Your Toronto Pride guide: Can’t-miss events, queer-owned businesses and locals’ favourite spots to visit this month (2024)

Movie screening of “Hearts Beat Loud”

June 5

Free. All ages.

College Park, 444 Yonge St.

Bring a lawn chair — and Kleenex — to this sweet family drama starring Nick Offerman (of “Parks and Rec,” but mostly that beautiful “Last Of Us” love storyline with Murray Bartlett). Bonus: the pre-show concert and on-site farmer’s market.

Shikshook.to

June 6

From $15. 19+

Bangarang, 552 College St.

Go all in for an exhilarating evening celebrating the Arab/SWANA LGBTQ+ community: think pulsating Arabic pop DJ sets, live performances and belly dancing by Lebanese drag queen star Samar.

Screening of “It’s Only Life After All”

June 7

$15. All ages.

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W.

The Indigo Girls are queer icons; the group gets its flowers in this intimate documentary that melds decades of home movies with contemporary footage. Stay for “Glitter and Doom,” a summer romance soundtracked to Indigo Girls hits.

Newcomer’s Pride Celebration

June 8

Free. All ages.

Central Neighbourhood House, 349 Ontario St.

Create a safe space for all, including LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers at this full-day event. Workshops, art exhibits and networking sessions help create a sense of community.

Pooch Pride

June 8

Free. All ages.

Joel Weeks Park (start), 10 Thompson St.

Take your good boy or girl for a serious strut. Festivities kick off at noon, where glitter, body paint and dog treats are on offer, plus doggie goodie bags for the first 40 pooches. Finish up at Black Dog Brewing for pints, ear scratches and a very special performance.

Proud Voices: A Pride Cabaret Celebration

June 9

From $20. All ages

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St.

See stars, both emerging and established, during this evening of stellar performances featuring tenors, sopranos and baritones from cult cabaret indie opera company Opéra Queens. Gird your loins — there’s also a community open mic.

ROM After Dark: PRIDE

June 14

$40. 19+

Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park

A night at the museum is also a good idea, particularly when it features performers like gospel choir Inkloosiv Voices, hip hop artist Lex Leosis and Spice Girls drag impersonators, the Spice Queens. Bonus beyond the zig-a-zig ah: admission to the ROM exhibitions.

Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White

June 14, 15, 16

$75. All ages

Canadian Opera Company theatre, 227 Front St. E.

This original COC commission — a vibrant sonic mix, including classical opera, spoken word and rap — celebrates Portia White, a trailblazing contralto from Nova Scotia, who sang in European concert halls in the 1940s to great acclaim.

Til Sunset

June 15, 16

From $42. 19+

Cherry Beach, 1 Cherry St.

Good vibes are guaranteed at this signature weekend festival. Trinidadian soca sensation Tempa headlines on Saturday, while DJs — including superstar Josh Harrison — drop the Sunday oontz oontz oontz.

Skates & Sounds Roller Drag Ball

June 19

Free. All ages.

College Park, 444 Yonge St.

Bring your own skates, or borrow a pair for free, at this family-friendly roller dance extravaganza, complete with DJ sets, drag numbers and an on-site flea market featuring LGBTQ+ vendors.

Pride Pool Party with Raja

June 20

$52.50. 19+.

Grand Bizarre Beach Club, 12 Saskatchewan Rd.

This is the place to be: infinity pools, bottle service and epic performances from drag legends, including "RuPaul's Drag Race" winner Raja. Rain or shine, baby.

Night at the Aqueerium

June 21

$60. 19+

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, 288 Bremner Blvd.

Marvel at the splendour of it all: beautifully crafted co*cktails, creative drag performances and the joy of watching one of Toronto’s most serene spaces transform into a rainbow wonderland. (And yes, you can still pet the stingrays.)

Gay AF Comedy Pride-Stravaganza

June 22

$30. 19+

Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen St. W.

Hit the museum gardens for an afternoon of belly laughs courtesy of standup from some of the city’s funniest people.

Screening of “Backspot”

June 24

Free.

Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Rd.


Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”) is a national treasure, and her queer cheerleading drama “Backspot” is so good it deserves to do “Barbie” box office. Bring a lawn chair; pom-poms optional.

Green Space Festival

June 26 to 30

Free. All ages

Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church St.

The 519, Canada’s biggest LGBTQ+ organization, is also one of Toronto’s most beloved community hubs. Its four-day outdoor festival of performers, DJs and drag stars is infused with heart, and also acts as a fundraiser. Don’t miss it.

Family Pride

June 29

Free. Adults must accompany children under 12.

Church Street Public School, 83 Alexander St.

Bring the fam for a weekend of fun: face painting, storytelling, a magic show, and good old-fashioned community building.

Parade!

June 30

Free. All ages.

Starts at the corner of Church and Bloor, 2 p.m.


