Toronto’s Manulife Centre is celebrating Pride Month in a bold and inclusive way, transforming its space into a vibrant destination for self-expression and Canadian identity. Running until July 1, the downtown landmark located at the corner of Bay and Bloor is hosting a month-long initiative under the theme “Live Loudly. Love Proudly.” The program includes Pride-themed visual installations and culminates with a Festival Weekend from June 27 to 29 that aligns with broader Pride Toronto festivities.
The initiative positions Manulife Centre not just as a shopping and dining destination, but as a cultural and community hub that reflects and supports the values of inclusivity and celebration.
A Pride-Focused Artistic Transformation by Tim Singleton
Central to the activation is a series of immersive visual experiences created by Toronto-based artist and designer Tim Singleton. Known for his expressive, rainbow-bright style and his exploration of queerness, surrealism, and pop culture, Singleton’s work has turned the interiors of Manulife Centre into a dynamic, photo-friendly environment.
Among the featured installations is “This Is What Pride Looks Like,” a series of interactive mirror decals framed with rainbow borders. These decals invite guests to reflect on themselves through a Pride-affirming lens, encouraging participation and visibility. Another major feature is the “Proudly Canadian. Proud Me.” mural, which merges national symbols with the vibrant colour spectrum of the LGBTQ2S+ flag. The large-scale art piece serves as a backdrop for photographs and a public statement of identity and unity.
According to organizers, the installations are “more than décor — they’re invitations to reflect, celebrate, and connect.”
Festival Weekend Celebrates Community Through Music, Brunch, and Fundraising
To coincide with the final weekend of Pride Month and the Pride Toronto parade, Manulife Centre will host a series of events from June 27 to 29. The Festival Weekend begins on Friday, June 27, with a live musical performance by local band Trash Panda in the Centre’s concourse from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, June 28, Earls Yorkville will host a Pride Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring music by DJ Regina Gently. Later in the afternoon, Trash Panda will return for a second performance, this time in the Centre’s atrium, running from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The programming concludes on Sunday, June 29, with The Love Cart activation on Bloor Street. Visitors will be treated to Pride-themed popsicles and treats, with donations encouraged in support of Rainbow Railroad. The international non-profit helps LGBTQI+ individuals escape violence and persecution around the world, making this event a meaningful close to the month’s celebrations.
Artistic Vision with a Message
Tim Singleton’s involvement brings both colour and substance to the initiative. An artist, illustrator, and designer based in Toronto, Singleton’s past work has appeared on billboards, television, murals, book covers, and branded merchandise. His pieces are often inspired by themes of queer identity and joy, rendered in bold, expressive colours that invite public engagement.
Through this collaboration, Singleton has imbued the Manulife Centre with a spirit of openness and expression. His work, which often blurs the lines between art and public experience, is a natural fit for a Pride initiative focused on visibility, inclusivity, and national pride.
A Landmark Retail Centre Embraces Its Role in the Community
Located at 55 Bloor Street West, Manulife Centre is a mixed-use complex that includes high-profile retailers such as Eataly, Indigo, Loblaw City Market, Shoppers Drug Mart and Cineplex Varsity VIP, as well as a range of dining options, fashion retailers, and service providers. The Centre has increasingly embraced its role as more than a retail destination, offering curated cultural experiences throughout the year.
The Pride Month celebration is part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to connect with its diverse clientele and support events that reflect the fabric of Toronto’s population. The month-long activation supports the LGBTQ2S+ community and adds vibrancy and foot traffic to the Bloor-Yorkville area during one of the busiest times of the year.
Visitors to the Centre are encouraged to participate in the visual installations and attend Festival Weekend events. Those engaging with the experience are invited to share their moments using the campaign hashtag #LiveLoudlyLoveProudly. Manulife Centre is also promoting the campaign through its Instagram account @manulifecentre and TikTok at @manulifecentreto.
