Cobourg’s downtown will be bursting with colour and celebration this Saturday as the fourth annual Downtown Pride Street Festival returns, headlined by the Northumberland Pride Parade.
Pride events across Ontario celebrate diversity and promote inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. These gatherings create safe spaces for expression, foster acceptance, and honour the ongoing fight for equality. By bringing together people of all backgrounds, Pride helps build understanding, challenge discrimination, and strengthen community support across the province.
Northumberland Pride board member Jacqueline Pennington tells us more about events locally.
The parade kicks off festivities at 11 a.m., led by eight young leaders from the Northumberland Pride Youth Committee. Members Wyatt, Jasper, Fiona, Katia, Violet, Gray, Chelsea, and Dawson have been selected as this year’s Pride Parade marshals for their advocacy and work building inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ youth in the region.
“Youth are the heart of our movement,” said Jason Schmidt, Chair of Northumberland Pride. “Their vision and passion remind us that Pride is not just a celebration-it’s a call to action.”
Stephen Koshurba, speaking on behalf of the youth committee, said this year’s marshals are walking for themselves, for the community, and for those who cannot.
Pennington shares some of the details around family-friendly events.
According to Pennington, youth committee members will not only lead the parade but also deliver remarks during the opening ceremony.
Downtown Cobourg will be filled with all-ages programming from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including a street market, food trucks, family drag shows, live music, extended patios, art displays, and a dog parade. Events are free to attend, and organisers are encouraging everyone to “come as you are.”
A youth Pride event will take place at 4 pm on Saturday at Prep Food Co in Cobourg and is completely free. Pennington tells us the afternoon will include a drag competition with prizes and there’ll be plenty of music to keep your feet moving.
Pride activities continue on Sunday with a Drag Brunch at The Beamish beginning at 11 am and featuring Juice Boxx, known from their appearance on Canada’s Drag Race. The fun will continue into the afternoon at the Beamish with live entertainment sponsored by Cultivate Festival.
Northumberland Pride says it remains committed to hosting accessible, inclusive events-especially for youth and children under 20, with all barriers to participation removed.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
