Shoppers are flocking to the CF Toronto Eaton Centre for colourful Pride programming, including four drag brunches hosted by Canada’s Drag Race star Makayla Couture and two Pride-themed paint-and-sip tote workshops with Emmy Tran , foodie fun, live performances and creativity in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Essential Takeaways
- When and where: Four drag brunches run June 13–14 at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, with shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., bringing live entertainment and food.
- Host and vibe: Makayla Couture from Canada’s Drag Race leads the shows with a powerhouse cast and high-energy performances; expect a festive, loud atmosphere.
- Creative alternative: Emmy Tran is running two Pride tote paint-and-sip sessions on June 17 and 24, 6:30–8:30 p.m., with materials and a complimentary cocktail included.
- Community support: Ten dollars from every Drag Brunch and Paint & Sip ticket is donated to Rainbow Railroad, supporting at-risk 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
- Win a spot: Queer & Now is giving away two tickets to the June 14, 2 p.m. drag brunch , entrants must be 18+ and of legal drinking age.
Why the Eaton Centre turned into a Pride hub this June
The Eaton Centre has leaned into Pride programming with a visible, downtown celebration that feels both theatrical and approachable. Right across from Sankofa Square and a short walk from The Village, the mall has become a natural gathering point for visitors who want a splash of colour between shopping stops. Mall organisers told Queer & Now they wanted to spotlight local talent and community organisations, and the mix of drag brunches, an art installation and market stalls makes that clear. If you’ve ever wanted your brunch with a side of confetti, this is it.
Drag brunches that feel like a proper show
Hosted by Makayla Couture, the CF Drag Brunches promise more than a DJ and a microphone; organisers describe a full performance line-up paired with food and drink. Shows run twice daily over the weekend, so you can pick the morning or the afternoon slot depending on how late your Friday went. These events lean into spectacle , think theatrical lip-syncs, crowd interaction and big laughs , so pick a seat where you can see the stage. If your group loves flamboyance and sing-alongs, the brunch will hit the sweet spot.
Paint-and-sip: a calmer, creative Pride option
If performance isn’t your jam, Emmy Tran’s tote-painting classes offer a quieter, hands-on way to mark Pride. Tran’s work often celebrates queer joy and resistance with vivid colours, and she’s back to teach techniques in colour theory and design over two weekday evenings. Tickets are modestly priced and cover all materials plus a complimentary cocktail at Queen’s Cross Food Hall, making it a relaxed night out where you leave with something you made yourself.
How the Eaton Centre is collaborating with local artists and vendors
This year’s Pride programming is heavy on partnerships. The annual Pride market returns to Trinity Square with local 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and vendors across several dates, and the centre commissioned Paul Crombie for an on-site Pride art piece called The Pride Mechanism. Mall spokespeople framed the programming not as tokenism but as a deliberate effort to create meaningful platforms for queer creators. For visitors, that means shopping, art and entertainment that actually reflect Toronto’s diverse communities.
Tickets, donations and how to enter the giveaway
Tickets for the brunches and paint-and-sip events are on sale via the Eaton Centre’s site, with $10 from each ticket going to Rainbow Railroad. That’s an easy way to party while supporting an organisation that helps LGBTQ+ people escape persecution. Queer & Now has a giveaway for two tickets to the June 14, 2 p.m. drag brunch , entrants must be 18+ and of legal drinking age in their province. Check the contest page for entry details and deadlines if you want to try your luck.
It's a small change that can make every celebration feel more colourful and community-minded.
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