festival weekend

June 14 & 15, 2024

Riverwalk Commons & Main Street Newmarket

To view events scroll down

Sparkling Night


Immerse yourself in elevated performances that will keep you energized for the entire weekend.

Date: Friday, June 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Address: 200 Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket

More info coming… (performers will be announced June 1st 2024)

NEXT EVENT!

York Pride Parade

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM
Address: Main Street Newmarket

Proudly Supported by

Our small-town Pride vibe returns to the heritage downtown core this summer. All eyes will be on our 2000 marchers as over 50-70 floats and groups take over Main Street. Expect all your Parade favourites, from the famous rumble of fancy cars to the quintessential community groups, and the many wonders of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Parade Route 2024

The parade will start at Queen St & Main St and travel south down Main St to Water St.

Legend:

Parking information can be found in the FAQ below

Parade begins here

Parade ends here

Alcoholic Viewing Areas

Restaurants Include:

  • Hungry Brew & Lil Brew Hops

  • La Gabbia

  • Old Flame Brewing

  • The George Brewing

Interactive Viewing Area (Clean, Sober & Proud)


Consider supporting those who support us.

Some of Ontario’s best culinary experiences are just steps away from the festival

Restaurant & Bar Partners

Never miss a moment

@yorkprideca

Pride on Riverwalk

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Address: Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket


Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of continuous high-energy performances featuring Ontario's favourite queer and allied artists. But that's just the beginning!

Explore our carefully curated street market, where you'll discover a treasure trove of unique finds. From glitter bars to makeup marvels, artisan candles, and more – you'll have a hard time leaving with just one item. And when it's time for a sweet treat, indulge in a scoop of delicious ice cream!

But wait, there's more! Be sure to catch the York Pride Parade beginning at 3 PM on Main Street – it's a spectacle not to be missed.

With over 25 community fair booths and a variety of interactive zones and games, there's never a dull moment. And don't forget to wander down Main Street to admire the pride window displays and explore affiliated events happening at multiple venues.

Mark your calendars for June 1st when we'll announce our lineup of sensational performers. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with excitement and celebration for everyone!

Beer Garden

FRI: 6 PM to 11:30 PM
SAT: 12 PM to 9:30 PM

Carnival Games

FRI: 6 PM to 9 PM
SAT: 10 AM to 9 PM

Main Stage

FRI: 6 PM to 11:30 PM
SAT: 12 PM to 10 PM

Meet & Greet

FRI: 8 PM to 9 PM
SAT: 8 PM to 9 PM
(Must buy a pass)

Food Vendors

FRI: 6 PM to 11:30 PM
SAT: 12 PM to 10 PM

TD Explore Zone

FRI: 6 PM to 12 AM
SAT: 10 AM to 10 PM

Street Market

FRI: 6 PM to 10 PM
SAT: 10 AM to 10 PM

Street Art

FRI: 6 PM to 12 AM
SAT: 10 AM to 10 PM

Art + Crafts

FRI: 6 PM to 8 PM
SAT: 10 AM to 5 PM

Gaming Zone

FRI: 6 PM to 8 PM
SAT: 10 AM to 8 PM

Times are subject to change, please check back before attending

Festival FAQs

When & where is this event happening?

June 14 to 15, 2024
Located: at 200 Doug Duncan Drive Newmarket (Riverwalk Commons)

  • ● Street Market: 6 PM to 10 PM

    ● Food vending: 6 PM to 11 PM

    ● TD Explore Zone: 6 PM to 11 PM

    ● Carnival Gaming: 6 PM to 11 PM

    ● Beer Garden 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM

    ● Main Stage: 6 PM to Midnight

  • ● Community Fair: 12 PM to 6 PM

    ● TD Explore Zone: 10 AM to 10 PM

    ● Street Market: 10 AM to 10 PM

    ● Carnival Gaming: 10 AM to 10 PM

    ● Food vending: 12 PM to 10 PM

    ● Main Stage: 12 PM to 10 PM

    ● York Pride Parade: 3 PM - Main St Newmarket

    ● Toodle Pip Pub Crawl: 10 PM to 2 AM - Details coming soon

Is parking available?

Yes, lots of parking and it’s absolutely free! Parade Park & Go is located at 56 Charles Street Newmarket there will be clear directional signage near the lot. Town of Newmarket also have various parking lots near Riverwalk Commons: This includes P1, P2, P3, Fairy Lake Parking: 1,2,3,4 lots. There is also parking behind the Newmarket Public Library. Please remember many roads near the downtown core will be closed to all traffic, plan accordingly.

Does this cost money?

No, this event is completely free and open to the public.

This event does have the option for VIP UPGRADES which cost $30 and include:

What about the weather?

