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 10th with the Gays on the Bay Cruise, followed by our Official Flag Raising Ceremony at 4PM. Then the Beverage Garden opens and the mainstage comes alive with OK Naledi, a dazzling Variety Show hosted by local icon Gender Slay Quoi, Ratskin Family Band, and DJ sets from Rae & Kage — it's going to be a high-energy night of Pride!

The celebration continues on Saturday, July 11th with a day packed full of excitement. Browse the Vendors Market on Simcoe Street, enjoy the Family Zone and Decompression Zone, and catch live music from Taylor Abrahamse, Jennarie, and headliners Queer as Funk. With the iconic Sappho at Sea boat cruise, The Circus Company, an Emerging Artist Showcase, the colourful Collingwood Pride Parade, and a show-stopping Drag Set featuring Tynomi Banks — there's something for everyone! Then on Sunday, July 12th, keep the good vibes rolling at Sunday Skate in the Parkette with Afterglow Skate Co.

  • Location: Simcoe Street in Historic Downtown Collingwood

    Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday July 10th, 4PM

    Festival Grounds Open (Including food vendors & beverage garden):
    Friday July 10th, 5PM – 11PM
    Saturday July 11th, 12PM – 11PM

    Family Zone: Saturday July 11th, 12PM – 4PM

    Vendors Market: Saturday July 11th, 10AM – 8PM

    Pride Parade: Saturday July 11th, 5PM – 5:45PM

    Sunday Skate in the Parkette: Sunday July 12th, 11AM – 2PM

    • Plan for high traffic / limited parking availability.

    • Take Collingwood Transit! Learn more here.

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

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. Service animals are welcome anywhere.

  • 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. On street parking is available throughout Downtown Collingwood.

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

  • 5:00pm sharp!

  • Yes, the Vendor Market will be open at 10:00am on Saturday July 11th 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 11th.

  • 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, crewnecks, 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.

    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.