Ralph’s Guide to Pride Month in Toronto
From family friendly events to workouts and late night parties, these are the Pride events you need in your life.
by Stephan Petar
- Published on
Toronto’s most colourful month is officially underway. Celebrating queer culture, community and equal rights, Pride Month has set the city a buzz with the events and rainbow flags flying high. For JUNO Award nominated singer RALPH, the month has a magical aurora to it. “There’s this incredible feeling of collective joy and support that ripples through the city like an exciting electrical current,” she says.
The Gravity-singer is opening Pride Toronto’s festival weekend (June 26 to June 28) alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen. But Pride Month has hundreds of events happening all month across the city for everyone to enjoy, including introverts/extroverts like RALPH. For her, Pride celebrations are a balance of a couple of big events, ‘sparkly’ dance nights, picnics, dinner parties and movie nights with her close friends or partner.
The Toronto artist is already gathering supplies for her Pride survival pack, ready for wherever life takes her. Lip liner, electrolytes, a portable charger (which she says is never charged) sunscreen, eyebrow gel that doubles as hair gel, Loop ear plugs, her fave perfume ‘Daddy’, a protein bar (that she’ll ecstatically re-discover at midnight) and more are on her list.
With so much happening, we asked RALPH for her top Pride picks to include in our curated list of Pride Month events. Whether you’re looking for a chill night, intense workout or pulsating moments that end with an Uber ride home as the sun rises, bookmark this list for later.
Spurisverssary III: Bring the Heat
Lithuanian House at 1573 Bloor Street West | Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 p.m. | Starting at $23
It’s time to get a little country. Queer line dancing night SPURS is celebrating its third anniversary, setting traditional steps to honky tonk and pop music. The event was started by RALPH’s friend and Law and Order Toronto: Criminal Intent star Kathleen Munroe.
“I love that it’s a social event, but it doesn’t necessarily revolve around drinking and talking. It can be very personal and restorative. I also love the dress code, yeehaw!”
The National at 486 Front St. W. | Friday, June 12 from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. | Free
Don’t CTRL+ALT+DEL this event because the Pride edition of FriGays is hosted by pop star Rêve with appearances by Canada’s Drag Race contestant Star Doll and resident DJ Sophie Jones & Cmac.
“My girl Rêve, who I’ve been on tour with and who joined me on my new single ‘Love Nouveau,’ is the host of this iconic monthly party. Good vibes, excellent DJs and a location west of Spadina Ave., which for some folks practically counts as a destination wedding”
TD Main Stage Nathan Phillips Square at 100 Queen Street W. | Friday, June 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Free
After all the pre-Pride Toronto events, RALPH opens the official festival alongside Bob the Drag Queen, Miss Bashful, LSDXOXO and MkX.
“‘I’m literally thrilled and honoured! I’ve played so many Prides festivals around Canada but I’ve been craving performing at my hometown Pride for years. It’s a privilege to help usher in the festival and to set the tone for the weekend. I promise to bring the energy, the fashion, the chaos and the confidence. Can’t wait to see you all there in the front row <3”
Queer Trivia Nights
Various locations
Brush up on your 2SLGBTQI+ knowledge. From television to music to queer culture and queer history it’s time to hit the books (or TikTok) and assemble a team. Try general trivia at North York Central Library (June 11), TallBoys (June 14) The ArQuives (June 18) or themed nights like Hemingway’s Heated Rivalry Trivia (June 17) or Cassette’s Rupaul’s Drag Race Trivia (June 23) and more.
‘I’m obsessed with trivia so when it’s gay AND it’s a Pride edition, I’m thrilled.”
There are a slew of free events during festival weekend, meaning Pride doesn’t need to come with a brief lapse in fiscal judgment. Who says gratis can’t be glamorous?
Barbara Hall Park at 519 Church Street | Wednesday June 24 to Sunday June 28
This is the outdoor summer party you can’t miss, serving euphoric DJ sets and a high calibre of drag talent at its five signature events – Starry Night, Disco Disco, One World, Lipstick Jungle and Treehouse. RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Bosco, Darlene Mitchell, Jane Don’t and Alyssa Edwards join Canada’s Drag Race stars Makayla Couture and Sami Landri with local queens who will slay the house down boots. Drink, socialize, dance under the trees and raise money for The 519.
Wellesley Stage at 15 Wellesley St. E. | Friday, June 26 from 10:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
A celebration of Asian Pride, New Ho Queen is bound to bring another night of unforgettable and creative performances, while spotlighting the next generation of queer talent. Celebrate Canada’s diverse BIPOC 2SLGBTQI+ communities all weekend at either Lewdline Latineo (June 26), Blocko After Dark (June 27), Two-Spirit and Indigenous Pride (June 28) and more.
TD Main Stage at Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. | Sunday, June 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
A nine hour drag marathon with over 70 drag performances from drag queens and kings can only mean countless reveals, death drops, camp, glitter and shade – not the kind that protects from the sun…bring a hat. The entire cast of Canada’s Drag Race season six will perform alongside RuGirls Jasmine Kennedie, Silky Nutmeg Ganache and reigning queen Myki Meeks.
TD Main Stage at Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. | Sunday, June 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
After the Pride Parade, celebrate the end of another festival with local DJ legends and live performances by celebrated artists Austra, Tanya Tagaq, and Gloria Groove. No Sunday scaries allowed here, but you’ll welcome the following recharge days.
Pride doesn’t just happen on the dance floor. It happens in theatres, concert halls and in the shadow of historic buildings where clapping is swapped out for the clacking of fans.
