Our guide to the best free things to do at Toronto Pride

Pride weekend has finally arrived and it’s shaping up to be a fun one with so many events taking place all weekend long. From festival parties to celebrating with your pets, here are the best free things to do this Pride weekend in Toronto.

Celebrate Indigenous and two-spirit pride

While being Pride Month, June also marks National Indigenous History Month. Following Pride Toronto’s parade on Saturday, there will be an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous and two-spirit identity at the Garden Stage. This event begins at 4 p.m. and will feature activities such as the beading circle and the sacred fire ceremony. There will also be an artists’ market and performances embracing Indigenous culture and unity. 

Take part in a march

We all know about the Pride parade, but that’s not the only march happening this weekend. This Friday night, you can take part in the Trans Pride Rally, which begins at 7 p.m. and ends with an afterparty at the Community Stage. On Saturday, the Dyke March celebrating lesbians is happening at 1 p.m., and also ends with an afterparty and community fair at the Community Stage. Finally, on Sunday, queer and trans Torontonians and allies can join the Pride Parade at 2 p.m., which will have over 100 groups marching.

Grab your bike and go for a Pride Ride

Calling all cyclists! The Neon Riders is hosting a Pride Ride on Thursday, so head out to Nathan Phillips Square decked out in colour, bring your friends, bring some water and bring a good mood, because there’s going to be snacks, free goodies and plenty of fun!

Get loud at the Drag Ball

Don’t worry, you won’t need a suitcase for this fabulous trip around the world. Join Pride Toronto this Saturday for their biggest Drag Ball to date, featuring talent from Thailand to France, China to Jamaica and everywhere in between, including local Toronto artists.

The incredible lineup includes Sapphira Cristál, Plane Jane, Pangina Heals, Venus, Rita Baga, La Grande Dame, Nicky Doll, Tynomi Banks, Aurora Matrix and many more. 

The event is free to enter and will take place at TD Main Stage in Nathan Phillips Square, beginning at 2 p.m. 

Celebrate Pride with the whole family

Pride Toronto is hosting a Family Pride event all weekend for you to bring the little ones along for events catered just for them! Head to Church Street Public School for face-painting, puppet theatre, story time with Fay & Fluffy and even a magic show — it’ll run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday so you can make the most of your weekend.

Celebrate Pride with your pup

Hoping to bring your furry friend along to Pride? Then Pup Your Pride is the perfect opportunity for you and your dog. This Saturday, Dogfather & Co is hosting a meet-up in Ramsden Dog Park at 12 p.m. The event is free to enter, featuring a best-dressed contest and parade. Be sure to grab some pet pride swag and treat your pup to some dog ice cream. Don’t forget to greet Miss Pickles the Pug!

Get groovy at the Green Space Festival

If you’re ready to party the night away, then you have to check out the Green Space Festival this weekend in Barbara Hall Park. With free admission and no age restriction, this party event offers three nights of themed fun with a fantastic lineup of DJs, producers and performers.  

This Friday, One World will feature producers Joe Claussell and Karim Olen Ash, followed by Lipstick Jungle on Saturday with Coco & Breezy, Aline Rocha, Ladymonix, Morabito, and Kiki LeFreak. To finish the weekend off, Treehouse Party will have performances from David Morales, Harry Romero, Rimarkable and Deko-ze.

Attend Pride Toronto’s hottest party

Blockorama is celebrating its 26th year and is officially Pride Toronto’s longest-running stage! This amazing party spotlights Toronto’s 2SLGBTQI+ African, Black and Caribbean community through performers, DJs, artists, drag, ballroom, health workers and activists curated by Blackness Yes!, and will be happening at the Bud Light Wellness Stage on Sunday.