My Pride 2025 Roundup — Mish Bozzetto Brands

June has officially come to a close, and my heart (and my glitter supply) is completely full. Toronto really showed up for Pride 2025, and I managed to hit a mix of iconic landmarks, local gems, and high-energy performances that reminded me why I love this community so much.

If you missed any of the action, here is the recap of my favorite moments from the month!

🍰 Brunch with a View (and a Kick)

We kicked things off on June 1st at the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant for "Drag & Haute Cuisine." There is truly nothing like eating a slice of vibrant Rainbow Realness Cake while watching world-class drag performers like Miss Fiercalicious and Erin Brockobić slay a circular catwalk 351 metres in the air. Between the "Sissy That Steak Frites" and the high-fashion couture, the energy was unmatched. The elevation was high, but the spirits were higher!

🏛️ Nature’s True Colors at the ROM

Next up was Pride Night at the Royal Ontario Museum. It wasn't just a party; it was an education. They featured a stunning exhibit called "Nature in Brilliant Colour," which took us through kaleidoscopic spaces dedicated to every hue of the rainbow. Seeing over 200 specimens—from iridescent birds to vibrant minerals—showed that the queer spectrum is literally woven into the fabric of the Earth. Seeing science and identity intersect in such a beautiful space was a major highlight.

🎸 Rocking Out in Kensington

Support your local queer rock stars! I headed to Kensington Market to catch Monstrosa. My friend is in the band, and seeing her kill it on stage was incredible. They brought a raw, electric energy to the market, blending heavy riffs with a clear message of queer defiance. It felt so authentic and gritty—a perfect contrast to the polished gala vibes earlier in the month.

🧽 The "Aqueerium" (A.K.A. The GOAT of Pride Events)

If you only go to one event next year, make it Night at the Aqueerium at Ripley’s. This year’s theme was SpongeBob SquarePants, and the drag talent was out of this world. The resident "Queen of Aqueerium" Juice Boxx was fantastic, but the standout was BOA (from Canada's Drag Race) performing as Sexy Squidward. Yes, you read that right—complete with the chiseled "Handsome Squidward" face. It was hilarious, high-concept, and exactly the kind of "quirky and fun" energy I live for. Watching drag under the shark tunnel is an experience I’ll never forget.

🏃🏻 The Annual Pride & Remembrance Run

Tradition stayed strong this year! I laced up my sneakers for the Pride 5K with my mom. This race has been running since 1996, and it’s such a grounding way to celebrate. We did our two loops around Queen’s Park, fueled by the cheers of drag queens and DJs at the water stations. There’s something so special about moving through the city with thousands of other people, all sweating and smiling to raise money for LGBTQ+ charities.

🌈 Finishing Strong at Church and Wellesley

To wrap up Pride weekend, my partner and I headed to the heart of the Village: Church and Wellesley. After soaking in the street fair energy, we ducked into Storm Crow Manor for a drink and a bite. I had to try the Rainbow Road cocktail and their special Rainbow Swirl Cheesecake (which supports LetsStopAIDS!). If you know me, you know I love a "nerd bar," and their eclectic, multi-level gothic vibe was the perfect place for us to decompress and toast to a successful month.

Pride 2025 was a beautiful reminder of the power of community, the importance of play, and the joy of being exactly who you are. Whether I was running a 5K or staring at a drag-version of a cartoon octopus, the message was the same: Love wins.