Toronto Celebrating Pride this Weekend

Pride Toronto offers the biggest LGBTQ+ festival in North America with over 3 million expected attendees. The festival transforms what is proudly known as the city’s “Gay Village”, Church-Wellesley Village, into a huge celebration. This year it’s welcoming a star-studded list of performers and guests starting Thursday, June 27th. Please see below some program highlights and other stellar LGBTQ+ suggestions.

Program Highlights: 

• June 27th: If three days wasn't enough, we are giving you even more, with a special pre-pride party in the middle of the village at the OLG Central Stage. Thursday is the new Friday, so come down to party with the hottest 2SLGBTOI+ DJs and start your Pride Weekend off extra early on June 27th. Pull up promptly, because the street will be hopping and with a DJ lineup as legendary as this one, the queue will be long. June 28th:

• StreetFair will showcase some of the best that Toronto has to offer from local artisans, delicious eats, community connections and more. The DJ Riser pulls in a variety of A-list 2SLGBTOI+ DJs from all around the GTA. This party, right in the middle of the StreetFair.

• Trans Pride events, Art Battle to bring you a vibrant showcase of diverse and talented 2SLGBTOI+ visual artists and Asian Pride: Be a New Ho

• Valla Barra returns for its 8th year, promising an EXTRAVAGANZA like never before! Prepare to be mesmerized by an array of talents showcased in a spectacular production that honours both Middle Eastern culture and the diverse tapestry of Queer identities it intersects with. June 29th: 

• Enjoy events dedicated to Dyke Pride, Youth Pride, Bi+phoria, Family Pride and the Monster Ball with Haus of Telfar Canadian Chapter.  

Where to Stay: 

• Gladstone House: Formerly known as Gladstone Hotel, Gladstone House has recently re-opened after an extensive renovation, including a revamped public art program responsible for much of the hotel’s décor, in the edgy and inclusive Queen Street West neighborhood. The hotel’s Melody Bar offers a variety of drag shows and other events.  

• W Toronto: The city’s first W is located in the heart of downtown, just steps from Toronto’s fashion & arts hub and on the outskirts of Toronto’s Gay Village. The hotels jewel-toned, theatre-inspired guest rooms and suites offer the perfect home base for your Pride getaway. Stop by the rooftop lounge, SKYLIGHT, and experience the provocative and artistic spirit of the hippie revolution in Yorkville during the 60s.

What to Do: 

• Browse the historic Glad Day Bookshop, North America’s oldest surviving gay and lesbian-focused bookstore

• Dance the night away at Woody’s, the famously popular Toronto Village queer bar since 1989

• Watch a thought-provoking play at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, a global destination for alternative theatre focused on queer stories

• Visit the world's largest rainbow road at Hanlan’s Point brought to life by Pride Toronto and the award-winning queer artist Travis Myers. This permanent art installation spanning an impressive 600 meters is titled “The Long Walk To Equality”. Hanlan's Point holds profound significance in Canada's LGBTQ+ history, being the site where Canada’s first Pride gathering took place in 1971.

• Eat delicious sweets at Craig's Cookies, an LGBTQ+ owned business offering over 100 cookie flavors.