Pride in Canada has come a long way since its inception. It emerged as a grassroots movement in the 1970s, born out of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. It was a time of bravery and resilience, as individuals came together to challenge societal norms and demand recognition and acceptance. Over the years, Pride celebrations have grown exponentially, evolving into massive and colorful festivals that celebrate love, diversity, and the ongoing progress in LGBTQ+ rights. Today, Pride in Canada has become a symbol of inclusivity, unity, and a powerful platform to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride is a time of joy, love, and acceptance, and Canada knows how to celebrate in style. Bursting with colorful parades, lively street parties, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, Toronto and Montreal stand out as two of the most exciting destinations for pride festivities in Canada.
Discover all there is to know to spend the best Pride in Canada and maybe even organize your own Pride event !
Summary
1. Pride Toronto
Pride Toronto is one of the largest Pride festivals in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. The festivities usually kick off with the Pride Parade, a spectacular display of solidarity and inclusivity that winds its way through downtown Toronto.
Aside from the parade, Pride Toronto offers an array of events throughout the month of June, known as Pride Month. The Church-Wellesley Village becomes the epicenter of Pride celebrations where you can find a plethora of bars, clubs, and restaurants all hosting various parties, drag shows, and cultural events.
If you’re there, make sure to keep an eye out for the Trans March and the Dyke March, as well as for the Blockorama, Canada’s largest Black LGBTQ+ celebration organized by Blackness Yes!
2. Montreal Pride
Montreal Pride is one of the largest LGBTQ+ festivals in Canada alongside Pride Toronto, and the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the francophone world. Also known as Fierté Montréal, the Montreal Pride is another vibrant Pride celebration that showcases the city’s unique blend of cultures and LGBTQ+ community. The festivities span over a week and culminate with the Pride Parade which winds its way through downtown Montreal.
Montreal Pride also features an impressive lineup of events, including drag shows, conferences, art exhibitions, film screenings, and much more. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself there, be sure to check out the Community Day, held at Parc des Faubourgs, which brings together community organizations and artists for a day of celebration and entertainment. Additionally, the T-Dance, a lively outdoor party, is not to be missed for those who are looking to dance the night away.
3. LGBTQ+ Friendly Venues
Beyond the Pride events, Toronto and Montreal offer a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene year-round. As mentioned previously, the Church-Wellesley Village in Toronto is home to numerous LGBTQ+ friendly establishments. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pub, a trendy nightclub, or a vivacious drag show, this neighborhood has it all.
In Montreal, the Gay Village (Le Village) stands out as a unique and vibrant neighborhood that celebrates LGBTQ+ culture. What sets it apart is its lively atmosphere and a strong sense of community. Strolling through the streets of Le Village, you’ll be greeted by colorful rainbow flags, art installations, and terraces that spill onto the sidewalks. The area truly comes alive during Pride Month, with special decorations and events that transform the neighborhood into a joyous celebration of love and diversity. Le Village’s unique charm lies in its ability to create a safe and inclusive space where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can gather, socialize, and experience the rich cultural fabric of Montreal’s LGBTQ+ community. For a unique experience, visit Cabaret Mado, a popular drag venue known for its spectacular shows.
4. Making Your Event Pride-Friendly
As an event organizer, it’s important to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for Pride attendees. Here are a few tips to make your event more Pride-friendly.
Embrace diversity
Ensure that your event properly reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Consider showcasing a variety of performers, artists, and guest speakers that represent different identities and experiences.
Collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations
Consider partnering with local LGBTQ+ organizations to ensure that your event aligns with the needs and interests of the community. Collaborating with these organizations can provide valuable insights, resources, and support to help you make your Pride event as inclusive as possible.
Use gender-inclusive language
When hosting a Pride event, you want to make sure that you are mindful of using inclusive language throughout your event promotion and communication materials. Ensure that you respect people’s pronouns and provide options for gender-neutral restrooms.
5. Ideas for Pride Events
If you’re planning to organize and host your own Pride event, here are 5 ideas to consider.
Pride film festival
Organize a film festival that showcases LGBTQ+ films from around the world. Create a program that includes a variety of film genres such as documentaries, short films, and feature-length movies that explore diverse stories and perspectives.
Drag brunch
Host a fabulous drag brunch where attendees can enjoy a delicious meal as they’re surrounded by talented drag performers. This event is great as it combines the joy of drag culture with a wonderful dining experience.
Pride art exhibition
Curate an art exhibition featuring established and rising LGBTQ+ artists. Provide a platform for queer artists to showcase their work, express their identities, and promote conversation around LGBTQ+ issues.
Pride bar crawl
Organize an exciting Pride Bar Crawl that allows participants to immerse themselves in the vibrant LGBTQ+ community of the city while having a blast. Enhance the experience by providing a digital map that guides attendees to the best bars, pubs, and clubs in the area.
If you’re planning on organizing your own crawl, be sure to contact local establishments to inquire about arranging drink specials or discounted appetizers, these establishments could therefore become the sponsors of your event. You may be pleasantly surprised by the eagerness of bar and pub owners to offer these specials when they anticipate a sizable crowd. Additionally, as alcohol is involved, remember to prioritize the safety of your guests by planning a route that is walkable, and encourage the use of ride-sharing services.
Pride charity gala
Despite the progress made in civil rights, LGBTQ+ communities still encounter discrimination, challenges, and acts of violence. Take an active role in supporting and promoting awareness of crucial issues by organizing a charitable or fundraising event. By doing so, you can make a meaningful contribution to address these ongoing struggles and foster a more inclusive society. Create an evening filled with entertainment, auctions, raffles, and speakers who highlight the importance of supporting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community.
No matter what type of event you decide to host, Weezevent is here to help you through the process. Your attendees deserve nothing but the best experiences whether it be for online ticketing, cashless payments or even access control.
