Pride Month

The City of Pickering proudly joins all residents, organizations, and community partners across Durham Region in celebrating Pride Month as we collectively honour and center the experiences, histories, contributions, and achievements of diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada and around the world. Throughout the month of June and beyond, we encourage staff, residents and community partners to take time to learn, reflect and engage in the many initiatives across Durham Region that honour the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

List of Events

Drag Queen Storytime (0 – 12yrs)

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: George Ashe Library 

The award-winning Drag Queen Story Time returns! Featuring two fabulous queens, this family-friendly program showcases stories celebrating diversity and inclusion. Storytime will be followed by musical performances and a variety of fun activities. For more information and to register, visit the Library website. This event is intended for children; all attending adults must be accompanied by a child. 

Youth Pride Durham

Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: Durham Regional Headquarters - 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby 

Youth Pride Durham is a friendly, inclusive celebration for youth, children and families who are part of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Allies are welcome to join. This free event champions acceptance through an afternoon of electrifying live performances drag performances, catchy tunes from DJ Psi, face painting, popcorn and cotton candy, a magic show, and a forum for community organizations and agencies to gather in the Resource Village. For more information visit the Youth Pride website. 

City of Pickering Pride Progress Flag Raising Ceremony 

Date: Thursday, June 3, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Pickering City Hall – 1 The Esplanade S 

Join Council, staff and community in raising the Pride Progress Flag at City Hall in honour of Pride Month.  

Pride Durham Annual Pride Parade & Rainbow Market 

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: Ajax Town Hall - 65 Harwood Ave S, Ajax 

Join us for the Durham Pride Parade 2025, the heart of Pride Durham’s celebrations! All are welcome to come out and celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion as we march through Ajax in a vibrant display of community pride. This year’s parade proceeds southbound down Harwood Avenue, starting at Ajax Town Hall and ending at Bolton C. Falby Public School.  

Continue the celebration after the parade at the Pride Durham Rainbow Market from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Ajax Community Centre North Parking Lot – 75 Centennial Rd, Ajax. Join us for an afternoon of music, food, fun, and connection. The Rainbow Market features 40+ local artisans, food trucks, community organizations, entertainers, and more. Come browse, shop, snack, dance, and be part of a community celebration filled with love and pride! For more information visit the Pride Durham website. 

Pride Cookie Decorating 

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025 
Time: 7 to 8:30 pm
Location: Pickering Public Library - Central Branch, Auditorium 

Pride has never been so delicious! Spend an evening listening to music and transforming blank sugar cookies into tasty pride flags. All supplies will be provided, while supplies last. For more information and  to register, visit the Library website.