Spotlight on Broadway with Jeremy Jordan
Roy Thomson Hall | Wednesday, June 17 to 18 at 2:00 p.m. | Starting at $125
Attention musical theatre queers! Broadway’s leading man Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, The Last Five Years, The Great Gatsby), is joining Steven Reineke and Toronto Symphony Orchestra for a night promising hilarious patter songs, soaring ballads and more.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema at 506 Bloor Street West | June 7 to 21 | Starting at $15.
Everyone has a queer film that defines their experience and Hot Docs is giving Michelle Mama and Saffron Maeve the opportunity to showcase the non-fiction queer cinema close to their hearts. Grab some popcorn, not poppers, for I Am Devine (June 13) and Shades of Feeling (June 21).
Gay AF Comedy Pride-Stravaganza
Campbell House Museum at 160 Queen St. W. | Saturday, June 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., | Starting at $33
Back for its fifth year, Gay AF Comedy Pride-Stravaganza promises laughs, gasps and gag-worthy moments not safe for work. Headlined by Martha Chaves, the event welcomes Gay AF faves Bee Bertrand, Nile Seguin, Tamara Appleton and Mikael Melo.
Pride Month Book Bedazzle
Hopeless Romantic at 1080 Queen Street West | Friday June 19 at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday June 21 at 1:00 p.m.
Many of our favourite 2SLGBTQI+ shows and films started as books, and Toronto’s romance bookstore wants you to rainbow-ify them this Pride. Bring a copy of Red, White & Royal Blue and bedazzle Prince Henry’s sash or Heated Rivalry to add a little sparkle to Shane and Ilya’s hockey sticks. It’s essentially giving your book a drag makeover.
As the sunsets, Pride-goers are just getting prepared for a night of strobe lights, glitter-covered bodies and club beats that will last calls until the wee-hours of the morning.
Complex19 at 19 Toronto St. | Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. | Starting at $60
There’s a new girl in town. Gay nightclub Complex19 is celebrating its first Pride with a packed schedule including Macho Pride. Expect sweaty shirtless men, t-shirts tucked into waist bands, harnesses and three DJs spinning until four in the morning.
Cake Cabaret at 627 Danforth Ave. | Saturday, June 20, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. | Starting at $14
Who says you need to stay out until 3:00 a.m.? This ‘early clubbing’ night is an inclusive event for lesbian, non-binary, trans and queer people where the dance floor comes alive to a soundtrack of pop and disco throwbacks. Dance the night away and still get eight hours of sleep.
El Mocambo at 464 Spadina Ave. | Saturday, June 27 from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. | Starting at $35
We don’t recommend giving an actual bear a hug, but these ones are cuddly and harmless. The annual Pride bash is the biggest and grizzliest of this party series, celebrating body-positivity and energy. This one is for all the bears, cubs and those who love them.
The MOD Club at 722 College St. | Saturday June 27 from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. | Starting at $37
The iconic Cherry Bomb Toronto is showing the world that queer love equals power. Exclusively for queer women, trans, non-binary people and their friends and allies, it promises to serve ‘genre-fluid beats’ accompanied by dance with burlesque, drag and dance performances.
Late gay icon Olivia Newton John famously sang, Let’s Get Physical and we’re taking the invitation literally with fitness events that are heart racing and restorative. We’ll leave the less PG interpretations of ‘getting physical’ to the imagination.
Alter at 988 Queen Street East | Monday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Pride is a marathon, so this mid-month class is a moment to recover before the final stretch. This free-flow experience is guided by facilitator Cami Beaulieu with a sauna, cold plunge and aromatherapy experience. Plus, all net proceeds go to Rainbow Railroad.
RUMBLE at at 1235 Bay Street | Saturday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m.
It’s time to go Gaga for Pride. Queer Boxing Club is back with a high energy workout where your punches fly to the beats of Mother Monster’s pop bangers. All proceeds go to Rainbow Railroad.
Coco Studio at 536 Eastern Avenue | Sunday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m.
On the surface it’s a typical pilates class, but this monthly reformer and combo pilates class is proudly designed as a queer-affirming space where cores are strengthened and new connections are made. This charity edition will see money raised for Rainbow Railroad.
Toronto Wrestling Club: Pride & Glory
Henderson Brewing at 128A Sterling Rd. | Saturday June 27 from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Starting at $32
Toronto Wrestling Club’s second annual Pride & Glory is bringing an action packed lineup of rising stars and local legends ready for a smack down. Expect slams, suplexes, good times and, of course, plenty of sweaty pits.
No ID is needed for these all-ages events. Pride is for everyone, so bring the kids, the grandparents and see just how strong family really is.
23rd Annual 2SLGBTQI+ Family Pride Celebration
The 519 at 519 Church Street | Saturday, June 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Free
Filled with stories, music, love and imaginations running wild, this family oriented afternoon invites you to join circle time, watch drag performances and participate in other kid-friendly activities.
College Park | June 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Free
After getting rained out last year, this high energy roller skate night is inviting Toronto to groove to tunes and to witness drag performances on skates – please let there be a death drop! No roller skates? No worries. There are free rentals available. Trust us it’ll be wheely fun.
Buddies in Bad Time Theatre at 12 Alexander St. | Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Free
Category is…Electric Garden. Pride Prom is for all 2SLGBTQI+ youth ages 16 to 21. Come with a date, a group of friends, or on your own. Just shine bright and be unapologetically yourself as you dance beneath the neon glow.
Church Public School at 83 Alexander St. | Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, June 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Free
Pride Toronto and Supporting Our Youth (SOY) are celebrating queer and trans youth brilliance and the next generation of leaders as they deliver electrifying drag, powerful live vocals and boundary-pushing performances.
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