The weather is gorgeous, the parties are planned and the city is showing it's true colours... yes, as if you couldn't tell, it's Pride Week in Toronto.

While you're sure to hear more from the other bloggers and I this week about various Pride-related events, I thought a good way to kick-start things would be a run down of some of the key events (in my humble opinion) set for this week...

MONDAY -

Raising of the FLAG! - The raising of the rainbow flag at City Hall marking the 'official' beginning of Pride Week. The mayor makes a proclamation, the Forte Men's Choir does a little singin', opening prayers are led by 2 Spirited people of the 1st Nations and then some drumming to round things off. Noon-1:30pm at the City Hall Rotunda (2nd Floor)

TUESDAY -

Primp for Pride - Nothing is a better lead up to Pride for the bois than a good ol' fashioned FASHION SHOW. "Primp for Pride" goes down at 8pm at Lube Lounge on Church.

WEDNESDAY -

Cheap Queers - Becoming a Pride Week staple, the 10th annual Cheap Queers is brought to you by the Hardwordin' Homosexuals and is, as stated, cheap. Cover is a mere $4.62 for a night of mixed cabaret. The doors open at 8pm at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and the show begins at 9.

THURSDAY -

Kids on TV - There's a long list of great events lined up for Thursday, including the must-attend AIDS Candlelight Vigil in Cawthra Square at 9pm, so attend, by all means, attend... but once it wraps up head on over to Spa XS, the bathhouse at 105 Carlton and check out KIDS ON TV performing live! Yes, at a bathhouse, but this is actually an all-gender event, so fear not. The band hits the "stage" at 11pm.

FRIDAY -

Genderfukt! - Take a break from the village and head on over to see drag kings, burlesque, and "everything in between" at Sneaky Dee's on Friday. Genderfukt! is back and better than ever with guest acts from all over the globe. The show starts promptly at 10pm, but doors open at 9pm and if you haven't picked up advance tix at Sneaky's you'd best be getting at 9 'cause this one is sure to SELL OUT.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY -

Just go - There is much too much going down on the weekend to even imagine picking one item out of the mix. The Dyke March on Saturday and the 25th annual Gay Pride Parade on Sunday are only centrepieces in what has become a massive city-wide celebration. Church Street (and Yonge for a while) are closed to traffic, welcoming the citizens of Toronto and millions of visitors. So, whether you are bringing the kids for face painting, cruising down for some music and wild performance, or just heading straight for the beer garden, the Gaybourhood is still the main attraction. Head down to Church between Carlton & Bloor... look for the rainbow flags. ;)