North by Northeast (NXNE), Canada’s premier festival for music discovery, is thrilled to announce its return to Toronto from June 10–14, 2026, with tickets now on sale for the week-long festival. Today, NXNE also announces its first 100 confirmed artists of the over 300 acts playing NXNE. Celebrating its 31st year, the festival is set to be its most expansive edition yet, featuring over 300 artists across more than 30 iconic venues, alongside high-profile industry summits, marquee events, and new programming highlights for 2026.

The festival celebrates and puts forward the best Canadian emerging acts as well as top discovery talent from around the world, including performers from Aruba (activemirror), Australia (Teenage Joans), India (Easy Wanderlings), Germany (nothhingspecial), New Zealand (WHO SHOT SCOTT), the United Kingdom (MOA), and more.

For over three decades, NXNE has served as the heartbeat of the Canadian music scene, providing a launchpad for global superstars like Lizzo, Post Malone, Daniel Caesar, Kaytranada, and The Beaches, who first commanded the stage. The festival returns with a culturally important partnership with AMG (parent company of Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada), amplifying its global reach. This year’s edition will feature artists across 30-plus venues and marquee industry gatherings, including Billboard Canada Power Players, Managers to Watch, Billboard Summit, Billboard Canada: The Stage, Billboard Canada LIVE, and the Canadian Sync Awards.

Anticipating hundreds of thousands of attendees over five days—including stages at Union Station, Billy Bishop, and Pearson Airport—and billions in media impact, NXNE 2026 will stand as a defining cultural moment where music, innovation, and community converge.

Emphasizing an artist-centric approach, NXNE prioritizes accessibility and inclusion, striving to make a lasting impact by empowering and supporting artists through meaningful connections, education, and, above all, providing a platform for performance. NXNE is resolutely focused on dismantling financial barriers for both creators and audiences. This commitment is reflected in its policy of waiving application fees, ensuring that artists receive compensation for their contributions, and maintaining a low all-access festival pass price.

Centered in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant live music scene, the festival delivers a rare moment of cultural concentration across music, design, and nightlife.

Here’s what guests can expect for NXNE 2026 with Programming:

FIRST 100 ARTISTS ANNOUNCED TODAY – We’re thrilled and proud to announce 2026’s lineup of the first 100 emerging artists – each one standing out from a pool of more than 2,000 applications. Artists from Ontario, across Canada, and around the world will play 40-minute sets with a 20-minute changeover – NXNE’s signature format – in 30+ of Toronto’s best live music venues.

NXNE ARTIST HOUSE – The Centre Social Innovation at Queen and Spadina is transformed into NXNE Artists’ House and headquarters – a welcoming space with comfortable seating and an open kitchen/bar will anchor the festival, making it a conducive meeting ground and busy hub for artists for the duration of the festival.

BILLBOARD SUMMIT AT NXNE: Taking place at TIFF Lightbox, this premiere event features masterclasses and panels with cultural innovators. Following the success of 2025’s sessions with deadmau5 and Diljit Dosanjh, the 2026 summit promises bold new perspectives on the industry.

NEXT LEVEL PANELS: A two-day intensive at TIFF Lightbox geared toward industry professionals and creators, covering everything from sync licensing and streaming to touring and songwriting.

BILLBOARD CANADA POWER PLAYERS – A high-level event celebrating the Canadian music industry’s most influential figures and leaders who are shaping the future of global music.

BILLBOARD CANADA MANAGERS TO WATCH: A celebration of the top music managers in Canada, artists, and related music industry professionals, highlighting the momentous career leaps that helped break an artist wide open in a given year, in partnership with MMF.

CANADIAN SYNC AWARDS – Celebrating excellence in music supervision across film, TV, and media – in partnership with the Guild of Music Supervisors.

“The festival grew dramatically last year, our 30th, and we intend to blast past that with an even bigger NXNE in 2026,” says Michael Hollett, NXNE President and Founder. “Band applications are up 100 per cent, we’re close to doubling our number of venues, and our secret shows and underplays will feature arena acts. There’s so much musical talent in Canada and from around the world, and we are thrilled to present the best of it, often at the very beginning of a musician’s artistic journey.”

For more information, tickets, and the full artist lineup, visit NXNE.com.

