In this edition of The Weekender, the WorldPride parade, a festival of ribs and three other things to do in Toronto this weekend.
WorldPride Parade (FREE!)
If you were thinking about buying any condoms this weekend, don’t. Instead, just find a spot on Yonge Street and wait for the WorldPride parade to pass you by. Shirtless men on floats will toss you a month’s supply. Freebies aren’t the only reason to check out the parade, though. The techno-thumping, squirt-gun-wielding spectacle is legitimately one of Toronto’s most fun and vibrant public celebrations, and this year’s global status should make it especially spectacular. You don’t have to be gay to have a good time there (but it helps). June 29. FREE. Yonge St., between Bloor and Dundas, worldpridetoronto.com
Summer Camp on the Plaza
Make the most of festival season outside the Gardiner Museum, where Maylee Todd will be bringing her brand of high-energy, high-concept indie rock to the debut edition of Scene on the Plaza, a weekly outdoor party. Steam Whistle beer and barbecue eats will be available, for a price. June 27. $15 advance, $20 door.Gardiner Square, 111 Queens Park, gardinermuseum.on.ca
12 Angry Men
Soulpepper leaves its mark on Reginald Rose’s classic courtroom drama, refreshing the 1950s-era stereotypes that drive the play’s plot with strong performances by a local cast. Until July 19. $57–$74.Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Ln., soulpepper.ca
Toronto Ribfest
Probably the most fun you can have in Etobicoke, this annual celebration of sauce-slathered pig ribcage is a fundraiser organized by the local Rotary chapter to benefit various humanitarian causes. There will be 16 different barbecue stalls at this year’s event, plus live music and group World Cup viewing. June 27–July 1. $2 admission, ribs extra. Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd., torontoribfest.com
Pedestrian Sunday at Kensington Market (FREE!)
Kensington Market’s monthly, no-cars-allowed street festival is always unmissable. The usual mix of street performers, neighbourhood food vendors and sidewalk sales may get an extra shot of energy this weekend as WorldPride visitors find their way west. June 29. FREE. Kensington Market, pskensington.ca