Not sure of how to celebrate Pride this weekend? We’ve assembled a list Pride picks for every type of lovin’.
For bouncing like they do in N’Awlins
Bounce, Drake Hotel
The Drake kicks off its Pride celebration with a little injection of New Orleans hip-hop. Reigning sissy bounce superstar Big Freedia performs, alongside N.Y.C.-based producer extraordinaire Brenmar.
June 28. 10 p.m. 50 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042, thedrakehotel.ca. $10.
For celebrating a landmark human-rights decision
Trans March, Norman Jewison Park
After years of bureaucratic headaches, gender identity and gender expression are now officially protected under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, thanks in no small part to the efforts of NDP MPP and Pride co-marshal Cheri DiNovo. Celebrate this trans-positive victory with a rally and march, starting at Norman Jewison Park.
June 29. 6 p.m. 15 Isabella St., pridetoronto.com.
For the Day-Glo diehards
Pride 2012, The Barn Nightclub
Deelite’s ’90s neon diva Lady Miss Kier brings her groove-filled heart to town for a wild party. DJs Jeremy Khamkeo, Sumation, Betti Ford, and Cotton Venus will help keep the good times going all night.
June 30. 418 Church St., 416-593-9696, thebarnnightclub.com. $10 before midnight.
For fabulousness at any age
Family Pride, Church Street Jr. Public School
Kids can join in on the festivities in this family-friendly event that features arts and crafts, games, face painting, and children’s entertainment, with musical-theatre workshops by the Young People’s Theatre, and performances of The Legend of Marshmallow Island and Dandy Lion.
June 30 & July 1. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 83 Alexander St., pridetoronto.com. Free.
For gender warriors and their allies
That’s So Gay 2012, Gladstone Hotel
Queer artists including Steven Beckly, Sol Legaults, Cecilia Berkovic, and Johnny Forever explore gender in “Girls Who Are Boys Who Do Boys Like They’re Girls,” featuring work by male artists about women, and by female artists about men.
To July 29. Opening reception June 28. 7 p.m. 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com.
For those who found Fifty Shades of Grey a little wanting
Proud Voices, Glad Day Bookshop
The world’s oldest LGBT bookstore is holding events throughout Pride Week. Saturday features a showcase with readings by a host of queer writers, including award-winning sci-fi author Nalo Hopkinson, journalist, critic, and professor Kamal Al-Solaylee (who will be discussing his new memoir, Intolerable), and badass YA fiction queen Kristyn Dunnion.
June 30. 4–8 p.m. 598A Yonge St., 416-961-4161, gladdaybookshop.com. Free.
For members and friends of members
Foreskin Awareness Booth, Pride Toronto Street Fair
What better way to tackle the controversial subject of infant circumcision than with an edifying and entertaining live foreskin “demonstration” by performance artist and Canadian Foreskin Awareness Project founder Glen Callender?
June 29–July 1. Church-Wellesley Village, can-fap.net.
For recovering from rainbow madness
Brunch at Hair of the Dog
This Village institution will be serving its annual day-after brunch—bring your post-parade hangovers and let the soothing powers of the eggs benny or huevos rancheros wash over you. Get there early to get a coveted spot on the patio.
July 2. 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. 425 Church St., 416-964-2708, hairofdogpub.com.
MORE PRIDE LISTINGS
Alexander Parkette
Alexander and Church
Over two days, dozens of artists perform, including Vag Halen, Die Mannequin, Sydanie, Brendan Philip, KJ, Plastiq Passion, Jenny Syde, and many more.
June 30 & July 1. Alexander between Yonge and Church. Free.
Beef Ball
The Opera House
Party hearty until 6 a.m. at the Beef Ball, Canada’s largest leather and bear pride party. Listen to UK DJ Hifi Sean spin beats and watch Toronto’s hottest BeefDip Go-Go Men strut their stuff. There will be a free shuttle taking participants to the venue, leaving from The Ramada Plaza Hotel (300 Jarvis St.) starting at 10 p.m.
July 1. 735 Queen St. E., theoperahousetoronto.com. $35.
Big Primpin Pride Edition
Wrongbar
Self-described as “Hip-Hop and Hot Times for Homos, their Friends & Admirers,” Big Primpin’s Pride Edition is sure to be a wild party. Featuring Miss Margot’s Bougielicious Makeover, and DJs Kevin Ritchie, Dionee, Nino Brown, and Phil V.