Follow NXNE: Instagram | TikTok | X / Bluesky

About NXNE:
For more than 30 years, NXNE has been the heartbeat of new music in Canada — a cultural institution that unites artists, fans, and industry leaders while shaping what comes next. More than a festival, NXNE is a platform for discovery, a launchpad for emerging talent, and a global meeting ground for the most influential voices in music and culture. Generations of artists, from The Beaches to Post Malone, The Arkells, Lizzo, Daniel Caesar and Kaytranada, first stepped onto the NXNE stage before defining their eras.

North by Northeast (NXNE) has been Canada’s leading festival of music discovery since 1995. Canadian and international stars from Billy Talent, Haviah Mighty, and Sam Roberts to Lizzo and The Lumineers all performed critical NXNE showcases early in their careers.

Originally formed in partnership with Austin’s SXSW, founder Michael Hollett continues to lead NXNE as president and CEO, along with Managing Director Barbara Hefler. The festival’s primary goal remains to showcase and support emerging musical talent from Canada and around the world while promoting Toronto’s live music scene.
www.nxne.com

About ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG):

ArtsHouse Media Group is a premier music media company and publisher producing bilingual content that resonates with audiences across Canada and beyond. As the parent company of Billboard Canada, Billboard UK, Rolling Stone Canada, Rolling Stone Quebec, Waveland Canada, Climate Library, and Arts Help, AMG collaborates with diverse creators to elevate voices and deliver compelling narratives. Through innovative storytelling and strategic partnerships, AMG connects local culture with global audiences at the forefront of the new cultural economy, redefining the media landscape.

NXNE is generously supported by FACTOR, the Government of Canada, Ontario Creates, Experience Ontario, and the City of Toronto.

Today, Prime Video announced a March 30, 2026 premiere date and revealed the official trailer and key art for Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait, a feature-length documentary from Everyone Else, in association with Firethorn Productions, about Rory McIlroy’s winding road to his 2025 Masters victory and completing the career Grand Slam. The documentary will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

There are rare moments in sport when time seems to collapse—when years of heartbreak and longing compress into a single breath. For Rory McIlroy, that moment came on No. 18 green at Augusta National Golf Club in April of 2025. After a gripping playoff with Justin Rose, the final putt dropped, and Rory fell to his knees, gasping as though he had been holding his breath for fourteen years. Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait captures that moment and unpacks the relentless pressure, devastating failures, and unwavering determination that made his triumph so profound—the story of a prodigy who became a champion, was knocked down year after year, and rebuilt himself into one of sport’s most resilient figures.

Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait is centered on Rory’s battle with one of the most storied and revered golf courses in the world: Augusta National, home of the prestigious Masters Tournament. To fans, Augusta National represents golf’s ultimate cathedral—pristine fairways, blooming azaleas, with a Tournament steeped in tradition and glory. But to Rory, Augusta National became a place of fears, failures, and expectations that tormented him for fourteen years. From his devastating 2011 collapse when he blew a four-shot Sunday lead at just 21 years old, to the near misses, disappointments, and outright heartbreaks that followed, Augusta National became his nemesis—the one place that refused to yield even as he conquered the other three major championships: the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and The Open. The Masters remained elusive, the missing piece that prevented him from completing golf’s most exclusive achievement, the career Grand Slam. Built around the dramatic final round of the 2025 Masters and unfolding hole by hole, the film is a cinematic battle between man and course, revealing why sport is never just sport, but myth played out in real time.

Directed by Drea Cooper, Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait is an Everyone Else production, in association with Firethorn Productions. The film is produced by Dan Lindsay, TJ Martin, Zoë Morrison, and Ben Piner. Cooper also serves as executive producer.

In addition to Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait, Prime Video will also air two additional hours of first and second round coverage of the Masters, beginning with the 2026 Tournament next month. The Masters will stream live on Prime Video from 1:00 – 3:00PM ET on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10, leading into ESPN’s broadcast coverage on both days from 3:00 – 7:30 PM ET.

The Toronto Music Experience (TME) has reached a major milestone in its journey to elevate Toronto’s reputation as a world-class music city with the appointment of Neil Shankman as its first Executive Director.

Following an extensive search for a leader who embodies both the strategic rigor of a global executive and the soul of Toronto’s music scene, Shankman has been selected to guide TME into its next chapter, marking the ambition of TME from a bold visionary concept into an operational and dynamic cultural institution.

Shankman brings a unique blend of leadership experience and lived musical credibility. Over the course of his career, he has served on leadership teams at global technology innovators including Google Canada, Clio, and Wave, as well as professional services firm BDO Canada. He has also built ventures as an advertising and media entrepreneur and shared his expertise as a professor at the Schulich School of Business.

