Toronto Pride 2015: Your Ultimate Party Guide

Friends, companions, citizens of Toronto, it’s that time of year again – the Toronto Pride Festival.

Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge of the ever-growing LGBTQQIP2SAA acronym or dance all night at one of Canada’s most celebrated festivals, Vv Magazine’s Ultimate Party Guide to Toronto Pride 2015 is about to become your best friend.

So pack up your fanciest go-to freakum outfit, here’s your Ultimate Guide to World Pride 2015.

PARTIES

Looking to get a little wild? You’ve come to the right place. With Pride now playing host to over 1.2 million attendees, the lines are bound to get a little long on Church Street. But for those who wait, there are sweaty good times to be had.

EVERYONE’S-INVITED PARTAYS

OPENING PARTY
Friday June 19, 8 pm
BIA Stage (on Church Street, between Maitland and Alexander)

Special guest star and MTV sensation, Todrick Hall, will kick off 35th edition of Pride. Along with Hall, there will be a line up of 10s from House of Monroe all ready to strut their stuff, and the always-smooth DJ Black Cat.

SWEETNESS PRIDE BEACH PARTY
Sunday June 21
Sugar Beach, 22 Dockside Drive, Toronto

Get ready to soak up the sun at Toronto’s newest waterfront digs. Celebrate Pride’s opening weekend, as North America’s largest Pride festival brings one of the biggest circuit parties to our very own beaches with WE PLAY and Aron & Jodie Harsh!

CABANA POOL PARTY
Wednesday June 24, 6 pm – 1 am
Cabana Pool Bar, 11 Polson Street, Toronto
Suggested donation: $10

SOLLORS and DJ Delicious are headlining this one. Private cabanas, daybeds and sophisticated drinks are in order to make a splash and celebrate your Pride festival Hump Day.

BURLESQUE A GO GO
Friday June 26, 7pm – 2am
55 Berkley Street

Celebrate the love for our bodies, in all shapes and sizes, in an evening sure to bring out the sultry and sexy side of Pride. From up-and-coming Burlesque artists, to seasoned professionals known worldwide, these fine and playful bombshells, starlets, and studs bare it all.

50 SHADES OF BLU
Friday June 26
OLG Central Stage

People of all ages are invited to get energized, dance and be wowed under Toronto’s largest disco ball with Toronto’s own, Sydney Blu – after all, this magical soirée happens only once in a Blu moon.

#DYKEVERSITY
Saturday June 27, 2 pm – 2 am
Bud Light South Stage

L-Word’s Kate Moennig, Dj Irene & Ana Paula kick off DYKEVERSITY, which offers the hottest women’s dance of the week, following that afternoon’s Dyke March!

BEAR GARDEN
Saturday June 27, 2 pm – 2 am
OLG Central Stage

Join all of your furry friends and their companions at this partay sponsored by Pitbull. The night hosts incredible international and local entertainment including LA superstar Paulo, Grammy-nominated Dave Audé, Vancouver’s bear-licious Nick Bertossi and Toronto’s cutie Neill MacLeod featuring Sima, among other great talent.

PAN AMERICANO
Saturday June 27, 2 pm – 2 am
TD Wellesley Stage

During the day, we offer a picante latina fiesta, where tango dancers meet big bands and romantic Spanish lyrics under the summer sun. Once the sun goes down, the space will transform itself into a gigantic Brazilian Ball!

DRAG ON!
Saturday June 27, 2 pm – 11 pm
Molson Canadian Yonge-Dundas Square

To celebrate Pride Toronto’s 35th birthday, 35 drag performers will kick off this fabulous event. Kicking off the afternoon with her electronic house beats, Kitty Glitter returns to Pride Toronto all the way from Sydney, Australia. Joining her are her many drag sisters, including Katya and Miss Fame from the most recent season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and headliner Bianca Del Rio, winner of last year’s RuPaul’s Drag Race. This is an all-day drag event and the largest drag show to ever happen in Canada, so come out and get your drag on!

NORTHERN LIGHTS
Saturday June 27, 2 pm – 11 pm
North Stage

Featuring a variety of DJs, live music and spoken word throughout the day, North Stage is home to our non-stop showcase of Trans* and gender independent artists.

THE LAST DANCE
Sunday June 28, 2 pm – 11 pm
OLG Central Stage

Rhythms and lights from the hottest DJs are sure to have you bidding farewell Pride 2015 looking as glamorous as ever.