The big one! Pride Month concludes with the legendary parade — the largest in Canada; one of the largest in the world — that takes over the Village, meanders through the city and ends up at Nathan Phillips Square, where a main stage and beer garden await. The festivities are special, but it’s the spirit that matters most: it’s a march of solidarity and of love.

Hot Shot Chocolate

handmade chocolates

568 Bathurst St.

Pride tip: “There's a lot of hype around the traditional parade and being out on Church Street. But it's also okay to stay home or do something casual. Follow your heart.” — Kelly Maxifield

(use code PRIDE15 for 15 per cent off all June)

Lower East Side Studio

gender-neutral hair studio

827 College St.
 392 College St.

Pride tip: “There are really cute events happening throughout the city the whole month. Find the smaller ones and support all your businesses and drag kings and queens!”— Daniela Pérez & Nancy Haddad

Bistitchual Yarn Shop

community crafting space

266 Jane St.

Pride tip: “I’m a deeply anxious introvert, so my favourite way to enjoy Pride is to participate in the Quiet Queer Craft-a-long, mainly on Instagram. You use queer-dyed yarn or make a craft that's by a queer designer. It’s a way of promoting all the amazing career fibre artists.” — Kelsi Morris

Glad Day Bookshop

books, coffee, co*cktails and drag brunch

499 Church St.

Pride tip: “Do what you want to do, not what you think you have to do.” — Michael Erickson

Little Ghosts Books

horror bookstore

930 Dundas St. W.

Pride tip: “Stay hydrated.I always have a dehydrated friend that drinks a million co*cktails, and I'm always asking, 'Did you drink water in the last 24 hours?'” — Chris Krawczyk

Craig’s Cookies

boutique cookie shop

1332 Queen St. W., 483 Church St.
,
1581 Bayview Ave., 908 Queen St. E.

Pride tip: “Pride offers a great opportunity to do our due diligence as a society, in looking at where Pride started in Toronto specifically.I think the more research and education you do, (the more you see) the problematic amount of work that still has to be done globally, and also in Canada, to preserve the rights of the queer community. Hopefully, that education creates understanding and understanding creates love and acceptance.” — Craig Pike

(on offer this month, the Pride mix: six cookies, the colours of the rainbow)

Juju Grooms

dog and cat grooming studio

1684 Queen St. W. 801 Dundas St. W.


Pride tip: “Make sure you try to talk to new people, experience as much as you possibly can and just enjoy Pride for what it is. It's an opportunity for us to all get together in a form of protest and love.”— Juju Castelo and Britney Bentick

Lox + Schmear

fish smokehouse and bagel shop

1030 St. Clair Ave. W.

Pride tip: “Now that I have a child, we like to do more family-friendly events. Do what makes you feel good! Be safe, have fun!”— Lev Levine

Hurt/Comfort Tattoos

tattoo shop

1159 Dundas St. E.

Pride tip: “Not liking loud, crowded events doesn't make you less queer. Have fun the way that you want to.”— Nicole Williams and Amber Robyn

Priyanka is the ultimate multi-hyphenate: performer, musical artist, international entertainer. The first-ever winner of“Canada’s Drag Race,” she’s also the new co-host ofthe acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning HBO show “We’re Here.” Priyanka’s single “Come Through” is one of Canada’s all-time greatest bangers — and her much-anticipated debut album is due this summer. By Briony Smith

Crews and Tangos

508 Church St., second floor

“Being a brown girl, I never experienced a dancehall room like the second floor at Crews and Tangos. Dancing my night out every night during Pride 2016 — before I becamePriyanka —and having the biggest soca artist Allison Hinds do a pop-up performance of her iconic hit ‘Roll It Gyal’ was where I realized I have space in the queer community, too!”

Yohom*o Fest

945 Bloor St. W. 1006 Bloor St. W.,
457 Church St., 1158 Queen St. E.

“Let me tell you something about Yohom*o: these events during Pride are the most inclusive, loving, radical, fun events ever. There is so much love at Love on Top, my favourite Pride party. You know when you’re nervous to go into a party because no one will talk to you? At Yohom*o events, everyone is smiling and nodding at each other. I love them!”

Geoska Tattoos

20 Eglinton Ave. E, Suite 441

“Pride is so monumental for a lot of people that they want to have the memory last forever. This is most inclusive, loving tattoo shop in Toronto that can literally do any style or size of tattoo you want to commemorate for Pride: it’s the perfect place to go!”

Starry Night at Greenspace

Barbara HallPark, 519 Church St.

“The Super Bowl of drag! I remember being in my first year of drag, and when I was asked to be a part of the show, I felt like, Wow, I made it. All of the money goes back into the 519 and helps our queer and trans community.”

The Curated Market Co.

2473 Yonge St. 2116-A Queen St. E.

“I love, love, love this market. It’s the perfect place to get local jewellery to wear to all of your Pride events. Also, if you’re like me and love to have people over: candles, candles and more candles. Gotta have the love palace smelling good!”