Complementing his executive background is a lifelong commitment to music. Shankman is an alumnus of the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Berklee College of Music, and has worked as a concert promoter and producer – experience that grounds his leadership in the realities of the music ecosystem TME aims to celebrate.

“Being the first Executive Director of the Toronto Music Experience is a profound honour,” said Shankman. “I am incredibly grateful to our donors and the Board for their support, which has laid the foundation for this next chapter. Our vision is bold: to create an experience and institution that moves beyond the traditional, using music as a lens to tell the vibrant story of our city’s impact on global culture, and I am eager to lead this effort.”

Shankman joins TME at a pivotal moment as the organization advances toward its goal of establishing a permanent physical destination by 2031. Under his leadership, TME will activate an ambitious 12-month Ignition Plan aligned with the Board’s North Star vision to amplify Toronto’s profile as a global music capital.

“Neil’s appointment represents more than a new hire,” said Lorna Day, Chair of TME. “It signals the evolution of the Toronto Music Experience into its next phase of growth and impact. We are deeply grateful to the many supporters who have stood by TME over the past several years as we built the foundation for this moment.”

Shankman has officially begun his role and will be connecting with members of the Toronto Music Experience community in the coming months.

About The Toronto Music Experience (TME)

The Toronto Music Experience (TME) mission is to build a bold new cultural destination dedicated to celebrating Toronto’s unique, multicultural music legacy — past, present and future. Located in an accessible downtown location, TME will preserve and showcase the city’s extraordinary music history across all genres, including jazz, blues, classical, pop, folk, rock, reggae, hip-hop, Latin, Indigenous, electronic and world music.

Through exhibitions, events, performances and educational programs, TME will honour Toronto’s musical heritage, highlight today’s artists and inspire future generations of performers, writers, creators and music industry leaders. Working in collaboration with communities across the region, TME aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the music and cultural diversity that define the city.

The Toronto Music Experience is a registered Canadian charity and a member of the Canadian Museums Association and the Ontario Museum Association.

For more information, visit www.torontomusicexperience.com.

On March 12, Little Italy’s Radici Project, located at 588 College St, will welcome MICHELIN-starred pastry chef Aiko Uchigoshi as guest chef for a special one-night dining experience. The seasonal dining experience brings together chef Emiliano Del Frate’s Global fine-dining pedigree and chef Aiko’s mastery of elegant Japanese desserts. Chef Aiko will present her desserts, crafted with specialty ingredients sourced from Japan, across both the Immersive and Essence menus. The eight-course Immersive menu featuring five savoury dishes, one petit fours from chef Emiliano, and 2 desserts from chef Aiko, will be priced at $195 (plus taxes & gratuity). The five-course Essence menu, featuring four savoury offerings from chef Emiliano and one dessert from chef Aiko, will be priced at $110 (plus taxes & gratuity), with an option to add another dessert at an extra cost. Reservations can be made for the Immersive menu HERE and Essence menu HERE.

Designed as a cross-cultural experience, the menus pair savoury courses from executive chef and co-founder Emiliano’s Italian-Japanese techniques, with Aiko’s precise, detail-driven pastry work.
Originally from Italy, chef Emiliano has trained at internationally acclaimed kitchens including DaNico, Noma, and Don Alfonso, and has played a key role in shaping fine-dining restaurants in Toronto and abroad. At Radici, he upholds sustainability while exploring the dialogue between Italian and Japanese cuisine.
Hailing from Yamaguchi, Japan, chef Aiko Uchigoshi brings more than 2 decades of impressive knowledge and experience in the art of pastry. She incorporates her mastery of Japanese flavours and French baking techniques into her breathtaking desserts and has been awarded multiple times for her skill in the sugar arts and cake craftsmanship. Chef Aiko began her career with Aburi Restaurants Canada in 2012 and was an important member of the Miku Toronto opening team when the restaurant brand expanded in 2015.

Reserve your seats now via OpenTable HERE and HERE to enjoy this special dinner!

About Aiko Uchigoshi
Chef Aiko Uchigoshi is the MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef at Aburi Hana and also leads the pastry programs at Minami Toronto, Miku Toronto, and Aburi Tora at Yorkdale. She brings over two decades of experience and a mastery of Japanese flavours to her elegantly crafted desserts, shaped by her journey from Yamaguchi to the heart of Toronto’s Aburi culinary scene. Uchigoshi has won multiple awards in sugar and cake competitions in Japan, notably securing first place for three consecutive years in a distinguished pastry competition for chefs under 23, a reflection of her refined technique and creative artistry.

