: 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Rogers Community Stage - 78 Gould St.
Pride Toronto encourages attendees to come together with two-spirit community members for a gathering following the Pride Parade at its Community Stage. The event includes a two-spirit artist market and honours Indigenous culture and 2SLGBTQI+ identities through art, connection and celebration, organizers say.
Closing night: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
TD Main Stage - Nathan Phillips Square - 100 Queen St. W.
Pride Toronto says you can dance the afternoon away to house, disco and Pride bangers for closing night. DJs will be spinning the tunes to keep attendees moving and grooving all afternoon long.
The City of Toronto also has its own list of events which can be found here.
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