June 29. 1279 Queen St. W., 416-516-8677, wrongbar.com. $5.
Bitch Salad Gives Back
Buddies in Bad Times
Hosted by Andrew Johnston, this evening of laughs brings together some of Canada’s best comedians, including Gavin Crawford, Christina Walkinshaw, Emma Hunter, Julia Hladkowicz, and The Cheeto Girls.
June 29. 12 Alexander St., 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com. $20.
Blaze
Hard Rock Café
Head to the Hard Rock Café for Appleton drink specials, and music by DJs Gavin T (of Club Boi Miami), Sumation, and Unruly.
June 29. 270 Yonge St., 416-362-3636, hardrockcafe.com. 10 p.m. $15–$20.
Bootcamp
The Guvernment
Join DJs Tony Moran, Hector Fonseca, and Jeremy Khamked, and adult male stars James Huntsman and Tyrstanbull for a night of music and dancing.
June 29. 132 Queens Quay E., 416-869-0045, theguvernment.com.
Boots Boogie Presents: 4th Annual Renegay Party Toronto Pride
Village Vapor Lounge parking lot
Two days of late night, outdoor partying will take place at the Village Vapor Lounge parking lot (the northwest corner of Wellesley at Church), featuring a slew of DJs like Tom Le Filth, Summer, Justin Tyce, and more.
June 29 & 30. 66 Wellesley St. E., 416-972-9500, villagevaporlounge.com.
Buddies After Hours
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Hit up Buddies for some fun late night partying, featuring DJs K-Tel and Triple-X spinning club and Top 40 hits well into the night.
June 29–July 1. 12 Alexander St., 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
Bud Light South Stage
Church and Carlton
Featuring live performances from Bif Naked, Corey Hart, DJ Clymaxxx, Betti Forde, The Cliks, Tasha the Amazon, Masia One, Tom Stephan, DJ Stephan Grondin, Lady Miss Kier, and more.
June 29–July 1. Church just north of Carlton. Free.
Cherry Bomb Pride
Revival
Dance the night away to tunes from electro-synth trio Rouge, rapper Urvah Khan, DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson, and more.
June 30. 783 College St., 416-535-7888, revivalbar.com. $15.
Darcy Michael
Flying Beaver Pubaret
Vancouver comedian Darcy Michael brings his new show, “Skinny Bitch,” to The Flying Beaver Pubaret.
June 30. 488 Parliament St., 647-347-6567, pubaret.com. $15–$20.
Dyke March
Yonge St.
Join in the high-energy that is the LGBTTIQQ2S women and trans folk parade by watching them march and dance along downtown Toronto’s streets. The parade starts at Church and Hayden and ends at Yonge to Wood.
June 30. 2 p.m. Church and Hayden. Free.
Family Pride
Church Street Jr. Public School
Bring the kids to this family-friendly event that features arts and crafts, children’s entertainers, and an H2O zone.
June 30. 83 Alexander St., 416-393-1250. Free.
Foreskin Awareness Booth
Pride Toronto Street Fair
Launched at Vancouver Pride in 2010, Foreskin Awareness Booth is a live educational comedy foreskin demonstration about infant circumcision by performance artist Glen Callender.
June 29–July 1. Church-Wellesley Village, pridetoronto.com.
Fucking Stephen Harper: How I Sexually Assaulted the 22nd Prime Minster of Canada and Saved Democracy
Flying Beaver Pubaret
Journalist Rob Salerno will be signing copies of his new, critically acclaimed tell-all memoir.
June 28. 488 Parliament St., 647-347-6567, pubaret.com. $15–$20.
Goth Drag Pride Edition
The Garrison
Put on your leather and lace and join DJs Murderess Margot and Schramm, special guests CBB and JAL, and House Boy Hosts Lavender Stain and Saddlebags Thomas, for a night of dark, gothic fun.
June 28. 1197 Dundas St. W., 416-519-9439, garrisontoronto.com. $5.
GLBT Indoor Rock Climbing
Rock Oasis
Get Out Canada hosts a day of indoor rock climbing. Beginners, never fear: introductory lessons are available.
June 28. 388 Carlaw St., 416-703-3434, rockoasis.com. $40.
Happy Pride Day
Flying Beaver Pubaret
The Pubaret staff will be catering a Church Street beer garden (next to the Beer Store) with some tasty treats and cool beverages during the Parade.