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the Club House® brand is partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to conjure two enchanting new products inspired by Butterbeer™, the wizarding world’s iconic flavour. The new Club House Harry Potter™ Butterbeer Finishing Sugar and Extract bring Hogsmeade’s frothy favourite straight to Muggle kitchens everywhere—no Floo Powder required.

“We’re proud to collaborate with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to share the magic of Butterbeer™ with fans across Canada,” said Traci Wildish, Vice President, Canada Consumer Sales & Marketing at McCormick & Co., Inc. “Whether it’s a sprinkle of our Club House® McCormick® Butterbeer™ Finishing Sugar or a dash of the Extract, Canadians can bring a touch of wizarding wonder to their kitchens—transforming everyday desserts and drinks into something truly spellbinding.”

The Limited-Edition Lineup Includes:

Club House® Harry Potter™ Butterbeer Finishing Sugar ($5.99 MSRP): No foolish wand-waving or silly incantations—just robust, melt-in-your-mouth, butterscotch deliciousness that adds a sprinkle of enchantment to your everyday favourites. Mix a dash or two into cookie or brownie batter to add the buttery sweetness of cooked caramel and a hint of vanilla to every bite (and maybe even earn a few extra house points from Professor McGonagall).

Club House® Harry Potter™ Butterbeer Extract ($14.99 MSRP): Reminiscent of the foam on a mug of Butterbeer™, create a captivating taste experience by adding a few drops to your favourite recipes like pancakes and cupcakes, to ice cream floats and hot chocolate. The iconic flavour is sure to provide an enchanting blend of smooth caramel and a creamy sweetness that you won’t find in wizarding textbooks
Witches, Wizards, and Muggles alike can raise their goblets to Butterbeer™ Season with Club House® Harry Potter™ products rolling out across Canada for a limited time, while supplies last. Visit www.clubhouse.ca/en-ca/harry-potter to find a local retailer and ideas on how to make recipe magic at home. Fans can also follow Club House on Instagram and TikTok for inspiration and more product news and updates.

Radiodays North America (RDNA) today announced this year’s featured speakers and sessions as part of the Departure Festival + Conference. Taking place May 5-6, 2026, Radiodays North America returns for its fourth consecutive year as the premier conference for radio, podcast, and audio professionals from around the world. The conference will unite industry leaders and innovators from ​​Australia, U.K., Europe, the United States and Canada to share global insights on the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are leading the evolution of audio.

The 2026 lineup will feature a dynamic roster of influential voices including Bobby Carter, host and series producer of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts; Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music; Alan Cross, renowned broadcaster and music expert; Sarah Cummings, Director of Radio Content for iHeartRadio Canada and Orbyt Media; Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and CEO of CRTC; among others. Radiodays North America will touch on all areas of audio – over the air, digital, podcasting, public and commercial radio, regulatory, research and innovation. The sessions will explore an array of timely and forward-thinking topics including the role of trusted journalism amid the rise of AI, the evolving synergy between radio and podcast, engaging today’s young consumers and much more.

“Radiodays North America is where the most important conversations driving the future of audio are happening,” said Peter Niegel, General Manager and Head of Programming at Radiodays North America. “This year, we’re pleased to bring an extraordinary lineup of speakers and creators to inspire meaningful dialogue that will define the next chapter of radio, podcasting, and audio storytelling.”

This year, Radiodays North America will offer enhanced tracks at the Departure Festival + Conference. This unique collaboration will foster cross-sector innovation and a more streamlined user experience. Radiodays North America Passholders will have access to Departure from May 4-10, including keynotes and panels with award-winning creatives, music showcases, songwriter series, film screenings, after-hours DJ sets, networking events, access to Departure’s Opening Night Party, and much more. Departure will also present evening live podcast events, accessible to Radiodays North America passholders, including Alan Cross’s Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry on May 6 and Big in Canada on May 10.

“Departure is proud to support the continued growth of the radio and audio industry through our partnership with Radiodays North America,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer, Departure Festival + Conference. “From navigating AI advancements to reaching new audiences in an evolving landscape, these sessions will spark impactful conversations to drive innovation across the industry.”

