We love Pride for many reasons: the rainbow attire? Check. Endless nights of dancing and celebrating? Duh. LGBTQ activism and resilience? Heck yes. Les fêtes de fierté in Quebec’s capital are chock-full of comedy shows, drag performances, dances and, of course, the famous parade. With all of the festivities, it can be difficult to choose which events to check out. That is why we compiled a list of the best Pride events in Montreal, so bring your crew and your brightest outfits for a celebration you’ll be talking about for years to come. And if you’re looking to continue the celebration in another city, click here to check out the best Pride events across Canada.
When: August 9–19
Mega T-Dance (Photo: Courtesy Carl Éthier)
Pride Parade
The low-down: Come and check out the city’s largest parade celebrating the diverse local LGBTQ community. There will even be awards given out for the best floats, best costume and makeup, best choreography and more.
When: August 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fees: Free
Find it: Starts at Metcalfe St., travels down René-Lévesque Blvd. and ends on Alexandre-DeSève St. in the Gay Village, fiertemontrealpride.com
Drag Superstars 3
The low-down: Calling all Rupaul’s Drag Race fans! Spend a night transfixed by season six winner Bianca Del Rio and a number of other drag queens from past seasons as they put on the most jaw-dropping, OTT show (in the best way possible).
When: August 16 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Fees: Free
Find it: Parc des Faubourgs, fiertemontrealpride.com
Pride Day at LaRonde
The low-down: Montreal’s amusement park is getting a Pride makeover—the park will be decorated in a sea of rainbow colours for anyone wanting to get their hearts racing on the Goliath, the biggest rollercoaster in Canada. Plus, drag queens Miss Butterfly, Tracy Trash and Franky Dee will be there to greet you as you enter the park.
When: August 17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fees: $78 at the park, $50 advanced
Find it: 22 Chemin MacDonald, fiertemontrealpride.com
Community Day
The low-down: Check out the rows of kiosks on Sainte-Catherine E. to learn more about the organizations, groups and businesses (and the diverse people that run them) that make up Montreal’s LGBTQ community. There will also be an Open Air Book Fair with authors from the community to showcase their work.
When: August 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fees: Free
Find it: Sainte-Catherine St. E., fiertemontrealpride.com
Amour is Love Conference with Fariha Róisín
The low-down: This don’t-miss panel discussion, led by Collective Culture’s Néné Myriam Konaté, focuses on the LGBTQ community and representation for Black, Indigenous and other People of Colour. This year, Canadian-born, Brooklyn-based writer Fariha Róisín will talk about her self-acceptance as a queer Muslim woman.
When: August 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fees: Pay as you can
Find it: Mainline Gallery, 3905 St Laurent Blvd., fiertemontrealpride.com
Mega T-Dance
The low-down: Aside from the rainbow flag, there is nothing more iconic at Pride than dancing. Celebrate the end of Pride Week by letting loose to House and EDM by some of the hottest DJs (like DJ Suri, Morabito and Hex Hector).
When: August 19 from 3 p.m. to 10:50 p.m.
Fees: Free
Find it: Parc des Faubourgs, TD Stage, fiertemontrealpride.com
