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

City of Pickering Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony and Art Unveiling  

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 9:00 am 
Location: Pickering City Hall – 1 The Esplanade S  

Join Council, Staff and community in raising the Pride Progress Flag at City Hall and unveiling the L.O.V.E. Mural by local artist Jacqueline Mak in honour of Pride Month. 

Staff are encouraged to wear Pride related wear (e.g. past City Pride T-Shirt, or bright colorful clothing). A limited supply of Pride T-shirts will be available for a donation to the Pay It Forward Committee.  

Drag Queen Storytime (0 – 12yrs)  

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 1:30pm–3:30pm
Location: Pickering Public Library, Central Branch  

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. Find more information and register here. This event is intended for children; all attending adults must be accompanied by a child.

Pride Durham Annual Pride Parade & Rainbow Market   

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm 
Location: Ajax Town Hall - 65 Harwood Ave S, Ajax   

Join the City of Pickering Walking group in the 2026 Durham Pride Parade, 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. Please contact dyewwoon@pickering.ca to register in the Pickering Parade group.  

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 here.   

Youth Pride Durham  

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
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 2SLGBTQIA+ 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 Web page here.