On May 7, Radiodays North America will present Podcast Creators Day in partnership with CBC, NCRA, and Canadaland. This exclusive full-day ​event will connect creators of all levels through expert sessions on audience growth, monetization, video strategy, AI tools, and brand partnerships.​ Additionally, on May 9​, the Soundwave Summi​t held at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W.) will bring together creators and podcast industry leaders for a day of networking and panels. Attendees will learn about the latest best practices and how to land their next big gig.​ Both events are available as add-ons to the standard Radiodays North America pass, with Podcast Creators Day for an additional $50, or a bundle including both events for $105.

Radiodays North America will take place at the Fairmont Royal York, with additional joint sessions with Departure taking place at the St. Lawrence Centre.

The 2026 Radiodays North America keynote speakers include:

Alan Cross — Host, Podcaster, Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry, Ongoing History of New Music

Alison Broddle — Senior Managing Director, British Columbia, CBC/Radio-Canada

Amy Goodman — TV and Radio Journalist, Democracy Now

Ben Mulroney — Radio and TV Host, Corus Entertainment

Bobby Carter — Host and Series Producer, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert

Craig Bruce — Radio & Podcast Talent Coach, Australia

Frans Kok — Head of Communications, Nationaal Media Onderzoek, The Netherlands

Kevin Johnson — CEO and President, WPP Media

Melvin Sleeking — Managing Director, Pure Jingles

Nik Goodman — International Broadcast Consultant, Director, Bounce, U.K.

Patrick Rogers — CEO, Music Canada

Paul Harper — Host, JACK 102.3 Morning Show London

Peter Niegel — General Manager CEO, Radiodays Europe / North America

Ronnie Stanton — Senior Brand Manager, Morning host, Z103.5 and Lite 92.1

Samantha Moy — Head of Music, BBC Radio 6

Sarah Cummings — Director of Radio Content, iHeartRadio Canada and Orbyt Media

Scott Shortliffe — Vice-President, Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Shawna Whalen — Morning Host, Q107 Toronto

‘Shem’ Shemroy Parkinson — Executive Producer, Roz & Mocha Show

Simon Adler — Senior Producer / Correspondent

Steve Jones — President, Stingray Radio

Susan Wheeler — VP Regulatory Broadcast, Rogers Communications

Tom Webster — Partner, Sounds Profitable

Vassy Kapelos — Host, CTV Question Period

Vicky Eatrides — Chair and CEO, Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Click here for the Radiodays North America program schedule and descriptions.

Visit radiodaysnorthamerica.com for more information and programming updates.

 Canadian Film Fest (CFF), the indie-spirited festival dedicated to celebrating Canadian filmmakers, today announced its lineup for the milestone 20th anniversary edition. Now marking two decades of bringing Canadian stories to Canadian audiences, CFF will present 16 features and 40 shorts from filmmakers across the country continuing its mission to showcase homegrown voices on the big screen. This year’s festival unfolds under its latest campaign, “Eyeballs Up,” a rallying call for audiences to look up, lean in and recognize the bold creativity of Canadian film. CFF returns to Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theatre Toronto from March 24 – 29, 2026. Tickets go on sale March 10 and can be purchased at Canfilmfest.ca.

CFF will kick off with the Canadian Premiere of Scott Anthony Cavalheiro’s gritty crime thriller PLAN C starring Vivica A. Fox, preceded by the short film I AM PLEASED from CFF 2025 You-CAN-Pitch Competition winner Vanessa Magic. Additional feature film highlights include the World Premieres of Mike Doaga’s coming-of-age drama MIHNEA and Ryan Fyfe-Brown and Dale Bailey’s timely human rights documentary LOS RÍOS; the Canadian Premiere of Alex Caulfield’s intergenerational drama WHAT COMES NEXT starring Mena Suvari; the Toronto Premiere of Chad Faust’s action thriller BALLISTIC starring Lena Headey; and Joy Wilson’s charming fantasy THE BEARDED GIRL starring Jessica Paré as the Closing Night Film.

From British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, CFF will present a diverse slate of short films preceding each feature film in addition to four dedicated shorts programmes. Highlights include the World Premieres of Roann Enriquez’s WAYSIDE about a young man preparing for a marriage proposal when old feelings resurface, and Sasha Zvereva’s A TALE OF IRA ABBOTT about a fragile love story set in rural Nova Scotia, and Quan Luong’s moving documentary PORTRAITS profiling a Vietnamese sketch artist.

