June is here, which means Pride Month celebrations are underway. If you can’t make it to the city for your usual Pride parade this year, there are dozens of in-person events happening across Ontario cottage country to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community all summer long. Mark your calendars, and get ready to celebrate!
Pembroke Pride, June 3 and 4
Pembroke Pride is hosting two events the first weekend in June to kick off Pride Month. On Friday, join in on the annual Pride Walk, beginning at Algonquin College. Afterwards, there is an all-ages celebration that includes dancing and a drag show. The organization is also hosting the Pembroke Pride Festival, a downtown closed-street festival complete with vendors, performers, face paint stations, and more. Follow along here for more information.
Bay of Quinte Pride week, June 4–11
Bay of Quinte Pride is hosting a full week of events for all ages. The Tyendinaga Pride Parade in Deseronto and an open mic night kick off the celebrations on Saturday, June 4th. You can attend various activities throughout the week, including a drag brunch and dance party, a wine night on the Trent River, a flag-raising ceremony, bowling, a youth group pizza night, and a game night. The celebrations culminate with a Pride parade on Saturday, June 11, in downtown Belleville, followed by Pride in the Park—which will have food trucks, music, vendors, and more. Find more details about the upcoming Bay of Quinte Pride events here!
Perth County Pride March, June 5
If you’re around Perth county, join in the Pride march on Sunday, June 5. The walking route is around 1.5 km, and attendees are encouraged to wear their best rainbow attire. Stratford-Perth Pride is also hosting more events throughout the month, like the first St. Mary’s Pride Day at Milt Dunnell Park “The Flats” on June 12. The day will be packed with fun for all ages, including a children’s area with games, colouring, and drag storytime, as well as a slew of local vendors. Other events in the works for the month of June include a comedy night, a movie night, and a Pride concert—you can find more details here.
Owen Sound Pride Parade, June 18
Owen Sound is hosting a full day of Pride events, including the official Owen Sound Pride Parade. After the parade, you can attend the Pride Street Fair, which will have local vendors and artisans, and, later in the evening, there is a Drag and Cabaret night. Be sure to check out the various other events happening in the Grey County area, such as a Queer Trivia Night in Meaford, the Kincardine Pride Parade, and a 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ Community Hike in Harrison Park. Collingwood Pride Festival is also in the works and will be held July 15–17. Find more information on events in the area here.
Kawartha Lakes Pride in the Park, July 8
Looking to keep the festivities going after June? Celebrate in Fenelon Falls with Kawartha Lakes Pride in the Park on Friday, July 8. The event is currently welcoming applications from vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and businesses that are interested in participating. Stay tuned for more information by keeping an eye out on their Facebook page.
Muskoka Pride Week, July 15–24
Muskoka Pride Week is happening in July, with a Pride parade on Sunday, July 24, in downtown Bracebridge. Muskoka Pride has also created a road tour for those looking to learn more about the Muskoka region’s LGBTQ+ history in partnership with Away We Go Trips. The $25 tour features eight stops in Muskoka, including a waterfall and a beach, and all proceeds are donated to Muskoka Pride. If you want to participate in Muskoka Pride Week as more than just an attendee, registration is still open for performers, vendors, volunteers, and businesses looking to host a community event during the week.
Minden Pride, August 22–28
For those in the Haliburton Highlands, Minden Pride is hosting a Pride celebration in late August. Though the full list of activities has yet to be announced, last year’s Minden Pride week included events such as a scavenger hunt, drag storytime, a movie night, a trivia night, a flag-raising ceremony, and a group float down the Gull River in watercraft decorated for Pride. Stay tuned for updates on this year’s festivities here.