The Town of Newmarket is proud to once again partner with York Pride to host a vibrant weekend of festivities, June 21 and 22. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the York Pride Festival 2025 will be even bigger this year with more activations, including dedicated zones for families, youth, adults 19+, and seniors, creating space for everyone to feel seen and included.
The York Pride Festival is anticipated to draw thousands of community members, participants and visitors coming together to celebrate one of the most inclusive and community-driven festivals in the province.
To prepare for the festivities and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, here’s what you need to know.
1. York Pride is a two-day event taking place on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, 22 in downtown Newmarket. Learn more about the festivities at YorkPride.ca
2. York Pride Parades are taking place on Saturday, June 21
- Trans March Parade at 3 p.m.: The Trans March starts at Main Street and Queen Street, travelling southbound along Main Street towards Timothy Street towards Riverwalk Commons.
- York Pride Parade Route at 6 p.m.: The parade kicks off at Main Street and Queen Street, travelling southbound along Main Street, before turning left onto Water Street. Marchers will then cross the Fairy Lake bridge onto Doug Duncan Drive towards Riverwalk Commons.
3. Multi-day road closures will take place at various times of the day starting on Friday, June 20 to accommodate the York Pride festivities. For a full list, please visit Newmarket.ca/Pride
4. Frequent shuttle service will be available from various locations throughout town at the following locations:
- Magna Centre (with shuttle service),
- Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (with shuttle service)
- Newmarket GO Station (with shuttle service)
5. There will be limited parking in the downtown core during the York Pride Festival.
- Available parking and open parking lots:
- Market Square (across from Old Town Hall, Botsford Street)
- Doug Duncan Drive South (closed from 4 – 8 p.m. on Saturday for the Pride parade)
- Fairy Lake Park, 520 Water Street
- Municipal Offices, 395 Mulock Drive
- Dennis Park and Cane Parkway, 525 Cane Parkway
- Gorman Outdoor Pool & Lions Park, 424 D’Arcy Street
- Church Street and other streets in the downtown area where parking is permitted
- Closed Parking Lots:
- P3 and P4 parking lots at the north end of Riverwalk Commons
- Timothy Street Parking lot (352 Doug Duncan Drive)
- Street parking along closed streets will also be unavailable
5. The Newmarket Farmers’ Market will take place at All Our Kids Playpark (535 Timothy Street) on Saturday, June 21 to accommodate the York Pride festivities.
Quote from John Taylor, Mayor, Town of Newmarket:
“The Town of Newmarket is ready for York Pride 2025, one of the biggest events in York Region where thousands of people gather to celebrate community, respect and connection with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, says Mayor John Taylor. “It’s going to be a fantastic two-day festival where we get to be part of a movement that reflects on the past, celebrates the present, and progresses towards building a brighter and more inclusive future. Thank you to York Pride for choosing Newmarket to be your home for the last 14 years and congratulations on your Jubilee year.”
Quote from Jacob Gal, Director of Operations, York Pride:
“Since 2011, the Town of Newmarket has not only provided space for York Region Youth Collective, our 2SLGBTQ+ youth group, but they’ve also created a safe environment where young people can explore their identities, develop, and grow without fear of judgement,” says Jacob Gal, Director of Operations, York Pride. “Newmarket’s unwavering support has been the foundation upon which the York Pride Festival has flourished, offering a haven for the entire community to be themselves and connect with their neighbours. Newmarket’s true allyship goes beyond resources; it fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for the next generation.”
