Pride Month is finally here and there are endless vibrant events happening in Toronto in celebration of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. Queer artists, whether they are dancers, singers, comedians, or creatives, produce their best work year-round. However, this month will further amplify and honour their contributions to the city.
Here are 10 Toronto events happening during Pride Month for you to get involved in!
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Flamingo Market’s Pride Expo
Shop around and support LGBTQ2SIA+ artists, entrepreneurs, and non-profits across Canada and worldwide at this free market! Originally founded in 2019 as Toronto’s only independent bi-monthly market for the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, this market fosters plenty of local talent! Start the month in style—you may find yourself purchasing fashion essentials or even cute trinkets at this market. If you can’t make it out to the market, there is an online directory for anyone interested in supporting the featured businesses! More info.
When: June 1-2
Where: Parkdale Hall
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Drag Me to the Opera
Much like RuPaul’s Drag Race and its many franchises including Canada’s Drag Race, Drag Me to the Opera pairs high-octane performances from local drag performers and established Canadian opera artists. These unforeseen collaborations will be both exciting and thrilling for all performers and audiences alike. Host Gregory Finney and Toronto drag artist Selena Vyle are teaming up with Opera Revue to bring a bigger and wilder iteration of last year’s festival hit. More info.
When: June 3
Where: The Drake Hotel
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TD Music Drag Extravaganza
What is Pride without great music? Listen in on a FREE TD Music performance featuring Priyanka and Devine Darlin! Immerse yourself in this Drag Extravaganza hosted by Sofonda at the TD stage in the West Wing of Union Station. You won’t worry about missing your next train with these amazing artists on stage. More info.
When: June 4
Where: Union Station
Toronto Queer Noir
Catch up with queer literature with Toronto Queer Noir. Hosted by Jeffrey Round and Hope Thompson, this night is guaranteed to expand your reading lists. This will be an evening of crime fiction readings with some of the best queer crime, mystery and noir! More info.
When: June 5
Where: Black Eagle
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Fresh Hot Pride
Kick off Pride by supporting hilarious up-and-coming queer and/or trans comedians! This LGBTQ2SIA+ show features 5 comedians in their first few years in the industry anchored by 2 professional headliners. This is a fun, inclusive, comfortable live comedy experience for all who wish to join, including allies! Speak to your own identity and meet new people as the show is all about community, and don’t forget to stay after the show for FREE queer karaoke! More info.
When: June 6
Where: Tallboys Craft Beer House
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Freedom Party Toronto
Support the Rainbow Railroad in their mission to help at-risk LGBTQ2SIA+ people find safety, at this night of fun, food, drinks and dancing. There will be an incredible line-up of musical talents, drag queens, and DJs to celebrate all night long. There will also be show-stopping performances by RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 Winner, Sasha Colby and All Stars Season 5 winner Shea Couleé. More info.
When: June 6
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
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Pride on the Big Screen
Queer icons and folk-rock band Indigo Girls are featured in two documentaries screening this month! In It’s Only Life After All, track the duo’s 40 years of music-making and battles against misogyny and homophobia through decades of their home movies and intimate present-day conversations. In Glitter & Doom, escape to a fantastical summer romance set to the iconic hits of Indigo Girls. This film follows the love-at-first-sight connection between carefree circus performer Glitter and struggling musician Doom, as they struggle to make sense of their whirlwind summer while staying true to themselves and pursuing their dreams. More info.
When: June 7-9
Where: Hot Docs Cinema
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Backyard Pride Celebration
Backyard is back at Stackt to celebrate local LGBTQ2SIA+ communities through shopping, dancing, eating, and partying. There will be loads of activities to meet new people and support local businesses through the vendors presented by Toronto Queer Market and a live DJ showcase by Lotion Mag. This is an event for all ages with a family fun zone, trivia, galleries, and drag festivals presented by local organizations around the city. More info.
When: June 15
Where: Stackt Market
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Night at the Aqueerium
Dive into the ocean with Ripley’s legendary “Night at the Aqueerium” to see all the supposed ‘fish in the ocean.’ The aquarium will be transformed into an underwater rainbow wonderland filled with dazzling lights, dance floors, drag performances, music, and fin-omenal cocktails! This year, the program includes Canadian drag superstars Tiffany Boxx, Juice Boxx and Makayla Couture sashaying across the aquarium stage throughout the night alongside DJ John Caffery and Sophie Jones. Come out for a night of drag, cocktails, community, and sharks! More info.
When: June 21
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium
Gay AF Comedy Pride-Stravaganza
Attend an all-star outdoor comedy show stacked with Canada’s fabulous queer comedians! Toronto’s own Tamara Shevon will headline this fun-in-the-sun event with special guests Heather Mariko, Clif Knight, and Mickey Dykeman. This is the perfect way to round off your Pride Month, so get out there and enjoy some stellar queer stand-up. More info.
When: June 22
Where: Campbell House Museum
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