What to know
Pride celebrations don’t have to revolve around alcohol, and there are various sober-friendly events happening in Toronto throughout June.
Highlights include a Pride-themed trivia night, Pride programming at the zoo, the Toronto Queer Market, and a Pride poetry open mic.
The annual Sober Oasis returns during Pride Festival weekend, offering a dedicated alcohol-free space with live music, drag performances, and community programming.
Families can also join the festivities at Family Pride, featuring storytelling, live entertainment, art activities, and programming for children and youth.
A lot of times, celebrating Pride can be synonymous with alcohol — but it doesn’t have to be. While major parties often feature a lot of drinking, there are events happening this month in Toronto where alcohol is either not present or not the focus.
From a sober oasis on Pride weekend to various events throughout the month, Toronto has no shortage of Pride activities for those who are not drinking. So if that’s your vibe, we’ve rounded up six different events happening this month where alcohol is not the focal point.
Trivia Pride Night
When: June 11 @ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: North York Central Library
Head to the library for a Pride-themed trivia event. While most trivia nights are held at bars and pubs, this event at the library is the perfect affair for those who are looking to test their knowledge without a beverage.
Attendees are able to participate solo, come as a group, or connect with other attendees to form teams at the event. Participants can look forward to connecting with other 2SLGBTQ+ folks and allies in a friendly, inclusive environment.
The trivia runs from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in a drop-in capacity. The event is for adults only.
Across the city, Toronto Public Libraries are also hosting various events for kids, teens and young adults — including storytelling events and candy sculpture making. Find the full schedule of events on the TPL website.
Pride at the Toronto Zoo
When: June 13 @ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto
Did you know that, as per the National Wildlife Federation, homosexuality has been observed in over 1,500 different animal species? Which makes the Toronto Zoo the perfect place to celebrate Pride. Thankfully, the local zoo is back with another Pride event that you won’t want to miss.
Free with the cost of general admission, the Rainbow Zone runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the rainbow path in the Core Woods near Goat World. The event includes rainbow photo ops, colouring, activities, an ice cream stand, snow cones, and more! Meanwhile, the Zootique Gift Shop has special Pride-themed merch on sale.
Meanwhile, tickets are on sale for the fifth annual Toronto Zoo drag show. Attendees can look forward to drag performances from an incredible roster of performers including Juice Boxx, Batty Banks, Minhi Wang, Lena Di Matrix, and Manny Dingo. Admission is $15 for those without a ticket to the zoo, while those holding a day pass can purchase a drag show add-on for $5.
In case you didn’t know, the local zoo is home to approximately 5,000 different animals from 450 species around the world. So, if you’re an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a unique experience this Pride, this might be the event for you
Toronto Queer Market
When: June 20 @ 12-6 p.m.
Where: Barbara Hall Park
The Toronto Queer Market is back in The Village this month for another event filled with local vendors and artisans. The event pops-up monthly in the park, or at the neighbouring 519 community centre, and with this edition set for the weekend before the Pride Festival takes over Church St., it’s a great place to get your Pride vibes going.
Shoppers can look forward to browsing unique art, handmade goods, apparel, accessories, and more from local makers, so if you’re looking for a gift, a new addition to your home decor, or a fresh fit, this is a great place to stop.
Plus, from June 4–7, 11–14 and 18–21, the market will be popping up in Trinity Square Park with various vendors.
Sober Oasis
When: Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28
Where: Paul Kane Parkette
The sober oasis will be making a comeback during Pride Festival weekend. Giving those who aren’t drinking a space to rest, relax and connect with other sober community members, the oasis is an annual space that is popular among those who are committed to staying sober long-term, or who are taking a break from drinking.
This year’s oasis has an impressive lineup of performances, too. Attendees can look forward to drag performances from Gei Ping Hohl, Sandy Joint, and Dottie Dangerfield, DJ sets from DJ Snuggz, Rose Hips, and Nic Nemesis, as well as live music acts Moonbean and Redskye//Burns.
“This is a Pride celebration rooted in visibility, resilience, and evolution. We are committed to taking care of ourselves, getting better, doing better, and being better—together,” organizers shared. “We celebrate our journeys, our growth, and the power of community.”
Pride says that this is a space where connection comes first, giving people a vibrant, inclusive, sober environment to celebrate with clarity and intention.
“We won’t stop showing up. We won’t stop celebrating ourselves. And we will do it sober.”
Family Pride
When: June 27 & 28 @ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Church Street Public School, 83 Alexander St., Toronto
From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both days, families are invited to enjoy a lineup of live events from various storytellers, musicians, dancers, and performance artists.
Attendees can look forward to storytelling by Gila Münster, Fay and Fluffy, and Fireside Munsch, and performance art from acts such as Cirque du so Gay, Kanna Worm, Stasia Fantasia, and Bex in Motion. Devoy Academy of Irish Dance will perform live dance shows, while Peanut Butter and the Jams will provide live music.
Meanwhile, the Children’s Creative Village and Kyla Yager will be organizing an Art Zone with activities for children.
“Family Pride is a bold celebration of love in action and a powerful commitment to showing up for 2SLGBTQI+ children, youth, and families every single day,” Pride Toronto says.
Organizers say the event is about building communities where Queer and Trans kids can thrive, and every young person has the right to grow up proud, affirmed, and safe.
“It’s about passing resilience from one generation to the next and uplifting family in all its beautiful forms,” they said, adding that within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, the chosen family is powerful and life-changing, reminding us that family is not only who we’re born to, but who stands beside us.
Poetry Open Mic-Queer @ Tallulah’s Cabaret, Pride Edition
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., Toronto
When: June 20 @ 4:30 p.m.
Calling all poets, head to Tallulah’s Cabaret for a Pride edition of their iconic poetry open mic night that you won’t soon forget. Hosted by Raymond Helkio and Jonathan Freeman, attendees can look forward to an evening of poetry, performance, and literature.
Plus, in addition to local amateur and novice writers sharing their work, the Pride edition of the event features a performance by The Boys In The Band presented by the Gay Men’s Coffee Network. While this is a licensed event, it is all ages and with a menu of mocktails and soft drinks, and performances going on, alcohol is not the focal point of this event.
Entry is granted on a pay-what-you-can basis, with open mic slots set for three minutes, and registration at the door.