The Green Space Festival returns for Pride this year after a two-year hiatus. Since its inception in 2008, The Green Space Festival has become a staple over Toronto’s Pride weekend as well as an internationally recognized cultural festival. The outdoor party at Barbara Hall Park (519 Church St.) runs from June 23-26, 2022, kicking off Thursday evening with Starry Night from 5pm-midnight. With a line-up of celebrated drag talent, DJs and renowned performers, don’t miss out on your chance to #PartyForACause. Here is all you need to know to visit the festival, including how to volunteer!
Admission is free!
Yes, the highly-anticipated event with local and international drag royalty performing is free! There will be volunteers on-hand to accept donations and this year, it is even easier to contribute to The 519, an organization that has been supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Toronto and beyond through providing services, space and leadership since the 1975s. “Touchless Giving” is available this year so you can donate with a simple tap (from Apple pay to credit and debit!). The festival is also a licensed permit event so remember that no outside food and drink are allowed inside the grounds, but not to worry, there is plenty of delicious fare and refreshing beverages to beat the heat and stay fueled for Pride! It is also important to remember that all proceeds raised through the festival support the incredible year-round programs at The 519 which truly respond to the evolving needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. So, get ready to party starting with your favourite queens Thursday night to celebrate your Pride!
Starry Night has been called, “the Drag Olympics” having some of the world’s biggest stars gracing the stage and this year is no different. Drag performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Canada’s Drag Race and beyond include: Willow Pill, Angeria Paris Van Michaels, Bosco, Icesis Couture, Pythia, Scarlett Bobo, Boa, Tynomi Banks, Baby Bel Bel, Farra NHyte, Ivory Towers, Jada Shada Hudson, Sofonda and Xtacy Love. These performers serve looks, dance the house down and will make you laugh. If you enjoy a drag show, Starry Night is not to be missed. The party continues on Friday June 24 from 5pm-Midnight with One World. The Afro House Edition will feature DJEFF, Floyd Lavine, Deko-Ze, Kendall Gender and Kimora Amour.
The weekend party starts earlier with Lipstick Jungle on Saturday June 25 from 1pm-Midnight. You can dance under the sun to Miss Monique, Mistress Barbara, Jamie, Mightykat and Ticky Ty. The 4-day festival culminates on Sunday June 26 with the Treehouse Party starting at 1pm-Midnight. The closing roster of performers includes David Morales, Joe Claussell, Hector Romero, Morabito and Cincity. With the extraordinary list of talent, The Green Space Festival is the place where community members and allies come together to celebrate who they are. The festival is also fully accessible with easy access for strollers and mobility devices. All festival goers will also see The 519s remarkable volunteers throughout the space. There is still time to sign-up to volunteer and join a great team, make new friends and help your community.
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For all 519 volunteers, there is a full orientation and robust training provided. Volunteer roles for the festival include: Guest Services Team, Bar Services Team, Venue Team, Food Services Team, and more! The festival is an essential fundraising activity for The 519 and it is a fun way to learn important transferable skills and show you care. Simply create your volunteer profile at: https://www.the519.org/support-the-519/volunteer and review the volunteer code of conduct. Your application will be reviewed and the volunteer process begins. No matter how you participate at The Green Space Festival this year, this is Toronto’s must-attend Pride event.
This is the first year since the pandemic that in-person pride events are back, and there are lots of ways to show your support whether in-person or virtually.
SUPPORT THE 519: The519.org/donate
VOLUNTEER: The519.org/volunteer
STAY IN TOUCH: The519.org
Paid for by Olay. Olay’s commitment to diversity and equity by supporting the 2SLGBTQ+LGBTQ+ community via The 519 through a $50,000 donation the sponsorship of this article.
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