DIRTY DISCO
Sunday June 28, 2 pm – 11 pm
Bud Light South Stage

Returning DJs will showcase their electronic musical talents at this all-ages, all-day event.

UNDER THE RADAR GEMS

Wanna try something new? This list of exclusive PRIDE events is sure mix things up for the avid Pride attendee.

PRIMP for PRIDE
Thursday Jun 18, 6pm – 9:30pm

Looking to get glamorous in preparation for all the pride festivities? Come out and experience fantabulous champagne, boys n’ gals, canapés amd your very own personalized spa extravaganza! And of course, you aren’t completely PRIMPED without the sounds of a surprise guest DJ!

FLEXX || THE OLD SKOOL JAM: PRIDE LAUNCH
Friday June 19, 10pm – 3am

Be sure to kick off summer right and celebrate the launch of Toronto Pride 2015 with Flexx inside Church on Church!

FREEDOM PARTY
Saturday June 20, 8pm

Come enjoy special performance by season three winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race and head makeup artist on Tyra Bank’s America’s Next Top Model, Raja.

PUPPY PRIDE PARTY
Wednesday June 24, 9pm – 2am

Puppy Play has been rapidly growing in popularity because of it’s free-flowing, physical, and fun nature. It’s also a great way to meet other fun people who are into kink but who don’t necessarily take it too seriously. This event is open to people & puppies of all breeds, genders, sexualities, and experience levels. Cats & squirrels may attend at their own risk.

PUPPY LOVE: PRIDE WEEK PARTY
Wednesday June 24, 10 pm

Queer and sex positive dance party. Live porn screenings. Spin the bottle. Need we say more?

STEERS + QUEERS: NIGHT OF 1000 DOLLYS
Thursday June 25, 9pm

A tribute the world’s greatest drag queen, Dolly Parton. Come out and enjoy an evening of Dolly-look-a-likes, complete with a prize for best costume. Who knows, maybe you’ll see Ms. Parton herself.

A CLUB CALLED RHONDA: TORONTO
Thursday June 25, 9pm – 4am

The Drake Hotel will be transformed into a three-story pansexual party place in the name of pride & pleasure.

PITBULL: LEATHER LOVE PRIDE
Friday June 26, 10pm – 5am

Break out your favourite fetish gear and get ready to celebrate Pride with a new style of fetish party. Any and all fetishes are welcome.

FIT PRIMPIN
Friday June 26, 10pm

FIT PRIMPIN is back, and proud to be the first Pride party hosted by The Harbourfront Centre! Featuring the Canadian debut of Brooklyn-based “Blatina Mami” JAY BOOGIE and hosted by NYC Go-Go Stars SETH FORNEA & JARED LEBLANC.

WANNABE: SPICE GIRLS TRIBUTE
Friday June 26, 9pm

When it comes to celebrations, epic dance parties and conjuring up serious 90’s nostalgia, no one does it better than the darlings of Toronto’s cover-band scene!

PITBULL: MARDI GRAS PRIDE
Saturday June 27, 10pm – 4am

Celebrate Toronto Pride in southern style with a giant Mardi Gras Party at the Phoenix. Featuring world class DJ’s, incredible decor and some of the hottest men to be found on the globe, this party is not to be missed.

CHERRY BOMB: PUMP UP THE PRIDE
Saturday June 27, 10pm

Come out and play Cherry Bomb-style as Toronto’s biggest party for queer women and friends brings you a fun, fantastic Pride celebration. Dance, sweat and cruise in this wicked two-level concert venue, complete with amazing sound and lights at the official Dyke Day after party!

CRUSH TO PRIDE PARTY
Saturday June 27, 10pm

Not into the Church St. Pride scene? Come have a big gay disco party with a bunch of queers in the West end. No suburbanites on gay safari, promise.

TOP 10 PRIDE ANTHEMS

Looking to get your jam on at this year’s Pride? Or maybe you need a pump-up playlist for your road trip into the Tdot. These 10 Pride anthems are sure to get you feeling fine, fresh and fierce.

1) “A Little Respect” by Erasure
2) “Free” by Ultra Naté
3) “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
4) “Walk on the Wild Side” by Lou Reed
5) “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross
6) “Vogue” by Madonna
7) “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
8) “Freedom! ’90” by George Michael
9) “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
10) “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls

INFORMATIVE TINGS

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: OUR HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE
Saturday June 20, 9 am – 6 pm
University College at the University of Toronto, Room 140

This human rights conference begins a critical dialogue that focuses on life in the Pan American region through a diverse range of case studies, panels and testimonials.

