Pride Toronto is one of the largest and most inclusive 2SLGBTQI+ festivals in the world, and will once again take over the city throughout the month of June.

This yearʼs theme, “Here, There, Everywhere” is more than just a slogan,  itʼs a rallying cry for the entire 2SLGBTQI+ community. Focused on the present moment, we are here to proclaim and celebrate our existence. We are here against all odds, and continue to endure. We are here to stay. We take action by being there for each other. We relentlessly advocate for our community, and champion safe spaces in times of need and in times of joy. As we revel in and learn from our differences, we come together as one universe. We are together because we are everywhere.

With over 100 events planned throughout the month, Pride Toronto offers an incredible range of opportunities to celebrate and show your support. From dazzling drag shows to vibrant parties, inspiring art exhibits, stunning murals, exciting auctions, captivating buskers, empowering human rights conferences, thought-provoking youth panels and the renowned Parades and Marches, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy and participate in.

Entertainment Lineup

Saucy Santana, Lights, Nadia Batson, Pamputtae, Sasha Colby, Anetra, Plastique Tiara, Landon Cider, Jimbo, Rêve, Amanda Rheaume and Devon Cole are just a few of the incredible artists who will be gracing the stages. And donʼt forget about the local legends, including Jada Shada Hudson, Beardra Bidness, Fawn Big Canoe, Krēme Inakuchi, DJ Sikh Knowledge, Devine Darlin, Sofia Fly, Sofonda, Slash Need, Yovska, Aurora Matrix, DJ Mark Falco, Swags & Lee, Favvkes, Myst Milano and Ace Dillinger. With so much talent and energy, Pride Toronto promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Charities of Choice

But Pride Toronto is more than just a festival. Itʼs a chance to make a difference. Thatʼs why this year, Pride Toronto has selected both Friends of Ruby and the Stephen Lewis Foundation as its charities of choice. These organizations are doing incredible work to create safer spaces for the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and by supporting them, you can make a real impact.

Honoured Positions

In addition, Pride Toronto recognizes a series of Honoured Positions which include: International Grand Marshal: Tarek Zeidan; Accessibility Ambassador: Jonathan Clarkson; Bi+ Ambassador: Cheryl Dobinson; BIPOC Ambassador: Les Femmes Fatales Women of Colour Burlesque Troupe; Sober Ambassador: Abraham Elzas; Trans Ambassador: Kitanya Wiltshire; Youth Ambassador : Ocean Ruel. Additionally, Pride Toronto has recognized a series of individuals to for an International Honoured Group Collective. This includes Henry Victor Okech Digolo and Kennedy Otieno Olango from the GBMSM Network of Kenya; Andrew Luswata Brant Seremba from IceBreakers Uganda, Ssenfuka Joanita Warry from Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), Ali Kirume Ali from Bridge Initiative organization (BIO), Yvonne Akoth Oduor from Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (galck+); Allan Nsubuga from Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG); Tynetta Mckoy and Randall Theodule from Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equity (ECADE).

So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate – Pride Toronto is back and better than ever! For a full list of Pride Torontoʼs events, announcements and more information, click here.

Pride Month Overview

Featured Signature Events

Royal Tea – Pride Month Kickoff Event

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre – June 2, 2023, 7pm-11pm – Tickets

Pride Pool Party with Sugar and Spice

Grand Bizarre Supper Club – June 16, 2023, 7pm-1am – Tickets

ʻTil Sunrise: “The Beach Party”

Cherry Beach – June 10, 2023, 2pm – 11pm – Tickets

Community Connects:

In 2021, an initiative was created to bring Pride to community members who face challenges with virtual-based programming. The program aims to meet people where they are by hosting location-specific events in their own neighbourhoods. The events will be held in Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York, in partnership with local organizations.

  • Scarborough: 1200 Markham Rd, Friday, May 26, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Partner: Eastside Pride
  • Etobicoke: 1530 Albion Rd, Sunday, May 28, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Partner: Westside Pride
  • North York: 1911 Finch Ave W, Saturday, June 3, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Partner: Jane & Finch BIA

Community Prides:

A multitude of electrifying and captivating community celebrations for you to partake in. This programming has been ingeniously crafted by you, and tailored for your ultimate enjoyment.

