Make the most out of your Festival experience!

Please scroll for detailed information, FAQs, and Pride Festival best practices.

We’re kicking off the celebration on Friday, July 11th with our Official Flag Raising Ceremony at 12PM outside the Collingwood Public Library. Then at 6PM, we’re taking over Simcoe Street for a high-energy night of Pride! Enjoy live performances featuring headliner Shania Twink, a fabulous fashion show, drag, food trucks, beverage garden, DJ sets, and local talent—plus plenty of GOOD GOOD vibes!

The celebration continues on Saturday, July 12th at the Pride Festival Grounds with a day packed full of excitement. Join us for drag performances, live music, a vendor market, a Family Zone with headlining act The 99’s! With events like the iconic Sappho at Sea boat cruise, the colourful Collingwood Pride Parade, and amazing partner events happening across town, there’s something for everyone!

  • Location: Simcoe Street in Historic Downtown Collingwood

    Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday July 11th, 12pm

    Festival Grounds Open (Including food vendors & beverage garden):

    Friday July 11th, 6pm - 11pm

    Saturday July 12th, 12pm - 11pm

    Family & Market Zone:

    Saturday July 12th, 12pm - 4pm

    Pride Parade:

    Saturday July 12th, 5pm - 6pm

    • Plan for high traffic / limited parking availability.

    • Collingwood is piloting On-Demand Transit on weekends. You can learn more and book your ride here.

    • Bike racks are available behind the Festival Grounds near the Collingwood Museum on Veterans Cres.

FAQ

FAQ

  • Yes, the festival grounds are fully wheelchair-accessible and include accessible restrooms, a designated accessible stage viewing area, and a Decompression Zone located in the FreeSchools Room at the Collingwood Public Library.

  • No outside food or drink is permitted on the festival grounds. There will be food vendors and beverages available for purchase on the festival grounds.

  • Pets are not permitted in the festival zone. They are welcome at the parade.

  • There is parking available throughout Downtown Collingwood.

    There is a parking lot behind the Eddie Bush Arena on Saint Marie Street and the Saint Marie Parking Lot.

  • There are porta potties and accessible porta potties located on the festival grounds.

  • 5pm sharp!

  • The parade will start at 3rd/Ontario St on Ste. Marie, and proceed to Hume. The Parade will then turn right onto Hume, proceeding towards Hurontario. The Parade will turn right onto Hurontario and proceed towards 2nd/Simcoe St. The Parade will turn right onto 2nd/Simcoe St. and then turn right again onto Ste. Marie where the parade will conclude.

  • Yes, the Vendor Market will be open from 12pm - 4pm on Saturday July 12th and will be located within the festival grounds on Simcoe Street.

  • Yes, we have a decompression zone located in the FreeSchools room in the Collingwood Public Library available from 12pm - 5pm on Saturday July 12th.

  • Yes, the family zone is located within the festival grounds.

  • Yes at the Rainbow Club information booth located within the festival zone will be selling hats, shirts, water bottles and more.

  • Below are tips to consider before attending your first drag show.

    1. Tip your drag performers. Drag performers are freelance artists and often rely on tips to financially get by. Before arriving at the show, be sure to have some dollar bills handy.

    2. Consent is key. Drag entertainers are people. Never behave in a way that makes the performers feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Treat drag performers with respect, and always ask for consent before touching them or taking a picture.

    3. Be supportive of the Drag performers. Even if you aren't a fan of a drag performer's set, don't boo them. Drag performers work meticulously preparing their looks and routines, and booing anyone brings the mood down.

    4. Support your local drag performers. Consider attending local shows to support your hometown performers, in addition to bigger events by mainstream Drag performers.

    5. Have fun. Drag was never meant to be taken seriously. Drag performers want audience members to have as much fun as they are!

  • 1. Wear comfortable Shoes or if you can get in the front row, bring a chair.

    2. Bring Water, we recommend a litre at least on a hot day. There will be a water refill station at the Pride Festival site in Public Parking Lot B.

    3. Protect Yourself From The Sun: If the sun is out, slather on that sunscreen! Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat & sunglasses.

    4. Be prepared to get wet: Super soakers and water cannons are a big thing... you may even want to keep a few napkins or a little hand towel.

    5. Make friends. Pretty much everyone is there to have a good time and it's more fun when you make new friends!

    6. Check your inhibitions and judgements. Keep an open mind and you'll have a good time. Canada is a wonderful country where people can be free to be whoever they are and that's pretty awesome!

    7. Join in! Show your support by wearing Pride Colours, holding a flag, or painting your face.

  • For the comfort and safety of all guests, chairs are not permitted within the Festival Zone. However, an accessible seating area is available for those who require one.