The holiday weekend burst open Saturday, jam-packed with stuff to do in Toronto for just about everybody. One catch: whatever you decide on, remember to bring an umbrella.
Things started off with a bang as the Pride and Remembrance Run took over Wellesley Street at 10am. The 5k run was intended to raise awareness and spirits, though it did stop traffic as it wound around Queen's Park and wrapped up at Church and Wellesley.
The road race ended just in time for the Dyke March (pictured), which also halted motorists starting at 2pm.
But Pride Week events promised to continue through the evening and right through Sunday. The level of anticipation for the Pride Parade was tangible from organizers and participants.
"It's always exciting," insists spokesman Andy Olesen. "We're getting the floats ready. Everybody's getting their costume. The last minute touches, here we go again!"
"It's great. I mean it's the weekend that we can all be ourselves and enjoy what -- who we are," says Dan Nero, a Pride Week attendee from Atlanta.
It's somewhat less exciting for area drivers, however, as celebrations will cause delays on many nearby streets.
Church St. was blocked off from Carlton to Wellesley starting at 6pm Friday. The same road also shuts down from Hayden to Dundonald St., and Wellesley is closed from Yonge to Church. All of them will stay that way until 6am Monday.
In addition, once the parade is underway, you won't be able to get anywhere on four wheels at the following always busy streets:
- Bloor St. to the north
- Dundas St. E. to the south
- Jarvis St to the east and
- Bay St. to the west.
Only the College/Carlton streetcar will be allowed through a barricaded lane.
Find the full parade route
here.
Elsewhere, the CHIN Picnic drew crowds to the CNE grounds Saturday, with even more promising to show Sunday and Tuesday for the legendary Mr. CHIN and Miss CHIN bikini pageants. Other things to see there include a folklore dance competition, circus shows and a petting zoo.
And a jazz festival will provide a soundtrack to all the weekend's events as venues throughout the Entertainment District and the city host a variety of acts sure to entertain anyone preferring a calmer atmosphere.
But whatever you choose to do this weekend, be aware that it may rain on your parade. Drizzle was expected for most of the day Saturday, and could linger on and off through Sunday.
Still, with warm temperatures and a party atmosphere, the semi-holiday weekend should be much too hot to be doused by a little of the wet stuff.
Joining in the weekend's festivities? Send your pictures and video to
It's Your Story.
Here are some resources to help you navigate the festivities:
CHIN Schedule
Pride Schedule
Jazz Festival Schedule
Weekend Forecast