It's time for Windsor-Essex Pride Fest!
The annual Pride Festival is in its 32nd year and starts things off with its flag raising ceremony at City Hall Square on Friday, August 2nd at 1 p.m.
The festival of diversity has several events going on all week, here are some of the festivities you can attend.
Pride Shabbat
It's the second year of Pride Shabbat which for 18 dollars you can celebrate Pride and intersectional identity at a Shabbat dinner at the Windsor Jewish Community Centre at 1641 Ouellete Avenue.
Taking place Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. it's an opportunity to bring together Jewish and non-Jewish 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies as they celebrate the intersections within the Jewish and Pride communities.
The dinner includes a vegetarian dinner, drinks, special guests and more.
For tickets click here.
Pride Disco
Dress to impress at Pride Disco!
Costumes and retro outfits are encouraged but not mandatory at the event taking place Saturday, August 3 from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Disco Inferno at 670 Ouellette Avenue will be hosting the dance party and proceeds from the event go to benefit Windsor-Essex Pride Fest.
The event is 19+ and is $10 at the door and $5 online.
For tickets click here.
Pride Drag Lunch
After a night out be sure to head over to the Pride Drag Lunch at the Bull & Barrel Urban Salon for 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The lunch is $30 and includes tax, gratuity, admission and choice of menu items. The main course, of course, is a show featuring drag queens Liquorice and Epoxy.
For tickets click here.
Art Jam
Make art and friends at Art Jam on Tuesday, August 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The free art making event is an opportunity to make a variety of things so you can spread your love and support at this year's parade.
Materials will be provided, you just need to bring the creativity!
Art Jam is taking place at Artcite at 109 University Avenue West.
Queer Tour
If the Art Jam is not your jam, Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. there is a two hour guided bus tour of 2SLGBTQAI+ history in Windsor-Essex.
Tickets are $10 and you are encouraged to bring your smart phone for supplemental tour items.
Please note the tour does contain references to sensitive topics that might be triggering or distressing to some.
For tickets click here.
Queer'd Ear
A DJ workshop and cross-border dance party takes place Wednesday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Taking place at Artcite, Detroit-based DJs Duck Trash and Garrison XR will take you through fundamental DJing skills and then there will be a dance party from 9:30 p.m. to midnight.
Bowl with Pride
Two free games await you at Pride Fest bowling night on Thursday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and space is limited and on a first come first served basis.
Donations to the Windsor-Essex Pride Fest are appreciated and help in funding of the festival.
Special screening
On Thursday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a screening of "Your Pocket: Portrait of Us" a collection of short films at Artcite.
In Your Pocket is a screening series of short works by queer artists created using smartphones, tablets, and webcams. The project aims to connect contemporary artists with the spirit of early queer creators, who often worked with the accessible technologies of their day, including Super 8 film and VHS video.
United Dance Party
DJ Kevin Bailey with special performances by Lua, Mercury Retrograde, Angelina Lepore, Hudson Bae and B. Martini will start your weekend off right.
The United Dance Party is free and happening at Lanspeary Park on Ottawa Street and starts Friday, August 9 at 8:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome.
Comedy Night
A night of comedy that will feature a lineup of hilarious LGBTQ+ comedians is happening at the Windsor Comedy Club on Friday, August 9 starting at 8:00 p.m.
Run for Rocky (R4R)
A five kilometer run and three kilometer walk is happening Saturday, August 10 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Dieppe Gardens.
There will be complimentary shuttles that will take participants to Lanspeary Park where the after party will start at 11:30 a.m. featuring a live auction and entertainment.
A portion of the funds raised through this year’s R4R event will also be donated to the Windsor Pride Community, Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, and Trans Wellness Ontario.
Pride art auction
Leamington artist Modesto Ingratta, will be on hand as 70 of his unique pieces will be auctioned off for the R4R, Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, the Windsor Pride community and transwellness Ontario.
The Pride Art Auction will take place at Lanspeary Park from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pride in the park
Head to Lanspeary Park on Sunday, August 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for Pride in the Park. The event will feature over 65 merchants and non-profit booths featuring unique products, services and food.
There will be live music and entertainment and while admission is free donations will be accepted.
Queens of Pride
Just after Pride in the Park, some big names in drag will be performing at 8:00 p.m.
Trinity the Tuck from 'Ru Paul’s Drag Race' Season 9 and 'All Stars Season 4' winner along with Aimee Yonce Shennel from 'Canada’s Drag Race' Season 4' are headlining the all ages event, with those 16 and under having to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Tickets are $20 with VIP tickets costing $40. The event will feature a cash bar, food and merchant marketplace.
For tickets click here.
Glitterball
Also on Saturday, August 10 the 19+ Glitterball at 2879 Riverside Drive East. Glitter and surprises are in store featuring DJ Josh Karmin and performances by Van Goth, Dulce, Liquorice and pole dancing by Elixia.
There are also prizes for best-themed costume. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
For tickets click here.
Pride Parade
Show your colours at the big event of Windsor-Essex Pride, the Pride Parade!
The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. at Argyle Road (Market Square) and will proceed down Ottawa Street to Lanspeary Park.
At the end of the parade, join Detroit’s Drag Royalty Sabin and Windsor’s Comedy Queen Mel Lucier as they host Pride Day!
The event will feature several live performances and more information can be found here.