Stratford has been called “Canada’s gayest small city.” Not at all surprising considering its flourishing arts and culture scene.
Members of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer – and more) community beat a path to Stratford’s door and make up a substantial portion of the permanent and visiting populations. In 2016, the national census figures showed Stratford was 7th when male same-sex couples were ranked as a percentage of all couples. More than Toronto, at 8th.
You would be hard pressed to find another Canadian city its size with as many rainbow pride flags flying from business frontages or window stickers adorning front entrances as part of the city’s own LGBTQ+ directory.
It’s not surprising, then, that Stratford is home to two Pride organizations, one of which produces an arts and entertainment festival every winter.
So, why wait for June? Stratford Winter Pride – Love Is Love is your chance to be mid-winter out loud and proud in Canada’s gayest small city.
Stratford Winter Pride – Love Is Love – runs this winter from January 31 to February 9, 2025.
MAYOR’S OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION
All welcome. Cash bar & snacks. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Music. January 31 7pm
DRAG BRUNCH
Bar open 10am, buffet brunch 11am, show starts at Noon – MC drag king Troy Boy Caplan. Two 90 min. sets with a 30 min. intermission. You can meet them for photographs after the show. February 2 10am
LGBTQ+ BOOKS
Special display & sale of LGBTQ+ books at Fanfare Books.
February 3-9
WHAT’S QUEER THIS YEAR AT THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL
Ari Weinberg is the Casting Director at the Stratford Festival. He’ll be speaking at Stratford Winter Pride on “What’s Queer This Year at the Stratford Festival?” February 6 7:30pm
COMEDY NIGHT
The best in LGBTQ2! stand up comedy. Emcee Robert Watson introduces Stratford to a slate of up-and-coming performers. This is an adult show best intended for those 18+. February 7 7:30pm
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Staged Readings on sale December 27.
February 8 2pm & 7:30pm
CLOSING EVENT
Special announcement.
February 9
OFFICIAL HOTEL
The Parlour Inn is the official hotel, with featured room rates for Stratford Winter Pride rates.
OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION
ONEXBUS with special rates to and from Stratford for ticketholders.
OFFICIAL BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
Features of Stratford with specials for ticketholders.
SWAG FOR SALE
T-shirts, hoodies & tote bags