AN EVENING WITH JOHN WATERS
Monday June 22
Ryerson Theatre

Come hear the man behind Divine share his experiences from his famed lecture series “This Filthy World.” Gain a new appreciation for storytelling as Waters weaves together exploitation films, fashion lunacy and the extremes of the contemporary art world.

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
Monday June 22, 12 pm
City Hall

Join Pride Toronto, along with Toronto Mayor John Tory, our city’s leaders and members of government at City Hall for the official kickoff to Pride!

AIDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Tuesday June 23, 9 pm
Barbara Hall Park, at The 519 Church Street Community Center

Join Pride Toronto to honour, remember and celebrate the lives of those who lost their lives to AIDS.

MADO FRENCHES TORONTO
Wednesday June 24
Alliance Francaise Toronto, 24 Spadina Rd

On Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, Mado la bitch will take our city by storm. Accompanied by her pianist, Mado will speak openly about her life, perform classic songs and – most importantly – is guaranteed to bitch on anything that sparks a fire in her.

TRANS* PRIDE FAIR
Friday June 26, 2 pm – 7 pm
Norman Jewison Parkette, Isabella Street

Looking for information, connections or support within the Trans* community? Before the Trans* Pride march begins, browse the offerings of this year’s Trans* Pride Fair, supported and run by the fabulous and inclusive Trans* organizations within our community.

TRANS* PRIDE MARCH
Friday June 26, Rally: 7 pm. March: 8 pm
North Stage (Church Street at Isabella Street)

Since its beginnings in 2009, the march has sought to provide a place for Trans* identified people to rally, stand up and come together in solidarity. All Trans* identified people, their friends and allies are welcome to march.

TRANS* SPACE
Friday June 26, 7 pm – 9 pm
Saturday June 27, 12 pm – 10 pm
Sunday June 28, 12 pm – 10 pm
Corner of Dundonald and Church Streets, Across from The 519

Trans* Space is a safe, inclusive, informative and non-judgemental environment located in the heart of the Pride Toronto festival. This space provides information, workshops and support to members of the Trans* community, to those who are questioning, and the simply curious.

TRANSFORMING PRIDE
Friday June 26
Molson Canadian Yonge-Dundas Square

Here, Pride Toronto transforms Toronto’s own “Times Square” into a celebration of our out, proud and loud Trans* communities, and welcomes our GLAAD award-winning celebrity hosts, the outspoken Chaz Bono, alongside Lambda Literary award-winner S. Bear Bergman.

CLEAN SOBER AND PROUD
Friday June 26, 6 pm – 12 am
Saturday June 27, 10 am – 12 am
Sunday June 28, 10 am – 11 pm
Paul Kane Parkette (North side of Wellesley Street just west of Church Street)

Clean, Sober and Proud place is a dedicated drug- and alcohol-free space for everyone to enjoy, featuring fantastic entertainment in a family friendly environment. Festivities include live performances, wellness practices and confidential recovery meetings.

The Dyke March is a grassroots event where the women and Trans* people of our community take over the streets of Toronto. The march is not a parade, but instead a political demonstration of critical mass, welcoming all self-identified dykes to create political and visible space.

FAMILY PRIDE
Saturday, June 27, 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, June 28, 10 am – 5 pm
Church Street Junior Public School

Family Pride is the celebration of families, and we strive to strengthen the community through vibrant, creative and engaging activities and programs. Come OUT and PLAY! at Family Pride while celebrating diversity and the future of our community’s parents/caregivers and children.

ALTERNA-QUEER
Sunday June 28, 2 pm – 10pm
Alexander Parkette

Sunday in Alexander Parkette features the Pride Toronto annual showcase of queer-core, punk, trash-drag and indie bands, as Alterna-Queer takes over the park.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

With all this party-rockin’ and advocatin’, you’re bound to get a little tired. Check out these top places to re-energize with some grub and get “hydrated.”

CHURCH STREET VILLAGE

Stay gay in the Village so you’re just seconds away from all the action.

