June is officially Pride Month in Toronto.
From family festivities to beach parties, the city is celebrating from June 1 to 25 with inclusive events throughout the community.
With a jam-packed calendar, here’s our guide to Pride Month events you shouldn’t miss. And be sure to check out the full list here.
See also
- Every outdoor movie night in Toronto this summer
- Toronto Fringe Festival releases its line up and programming for 2017
- Shakespeare in High Park returns this month
Screaming Queens: Riot at Compton Cafeteria
Screaming Queens is an Emmy Award- winning film that tells the story about a significant moment in history—one of the first recorded uprisings by the transgender communities against social oppression and mistreatment. The screening will be followed by an interactive discussion that will explore the significant role of trans communities on the frontlines of queer liberation movements—and how too often such stories are erased from LGBTQ history.
When: June 6 at 7 pm
Where: The 519 Ballroom, 519 Church Street
Gay Day on the Bay
Take in the scenery, enjoy a beverage and dance the night away. Boarding begins at 7PM and we will depart at 8PM sharp for a four hour cruise returning to dock at midnight.
When: June 10 at 5 pm
Where: Pier 31, 333 Lakeshore Blvd East
Life-Life-Light | We Remember Orlando
This evening we will celebrate the invaluable lives of our diverse communities and remember those we have lost along our journey for freedom. And through light, we will acknowledge that a brighter future founded on love and respect is not just a possibility but is a strong commitment that we all share. In partnership with local artist janet romero-leiva, this year’s Orlando Memorial will include the unveiling of a new community-informed art piece commissioned by The 519.
When: June 12 at 8 pm
Where: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street
TSO The Seven Deadly Sins
Make it a night to remember at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra! Two great works featuring strings—Barber’s poignant Adagio and Bartók’s riveting exploration of the instruments’ possibilities (the potent third movement appeared on the soundtrack of the classic horror lm The Shining)—share a program with Kurt Weill’s satirical “sung ballet,” The Seven Deadly Sins, starring mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta in a new, semi-staged production directed by Joel Ivany. Stay for an after-party in the lobby.
When: June 15 at 8 pm
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
A Night At The Aqueerium
Dive into all the colours of the rainbow and unleash your shyness with DJ Cozmic Cat. Your ofishal deep-sea adventure awaits at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in the heart of downtown Toronto, with an evening of music, drinks, photo booths, and roaming entertainment that will get your gills flapping.
When: June 16 at 9 pm
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, 288 Bremner Blvd
Nuit Rose Light Parade
Nuit Rose, Toronto’s annual queer art and performance festival, returns for its fourth year and, for 2017, the Light Parade joins the Pride Month celebrations, too.
When: June 17 at 9 pm
Where: Beginning at James Canning Gardens, 15 Gloucester Street
Sugar Beach Party
Hit the beach for Pride Toronto’s massive annual beach party on the city’s downtown waterfront. Sugar Beach Party returns for its third year with the hottest beach blowout north of the Equator!
When: June 18 at 12 pm
Where: Sugar Beach, 22 Dockside Drive
AIDS Vigil & Memorial
2017 will mark the 33rd year of the AIDS Candlelight Vigil. The theme for this year’s Vigil is: In the Spirit of Wellness & Healing. Since inception, the AIDS Candlelight Vigil has served as the annual community event for people living with HIV/AIDS, friends, family, allies and the broader communities.
When: June 20 at 9 pm
Where: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street
Cabana Pool Party
Pride Toronto presents the ultimate after work pool party at Cabana Pool Bar. The slickest outdoor venue this side of South Beach has a postcard view of the city skyline and waterfront and a cast of outrageous friends and beautiful strangers.
When: June 21 at 6 pm
Where: Cabana Pool Bar, 11 Polson
Transformation
Witness Yonge-Dundas Square transformed by 20+ installation, performance, and visual artists into an outdoor visual artistic landscape with the common theme “Levels.” Come witness the creative and interactive projects of LGBTQ+ artists from Toronto and beyond.
When: June 22 at 12 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
SWEAT: Yes Yes Y’all Block Party
It all began with a party and a place to wear what you want, be what you want, free of judgement. Eight years later and YYY is now a mainstay in Toronto with deep roots to community.
When: June 23 at 6 pm
Where: OLG Central Stage, parking lot between O’Grady’s and Crews and Tango on Church Street
BQY Bloq Pawwty
BQY (Black Queer Youth) represents Black, African/Caribbean, and multiracial youth, and has been operating and providing a safe space for Black Queer Youth since 2001. This is their fifth youth showcase for Pride Toronto and as always, they will be demonstrating the talent, culture, and art of being Black with high energy performances. Come and support our youth and celebrate the beauty that is Black Culture.
When: June 23 at 7 pm
Where: Alexander Parkette, 16 Alexander Street
StreetFair
Take a stroll through the Village and connect with some of the incredible organizations participating in this year’s community fair. Enjoy products from local artisans and a diverse selection of delicious food for your enjoyment at the marketplace.
When: June 23-25
Where: Church Street, Wellesley Street and Alexander Street
Friday Night Live: Colour ROM Proud
Continue your Pride Month celebrations with an official Pride Toronto dance party at #FNLROM. Get ready to kick off with live indie artists, top DJs, and tasty food and drinks.
When: June 23 at 7 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Family Pride
Celebrating 17 years in the Toronto Pride Festival, Family Pride is a majestic oasis located on the school ground at the Church Street Public School. With programming geared to children ages 0-12 and their families, visitors to Family Pride will enjoy a variety of sporting activities games, crafts, face painting, stories, and performances.
When: June 24 and 25
Where: Church Street Public School, 83 Alexander Street
Drag Ball
Drag Ball is all about the drag. This year the event will include top Drag Queens and Drag Kings in separate segments. Let the race begin! The Drag Ball will end with a surprise guest performance you won’t want to miss.
When: June 24 at 2 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Stage, 1 Dundas Street East
Pride Parade
Festival weekend’s premier event is the Pride Parade. With 150+ participating groups marching, the Toronto Pride parade has become one of the largest in North America. There will be unforgettable performances, floats, marchers, and all the glitter you can handle!
When: June 25 at 2 pm
Where: Bloor and Church
For the full list of events, check out the Pride Month page here.
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