By Caitlyn Holroyd
Pride is all about celebration, and with that in mind, we’ve compiled our list of the hottest parties and events gracing the festival this year.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 30
Jetsetter
1st class dance party with DJs from both sides of the continent. Featuring DJ Saratonin (LA), DJ Kidd Sysko (SF), DJ Barbi (TO), DJ Le Freak C’est Keek and special guests.
8 pm @ 99 Sudbury (South of Queen between Dovercourt and Lisgar)
$10 advance, $12 at door

Business Women’s Special: Pride Prom
Relive all that high school glory and dress to impress for a chance at prom queen. In house photographer and real housewife of Toronto Kelly Ben-Kimon takes care of the awkward prom pics while Elle Nino, Sammy D, and Scooter spin the tunes.
10 pm @ Augusta House (152 Augusta Ave.)
$10 all night long

THURSDAY JULY 1
Libido: Official Dyke March Fundraiser
Sexy pre-march party with a great DJ lineup, raffle, and prizes. Featuring DJ Memphis Sugar, Cozmic Cat, Lucas Silbeira (of the Cliks) and DJ Saratonin, and hosted by Deb Pearce.
9 pm @ Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen St. W.)
$15 in advance (Good For Her, Women’s Bookstore, West Side Stories), $10 at the door

FRIDAY JULY 2
Big Primpin’
Big Primpin’ is one of our favourite anytime parties so you can expect big things for their Pride edition of Hip-Hop and Hot Times for Homos, their friends, and admirers. Special performance by Roney & Nani, plus DJs Tuff Luv, Blackcat, Phil V, Rory Them Finest, and Mi-Nuh-Care. Hosted by Miss Margot.
10 pm @ Wrongbar (1279 Queen St. W.)
$5 until 11 pm, $10 after

Queer Lies – Trashed Gay Pride Dance Party
Alterna-Pride event featuring Gentlemen Reg and James Bunton debuting their new electronic act Light Fires, Ill Nana DiverseCity DanceCompany, Denise Benson, DJ Sigourney Beaver, DJ Winnie, DJ Joe Blow, and Neon Light Art Installations by Orest Tatyrin. 4 am extended liquor license!
10 pm @ Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen St. W.)
$8 in advance (Rotate This, Soundscapes, Gladstone Hotel), $10 at the door

Pickles For Pride
Go west for Pride, where neighbourhood DJ Pickles will take back the decks. Metal to Madonna to Hole to ’90s Alt.
10 pm @ Margret, 2952 Dundas St. W.

Scissors
Blondie’s weekly jam goes Pride. Do it right, Ladies.
10 pm @ Blondie’s, 1378 Queen St. W.

Love Shack
Non-official Pride Party. Pop, rock n’ roll, alternative, hip hop, R&B, electro, dance, disco, punk, house…an eclectic mix to keep it fresh all night long! Serving til 4 am.
10 pm @ Annex Wreckroom, 794 Bathurst St.

SATURDAY JULY 3

Cyndi Lauper
A strong advocate for LGBT rights and newly-appointed spokeswoman for MAC’s 2010 Viva Glam campaign (along with Lady Gaga) – Cyndi Lauper’s performance will definitely be a must-see!
9 pm @ Queen’s Park (University and Wellesley)
Free!

Aqua Pride
Bigger and wetter than last year – Aqua Pride has moved closer to the action from their former Sunnyside Pavilion Beach location. Kelis will be on hand to perform, along with an international DJ lineup of Ana Paula (Brazil), Issac Escalante (Mexico City) and Mike Vieira (PrismTO). Hosted by Matt Sims and friends.
1 pm @ TD Wellesley Stage (across from Wellesley Subway Station)
$25 in advance (http://www.priape.com/shopexd.asp?id=22560)

Dyke Day Afternoon
This year’s performances include Kate Reid, Ruby Jean & The Thoughtful Bees, The Cliks, Dragonette, DJ Betti Forde, and Cyndi Lauper.
1 pm @ Queen’s Park
Free!

Yes Yes Y’all – Pride Edition
Toronto’s biggest, baddest, sweatiest queer hip hop/dancehall jam is in full effect for Pride. DJ appearances by Hollyrock, Sammy D, Elle Nino, J-ill and Stunts, with special guests OMG Michelle. Drink specials before 11 and extended liquor license.
9 pm @ The Annex Wreckroom (794 Bathurst St.)
$12 in advance (Soundscapes or http://ww2.ticketpro.ca/event.php?event_id=305)

Cherry Bomb
The perfect sweaty dance party to celebrate Dyke Day! Featuring DJ Ritu (BBC Radio, UK), a specialist in Bollywood, bhangra, and ‘world’ sounds, DJ Amita of Besharam, and Cherry Bomb DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson.
10 pm @ Revival (783 College St.)
$15

There Goes The Neighborhood: Monster Pride w/ Lady Bunny
4 am last call and an impressive DJ lineup including Lady Bunny, Lena Love, Matt Medley, Vivi Diamond, Jeff Kirkwood, and many more.
10 pm @ The Barn (418 Church St.)

SUNDAY JULY 4
Yogapalooza
Toronto’s biggest yoga class ever! Celebrate music, movement, and meditation for Human Rights led by renowned Yogi, Salimah Kassim-Lakha. Bring a mat and your friends.
12:30 pm @ Peace Garden – Main Stage (Queen’s Park)
Free!

Alterna-Queer
Showcase of local alternative artists from various underground music scenes. Includes Airheart, Adolf Glitter, Lovers Love Haters, FITNESS, Señor Kasio, Heavy Filth, People You Know, Diamond Rings, Katie Stelmanis and Private Life, plus DJ performances throughout the day.
2 pm @ Alexander Parkette (Yonge & Alexander St.)

Pride Official Closing Event
Bid the festival a fond farewell. Featuring Cazwell, Miami’s Panic Bomber, Roney & Nani, DJ Sumation and DJ Delicious.
10 pm @ The Great Hall (1087 Queen St. W.)

ALL WEEKEND
Marketplace & Community Fair
Hundreds of artists, retailers, community organizations, and food vendors come together for this two-day street fair.
Spans along Church, down Wellesley and Alexander to Queen’s Park.

Drag Kings, Queens and Burlesque, Oh my!
Drag queens and kings galore! Hosted By Daytona Bitch and Sylist Maha.
4 pm @ Village Stage (Church & Wellesley St.)