July 1. Beside 572 Church St., 647-347-6567, pubaret.com.
Homo Night in Canada
Buddies in Bad Times
Glam-Glam Productions presents this comedic night, hosted by The B-Girlz, and featuring the talents of Kristen Becker, Ian Lynch, David-Benjamin Tomlinson, Marco Bernardi, Richard Ryder, Dawn Whitwell, Linda Ellis, Paul Hutcheson, and The Queer Comedy Collective.
June 30. 12 Alexander St., 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com. $25.
The Lady Oiye’s Tea Dance
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Take a break from the madness outside on Pride Day and slip into Buddies for some refreshments (and some shade). This event is family-friendly.
July 1. 3–10 p.m. 12 Alexander St., 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com. Free.
Lisa Goodridge
Flying Beaver Pubaret
Listen to the bold and bodacious voice of Lisa Goodridge at this Pride-inspired night of sexiness and songs.
June 29. 488 Parliament St., 647-347-6567, pubaret.com. $15–$20.
The Monstrous Ball
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Ecce Homo presents this evening of performance art, fashion, and music inspired by Lady Gaga as part of Queer Pride 2012. The event includes Tyson James in a re-creation of Yoko Ono’s Cut Piece, Kimberly Persona performing as Lady Gaga, DJ Miss Margot spinning club beats, and Nina Arsenault reenacting Marina Abramovic’s The Artist is Present.
June 28. 12 Alexander St., 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com. $10.
North Stage
Church and Dundonald
This stage hosts three days of performances by trans-identified and gender-variant artists, including DJ Liam, DJ Nik Red, Olive or Oliver, Rae Spoon, Venus DeMars, ILL Nana/DiverseCity Dance, DJ Alyssa, Lucas Silveira, and more.
June 29–July 1. Church at Dundonald. Free.
Obey the State of Curfew
The Barn Nightclub
This all-ages party will have DJs Rolls Royce and Sumation spinning dance tracks all night.
July 1. 418 Church St., 416-593-9696, thebarnnightclub.com. $10.
OLG Central Stage
Church and Maitland
This stage will be home to DJs and dancers galore for three days of outside dance parties, including Richie Santana, Joel Smye, MC Flipside, Joee Cons, Dwayne Minard, Justin Ryan, Fawn Big Canoe, Mirk Vicente, Serial Sean, Cajjmere Wray, and more.
June 29–July 1. Church just south of Maitland. Free.
Paul Hutcheson’s Pride Package II
Buddies in Bad Times
Stand-up comedian and storyteller Paul Hutcheson is joined on stage by queer comedians Mike Albo, Kristen Becker, Susan Fischer, D’yan Forrest, Robert Keller, Lianne Mauladin, Sharon Nowlan, and Jillian Thomas.
June 28. 12 Alexander St, 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com. $10–$20.
Paul Kane Parkette
Wellesley and Church
The small parkette hosts live dancing, with everything from swing and ballroom, to cabaret, and even a performance by a Spice Girls tribute band. Featured performers include Maggie Macdonald, Patti Cake, Grey Gritt, Meghan Morrison, Arlene Paculan, Rex Baunsit, Iman Wain, and more.
June 30–July 1. On Wellesley between Yonge and Church. Free.
Pop Muzik!
The Barn Nightclub
DJ Alessandro will be spinning classic pop tunes from favourite divas like Rihanna, Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Nicki Minaj.
June 28. 418 Church St., 416-593-9696, thebarnnightclub.com. $5.
Pride 2012
The Barn Nightclub
DJs Lady Miss Kier, Betti Ford, Cotton Venus, Sumation, and more come together for this wild party. The night also includes DJ Alain and The Girls Gone Wild Show starring Devine Darlin and guests.
June 30. 418 Church St., 416-593-9696, thebarnnightclub.com. $10 before midnight.
Pride 2012: Bounce
Drake Hotel
Head to the Drake Underground for a night of dancing until 4 a.m with DJs Big Freedia and Brenmar.
June 28. Queen St. W., 416-531-5042, thedrakehotel.ca. $10.
Pride at Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens
Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens
An official sponsor of Pride Toronto, Loblaws MLG features specials like rainbow cakes and cupcakes, performances by Queer Idol winner Stacey Tennen and Singing OUT community choir, and a day-long barbeque on Pride Day.
