The top 5 dance parties in Toronto June 2014

This year's Pride should be even more massive than normal, thanks to WorldPride making Toronto its host city for the 2014 edition. Not only that, but Digital Dreams has somehow managed to go even bigger this year than for last year's megafest. True, the earlier half of the month seems like there's not nearly as many parties going off as usual, but that just gives you a chance to save your energy and money for the second half of June.

Algorithmic / June 14 / 2 Matilda Street / 10 pm / $25

This two-room warehouse party is pretty much the opposite of the bottle service club scene: BYOB (no glass), chai & smoothie bar, and an "Interactive Labyrinth Installation". The techno room features live performances by Arthur Oskan, Mark & Matt Thibideau, and Spooloops, while in the bass room you can catch DJs like Anthologic, Jonah K and many others.

Hotnuts / June 28 / The Garrison / 10 pm / $15

There are plenty of bigger Pride club events to check out, but few as deliciously weird as a Hotnuts party. Expect the back room dance floor to be packed with surrealist drag queens and costumed freaks. This edition features a live performance by Hercules and Love Affair singer and Jessica 6 leader Nomi Ruiz.

Goin' Steady Finale / June 28 / Great Hall / 10 pm / $10

After 9 years of spinning old fashioned rock'n'roll and early rhythm and blues records for packed dance floors around the city, the folks behind Goin' Steady are throwing one final party. Don't worry though, their more open-format shindig Chronologic is still an ongoing event, and hits the Garrison June 14.

Disco Disco / June 29 / Cawthra Park / 1 pm / free

There will be no shortage of opportunities to dance outdoors at this year's Pride celebrations, but there's nothing quite like shaking your ass under the stars to some quality underground disco. Headliner Dimitri From Paris can always be depended on for some beautiful dance floor moments, and London's Horse Meat Disco definitely know how to keep the vibes deliciously dirty.

Digital Dreams / June 28 and 29 / Flats at Ontario Place / 2 pm / $220

Even if you're a veteran dance music snob, you still have to admit that there are some great acts mixed in with the mega-festival cheese at this year's Digital Dreams. Where else could you see names like Danny Tenaglia, Deep Dish, Art Department, Justice, Victor Calderone, Nicole Moudaber, Green Velvet, Andy C and more all playing at one event?

Benjamin Boles is on Twitter.

by Benjamin Boles via blogTO