BEER-FRIENDLY PATIOS: The patio at O’Grady’s (518 Church Street) or The Churchmouse & Firkin (475 Church Street) for relaxed pub food.
FANCY DINING: Church Bistro (555 Church Street), Lola’s Kitchen (634 Church Street), or Sambucas on Church (489 Church Street).
JUST DRINKS: The Green Space on Church beside the Community Centre will be overflowing with beer tents, Crews & Tangos (508 Church Street) is a laid back environment with live drag music or cool off across the street at Woody’s (467 Church Street) – but beware, their bartenders are definitely not going to cool you down.

EAST END

Definitely a quieter atmosphere. If you’re a foodie or just in need a breather, these spots are for you.

SOLID EATS: If you’re in the mood for some Greek cuisine, pop over to Messini Authentic Gyros (445 Danforth Avenue) or the Pan on the Danforth (516 Danforth Avenue). Check out the Canadian-themed restaurant, Ruby Watchco (730 Queen Street East). Or chow down on some pulled pork poutine at Hogtown Smoke (1959 Queen Street East) in The Beach.

LIQUID DINNER: The Stone Lion (1958 Queen Street East) has two patios and a great range of import beers. If you’re in the mood to soak up some sun, the west-facing patio at The Salty Dog’s (1980 Queen Street East) ensures plenty of sun in the afternoon. Unwind with a stroll along the Ashbridge’s Bay Beach boardwalk to admire the shirtless guys and bikini-clad gals hanging out.

QUEER STREET WEST

The younger, hipper Church St. Village.

HIP DINNER: This street has restaurants galore. If you’re in the mood for Italian, sit down at Terroni (720 Queen Street West) for their famous wood-fired pizza. If your pay check just came in and you’re feeling like droppin’ some cash flow, pay a visit to La Palette (492 Queen Street West) for escargot and a superb wine list. And for some crazy good Thai food, check out Thai Elephant (813 Queen Street West).

BOOZE CRUISIN’: The west end brings people from all walks of life. First and foremost is The Beaver (1192 Queen Street West), a gallery turned bar/restaurant with a great patio and a super hip super chill vibe. If cocktails are your think (because really, who isn’t?) pay a visit to BarChef (472 Queen Street West), which boasts over 5,000 homemade bitters. And if you want a place that’s a little less in-your-face-hipster, check out Henhouse (1532 Dundas Street West) which is super popular for ladies who like ladies, and anyone who likes a good cocktail.

WHERE TO SLEEP (OR JUST LEAVE YOUR STUFF)

Maybe you’re trekking into Toronto for Pride from a far-away land, or perhaps you live nearby but don’t want to trek home every night. Either way, check out this list for the hottest places to stay!

TORONTO GARDEN INN
142 Seaton Street
$109/night

This warm B&B occupies an 1890s Victorian home. It’s a 12-minute walk from Yonge-Dundas Square and has super home-y décor.

MARRIOT
525 Bay Street or 90 Bloor Street East
$269 – $379/night

Explore the sights of Toronto by staying right downtown. As one of the most popular hotels in Ontario, it’s an ideal place to set up camp for travellers.

HOLIDAY INN
30 Carlton Street
$163/night

Less than a block away from all the Church St. action, this high-rise hotel is also within a few minutes walk from the Eaton Centre to appease the shopaholic in you. Bonus for families: kids under 19 stay free with an adult!

DOWNTOWN HOME INN B&B
2 Monteith Street
$119/night

Just steps away from Church Street, this B&B is set in an adorable Victorian-style house. Another super romantic, cozy staycation option that makes you feel like you’re right at home.

LUXE YORKVILLE CONDO
Yonge & Bloor
$330/night

For a fancier option, you can rent this luxury condo by the night. Better yet, it’s located right in the heart of downtown Toronto. It’s a fully equipped suite with high-end furnishings, 9ft ceilings and an open kitchen complete with granite breakfast bar and hardwood flooring. Not to mention a spectacular view.

THE GLADSTONE “GAYSTONE” HOTEL
1214 Queen Street West
$173/night

With 37 unique artist-designed rooms, over 70 art exhibitions a year, three dedicated gallery spaces and a full-time Director of Exhibitions, there’s a reason it’s known as Toronto’s most-loved art hotel. And Night of 1000 Dollys will be held here!

And there you have it: your Ultimate Guide to World Pride 2015. Have an amazing time, be safe, and whatever you do – just make sure to let your inner Beyoncé out on the dance floor.

Related Link: Gear up, gays

What are you most excited for at this year’s Pride Festival? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.