June is here, and so is the beginning of Pride festivities throughout Toronto, outdoor screenings, and dance showcases that capture the city’s artistic vein. If you are still planning what to do this week, this guide has plenty of options to choose from, including the 25th edition of imagineNATIVE, Little Portugal’s vibrant street festival, a new musical at the Tarragon, and more.
Pride Events
Celebrate Pride Month with numerous activities, shows, and events throughout the city. Watch screenings of queer titles at Hot Docs, take a trip down drag queen lane at the Spadina Museum, and attend queer comedy nights at Buddies in Bad Times. For these and other event details, check out our curated guide to Pride programming in Toronto.
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Mad Hot Ballet
Get dressed in ‘80s fashion and head to The National Ballet of Canada’s New Wave showcase. This gathering brings dancers, trendsetters, and cultural tastemakers together to enjoy vibrant ballet performances and a lively reception to follow. Attendees will also get access to an exclusive sneak peek of David Dawson’s On the Nature of Daylight, as well as see acclaimed pieces by Guillaume Côté ahead of his departure from the dance company. More info.
When: June 3
Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
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imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
This year marks imagineNATIVE’s 25th anniversary, and its stacked lineup of screenings and artist-centric events shed a light on Indigenous storytelling. Watch films directed by Indigenous filmmakers (including the CSA-nominated Seeds), participate in traditional ceremonies, and take in art by Indigenous creatives at exhibits throughout the city. For those unable to attend the festival in person, there’s still a chance to join in virtually from June 9-15. More info.
When: June 3-8
Where: TIFF Lightbox and other locations
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College Park: After Hours
Summer outdoor screenings are almost in full swing, as College Park prepares to host its first free event of the season tomorrow. Find your mid-week escape in the heart of Downtown Toronto with pop-up markets, live music, and open-air entertainment. At 7pm, the big screen will light up with a showing of Bohemian Rhapsody. Make sure to get there early to secure your spot, and to not miss out on a performance by non-binary powerhouse, Alanna Sterling. More info.
When: June 4
Where: College Park
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Luminato Festival
Luminato is an eclectic, month-long event series offering art experiences that transform and inspire people and places throughout Toronto. This year’s theme is Day:Night, which explores the ways in which we inhabit the city over the course of 24 hours. If you are looking for opportunities to take in live music, dance, and theatre (including an instigating play by Hannah Moscovitch called Red Like Fruit), the festival’s programming offers a variety of options to choose from. Luminato will also make the city its canvas by providing art installations that are free to the public. More info.
When: June 4-22
Where: Various locations
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Burn Baby, Burn
Côté Danse will bring the heat with this dance showcase that uses intricate movements to discuss climate change. Featuring nine performers, including our very own Artist of the Month Carleen Zouboules, the production is described as “visually striking and emotionally resonant”. Audiences can expect to be wowed by choreographer Guillaume Côté’s artistic storytelling in this one-hour contemporary dance performance. More info.
When: June 6-8
Where: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Bluma Appel Theatre
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Do West Fest
Little Portugal’s annual summer kickoff will feature street performers, live painting, stage acts, and more. The weekend-long, community event promises to get everyone excited about outdoor entertainment, with music, food, arts, and dance that are rich in cultural diversity. With over 20 licensed patios and 200 unique local vendors, there is lots to see and do in this festival that embraces local talent. More info.
When: June 6-8
Where: Dundas Street West, from Ossington Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue
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After the Rain
Rose Napoli is about to make her Tarragon Theatre debut with her new play, After the Rain. The coming-of-age musical follows Suzie as she steps into adulthood both personally and artistically, trying to figure out her identity as a struggling musician and part-time piano teacher. Based on a true story, the play aims to showcase the healing power of music. More info.
When: Until June 22
Where: Tarragon Theatre
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Indigenous Celebration 2025
The Ontario Science Centre will partner with the Harbourfront Centre to present a free-for-all event that uplifts Indigenous culture. Participate in workshops and activities while watching performances that are designed to foster connections within the Indigenous community. Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with curated programming and Métis fiddling and jigging, and storytelling with author Maika Harper. More info.
When: June 7
Where: Harbourfront Centre
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Women’s Healthy Living Show
This health and wellness show is designed to make women feel empowered and embrace their best selves. From inspiring talks (including one delivered by R&B singer Jully Black) on menopause and sex to skincare workshops, this event will be about women getting together and helping each other achieve a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Learn to navigate womanhood, and shop beauty and wellness essentials from feel-good brands on site. More info.
When: June 7-8
Where: Enercare Centre, Hall B, Exhibition Place
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Toronto Comic Arts Festival
One of the largest comic arts festivals in the world is returning to Downtown Toronto this week, with a continued focus on independent arts culture and accessibility. The two-day celebration is free to the public, offering the chance for you to meet your favourite comic creators, attend panels, and get a full day’s worth of professional development for budding artists and comics librarians. Also check out TCAF’s off-site programming, with a special screening of Sook-Yin Lee’s Paying For It and an artist talk with Anita Kunz. More info.
When: June 7-8
Where: Mattamy Athletic Centre
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Playwrighting Roundtable Showcase
After joining a 5-month playwriting program, participants will now get to share what they’ve been working on. Witness the first public showing of some of Canada’s rising talent in the theatre world, followed by snacks and insightful conversations. The showcase will feature Helen Ho’s MALLO, Antong Xu’s Business Trip of the Servants from Hell, and Laura Grigorakis’ Chimera; all plays that explore cross-cultural experiences. More info.
When: June 8
Where: Daniels Spectrum
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