Jun 22, 2023

Heating up the Pride stage

We rounded up some of the most electrifying acts gracing the stage for Toronto Pride.

Image courtesy of Pride Toronto.

Happy Pride! Toronto Pride is gearing up for its biggest weekend of the year, closing out a month-long lineup of spectacular events. Celebrating over four decades of Toronto Pride, this year’s theme, “Here, There, Everywhere!” embodies the spirit of both protest and party, offering a broad range of music performances, dances parties, rallies and marches for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies. With a number of exciting, high-profile international performers gracing Pride stages this upcoming weekend, we’ve rounded up a few shows we can’t wait to see.

The weekend kicks off Friday June 23 at Nathan Phillips Square with an opening night event, aptly named Shake Em Up. After an introduction and warm up from a collection of Canada’s top 2SLGBTQ+ dance performers, Toronto Pride welcomes Canadian pop sensation Reve to the TD main stage to perform her hit song CNTL + ALT + DEL. Then the evening’s headliner – chart-topping Miami rapper Saucy Santana – will bring the house down with his unique brand of lavish hip hop.

Possibly the most epic drag ball in Toronto Pride history hits the main stage at Nathan Phillips Square Saturday June 24. Featuring performances by over 20 top Canadian and international queens, this ball will be jam packed with energy. RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 winner Sasha Colby leads the charge along with season 15 contestant Anetra and Canada’s Drag Race season one contestant Jimbo. Later on that night, you can check out Blocko After Dark – the sister event of the famed Blockorama – featuring an exclusive performance from dancehall artist Pamputtae.

After the big parade finishes on Sunday June 25 afternoon head over to the Wellesley stage for Blockorama. Organized by Blackness Yes! – the volunteer committee behind Blockorama – 2023 marks this staple Pride event’s 25th year of spotlighting Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ African, Black and Caribbean communities through performers, DJs, artists, drag, ballroom and activism. This year’s bill is headlined by Soca music superstar Nadia Batson, and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Star Trinity K Bonet. At the same time over on the TD mainstage, pop music phenom Lights will perform to close out the festival.

Happy Pride! Check out the full list of festivities on Pride Toronto’s official Pride Guide.