Feeling lonely about Pride Month solo - any advice?

Hi guys,

I've been out since 2018 but have never had a Pride in Toronto with friends (I'm a local, 27yo M). Since COVID to the present day, I haven't had any friends in the City and have always resorted to flying to Europe where I have friend groups to do Pride there, because it gets very lonely here. But this year is a budget issue and I've decided to stay in Toronto for Pride. And I intend on maximizing the opportunity of living in the most culturally-diverse and pretty gay city, to the maximum. I've always gotten sad at the Prides before, because I just want to hangout with groups of people, dance, mingle etc. I'm not there to solicit sex or whatever (as some may do), I just want to enjoy being with and around my community and have a nice weekend, like many others.

For anyone who has been in a similar boat, please tell me what you did to maybe lighten your situation, if anything. I have tried going twice (2018 and 2019) and just walked around but everyone was in groups and it was super packed, I couldn't just infiltrate and I don't feel comfortable dancing by myself. And I went to many many events during those times. Yes I'm being proactive, I've written a huge list of all the cultural events happening this month and will be attending many (incl. Queer Socials) but those usually haven't panned out. I've been attending these sorts of socials this year and nothing comes of them after, it's usually superficial convos and that's it. I don't want to sit at home and sulk, so this is part of that effort.

I'm open to new ideas and any tips anyone has, I thank you all in advance for your kindness and Happy Pride!