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June is officially Pride Month in Toronto. From world renown actors, authors, and artists, the city is celebrating from June 1 to July 3 with inclusive events throughout the community.
With a jam-packed calendar, here’s our guide to Pride Month events you shouldn’t miss.
AGO First Thursdays: Pride Month Launch Party
Taking place in partnership with the AGO and the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival, and guest curator Bruce LaBruce, this is one launch party that shouldn’t be missed.
When: June 2 at 7 pm
Where: AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
1st Annual Family Pride Day at Centreville
The 1st annual Family Pride Day at Centreville will be the first of several family friendly events at this year’s celebrations. Free admission to the park, but discounted tickets for rides can be purchased online with code “Pride2016”.
When: June 5 at 10:30 am
Where: Centre IslandC
Human Rights Panel: Remembering The Bathhouse Raids with Margaret Atwood
The first in the month-long series of Human Rights conversations, the event is moderated by author Margaret Atwood. The series is free and open to the public.
When: June 7 at 7 pm
Where: The 519, 519 Church Street
Second City Show Tunes Karaoke
Because a party is not complete without some karaoke! Inspired by piano bars in New York and L.A, Show Tunes Karaoke is your chance to sing divalicious tunes while supporting a cause. Proceeds go towards Theatre 20 and Gilda’s Club.
When: June 15 at 10:30 pm
Where: The Second City Mainstage, 51 Mercer Street
TSO Late Night Concert and Cabaret Soiree
A late evening event featuring the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performing Beethoven’s “Eroica”, and the world premiere of electric violin concerto by R.E.M’s Mike Mills. Reduced ticket for three or more are available at $20, using promo code PRIDETORONTO.
When: June 17 at 10 pm
Where: Roy Thompson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
Club Babylon
Fans of Queer As Folk, rejoice! The show’s fictional nightclub, Club Babylon, is coming back to life at Fly 2.0. Expect the familiar decor, go-go boys, and Randy Harrison (who played Justin) and Harris Allan (James “Hunter” Montgomery) to be there.
When: June 17 at 10:30 pm
Where: Fly 2.0, 6 Gloucester Street
Gay Day at Wonderland
The 8th annual Gay Day returns to Canada’s Wonderland for a fun-filled family day at the park. Glitter up, lather the sunscreen, and join the festivities including a buffet BBQ dinner and show- all included in the price of admission. https://www.canadaswonderland.com/
When: June 18 at 10 am
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 9580 Jane Street, Vaughan
XLSIOR: Sugar Beach Party
Toronto’s very own version of the legendary Mykonos Sex on the Beach party takes place at the city’s brand new waterfront. Co-hosted by XLSOIR and Pride Toronto, the party includes a large production featuring Felipe Lira, Eddie Martinez, and Jeremy Khamkeo. All ages event with a suggested donation $10 at the door.
When: June 19 at noon
Where: Sugar Beach, 22 Dockside Drive
TIFF Family Pride Screening
As part of the Toronto International Film Festival’s free movies during Pride Month, an animated and live-action short films will be shown as part of the Family Pride programming.
When: June 19 at 1 pm
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
Rufus Does Judy
Rufus Wainwright is recreating the legendary Judy Garland’s 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall, which was dubbed “the greatest night in show business.” As part of the Luminato festival, Rufus Does Judy will feature Wainwright along with special guest stars.
When: June 23 at 8 pm
Where: The Hearn Generating Station, 440 Unwin Avenue
Friday Night Live: Colour ROM Proud
The party continues, this time at the ROM, during a 4-hour Friday Night Live takeover. The night includes music, dance, food, performances, and a preview of CHIHULY glass exhibition by artist David Chihuly.
When: June 24 at 7 pm
Where: ROM, 100 Queen’s Park
Nuit Rose Light Parade
Back for its third year, Toronto’s annual queer art and performance festival returns as part of Pride Month. Nuit Rose, which begins at sunset, is all about wearing or carrying light-emitting objects. The parade begins at Norman Jewison Park, and will include free lantern-making workshops.
When: June 25 at 9 pm
Where: Norman Jewison Park, 13 Isabella St.
An Evening with George Takei
One of the most engaging speakers in the world is in the 6 as part of Pride Toronto’s innovative Queer Icon series. Giving a lecture of a lifetime, George Takei will also take questions at a Q&A. Tickets start at $25.
When: June 26 at 7 pm
Where: Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard Street East
A Night At The AQUEERium
The ofishal deep-sea adventures takes over Ripley’s Aquarium with music, drinks and entertainment. Hosted by Australian DJ Kitty Glitter, this aquatic event should cool you off from the month’s hot line ups.
When: June 26 at 8 pm
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, 288 Bremner Boulevard
AIDS Candlelight Vigil
A gathering in solidarity at Barbara Hall Park, this candlelight vigil aims to remember the fighters, advocates, supporters, caregivers, researchers, and the ones who have passed away and those who live on in grief’s wake. The theme this year is “Take care of each other.”
When: June 28 at 9 pm
Where: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street
StreetFair
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and foods throughout the Village. Interact with the community, and take a long stroll through the Fair while learning about health, wellness, and more.
When: July 1-3
Where: Church and Wellesley Village
Bear Garden
Get ready for the hottest event at Pride, the Bear Garden. Beefy, bearded, babes.
When: July 2 at 2 pm
Where: OLG Central Stage
Drag ON!
The ferocious sequel to last year’s Drag ON takes over Yonge-Dundas Square for a drag marathon poised to take the official Guinness Book of World Records title for Largest Drag Stage Performance.
When: July 2 at 2 pm
Where: Molson Canadian Stage, Yonge-Dundas Square
Pride Parade
Last but never least, The 36th annual Pride Parade will be full of colourful costumes, floats, and plenty of community members, along with the first-ever sitting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
When: July 3 at 2 pm
Where: Church Street and Bloor Street