O’Grady’s on Church

518 Church St.

“So I don't know about you but sometimes during Pride season, mama has a few too many. Need a good brunch to gas you up to party again? This is the spot. Plus, it’s right on Church Street where all of the action is!”

Phil Villeneuve and Armand Digdoyo started community hub Yohom*o in 2016 to better connect the diversity and creativity of Toronto’s LGBTQ+ communities. Their event listings and blog content spotlight queer parties, events, plays, screenings and marches happening around Toronto. This June, Yohom*o is hosting multiple events, including a Gay Gardens block party at DoWestFest; a full-building Drake hotel takeover event called Joy, and Yohom*o Fest, a two-day Pride weekend extravaganza at the Bentway. By Briony Smith

Three Dollar Bill

1592 Queen St. W.

“A new jewel in the west end, Three Dollar Bill is the perfect Queen dive bar. They offer wildly diverse programming; the staff is so lovely and welcoming — and easy on the eyes — and the drinks are thoughtful and fun. They have a hidden patio, and this would be a great night out if you don't to head to a HUGE Pride party, or into the wilds of Church Street.” —Phil

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

12 Alexander St.

“We highly recommend checking out everything Buddies has programmed for the month of June. The list of performances, shows, parties, and talks is astounding and appeals to a wonderfully wide audience of folks. They've outdone themselves.”—Armand

Fuel+

469 Front St. E.

“This is a fave spot of ours during Pride weekend to grab an energy drink, booster, shake and snack, if you're in the east end. (Owners) Gary and Chester run a tight and very healthy ship, and this is a great spot to chill for a second, recharge, and get some much-needed nutrition so you can keep twirling all weekend.” —Phil

Spa Excess

105 Carlton St.

“Not only is there a bar inside, but there are four floors of fun to explore — as well as a rooftop patio. This is another spot to rest and recharge... but in a different kind of way. They're open 24 hours, so pop in at any time for a steam and a good time.” —Armand

Gateau Ghost

974 College St.

“This new queer-run bakery and brunch spot just opened on College — the menu is delicious, the pastries are divine and the design is bright and beautiful. In case you need a spot to sit with your pals and plan out the weekend — or just have a brunch moment before heading into the Pride tornado — we highly reco this spot.”—Phil

Vertigo

66 Gerrard St. E.

“Finally — the weekend is over. You think you've had enough, but for some reason you have a little fuel left in the tank. We'll see you at Vertigo, one of the city's best after-hours clubs. On Pride (parade) weekend, they stack the lineup with a LGBTQ+ who's-who to keep you bouncinguntil the sun comes up.”—Armand

SBearBergman is the author of nine books, and founder and publisher of children’s press Flamingo Rampant. His 10th book, “Special Topics In Being A Parent,” comes out July 30. By Briony Smith

Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance
Blended Families Ball

Impact Lounge, 238 Parliament St.

“TKBA’s Pride events are always joyful, super-fun, and a great way to see Toronto’s ballroom icons and legends make their moments. It’s worth pushing bedtime a little later to bask in Toronto’s Black queer excellence. Bring earplugs if you’re sound-sensitive, and put on something truly fabulous to soak it all in.”

Another Story Bookshop

315 Roncesvalles Ave.

“As a family that loves books, we’ll take any excuse to go browse the shelves, but Another Story Bookshop is our favorite Pride destination, both for their great Pride displays of kids’ books and for their knowledgeable staff, who can advise you no matter what you’re looking for.”

2-Spirit Pow Wow

Downsview Park

“2-Spirit Pow Wow is a huge, gorgeous event with amazing regalia and beautiful vibes — to say nothing of the fry-bread tacos. With chairs and a blanket, this can be an all-day family event. Never been to a pow wow before? Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS) has a great etiquette guide for non-Indigenous attendees.”

Korean Village Restaurant

628 Bloor St. W.

“Admittedly, this isn’t an explicitly queer restaurant, but it remains one of the most welcoming spots in Toronto for families with young kids; our queer family has always been loved and celebrated here. The small rooms along the sides are perfect for a group of six or eight, and when our kids were little, it always felt fractionally less nerve-wracking to take our kiddos out in public for dinner when we had our own little slice of space. Jason, the owner, will tuck your fam into a well-air-conditioned room to enjoy his famous hospitality and decompress from a day of Pride doings.”

Family Pride on Church Street

Church St. School, 83 Alexander St.

“This is where we meet up with friends, let the tweens free-range a bit, apply our temporary tattoos and let the kiddos run (safely) amok or watch a children’s show—Sharon from Sharon, Lois & Bram headlined the Family Stage a couple years ago.”

Trans Pride Stage and Rally

Allan Gardens

“In addition to being a trans fa, with so much love for our larger trans family, we’ve always found this both a very fun march vibe and a little more manageable than the giant main parade on Sunday when our kids were very small. The stage at the end features amazing musicians and performers.”

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