It’s official – the rainbow flag has been raised; Toronto Pride Month is in full swing!
Back after a two-year hiatus, the long-awaited event is marking its 41st anniversary with tried-and-true favourites including the annual Trans March, Dyke March, Bi+ Pride Programming and multiple stages featuring over 300 2SLGBTQ+ artists.
Here are some of the can’t-miss Pride events taking place at various locations around the city.
The Fierce and the Reckless Pride 2022 Kickoff Party
Pride Toronto is bringing back old-school glam with their kickoff party featuring not one, but two DJs who will be spinning house anthems and ballroom beats all night long. Juno nominated Ceréna is set to perform, and don’t forget to dress to impress for the Looking and Feeling Fierce mini-ball, hosted by The House of Monroe.
Date: June 8
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Avenue
The Absolut Empires Ball Grand Finale
Grammy award winner Estelle will be performing live with some pretty amazing dance artists including Kiesza and Adassa, while famous queens including Brooke Lynn Hytes, Denali, and Tynomi Banks will also be making an appearance.
Date: June 18
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street
Til Sunset: The Jam Down
Join the city’s A-list DJs and performers as they take over the island for the ultimate afternoon dance party. With the skyline as the backdrop and cocktails on tap, enjoy performances by Toronto kings and queens including Jada Shada Hudson, Devine Darlin, and Canada’s Drag Race alums Kimora Amour, and Manny Dingo.
Date: June 19
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Toronto Island, 443 Lakeshore Avenue
Trans Rally and Trans March
Join thousands of trans and non-binary marchers for one of the largest, most exciting Pride events in the world. A community fair will feature groups and members of the community who will have booths to sell their art.
Date: June 24
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Starts at the intersection of Bloor Street and Hayden Street
Dyke Rally and Dyke March
Beginning as a grassroots match, this event celebrates all things Dykes and Lesbian and will consist of a rally, a march, a community fair, and an after party which with high-energy performances and DJs.
Date: June 25
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Starts at the intersection of Bloor Street and Hayden Street
Drag Ball Hosted by Lemon
Back and bigger than ever, more than 30 local drag queens, kings, gender performers and surprise guests from Drag Race Canada and Call Me Mother will grace the massive stage for one of the biggest drag shows Pride has ever seen. Hosted by Canadian drag superstar, Lemon, it’s a great way to support Toronto’s drag community.
Date: June 25
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: TD Main Stage, 1 Dundas St. East
Pride on the Lake
A four-hour boat cruise on the lake? Yes, please! Also on board will be live music, dancers, guest performances and dinner.
Date: June 25
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Location: 11 Polson Street
Cabana Pool Party
DJs, drag legends and go-go dancers galore are set to make a splash at Pride’s annual pool party. Best of all, Symone of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame will be headlining the event, so it’s sure to be a fashionable affair.
Date: June 26
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: 11 Polson Street
SugarLand Festival: Let There Be House
Making its Pride debut, the beautiful waterfront of Sugar Beach will be the backdrop for the festival, while house heavyweight Mark Knight will headline. Known to spread love and unity across the dancefloor, The Shapeshifters will also be making their Canadian debut, while some of Toronto’s top DJs including Ticky Ty and Cozmic Cat will warm up the crowd in style.
Date: June 26
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: 25 Dockside Drive
Priyanka Live at Pride Toronto
Hometown Queen and Canada’s Drag Race season one winner, Priyanka will be bringing her debut EP Taste Test to the TD Main Stage.
Date: June 26
Time: 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: TD Main Stage, 1 Dundas St. East
Pride Parade
Arguably the most anticipated event of Toronto Pride, get dressed up in your rainbow best and watch more than 200 constituents and over 200,000 marchers walk, dance, and spread the love down Yonge Street.
Date: June 26
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Starts at the intersection of Bloor Street and Yonge Street
Blockorama: Together Again
Over the last 20 years, Blockorama has been a space that celebrates Black love, joy, music, and community. With a vibrant history that spotlights Toronto’s Black performers, artists, DJs, drag artists and ballroom, it’s a must-attend Pride event. This year, Trinidadian soca singer, Patrice Roberts will join a slew of amazing artists including DJ Pleasure, Nik Red, Craig Dominic, and Pogi.
Date: June 26
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Wellesley Stage, 15 Wellesley St. East
Queer Skate Jam
The QST will include lessons, music, and special skateboarding features. Skate lessons for the kiddos will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Date: June 26
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Nathan Philipps Square, 100 Queen St. West