Buddies in Bad Times celebrates its annual Queer Pride Festival, with over 30 shows, concerts, events, and parties taking place throughout the Buddies space.
Buddies’ Artistic Director ted witzel announced “the return of many mainstay Buddies Pride favourites, spiked with a jolt of energy from new parties and events from the best of queer Toronto and beyond. This is Pride with a point of view, a month of queer excellence, and a lineup of legendary DJs, drag icons, performers and artists taking over the largest dance floor in the Village and the boldest and sexiest performance venue in the city.”
New This Year
- Christopher Sherman’s live reading series, Horny Newsletter
- Khadija Mbowe’sgenre-defying opera-pole-burlesque hybrid Arias of Seduction, presented by Operatika and Buddies
- Two extra-special editions of Buddies’ new weekly nightlife event, SLUR, programmed by Rae Abunahla, with guest appearances by Gay Jesus and Vivek Shraya
Returning Favourites
- Full-venue parties by Buddies Parties-in-Residence New Ho Queen, Something Creative Co. (bi bi baby), and Gay Rights
- The 21st edition of WISHING WELL produced by STARLIGHT and Liz Staples
- Two comedy nights: Homo Night in Canada, and Gay AF Comedy
- Burlesque from Les Femmes Fatales
- The 10th annual Two-Spirit Cabaret presented with Native Earth Performing Arts, and the Buddies’ Emerging Creators Unit Showcase.
Hye’s Additional Picks
- Drag for Palestine: Pride Edition
- BI-PANIC X SLUR Night, a one-of-a-kind night of pure bi-bauchery in the heart of downtown Toronto
- Cain Culto, a former worship pastor turned queer renegade, blending left-field pop and hip-hop with global influences
- Youth Pride Prom 2026: Electric Garden, an event for all 2SLGBTQ+ youth; ages 16 – 21
- Likkle Bit, a BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ showcase
The Queer Pride Festival runs at Buddies until June 26, 2026. For the full festival program, schedule and tickets, please visit buddiesinbadtimes.com.
