Evergreen announces the launch of this summer’s ultimate pop-up dining experience at Evergreen Brick Works — Outdoor Eats. Enjoy the mouthwatering flavours of some of Toronto’s most diverse and exciting food purveyors among the trees of the Don Valley with live music. Outdoor Eats is set to be a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. The series kicks off June 28 at 3:30pm and will run until September 2 (Thursday to Sunday – see hours below).

Who: The first round of food purveyors that will be participating in Outdoor Eats will include Little Sizzle, Magic Oven, Hook and Anchor (formerly Sumo Seafood Truck), NUTTEA, GREENA, Choco Churros, Gebeta, Kumain Kitchen, Born2Eat, Nana’s Gelato, Tropical South, Slow Jams, Marj Delights Caribbean Goodies, Singh’s Trini_Vibes, House of Empanadas, HOSA Cuisine, Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine and CrepeDeLaCrepeTO.

What:

A pop-up dining experience in the heart of the Don Valley celebrating the best of Toronto’s diverse and delicious food scene!

Special activities planned for launch day on June 28

Engaging entertainment for guests of all ages including busker style music

A happy hour every Thursday and Friday from 3:30pm to 6:00pm at the Sipping Container! Thursdays in July will also have $2 off canned beer and wine, and Thursdays in August will have $8 batched cocktails.

A pet-friendly space!

When: Outdoor Eats will begin Friday, June 28, 2024 with a launch party from 3:30pm to 8:00pm. Special activities will be planned. Outdoor Eats will then run for the rest of the summer season until September 2, 2024. Please find the comprehensive dates and times for Outdoor Eats below:

Thursdays: 3:30pm to 8:00pm

Fridays: 3:30pm to 8:00pm

Saturdays: 1:00pm to 8:00pm

Sundays: 11:00am to 6:00pm

Holidays (July 1 and September 2): 11:00am to 6:00pm

Where: Tiffany Commons and the Pavilions, Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8.

How: This will not be a ticketed event.

Stay tuned for further food purveyor announcements…

Paramount+ today announced that production is officially underway for season two of its hit original drama series SCHOOL SPIRITS. Coming off a major cliffhanger, the new season will premiere this fall exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada, the U.S. Australia, the UK, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Japan.

Paramount+ also announced today that all series regulars will return for season two and that new recurring guest stars have been added to the cast. SCHOOL SPIRITS stars Peyton List as Maddie Nears, Kristian Ventura as Simon Elroy, Canadian Spencer MacPherson as Xavier Baxter, Kiara Pichardo as Nicole Herrera, Sarah Yarkin as Rhonda, Nick Pugliese as Charley, Rainbow Wedell as Claire Zomer, Josh Zuckerman, who is now a series regular, as Mr. Martin and Milo Manheim as Wally Clark.

Newcomers this season will include recurring guest stars Jess Gabor (Shameless, Confessional) as Janet Hamilton, Zack Calderon (The Wilds, Afterparty) as Diego Herrera, Miles Elliot (Cooties, The Amazing Spider-Man) as Yuri and Chinese-Canadian Cihang Ma (Presto! School of Magic, Departure) as Quinn. Maria Dizzia, who plays Maddie’s mom, Sandra Nears, will also return as a recurring guest star along with Canadian Patrick Gilmore as Mr. Anderson and Ian Tracy as Sheriff Baxter.

Picking up from the shocking season one finale, season two finds Maddie Nears (List) still stuck in the afterlife, but now with the knowledge of what happened to her. She must unite her friends in the spectral and living worlds in order to reclaim her stolen life.

SCHOOL SPIRITS is based on the forthcoming Clarion Books/HarperAlley graphic novel written by Nate Trinrud and Megan Trinrud and illustrated by Maria Nguyen. Oliver Goldstick (Pretty Little Liars, Bridgerton) serves as showrunner and executive producer of SCHOOL SPIRITS along with creators and executive producers Nate Trinrud and Megan Trinrud. Thomas Higgins (13 Reasons Why) is also an executive producer. List serves as a producer on the series. SCHOOL SPIRITS is produced by Awesomeness Studios.

Canada’s favourite Fair is also proving to be a favourite concert stop among some of the most popular music acts touring this summer. Mark your calendars for the 2024 Canadian National Exhibition, August 16 – September 2, to experience an electrifying line-up of the Bell CNE Bandshell concerts that has something for everyone. The first round of headliners have just been announced for the CNE’s concert series that are free with admission to the Fair.

Get ready for a rock renaissance with two of the biggest groups throughout the 2000s who are marking milestone anniversaries: Indie rock sensation Manchester Orchestra will make their only Canadian tour stop at the CNE on August 23 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their fourth studio album, “Cope,” performing songs from the album and greatest hits; and Toronto rap-rock group Down With Webster are touring for the first time in 10 years, and capping off the summer festival season at home on the Bell CNE Bandshell on August 21. And always a favourite among CNE music fans, April Wine, will hit the stage on August 31.