Senior Pride Saturday June 17th, 1pm-4pm, Rekai Centres at Wellesley Central Place (160 Wellesley Street E)

Sober Pride Friday June 23rd, 6pm-11pm; Saturday June 24th and Sunday June 25th, 11am-11pm Location: Paul Kane Parkette

Bi+ Pride Saturday June 24th, 6pm-11pm Location: Garden Stage

Trans Pride Friday June 23rd, 7pm (Rally, Community Fair, and March) Location: Church St and Hayden St

Family Pride: Saturday June 24th and Sunday June 25th, 10am-5pm Location: Church Street Public School

Youth Pride Saturday June 24th, 6pm-11pm Location: Church Street Public School

Dyke Pride Saturday June 24th, 1pm (Rally and March) Location: Church St and Hayden St

Scène Francophone/Francophone Pride Sunday June 25th, 8pm-11pm Location: Rogers South Stage

2-Spirit and Indigenous Pride Sunday June 25th, 4pm-9pm Location: Garden Stage

StreetFair over 200 vendors  Friday June 23, 7pm-11pm Saturday June 24, 1pm-11pm Sunday June 25, 1pm-11pm

Art Zone: Art Beyond Boundaries In collaboration with Art Battle, the premier live art competition platform that showcases the best and brightest talent in the 2SLGBTQI+ art community, with various artists displaying their creations live on stage. Art Battle will bring its signature style of high-energy, timed painting competitions to the festival, adding excitement and entertainment. In addition, a series of local visual artists to be featured throughout the city of Toronto all month long!

Wellness Zone  June 23 – 7pm-9pm, June 24 & 25 – 1pm-9pm

Marches and Parades

Trans Rally & March – Start at Church St & Hayden St – June 23 – 7pm Dyke Rally & March – Start at Church St & Hayden St – June 24 – 1pm Pride Parade – Bloor St & Yonge St – June 25 – 2pm

Festival Stages

TD Main Stage – Nathan Phillips Square

Friday, June 23 – 7pm-11pm – Wake ʻEm Up: Opening Night with Saucy Santana and Rêve Saturday, June 24 – 2pm-11pm – Drag Ball with Sasha Colby and Anetra, Pride Ball: Celebrity Status Sunday, June 25 – 2pm-11pm – Bright Lights with Lights and Devon Cole, The Beat Goes On

Bud Light Wellesley Stage

Friday, June 23 – 7pm-2am – Come Home by New Ho Queen with Platique Tiara, AlternaQueer: FLUID Saturday, June 24 – 2pm-2am – Blocko After Dark with Pamputtae, BQC, Mucho Mucho Amor, brOWN///out

Sunday, June 25 – 2pm-11pm – Blockorama: Legacies with Nadia Batson

Rogers South Stage

Friday, June 23 – 7pm-11pm – Yalla Barra

Saturday, June 24 – 2pm-11pm – Catalyst with Amanda Rheaume, Pride Live Sunday, June 25 – 2pm-11pm – Scène Francophone, Jashn

OLG Central Stage

Friday, June 23 – 7pm-2am – Big Love with DJ Kitty Glitter Saturday, June 24 – 2pm-2am – Kiss My Lips

Sunday, June 25 – 2pm-11pm – Dirty Disco

Garden Stage

Friday June 23 – 8pm-11pm – Trans Pride Afterparty

Saturday June 24 – 2pm-11pm – Dyke Pride Afterparty, Bi+ Pride: BIPHORIA Sunday June 25 – 4pm-9pm – 2-Spirit + Indigenous Pride

Wood Street Block Party 

June 23 – 7pm-11pm, June 24 & 25 – 1pm-11pm – With all your favourite local DJs all weekend long!

North DJ Riser 

June 23 – 7pm-11pm, June 24 & 25 – 1pm-11pm – With all your favourite local DJs all weekend long!

Follow @PrideToronto on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.