By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s newest cultural gathering is ready for takeoff. The inaugural Departure Festival + Conference, running May 6–11, features a mix of music, art, comedy, and industry insight with a lineup of performers, celebrity speakers such as Bryan Adams and Matty Matheson, and special events spread across the city. From the ashes of the former Canadian Music Week, … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Last night, Cirque du Soleil opened a new Toronto show and its gigantic new ‘pavilion’ on Lakeshore West with the launch of OVO, running until June 28. Those who recall the whimsy and charm of past Cirque big tops can forget about it, the pavilion is billed as the world’s largest pop-up venue and is … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Mike Myers was a big part of SNL50 with his hilarious portrayal of Elon Musk, and in the Canadian election alongside Mark Carney in a slew of ads. Now, one of Toronto’s comedy icons is returning to the city and his Second City roots for a rare appearance. Set for Monday, May 12 at The … Continued
By Ron Johnson
One of Toronto’s most beloved summer traditions is back and marking a major milestone this year. The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, known for its free open-air movie nights in parks across the city, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a special season-long theme—and a nod to where it all began. Running from June 12 to … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto filmmaker David Cronenberg is back this month with his latest film, The Shrouds. Yes, it’s a film that combines cutting-edge technology, burials, grief, conspiracy theories and, yes, love. Here’s our interview: Am I crazy or does the lead actor (Vincent Cassel) bear a striking resemblance to you? Well, I have to stress that I … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s Halloween season is about to get a whole lot wilder. On Oct. 28, The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour descends on Roy Thomson Hall in what promises to be a campy, utterly chaotic celebration of one of the most enduring cult films of all time. And yes, she’s coming too. Patricia … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Tonight in Toronto, Arkells frontman Max Kerman returns to his old high school stomping grounds to celebrate the release of his debut book TRY HARD: Creative Work in Progress with a special event . The evening at Harbord Collegiate Institute promises storytelling, behind-the-scenes moments from Kerman’s life as a musician, and a few surprises. Each … Continued
By Ron Johnson
This month we celebrate Earth Day. What better time to take a day trip and explore the unique and amazing natural areas close to Toronto and a few right in the city with these family-friendly hikes. Brick Works Although Evergreen Brick Works is best known these days for its Saturday morning farmers’ market and community … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Hikes are always a pleasure, but during the spring, hiking alongside a rushing river with flowers and trees blooming everywhere is hard to beat. There is something about the sound of rushing water and the way it carves through the landscape that is mesmerizing, especially this time of year. Fortunately, the Toronto area is home … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Cottage season is almost here and with it a slew of announcements of all the fun to be had this summer including the return of Base31 in Prince Edward County. Set on a sprawling 70-acre site that was once a Second World War air training base, the venue is now a cultural hub blending historic … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Legendary stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle is heading to Toronto to headline the inaugural Departure Festival + Conference in Toronto for a live performance on May 7 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets for Chappelle’s show will first be available to registered Departure conference pass-holders through an exclusive pre-sale beginning April 16 at 10:00 a.m. Widely … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Two Canadian bands are flying south to appear in one of the world’s most famous music festivals this month: Coachella. Each spring, the otherwise sleepy desert town of Indio, California, transforms into a cultural mecca as thousands descend upon the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. In 2025, alongside the marquee headliners and dazzling art … Continued
