#TravelTuesday: World Pride Toronto

On Friday June 20th my current home city of Toronto welcomed the world for World Pride 2014. The opening reception for media was at the Hilton Toronto followed by the opening ceremonies at Nathan Phillips Square. It was a grand kick off with performances from Melissa Etheridge, Deborah Cox and country singing heartthrob Steve Grand. I was basically swooning from the moment Steve Grand took the stage until he was done. That man is a genuine sweetheart and he's a phenomenal singer to boot! He took time after his set to take photos and meet with everyone who wanted to chat after which to me is signs of a truly grateful person.

Hanging out with Steve Grand after his set

Yesterday I picked up fellow travel blogger EngineerOnTheRoad.com (Josh) from the airport as he came into town for the festivities and will be staying with me for most of his time in town. We actually met just over one year ago right here in Toronto for TBEX along with a few other travel blogger friends who will also be in town Where In The World Is Lola and The Sojourner.

Most major events still have yet to happen so I'm going to list all the fun ones I'm planning on attending so if you're in town you can say hi!

June 26
Starry Night / 7pm / 519 Church St. / FREE
I'm excited for this event because it has the top 4 queens from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6 performing!! Bianca Del Rio, Adore Delano, Courtney Act and Darienne Lake will be working the crowd for all the little squirrels. They were amazing when I saw them for the opening party in New York and I'm sure they've only upped their game since then! Get there early as I'm sure this event will pack out fast.

June 27
Pop Goes Pride / 7pm-10pm / 15 Wellesley St E. / FREE
EEE! My schoolgirl scream is going to come out for this one! Headlining this amazing concert night we have the pop perfection princess Carly Rae Jepsen. Other acts on the bill include Dragonette, Fefe Dobson and Molly Thomason. Again this is going to be a packed out show so get there early to secure your spots!

June 28
NOH8 / Noon-3pm / Allan Gardens Park / $30-$45
I've always wanted to get a NOH8 photo done so now is my chance! A solo photo will run you $45 or you can do group shots for $30 per person.

Gay Ole Opry / 2pm / 411 Church St, South Stage / FREE
Get your boots on and get ready for a hoedown! Country singer Chely Wright is going to be headlining this event with supporting acts Amanda Rheaume, Tim Chaisson, Mark Jacob, Don Brownrigg, and Newfoundland country trio The Secrets.

I Know You Got Soul / 2pm / 15 Wellesley St E. / FREE

If Hip Hop/R&B is more your style then head here to check out the awesome acts lined up. Estelle, Deborah Cox, and Jully Black hit us with some serious soul. This is where I'll be for sure!

Venus Rising / 7pm / 411 Church St, South Stage / FREE

Hercules and Love Affair with Peaches. N'uff said.

Green Space Main Event / 1pm-1am / Ryerson Quad / $10 Donation Recommended

If you didn't get enough of the RPDR Queens then this is your second chance! Also the Freemasons will be part of the DJ line up and they're always a win.

June 29
Parade / 1pm / Yonge Street / FREE
What's Pride without a parade!? This is the main event kids so get your comfy folding chairs out and grab a good spot!

Closing Ceremony / 5pm / Dundas Square / FREE
Tegan and Sara are the closing act and it's free...yea I'm gunna be here.

June 30
EngineerOnTheRoad.com Josh's Birthday! We will be celebrating with a gaggle of gays and allies at Canada's Wonderland so if you want something to do come enjoy the fun adventure park!

July 1
Canada Day! We're headed to Niagara Falls for the day. What could be more Canadian than that!?