Pride Month is on the horizon and Toronto is gearing up for another fabulous year of celebration.
Known as Canada’s biggest festival and the second largest Pride in the world, Pride Toronto is bringing more than 800 artists, eight stages, and more than 100 events to the city throughout June.
And in 2026, the celebration will run under the theme “We Won’t Stop,” while it expects more than three million festival attendees.
So, whether it’s your first Pride or you’re a longtime festivalgoer hoping to learn more about this year’s festivities, here’s a look at the most exciting events coming this June.
City of Toronto Pride Flag Raising
To kick off Pride Month, the City of Toronto will raise the Pride flag on June 1 at 5 p.m. at city hall, located at 100 Queen St. W.
Pride flag raisings also took place at the Etobicoke Civic Centre and Mel Lastman Square on May 26, followed by the raising of the flag at Albert Campbell Square on May 28.
“The City of Toronto has a long history of support for 2SLGBTQ+ communities,” according to the city.
“These flag raisings bring communities together to celebrate the history, courage, and diversity of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities.”
Fierce and Fabulous Expo
The Fierce and Fabulous Expo, Canada’s first large-scale drag and music convention, will take place on June 6.
Fierce and Fabulous Expo
Canada’s first large-scale drag and music convention is taking place on June 6 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, found at 255 Front St. W.
“The event brings together an incredible lineup of North America’s most famous drag performers, alongside emerging talent,” according to the team.
The star-studded lineup will include Dahlia Doll, Oceane Aqua-Black, Tynomi Banks, Kenya Pleaser, Lexi Love, and more.
Tickets are available online and start at $43.13.
2-Spirit Powwow
Also taking place on June 6 is the fifth annual 2-Spirit Powwow, hosted by the 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.
It will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Milliken District Park, located at 5555 Steeles Ave. E.
Freedom Party Toronto
On June 11 at the Royal Ontario Museum, situated at 100 Queen’s Park, Freedom Party Toronto will feature global non-profit Rainbow Railroad’s annual kickoff to Pride season.
The celebration will reunite Canada’s Drag Race icons Priyanka, Scarlett Bobo, and Lemon for a “night of electrifying queer celebration and solidarity.”
Tickets are available online and start at $125.
Trans Rally, March & Community Fair
The Trans Rally, March & Community Fair will take place on June 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Church and Hayden streets.
“It is a celebration of trans lives in all their diversity and a demand for the dignity, safety, and rights that every human being deserves,” according to Toronto Pride.
“Trans Pride is a bold affirmation of identity, resilience, and unapologetic existence.”
And there will also be a Trans Pride Afterparty from 7 to 11 p.m. at Rogers Community Stage, located at 78 Gould St.
Festival Weekend
With Pride Toronto’s Festival Weekend running from June 26 to 28, opening night performances at the TD Main Stage, located at Nathan Phillips Square, will include a DJ set from Bob the Drag Queen, Miss Bashful, LSDXOXO, MkX, and Ralph.
Located at 100 Queen St. W., the party will go from 6 to 11 p.m.
And the coveted Drag Ball will run at this spot on June 27 from 2 to 11 p.m., with more than 70 drag acts from Canada and beyond. The celebration will also feature a performance from the entire Season 6 cast of “Canada’s Drag Race” for the first and only time.
Throughout the weekend, Toronto’s Church and Wellesley village will also see a pedestrian takeover. And a full list of festival weekend celebrations can be found online.
Pride Parade
Pride Toronto festival map.
Pride Toronto
On June 28, the Pride Parade will go from 2 to 6 p.m. It starts at the intersection of Rosedale Valley Road and Park Road before making its way west to Yonge Street.
After moving south down Yonge Street, the parade will finish at Nathan Phillips Square.
Toronto Pride History
Pride Toronto was founded in 1981 after Metro Toronto Police raided various bathhouses in the city on Feb. 5 in what is known as “Operation Soap,” according to the festival.
The next day, a major demonstration was held at Yonge and Wellesley, closing down the street. As activists started working, the group Gays and Lesbians Against the Right was formed and was legally incorporated the same year.
On June 28, 1981, 1,500 people celebrated Pride Day in Grange Park.
Now, Pride Toronto continues as a “legacy that is deeply intertwined with the rich, progressive history of Toronto’s queer community.”
So, regardless of how you decide to celebrate Pride this year, be loud, be proud and stay fierce.