The Prism parties during Toronto Pride are always a delight for big room dance music lovers . . . as well as big-muscle-eye-candy hunters. This year, the promoters of Prism want to bring things to the next level.
“We have selected the best venues possible in the city and there is a huge focus on production and art direction,” says Prism executive director Gairy Brown.
In a post-WorldPride city, Brown wanted to switch up the game and bring his series of circuit nights to new corners of the city; unfamiliar venues with big potential.
Will these less Pride-savvy venues have any issues dealing with such a massive gay audience? According to Brown, absolutely not.
“We have had discussions on how to make the event the best they can be for the gay audience,” he says. “The owners at all the venues being used for Prism are all very familiar with the gay audience and are thrilled that the gay events are happening in their venue on a weekend that celebrates diversity and acceptance in our city.
“The owners and staff are all behind the events 100 percent, and my only request was for hot male bartenders.”
Below is a roadmap to help guide you through the new spaces gay party goers will be invading during Pride weekend.
Bootcamp (Maison Mercer)
All your drill sergeant dreams come true at the Bootcamp event, this year taking place at Maison Mercer, a hot venue in the city’s entertainment disctrict.
Aqua Pool Party (Muzik Pool Bar)
This party is always a feast for the eyes. Thousands of gym-bodies and their admirers dressed in bathing suits or less. This year promises to be wetter than ever. Say goodbye to the days of traipsing around Yonge and Dundas square, and hello to an actual pool party at Muzik Pool Bar. Down near the CNE grounds, and away from tourist eyes, this summery, welcoming space brings that Vegas pool party afternoon vibe to Toronto. Think less casinos and more Lake Ontario breeze.
Matinee Klubberdome (Carlu)
A venue like no other in the city, Prism’s main event gets a double makeover as it’s taken over by mega-party promoters Matinee and their hit party Klubberdome. The venue — up high and deep inside College Park — has never seen a party like this inside of it and it’s only steps away from the Village, attached to the subway adjacent to a courthouse. Ahem . . .
“Matinee at historic Carlu is also such a dream come true for us,” says Brown. “This party is an absolute feast for the eyes and imagination.”
Revival (Muzik main room)
Back to the Muzik venue for the closing extravaganza party, Revival — which traditionally took place at the now-closed Guvernment nightclub — takes over The Dome, for a circuit party the queers of Toronto have never before experienced.
Apres (Nest Nightclub)
If your batteries still have juice, the final party of the weekend, Apres, happens at The Nest. The now two-storey party box at College and Bathurst street has gone through some mighty big changes in the past couple years, but it seems to have finally found itself. Nest boasts a state of the art sound system and Apres will keep pumping out house music from 5am until . . . whenever.
prism-toronto.com for more info
All images courtesy of Prism Toronto.
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