Toronto Pride is an LGBT festival held each year in Toronto during the month of June. As one of the largest gay festivals in the world, it features several stages with live concerts and DJs, a massive Dyke March, a Trans March, and the Toronto Pride Parade. The Pride Month runs for about 30 days. The Pride Festival usually falls on the last week of June and has always promised a weekend of joy, fun, acceptance and celebration of diversity.
Trans Rally & March (June 28, 2024)
Following this year's Pride Toronto theme, "BE," Trans Rally promotes acceptance and awareness of non-binary and trans folks. This annual event is held at Gould Street from 7 to 8 pm on June 28th. After the march, from 7 to 11 pm, dance like nobody's watching at the Trans Afterparty or listen to amazing trans artists at a METAMORPHOMANIA rave party at OLG Central Stage from 10 to 2 pm.
Dyke Rally & March (June 29, 2024)
Similar to Trans March, Dyke March is all about being proud of your existence and expressing your sexuality. You'll have an opportunity to celebrate lesbian and queer folks with signs and support LGBTQ+ artists at the Community Fair at an exclusive dyke and lesbian space. The event takes place from 1 pm to 3 pm at the intersection of Church and Hayden Streets. The march is followed by the afterparty as well.
Pride Parade (June 30, 2024)
Held either on the last weekend of June or the first weekend of July, the Pride Parade draws in a huge crowd of about 200,000 people. The goal of this year's procession is to celebrate inclusion and diversity of sexuality, as well as protect the environment by hosting the event sustainably. After the parade, there are lots of live music and entertainment. Church Street gets turned into a large beer garden, brimming with fun and laughter.
Parade Route & Schedule
The parade is set to take place at 2 pm on Sunday, starting from Bloor Street. The crowd then marches along Younge Street and turns right on Dundas Street West. To participate in the parade, you are required to pay a fee. While early bird passes require only a donation, buying an individual permit later costs $52.
Music Lineup
Besides the parade, the Pride Toronto weekend celebration is known for its inclusive selection of LGBTQ+ musicians. Dominican rapper Tokischa will headline the opening concert, while rising girl band Flo will perform their best hits at Pride Toronto's beloved stage, Blockorama. Drag queen Sapphira Cristál is among many iconic drag megastars performing at the annual Drag Ball. Other artists include LU KALA, Tommy Genesis, Nicky Doll, Plane Jane, BIMINI, and many others. All of the musicians are set to perform from Friday to Sunday on stages at Nathan Phillips Square, Bud Light Wellesley Stage, the OLG Central Stage, and Rogers South Stage.
Other Events
Alongside marches and large-scale concerts, the festival has continued to hold a wide array of events, including cultural performances, daily DJ parties, and street fairs. Children might enjoy face painting and magic shows in the Family Zone, open from 10 am to 5 pm on June 29-30. You can make your own contribution to this year's theme in the Art Zone by drawing an artwork on a festival mosaic.
Location
Toronto Pride is one of the largest festivals in North America. The festival site consists of 22 city blocks, which are closed to traffic, and features 9 stages, each with their own lineup. Most activities are centered around Church Street and Wellesley Village. The parade and marches pass along the nearby Yonge Street, and Bloor Street.