“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, it feels like an especially proud moment to champion Canadian film and the artists who define it,” said Ashleigh Rains, Festival Director and Head Programmer, Canadian Film Fest. “CFF has always been committed to spotlighting homegrown storytellers, and this year’s programme reflects the boldness, diversity and creative ambition that shape Canadian cinema today. We’re immensely proud of how our festival has grown into a nationally recognized showcase of independent cinema, fearless storytelling, and films that spark conversation. We look forward to continuing to elevate Canadian talent for decades to come.”

CFF is proud to partner with Heritage Canada, Telefilm, DGC Ontario, Super Channel, Toronto Film School, OYA Black Arts Coalition, Screen Arts Institute, Sesler, Writers Guild of Canada, IATSE Local 58, 2D House, Ogilvy, and other generous sponsors, and grateful for their ongoing support of the festival, Canadian film, and artists.

By The Numbers:

• 56 Total Films
• 16 Features
• 40 Shorts
• 25 (45%) BIPOC Filmmakers
• 28 (50%) Female/Non-Binary Filmmakers
• 29 (51%) Toronto Shorts

Click here for the complete festival lineup and schedule or visit Canfilmfest.ca.

About the Canadian Film Fest:
The Canadian Film Fest is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by exclusively showcasing Canadian films. The festival unites film-loving audiences with diverse selections of features and shorts from across the country. The CFF provides Canadian filmmakers with essential professional development and networking opportunities through its Industry Series and awards.

Join the fun and rewatch the wild, witty and award-winning Zootopia 2 when the film hops onto Disney+ March 11, 2026.
 
Rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde team up for a hiss-terical undercover escapade, taking audiences deep into hidden corners of the animal metropolis. In the real world, Zootopia 2 received the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Feature, and has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing animated Motion Picture Association (MPA) release of all time with $1.85 billion worldwide, ranking as the eighth highest-grossing film ever. The film also marks the fifth title from Walt Disney Animation Studios to surpass $1 billion globally – a landmark achievement in the studio’s storied history. That success is matched by overwhelming audience and critical acclaim, including a Rotten Tomatoes® 96% Verified Hot Audience Score and an A CinemaScore®.
 
Now an Academy Award® nominee, Zootopia 2, is an outstanding cinematic experience, celebrated for its humour, heart, and world-class animation. Beyond its stunning visuals, the film delivers a dynamic musical experience, featuring the new single “Zoo,” performed by Shakira, and a sweeping original score by Michael Giacchino.
 
The addition of Zootopia 2 to Disney+ builds on the success of the franchise, including Zootopia and Zootopia+, which together have been streamed over 805 million hours globally to date. Fans can jump into the action with Judy and Nick and watch every adventure in the Zootopia Collection on service.
 
Film Synopsis
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voiced by Academy Award® winner Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.
 

Starbucks is manifesting spring’s early return by releasing a fresh assortment of new and returning spring menu items, available in stores across Canada beginning March 3, 2026!

With its vibrant hues and delicate tasting notes, the spring menu arrives with new chai, ube and coconut drinks plus the return of lavender favourites.

Going coco-nuts for ube: Starbucks is excited to welcome Ube Coconut as the newest flavour in-store, and with it comes a variety of new beverage options.

The new Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato layers toasted coconut and creamy milk with shots of espresso, served over ice and topped with vibrant ube coconut cream cold foam.

The new Canadian-exclusive Ube Coconut Latte combines rich espresso with steamed milk infused with toasted coconut syrup and ube, creating a naturally purple, velvety smooth beverage that’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty.

Starbucks new Toasted Coconut Cream Cold Brew pairs cold brew with toasted coconut cream cold foam, for a flavourful finish.

Available hot or iced, the new Toasted Coconut Latte combines Starbucks signature espresso with toasted coconut-flavoured syrup and milk.

Iced Cherry Chai is back: The Canadian-exclusive Iced Cherry Chai returns to Starbucks for a limited time, offering customers the chance to enjoy the creamy cold foam with notes of cherry on the iconic Chai Latte, made with a new, premium chai recipe.

Lavender is blooming: The customer-favourite flavour returns to Starbucks for a limited time, offering the opportunity to enjoy some subtly floral sips of spring.

The new Iced Lavender Cream Chai joins Starbucks premium chai with milk, served over ice and topped with lavender cream cold foam for a refreshing flavour combination.

Available hot or iced, the Lavender Latte includes Starbucks® Blonde Espresso Roast, steamed milk and floral notes of lavender.

