Pride in Perth is working alongside Queer Connection Lanark (QCL) to help support and centralize Pride initiatives within Perth itself, making it easier for residents and visitors to connect with local events and resources.
2026 Pride celebrations kick off on Friday, June 5 with the flag raising at the Crystal Palace. June 6 is the hallmark Perth Pride Parade and Community Fair, a time to be loud and proud through the streets of Perth and a celebration of the local community. For a smaller event, check out “boardgaymes” at Perth Pie Co. on June 13.
Drag shows feature prominently this year! Studio Theatre is producing a drag show on June 5 with Eden Moore, and on June 13 De Productions presents Youphoria at the Civitan Hall.
On June 27, Perth will close out the month with an All-Ages Dance and Drag Show at the Perth Legion along with a silent auction fundraiser. Tickets are available now at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434).
Pride in Perth’s mission celebrates and uplifts the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by hosting inclusive events and programs that honour diverse identities and stories. The organization fosters connection, amplifies underrepresented voices, and advocates for equity, intersectionality and human rights within our community and beyond.
Perth’s Pride celebrations are part of a much longer story of 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy, visibility, and community building throughout Lanark County. Local organizing efforts began in the early 2000s through informal gatherings that eventually grew into LGBT Lanark County, and later Queer Connection Lanark.
Over the years, volunteers and advocates worked to create safer and more welcoming spaces across the county through social events, outreach, advocacy, education, and Pride celebrations. Since then, Pride celebrations and community initiatives have continued to grow across Lanark County, including in Smiths Falls, Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place and Perth.
Organizers say the goal is to build on the strong foundation already created by QCL and countless community volunteers while continuing to foster visibility, inclusion, and celebration within Perth and area. Find more at Facebook and Instagram @prideinperth.