Windsor-Essex PrideFest 2024

A Weekend of Unity, Glamour, and Celebration

WINDSOR, Ontario - Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a weekend full of vibrant performances, joyful celebrations, and unforgettable moments. From August 9th to August 11th, the festival transformed Lanspeary Park into a haven of pride and unity, showcasing a diverse lineup of drag performances, dance parties, and community events that left attendees buzzing with excitement.

Friday Night: United Dance Party

The weekend kicked off on Friday night with the United Dance Party at Lanspeary Park, a free event that brought out the best in Windsor’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. DJ Kevin Bailey set the tone with infectious beats, while special guests Mercury Retrograde, Angelina Lepore, Hudson Bae, B. Martini, and Epoxy—who stepped in for Lua—kept the energy soaring.

Hudson Bae’s striking leather ensemble set the mood for a night of fierce fashion and dance. B. Martini, living her Pink Pony Club fantasy, delivered a show-stopping performance to Chappell Roan's "HOT TO GO," while Angelina Lepore captivated in an all-black ensemble, exuding elegance and mystery. Mercury Retrograde brought her burlesque roots to the forefront, wowing the crowd with her big Peggy Bundy red wig, leopard print dress, and fire act, which included setting her tongue ablaze. Epoxy, initially there to MC, couldn’t resist the stage and joined in with her signature blue hair and fearless attitude. The United Dance Party was a dynamic start to the weekend, setting the bar high for the events to follow.

Saturday: Queens of Pride

Saturday’s Queens of Pride event at Lanspeary Park was the festival’s crown jewel, featuring an all-star lineup of drag performers. Trinity The Tuck Taylor, from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 9 and All Stars season 4 winner, and Aimee Yonce Shennel from Canada’s Drag Race season 4 headlined the event, delivering show-stopping performances that had the audience on their feet.

The first set opened with Epoxy in striking black and white zebra stripes, followed by Vanity Affair in a hot pink and black vinyl outfit. Benz Menova teased the audience with a pole dance, while Venom Vonsnaps, with backup dancers Hudson Bae and Belle Vyra, delivered a high-energy performance. Lena Di amazed with her silver coat and electric blue dress, while Star, full of life in a skin-toned bodysuit with primary colors, dazzled the audience. Aimee Yonce Shennel brought the crowd to life in a black and lime green vinyl coat, while Trinity The Tuck seduced the audience with a slow and sultry number, leaving everyone wanting more.

The second set saw Venom Vonsnaps returning in a hot pink gown, Benz Menova in a seductive pole dance, and Epoxy in an iridescent ensemble. Star shone in a light blue blazer with shimmering tinsel, Vanity Affair made a bold statement with a black-hands-with-red-nails ensemble, and Lena Di brought high-energy dance moves in red feathers. Aimee Yonce Shennel returned in a sexy genie look, granting every audience’s wish, while Trinity closed the show with a shimmering black and red outfit, showcasing her perfect curves.

Saturday Night: GLITTERBALL

After Queens of Pride, the GLITTERBALL at Waters Edge Event Centre kept the party going. DJ Josh Karmin kept the crowd moving all night, with special performances by Van Goth, Dulce, Liquorice, and Elixia adding to the electric atmosphere.

Sunday: Pride Day and Show Your Colours Parade

Sunday’s events kicked off with the 2024 Parade: Show Your Colours, a vibrant and colorful display of community pride. Following the parade was Pride Day! at Lanspeary Park, a free admission event featuring performances by Detroit's Drag Royalty Sabin, Windsor’s Comedy Queen Mel Lucier, musical acts like Alisabeth Von Presley, Nikki Holland & the Dirty Elizabeths, Carly Thomas, Saints Down, and drag performances by Subrina Kink, Aurora Bore Alice, Daisy, Dawn Key, and Mina Gorgina.

Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2024 was a testament to the power of community, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate love, diversity, and self-expression. From the United Dance Party to the Show Your Colours Parade, every event was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable performances, making this year’s festival one for the books.

For exclusive interviews with Trinity The Tuck Taylor, and Aimee Yonce Shennel visit the links below.

Photos and review by Kevin Blondin

TRUE Fest in Amherstburg

Unleashes a Blizzard of Drag Delights

Amherstburg, ON — On the chilly night of January 27, the streets of Amherstburg heated up with the fierce and fabulous TRUE Fest. This winter street party, sponsored by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, Caesars Windsor, Rotary Club of Amherstburg, and The House Youth Centre, and hosted by AM800’s Dan MacDonald, brought a blizzard of drag delights to this small Southwestern Ontario town.

Outdoor Extravaganza: The festival featured two outdoor stages, each a block apart, creating a drag duet of dueling queens. Edie Violet from Woodstock and Phoenix Black from London kicked off the spectacle at 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm, followed by Dulce from London and Koko Starr from Windsor at 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

Fire, Ice, and Everything Nice: Between sets, attendees could switch things up at the other stage and witness mesmerizing fire and glow performances by Hoop You. To keep the winter chill at bay, hot chocolate and apple cider were on the menu, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Amherstburg. A street lined with patio heaters, cornhole, s'mores stations, hotdogs, and a hot bar on Dalhousie Street added to the festive atmosphere. Lot 10 kept spirits warm with craft beer and s'mores kits, while an Igloo by the Embrace Group at The House Youth Centre offered games and prizes, including coveted tickets to see Canada's Drag Race at Caesars Windsor on April 4.

Community Vibes and Royal Memories:

The event drew a diverse crowd of families, kids, and drag enthusiasts of all ages. The sense of community was palpable as the night progressed, bringing warmth to the frozen streets.

Royal Performances:

Edie Violet and Phoenix Black dazzled with stunning looks and shared memories from their TV appearances. Koko Starr's high-energy performances left the crowd in awe, and Dulce lit up the night with her playful attitude. An impromptu extra song from Dulce added an unexpected treat that left the audience wanting more.

After-Party Bliss:

The festivities continued at Burger 67 with an after-party featuring a DJ and an open kitchen for apps until midnight. Downtown Amherstburg was alive and buzzing, defying the January cold with a celebration that resonated throughout the town.

Stay tuned for more drag delights in the next edition of DRAG MAG!

Photos and Review by Kevin Blondin