By Ron Johnson
Who says petitions don’t work? Last month, we reported on how fans begged (pleaded!) for Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho to change his walk-up song, arguing that Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” didn’t match the energy of the Jays’ 50th season celebrations or the kind of swagger fans want attached to the team. For a while, Varsho held firm … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s west end is getting a new independent music festival this fall, and it is bringing some seriously talented performers to celebrate its inaugural edition including cleopatrick, and local indie collective Cookie Catcher. Second Summer Festival, a new multi-venue event focused on emerging and alternative music, will make its debut Sept. 24 to 26 with … Continued
By Ron Johnson
One of Toronto’s biggest summer art tradition is set to return this summer to celebrate 65 years by honouring and celebrating artists. The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is Canada’s largest and longest-running juried contemporary outdoor art fair. It is returning to Nathan Phillips Square July 10–12 with what organizers are calling its most ambitious … Continued
By Ron Johnson
So, the Prohibition era is (thankfully) behind us, but Toronto is still keeping that jazzy, speakeasy spirit alive with hidden bars, where part of the fun is simply finding the place. The latest is Bar Bokeh, a new tucked-away cocktail destination on Queen Street East that’s bringing moody lounge energy to Leslieville. The bar is … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Just in case you were wondering if soccer was truly going to take over the city in June, we offer up as evidence the city’s first floating soccer pitch. Starting June 11 and running through July 19, Sport Chek will transform the grounds around Harbourfront Centre into a free, soccer-themed fan zone headlined by what’s … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Looking for a weird and wonderful evening out? Toronto’s nightlife isn’t just clubs and cocktails anymore—some of the most interesting nights are happening in unexpected spaces where community, creativity, and chaos blur together. These are the kinds of Toronto date nights that feel a little improvised, a little surreal, and a lot more memorable than … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Lake Erie has dozens of charming little coastal towns dotted with gorgeous sandy beaches and rich maritime heritage, but few do it like Port Stanley. This popular waterfront gem is nestled on the north shore of Lake Erie, at the mouth of Kettle Creek. As it’s just under a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto and about … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s beloved summer theatre tradition is back for another season as Canadian Stage celebrates the 43rd anniversary of Dream in High Park in 2026 with a new production of Twelfth Night. Running from July 12 to Sept. 6 at the leafy and gorgeous High Park Amphitheatre, the production has it all: music, romance, and mistaken … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto is set to transform part of Church Street into a pedestrian-only destination this summer as part of the new Church Street Pedestrianization Pilot in the Church-Wellesley Village after a proposed project was approved at city council on May 21. From June 19 to August 21, 2026, two blocks of Church Street between Wellesley and … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Five years ago, Cecilia Lee was standing on the other side of the camera, measuring focus marks and helping shape scenes from behind a monitor. Today, she’s flying helicopters across Northern Ontario in SkyMed, one of Canada’s fastest-rising TV dramas. And, on this day, Lee sits down across from me at Balzac’s in the Distillery … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Visitors to Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) will soon notice something different amongst the scattered benches and garbage bins around the busy downtown public plaza. Beginning June 2, Sankofa is unveiling a new public art project set to transform 24 pieces of everyday infrastructure — including 14 benches and 10 garbage bins — into colourful … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto art lovers will soon have the chance to experience works by one of the most celebrated and influential artists of the modern era — free. Beginning May 28, Taglialatella Galleries will present Jean-Michel Basquiat / Editions, a major exhibition celebrating 25 years of limited-edition prints released by the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The exhibition … Continued