Manchester Orchestra will hit the Bell CNE Bandshell stage on Friday, August 23.
Jazz, funk, soul singer Brittany Howard, frontwoman of four-time Grammy-winning group Alabama Shakes, and solo Grammy winner for her 2021 song Stay High, will put on a powerhouse performance on August 17; chart-topping Canadian country singer MacKenzie Porter brings her distinct country-pop shimmer to the Bell CNE Bandshell stage on August 19; and Barrie-born guitarist and singer Afie Jurvanen, best known by his stage name Bahamas, will perform his classic hits and new songs from his critically acclaimed country foray album, “Bootcut,” on August 18.

2024 Bell CNE Bandshell Announcements (as of June 12):
Saturday, August 17: Brittany Howard with Julian Taylor
Sunday, August 18: Bahamas with Jeremie Albino
Monday, August 19: MacKenzie Porter with Nate Haller
Wednesday, August 21: Down with Webster with Dee Holt
Friday, August 23: Manchester Orchestra with Moneen
Saturday, August 31: April Wine with Boston Levi

Stay tuned for more musical acts to be announced including a not-to-be-missed marquee Opening Day headliner to kick off the 2024 edition of Toronto’s iconic Fair.

Advance tickets to the 2024 CNE are on-sale now. Enjoy advance discounts available online at TheEx.com.

Concerts are FREE with CNE Admission.
$22.12: Advance CNE General Admission Ticket (purchased by August 15) $26.55: Regular CNE General Admission Ticket (starting August 16)
(*Plus applicable taxes and service fees).

The 145th edition of the CNE will take place August 16 – September 2, 2024. Let’s go to The EX!

Announced at the Amazon Connected Worlds event in Toronto, Prime Video unveiled seven new projects receiving green lights in Canada. The titles include three projects with Tom Green, with the comedy pioneer also serving as director and executive producer on the projects; two Canadian true crime docuseries from leading producers and directors in the genre; a northern Canadian survival show; and a heart-warming true story of love. Prime members in Canada enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership, for just $9.99/month or the best value of $99.99/year.

Since 2015, Amazon MGM Studios has commissioned over 40 Amazon Original series and films in Canada, confirming its commitment to Prime members in the country. Prime Video’s investment in the Canadian film and television production sector includes Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Believe, three seasons of LOL: Qui rira le dernier?, the upcoming maple syrup heist series, The Sticky, the upcoming docu-series The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal; and Canadian-shot Amazon Originals like The Boys, Gen V, Reacher, and The Expanse in Ontario; Upload and The Man in the High Castle in British Columbia; Tales from the Loop in Manitoba; as well as parts of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and The Voyeurs in Quebec.

“We are excited to continue to greenlight and commission to produce content from Canada that will join our growing slate of Canadian stories that include drama, comedy, unscripted reality, documentary in both English and French,” said Brent Haynes, Head of Originals, Canada at Amazon MGM Studios. “Following the success of Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe, The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith, and our two hockey documentaries with NHL productions, today’s announcement is our largest number of unscripted titles to be greenlit”.

“We are thrilled to be working with so many of the best producers in Canada to bring these titles to our Canadian customers. From award-winning Canadian titles to must watch guilty pleasures we are offering even more content our audiences want to see from great Canadian talent,” said Shaun Alperin, head of content, Prime Video, Canada.

Titles announced today include:

Tom Green Country

In Tom Green Country the legendary comedian, Tom Green, pulls up stakes and relocates from the bright lights of Hollywood to a simpler life on his newly purchased country farm. Joined by his 1,500-pound mule, a donkey and six chickens the reality series gives a heartwarming glimpse into the hilarious life on the farm – as only Tom Green can. The unscripted reality series, Tom Green Country, is executive produced by Rory Rosegarten and Tom Green who also serves as the series director.

Untitled Tom Green Comedy Special

Tom Green’s newest comedy special captures the iconic comedian’s most recent 40+ city comedy tour across North America. From his hometown show in Ottawa, Canada, to stages across the US, Tom Green showcases his willingness to take risks, push boundaries and his ability to blend humor with heart. The project is executive produced by Rory Rosegarten and Tom Green who also serves as director.

Untitled Tom Green Documentary

One of the most impactful comedy talents in the last 30 years, the documentary follows Tom Green’s career as a trailblazing influence on comedy, film, television, and internet culture. With thousands of hours of digitalized personal footage, rare episodes, and unseen raw footage past series and film, the documentary captures the early days of his humble beginnings in Canada, to stardom in Hollywood, as he goes full circle and returns to his roots moving from his LA home to a rural farm in the country. Tom reveals the highs and lows of his journey including his creative process, his controversial antics, and unique brand of humor that has had a lasting impact on a generation of comedians. The documentary is produced by Jack Turner and Leah Culton Gonzalez from Matador Content, a Boat Rocker Company. The documentary is directed and executive produced by Tom Green and executive produced by Rory Rosegarten.

