Summer comes with a ton of great stuff to do and see in the city of Toronto. One of the best cities in the world not only houses cultural diversity and acceptance but their annual Pride Week is coming up this June 25 – July 3.
Every year the week provides tons of incredible events to attend and lots of guest speakers and musical guests to ensure that party goers and community supporters get their entertainment fill. This year guests like George Takei and Yalla Bara are set to arrive to deliver speeches and perform.

For first time goers there are lots of tamer events to attend to ease your way into the week’s energy. An AIDS candlelight vigil will be held in Barbara Hall Park on June 28 at 9:00 p.m. this year. Pride Toronto’s website describes the event as, “Take a solemn moment during your Pride festivities to hold the torch high and remember. The theme this year is Taking Care of Each Other, in recognition of all who have supported and helped each other along over the years.” To celebrate Indigenous culture, Two-Spirit will perform on July 1 at 77 Wellesley Street E with DJ Shub. The Art Fair happening on July 2 in Alexander Parkette is an all ages event showcasing art depicting identities, legal rights, experiences of mental health and wellness, and other social justice initiatives. The week will also have Family Pride days on both July 2 and 3.

For those who are more interested in the party scene or if you’ve attended before, some of the events you have to look forward to are the Cabana pool party, Drag ON!, and Bear Garden. As added incentive for those who attend this year, Drag ON! offers the chance to be a part of history as the event takes home the title of Largest Drag Stage Performance in the Guinness Book of World Records. The event will take place on July 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the Molson Canadian Stage. Bear Garden (July 2, 2:00 p.m., OLG Central Stage) will feature performers such Vjuan Allure, DJ Blackcat, Nik Red, Kris Steeves, and Aeryn Pfaff.

These are only some of the events taking place during the week. The month also holds tons of events to attend or things to see such as karaoke at Second City on June 15 for 10:30 p.m. Hit up www.pridetoronto.com to check out all the wonderful events coming to the city this month and for Pride Week.