This June, CF Toronto Eaton Centre is once again embracing Pride Month with a rich and vibrant program designed to celebrate Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. Under the leadership of Cadillac Fairview, the shopping centre has become much more than just a retail destination—it’s now a hub for art, entertainment, and meaningful engagement.
“We really aim to deliver inspiring and unique experiences that reflect our purpose of transforming communities for a vibrant tomorrow,” said Andrea Nickel, Senior Director of Experience Design and Delivery at Cadillac Fairview, during an interview with Retail Insider. “At CF Toronto Eaton Centre, we want to be a place where communities can come together to connect and celebrate meaningful moments.”
The month-long Pride 2025 program offers a diverse lineup of events, art installations, and activations, all thoughtfully curated to reflect the spirit and diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Towering Symbols of Inclusivity
One of the most striking features greeting visitors this year is the dramatic Pride-themed décor adorning the shopping centre. Suspended above Albert’s Way is a massive 40-foot Pride flag that serves as both a photo backdrop and a powerful visual statement.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to see,” Nickel explained. “In combination with the rainbow staircase near Albert’s Way, it really creates this backdrop where people can come take pictures and showcase their celebratory spirit.”
The CF Pride Shop: A Celebration of Queer Creativity
Central to the centre’s Pride 2025 programming is the CF Pride Shop, now returning for its third year in partnership with Toronto Queer Market. The pop-up, located on Level 1 next to Showcase, features more than 25 queer artists and entrepreneurs showcasing unique, hand-crafted goods ranging from fashion and jewellery to artwork.
“Every year we try to enhance the experience and make it even more meaningful,” said Nickel. “This partnership allows local queer entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their work in a space they might not otherwise have access to.”
The Pride Shop will remain open for the entire month of June during regular mall hours, offering visitors a chance to discover one-of-a-kind items while supporting local queer businesses.
Drag Brunch Returns to Albert’s Way
Among the most highly anticipated events is the CF Drag Brunch, scheduled for June 22nd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Albert’s Way on Level 2. Presented in collaboration with OEB Breakfast Co., the event combines dazzling drag performances with a delicious brunch.
“This event continues to be in such high demand,” said Nickel. “The feedback year over year has been incredibly positive, and this year we’re elevating it even more with OEB’s partnership.”
Performers for this year’s Drag Brunch include Xtacy Love, Beardra Bidness, Destiny, Eboni L’belle, and Just Peachy, promising an afternoon full of energy, glamour, and entertainment. Tickets are priced at $40, with $10 from every ticket donated to Rainbow Railroad, a charity that assists 2SLGBTQ+ individuals facing persecution globally. Attendees also receive a $10 CF SHOP! card and a gift bag filled with surprises.
Pride Trivia Nights at Queen’s Cross
Adding an interactive twist to this year’s celebrations are Pride-themed trivia nights hosted at Queen’s Cross Food Hall in partnership with QE Trivia, a queer-owned organization. Trivia nights will take place on June 12th, 19th, and 26th, providing a lively and educational evening complete with prizes, drinks, and discounted food offerings.
“It’s a ton of fun and a great way for people to celebrate Pride while engaging with the community,” Nickel shared. “We wanted to offer experiences that cater to different interests and create multiple touchpoints for people to engage.”
Celebrating Indigenous and Queer Identity Through Art
A new art installation also takes centre stage this year. Toronto-based artists Tyler Burey and Paul Crombie have created Thunderbird and the Birth of Glamour, a sculptural piece that merges Indigenous and queer narratives. Situated on Level 3 across from Coach, the artwork features wood, sequins, and beads, symbolizing both resilience and radiance.
“This art installation is really special,” said Nickel. “It brings together Tyler’s Indigenous and queer identities in a way that’s deeply meaningful and visually stunning.”
The piece has been developed in collaboration with Pride Toronto and speaks to the centre’s broader efforts to amplify diverse voices and celebrate intersectional identities.
Spreading Love Across Yonge-Dundas Square
CF Toronto Eaton Centre is also bringing back its Pride Love Messages initiative. Throughout Pride Month, individuals can submit personal messages of love, support, and inclusivity, which are then displayed on the 90-foot media tower at Yonge-Dundas Square.
“This is one of my favourite elements,” Nickel noted. “It creates a beautiful visual of solidarity that lights up the heart of downtown Toronto.”
These messages will be displayed leading up to and during the 2025 Toronto Pride Festival, culminating on June 28th.
Beyond June: Year-Round Support for the 2SLGBTQ+ Community
While Pride Month takes centre stage in June, Cadillac Fairview’s commitment to supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community extends year-round. CF Toronto Eaton Centre works closely with several organizations, including Friends of Ruby, which supports youth with mental health and housing services; Spectrum in Waterloo Region; and Rainbow Railroad.
“Not only are we looking to create a welcoming and celebratory space during Pride Month, but we want to ensure that our support is ongoing,” Nickel emphasized. “It’s about creating places where everyone feels welcome and celebrated.”
A Broader Transformation Amid Changing Times
This year’s Pride celebrations come as CF Toronto Eaton Centre, like many urban shopping centres, continues to evolve in a rapidly shifting retail landscape. With the recent closure of Hudson’s Bay in the centre and broader changes underway across Cadillac Fairview’s portfolio, new concepts and experiences are becoming increasingly important to attract diverse audiences.
While Nickel remained off-the-record regarding some of Cadillac Fairview’s future leasing activity, she acknowledged, “There’s a lot of exciting opportunities from an experiential retail standpoint. We’re always looking at ways to bring fresh, engaging experiences into our properties.”
Pride 2025 Reflects a Growing Vision
With its expanded Pride programming, CF Toronto Eaton Centre is demonstrating how shopping centres can become true community spaces that celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, and provide meaningful experiences well beyond retail.
“We’re proud to continue evolving our Pride programming,” said Nickel. “Every year, we look to amplify local voices, create spaces for celebration, and deliver something that truly reflects the incredible spirit of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
Love how CF Toronto Eaton Centre is turning Pride Month into a full-on celebration of art, community, and inclusivity! The mix of local talent, meaningful partnerships, and vibrant experiences really shows what it means to support 2SLGBTQ+ voices year-round.
Why is this a month now? it used to be one weekend, now it’s a “season”. Most people are sick of seeing this flag being forced onto society.
Thank you for showing your true colours – people like you make the world a worse place.
Glad to see the Pride Market has a storefront – hopefully it’s a bit bigger and easier to navigate, – I found the market last year in the middle of the concourse to be difficult to look at when I was there as the centre was so busy!
It’s inspiring to see Pride Month being celebrated with such creativity and community spirit. Events like these really highlight how art and design can bring people together. On a similar note, I’ve been exploring how 3D printing and painting open up new possibilities for creative expression you can check out some ideas at orca printer
This June, CF Toronto Eaton Centre is celebrating Pride Month with a vibrant, community-focused program that highlights Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. Baddiehubedofficial Led by Cadillac Fairview, the shopping centre has evolved beyond a retail destination into a cultural hub for art, entertainment, and meaningful engagement.
I think it’s fantastic that CF Toronto Eaton Centre is celebrating Pride Month 2025 with special events. Initiatives like these really promote inclusivity and community engagement. I’d love to hear more about the activities planned and how visitors are participating.