HIGHLIGHTS

Canada Pride Montréal 2017 presents 260 arts and cultural activities, from literary events to art exhibitions. Admission to listed events is free unless otherwise noted. Gregory Charles and Marie-Mai co-host the Montréal is Proud concert at Parc des Faubourgs on Aug. 11 at 8:30 p.m. Quebec drag icon Mado Lamotte

headlines her own 30th anniversary concert at Parc des Faubourgs on Aug. 12 at 8:30 p.m. “It’s an homage to me!” said Mado. “It will showcase all the best numbers I have done in 30 years, and I have about 15 costume changes!”

There is a series of voguing events, notably the IN DEEP Kiki Vogue Ball at Bain Mathieu (2915 Ontario St. E.) on Aug. 13 at 5 p.m., with judges and NYC voguing legends Twiggy Pucci Garçon and Chi Chi Mizrahi. Admission: $15-$20. Comedy Network star Elvira Kurt

headlines the QUEER. FÉMINISTE. FUN comedy show at Place Émilie-Gamelin on Aug. 16 at 9 p.m. Other comics on the bill include Montrealers Jess Salomon, Dorothy Rhau and DeAnne Smith. The Supernovas concert stars David Usher and Jonas on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. “I was raised in a household where love is love, and I’m bringing the rock and roll element to Pride,” said Montreal rocker Jonas. “I’ve got the leather coming out!”

Kids Day at Parc des Faubourgs on Aug. 17 runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities for children 3 to 12. Free snacks and refreshments. Drag Superstars starring 12 contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race — including 2017 winner Sasha Velours — at Parc des Faubourgs on Aug. 17 at 8:30 p.m. Drag queen VassyLyne Towers will host the Authors in Undies literary event at gay-male strip joint Stock Bar (1171 Ste-Catherine St. E.) on Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Admission: $5 suggested donation, with all proceeds going to AIDS Community Care Montreal. Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado

performs at Parc des Faubourgs on Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. LGBTQ Community Day hosts kiosks along Ste-Catherine St. E. between St-Hubert St. and Papineau Ave. on Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Montreal drag legend Michel

Dorion hosts her annual Illusion drag extravaganza showcasing drag stars from across Canada — including the legendary 85-year-old Canadian doyenne of drag, Michelle DuBarry — at Parc des Faubourgs on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. “I haven’t performed in Montreal since 1972,” said Michelle DuBarry (a.k.a. Russell Alldread). “Drag keeps me going! I love being Michelle!” The post-parade Mega T-Dance at Parc des Faubourgs on Aug. 20 kicks off at 1 p.m. and will feature renowned Montreal “sing-jay” and Canada Pride Montréal 2017 ambassador Sandy Duperval, one of four DJs spinning at the T-dance. “I’ve worked around the world and Montreal is so most open-minded,” Duperval said. “This will be the best kick-off Canada Pride could have!” The family-friendly Canada Pride Montréal 2017 parade kicks off at noon on Aug. 20, and will run east on René-Lévesque Blvd. from Drummond St. to de Champlain St. Seen from above, it will resemble a three-km-long Rainbow flag, with six sections in the colours of the flag. Do not forget to observe the Moment of Silence at 1:30 p.m., to honour LGBTQ pioneers and those lost to violence and AIDS.