Please check the weather conditions on the day and prepare accordingly. This is an outdoor event which operates in all weather conditions, please be prepared.

  • It’s time to Slip, Slop, Slap! We recommend bringing your hat, sunglasses and own sunscreen for the day to keep you, your friends and family protected from the sun. It’s important to stay sun-smart and beat the heat. York Region Public Health has prepared some helpful tips on how to stay healthy in hot temperatures.

  • Please avoid umbrellas as much as possible, these items can be poking hazard especially near the face in large crowds. We recommend bringing weatherproof clothing such as rain boots and ponchos to stay dry.

  • In the unlikely event that the Parade is delayed or cancelled, announcements and notifications will be made via our social media including our website updates. Follow York Pride on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and information @yorkprideca or yorkpride.ca

Public Transportation

Safe and Happy Travels in partnership with

  • YRT offers over 126 routes within the region, please visit TRIP PLANNER to plan route accordingly or to purchase tickets and access transit information visit YRT.CA

    Fun fact: Did you know YRT has over 5,140 bus stops in YR?

  • Viva Rapid Transit:

    VIVA BLUE Connection from Finch Bus Terminal making all station stops from Finch GO Bus Terminal / Bernard Terminal / Richmond Hill Centre Terminal and finally Newmarket Bus Terminal. Exit the bus at Newmarket Terminal, then connect with the VIVA YELLOW Connection East-Bound from Newmarket Bus Terminal. Exit the bus at Davis St and Main St. Then take a 5-minute walk South down Main St to the event destination. Travel Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

    Go Transit Disclaimer:

    Use Go Transit Trip Planner to access tickets and route information. Depending on the date and time, trains run instead of buses and vice-versa. We highly recommend purchasing Weekend Day Pass for $10 or a Weekend Pass for $15 through their online e-ticket system here. These tickets can only be purchased online and activated through a smart phone device during your journey. Enjoy the ease and convenience of having online tickets and passes emailed to you. Activate your e-ticket(s) and pass(es) 5 minutes prior to boarding GO using your smartphone only. If you choose not to purchase a Weekend/ Day Pass, we also recommend using a Presto card as you save up to 15% and students save up to 40% on travel using the GO Network. Presto Card machines are located throughout the building and designated kiosk desks are also able to sell you Presto cards.

    Go Bus:

    Board your bus at the brand-new bus terminal located at: 81 Bay St Toronto. This terminal is located in the CIBC Square. You can access this terminal from Union Train Station connected by the Scotia Bank Arena bridge. Union Station GO to Newmarket GO Bus Terminal. Board bus at Union Station Bus Terminal. Specific route numbers, boarding gates and directions will be on your Go Transit e-ticket or avavaible in the boarding area of your bus once you’ve purchased your ticket(s). Book your ticket here

    Go Train from Union Station:

    Board your train at the revitalized Union Station Terminal, located at: 65 Front St W Toronto. This terminal is located in the Union Station. You can access this terminal from TTC Subway Station from Front St. There are two key concourses in Union Station Bay and York, these areas are where you will board for trains depending on which direction and route you are taking. Go Transit will have posted on their digital screens which platform / route the designated train will depart from and the time of departure. This station is massive and complex, we recommend you arrive 35 minutes before departure for conformable navigation. Book your ticket here

    The route you will mostly be on will be called BR - Allandale Waterfront GO, this route makes all station stops from Union to Barrie, passing through Newmarket. You will exit the train at Newmarket Go.

  • Exit 404 at Davis Dr and travel 2.9 KM West-Bound on Davis Dr until you reach Prospect St, turn left at the lights and head south on Prospect St. Turn right onto Doug Duncan Drive and parking is available around Riverwalk Commons. If parking lots are full, additional parking is located at: 56 Charles Street. Walking directions and signage from Parade Park & Go will direct you through the Tom Taylor Trail also known as the Nokiidaa Bike Trail. This is a beautiful and scenic route to the festivities. There will be clear, positioned signage to guide you to Doug Duncan Drive where Sparkling Night and Pride on Riverwalk take place.

    Exit 400 and take Highway 9, also known as Davis Dr, and travel East-Bound for 11.9 KM until you reach Prospect St, turn left at the lights and head South on Prospect St. Turn right onto Doug Duncan Drive and parking is available around Riverwalk Commons. If parking lots are full, additional parking is located at: 56 Charles Street. Walking directions and signage from Parade Park & Go will direct you through the Tom Taylor Trail also known as the Nokiidaa Bike Trail. This is a beautiful and scenic route to the festivities. There will be clear, positioned signage to guide you to Doug Duncan Drive where Sparkling Night and Pride on Riverwalk take place.