June 28–July 1. 60 Carlton St., 416-593-6154.
Pride Parade
Yonge St.
Join in the iconic fun by watching the people, music, and floats of the Pride parade go by. The route starts at Bloor and Church, and heads along Bloor, Yonge, and Gerrard before ending at Gerrard and Church.
July 1. 2 p.m., Bloor & Church, pridetoronto.com. Free.
Pride pit-stop
Fernando’s Hideaway
Located at Yonge and Wellesley, Fernando’s is the perfect place to refuel during the parade, with Pride-inspired drink specials and stellar nachos.
July 1. 545 Yonge St., 416-929-3629, fernandoshideaway.ca.
Pride Week Blow-Out
Woody’s/Sailor
Located in the heart of the Village, Woody’s (and connected Sailor) is throwing a series of events, including non-stop DJ action with sets from Mark Falco, and service every night until 4 a.m.
June 28–July 1. 465-467 Church St., 416-972-0887, woodystoronto.com.
Proud Voices 1
Glad Day Bookshop
Listen to readings by writers Alec Butler, Chase Joynt, and Nina Arsenault.
June 29. 8:30 p.m. 598A Yonge St., 416-961-4161, gladdaybookshop.com. Free.
Proud Voices 2
Glad Day Bookshop
Readings by authors Nalo Hopkinson, Siaira Harris, Farzana Doctor, Tara-Michelle Ziniuk, Kamal Al-Solaylee, Kristyn Dunnion, Marcus McCann, and Daniel Allen.
June 30. 4 p.m. 598A Yonge St., 416-961-4161, gladdaybookshop.com. Free.
Queer West Pride Closing Party
El Mocambo
Join Queer West for a celebratory closing Pride party of music, drinks, and dancing.
July 1. 464 Spadina Ave., 416-968-2001, elmocambo.ca. $10.
Speed Dating
Glad Day Bookshop
Meet new friends, flings, and lovers of all genders and orientations.
June 28. 598A Yonge St., 416-961-4161, gladdaybookshop.com. $5.
Starry Night
Cawthra Square Park
Bringing together 2,000 of Toronto’s celebrities, politicians, artists, and community leaders, the fifth annual Starry Night Pride event features the sounds of Toronto’s All Star Big Band and the sights of the Green Space on Church, in this fundraiser for The 519.
June 28. 519 Church St., pridetoronto.com.
Steers & Queers: Night of 1,000 Dollys
Gladstone Hotel
A Pride-sized edition of Toronto’s cult gay country and western party comes to the Gladstone Hotel ballroom for a night paying tribute to Dolly Parton.
June 28. 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com.
TD Wellesley Stage
Wellesley and Yonge
This stage will be hosting two days of outdoor entertainment, with DJs, dancers, and musicians, including Jelo, Deko-ze, Adam K, Robb G, Tom Stephan, jojo flores, DJ Blackcat, House of Monroe, Keshia Chante, DJ Unruly Twin, and many more.
June 30 & July 1. Wellesley St., across from the Wellesley subway station. Free.
That’s So Gay 2012
Gladstone Hotel
The third annual Pride exhibition, That’s So Gay, explores the term “queer,” allowing male artists to show work about women, and female artists to show work about men. The exhibit will feature works by Steven Beckly, Sol Legaults, Cecilia Berkovic, Johnny Forever, and more.
To July 29. Opening reception June 28. 7 p.m. 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com.
Trans March
Norman Jewison Park
Celebrate the diversity of Toronto’s trans folk with this march. A rally takes place at 6:30 p.m. at Norman Jewison Park and the march starts at 7 p.m.
June 29. Norman Jewison Park, east of Yonge and Gloucester.
Trivia Pride Edition
Gladstone Hotel
Presented as part of the Inside Out Film Festival, comes this special Pride edition of the TIFF Bell Lightbox’s movie trivia night. Only catch: you must be a TIFF member, or the guest of a TIFF member, to participate.
June 28. 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com.
Viagra Village Stage
Church and Wellesley
On pride weekend, this stage will host entertainment, including live dance and music, with performances from Naked Boys Singing, Tynomi Banks, Dukes of Drag, Nerd Girls Burlesque, Tina Timebalm, Dancin’ in the Streets, Stephanie Stephens, Ivory Towers, Daytona Bitch, and more.
July 1. 1–9:40 p.m. Church and Wellesley. Free.