The Lavender Crème Frappuccino® Blended Beverage features subtle notes of lavender combined with vanilla syrup, milk and ice, topped with whipped cream.

For a matcha twist, the Iced Lavender Cream Matcha combines smooth matcha with classic syrup, milk and lavender cold foam, served over ice.

Springtime ushers in a season of new beginnings, including what’s fresh in the bakery case.
Introducing Mini Dill & Rye Bagels: three savoury rye pumpernickel bagel rounds filled with dill cream cheese with a hint of lemon zest and topped with white sesame seeds. Available year-round starting March 3.

The Lemon Cake Pop is returning alongside the new Frog Cake Pop. Both cake pops are available for a limited time.

A new season means new drinkware. Starbucks new seasonal merchandise leans into both the vibrant green hues of popular matcha beverages, as well as the elegant florals of cherry blossom season.

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER closed out a stellar 10th anniversary edition that saw a standout lineup of world-class performers descend upon Vancity. From sold-out shows and bring-the-house-down performances, to David Letterman’s highly anticipated and long overdue Canadian return, this year’s Festival kept Vancouver comedy fans laughing from start to finish.

Over the course of 11 days, more than 290 artists performed on over 125 shows at over 30 venues across the city for more than 46,000 attendees. Highlights featured sold-out shows from a mix of acclaimed performers and rising stars, including Atsuko Okatsura, Laura Ramoso, James Acaster, Dropout Improv, Mary Beth Barone, Ed Gamble, Mario Adrion, Lucy Darling, Joe List and more.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre set the stage for a meeting of two comedy legends when David Letterman sat down with special guest Zach Galifianakis. Letterman’s longtime Canadian musical director, Paul Schaffer, delighted the audience with a surprise appearance to accompany celebrated singer/songwriter Elizabeth Irving for the national anthem.

Vancouver-based Ola Dada filmed his all-new comedy special, and the seventh season of The New Wave of Standup, a Just For Laughs and NorthWest Comedy showcase spotlighting the country’s most exciting emerging comedians, was recorded for CBC Gem before a sold-out crowd. Just For Laughs fan-favourite shows also returned with JFL Live Sessions, The Alternative Show, The Nasty Show, and the annual Best of the West series celebrating B.C.’s local talent.

In recognition and celebration of the Festival’s milestone year, the City of Vancouver proclaimed February 12 – 22, 2026, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER Week, marking a special honour for Western Canada’s largest comedy festival.

“From legendary performances to break-out moments, this year’s Festival has been nothing short of incredible,” said Heather Wallace, Founding Partner and Festival Director of Just For Laughs VANCOUVER. “We are grateful to everyone who made this milestone year one for the books – our performers, partners, sponsors, venues, local communities, and the incredible staff – all of whom helped create unforgettable moments for Vancouver comedy fans.”

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Just For Laughs VANCOUVER, we couldn’t be prouder of what this Festival has become. It perfectly reflects what Just For Laughs stands for — discovery, development, and delivery of world-class comedy to audiences. From unforgettable live performances to specials and series filmed right here in Vancouver, this Festival is a shining example of how to celebrate icons while building the future of comedy at the same time,” said Sylvain Parent-Bedard, President and CEO, Just For Laughs.

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER wishes to thank its partners Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia, Destination Vancouver, SiriusXM Canada, B.C. Lottery Corporation, Stanley Park Brewing, NUTRL, Downtown Van, Vancouver Sun, The Province, DailyHive and Curiocity.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS VANCOUVER:
Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is one of Canada’s largest and most renowned comedy festivals, showcasing an extraordinary lineup of top-tier comedic talent from around the globe. Spanning multiple venues across the city, the festival brings Vancouver to life with a celebration of all things comedy. Over the years, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER has welcomed some of the biggest names in comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, Bill Burr, Trevor Noah, Hannah Gadsby, Marc Maron, The Office Ladies, Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho, Maria Bamford, Ronny Chieng, and many more. In addition to hosting global megastars, the festival proudly fosters homegrown talent with its wildly popular curated series, Best of the West, shining a spotlight on the exceptional comedians emerging from Vancouver and beyond. With a legacy of unforgettable performances and a reputation for curating both established icons and rising stars, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER continues to solidify its place as a premier destination for comedy fans.

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is a co-production between Just For Laughs and B.C. based company NorthWest Comedy. For more information, please visit jflvancouver.com/about-us.