In Cold Water: The Shelter Bay Mystery

The riveting and chilling true crime docuseries tells the story of small-town Canadian school teacher Laura Letts-Beckett and former city councilor New Zealander Peter Beckett, and the drowning death of Laura one sunny day in 2008 on a lake in the wilderness of British Columbia, Canada. Was it a tragic accident, as Peter claims – or was her death a pre-mediated murder by a cold-blooded husband, as the police and prosecution assert? The documentary is a C3 Media and AJP Productions Inc. co-production with executive producers Pablo Salzman, Michael Kronish, Suze Hannagan, Thomas Robins, Kim Roberts, Benjamin Duffield, and directed by Trish Neufeld.

Hard North

Hard North follows a diverse group of young Canadians as they embark on a challenging four-season mission: to build a life in the vast and unforgiving Canadian wilderness. The series takes viewers on an adventure through some of the country’s most remote and rugged landscapes as these aspiring homesteaders face the harsh realities of living off the land, building shelter and foraging for food and water. The series is produced by Blue Ant Studios, in association with Prime Video, National Geographic, and APTN, with financing participation of Rogers Cable Network Fund and the Canada Media Fund. Paul Kilback is the creator and showrunner. Matthew Hornburg, Mark J.W. Bishop, Donna Luke and Tara Elwood are Executive Producers. Blue Ant Studios holds worldwide distribution rights for the series.

50k First Dates

When memory is destroyed and logic gone, is intuition enough to fall in love (again, and again, and again)? 50k First Dates and unscripted docuseries is the dramatic, almost unbelievable true story of Nesh Pillay, a 32-year-old woman who mysteriously lost the last 15 years of her memory, including recollection of her fiancé. The series is produced by Peacock Alley Entertainment. Carrie Mudd (Travelers, Tiny Pretty Things) and Brent Hodge (Pharma Bro, The Longest Third Date) serve as executive producers. Hodge will also serve as director.

Untitled True Crime Series

The true crime docuseries from Blink49 follows a currently unfolding case with never-before-seen footage, testimony and evidence of a shocking story affecting women across Canada’s largest metropolis, Toronto. The docuseries follows the real-life case with its greatest twists and turns still to come and the film-makers being pulled into the story as it happens. The project is directed by Henry Roosevelt (Take Care of Maya), executive produced by Toby Dormer, Allison Brough and producer Allyson Luchak (The Staircase).

The announced projects join the slate of Canadian Amazon Original series and films including TIFF 2023 People’s Choice Documentary Award and Canadian Screen Award-winner Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, Luxe Listings: Toronto, LOL: Qui rira le dernier?, Pour un Soir Seulement, Nuit Blanche, L’ultime gala, Three Pines, Chosen One: Alexandre Daigle, Saving Sakic, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, The Kids in the Hall, The Lake, LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith and the upcoming series The Sticky, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, and Elisabeth Rioux: sans filtre.

These series will join Prime Monday Night Hockey, which will stream all national regular season Monday night NHL games in English for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 NHL seasons, and the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and around the world in the Prime Video catalogue, including award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Originals The Boys, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, and the upcoming I Am: Celine Dion.

Catherine Laga‘aia will be voyaging to Motunui and beyond as the adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people in Disney’s upcoming live-action “Moana.” “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” said the 17-year-old Sydney, Australia, native. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”

The cast also includes Auckland, New Zealander John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, NZ, was cast as the revered Gramma Tala. Previously announced, Dwayne Johnson, who voiced larger-than-life demigod Maui in the 2016 animated version of the film, will reprise his role.

Releasing in theatres on July 10, 2026, “Moana” is directed by Thomas Kail, who helmed “Hamilton” on Broadway and Disney+, “Grease Live” and the first and last episodes of Hulu’s lauded limited series “We Were the Lucky Ones.” Said Kail, “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne—actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.”

“Moana” will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Celebrating the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure, the production begins filming this summer. The new feature film is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn via FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs, will also serve as producer. Executive producers include Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo., Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Charles Newirth. Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller have been tapped for the project. Bush, a veteran of Disney Animation, wrote the screenplay for 2016’s “Moana,” and Miller is a Samoan writer who created Netflix’s “Thai Cave Rescue” and co-founded the non-profit Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK).

The world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City, proudly celebrates its 51st year in Toronto with the announcement of a new leadership team. Newly appointed General Manager Reem Farag, Stages Artistic Director Etan Muskat, and Training Centre Artistic Director PHATT al join Vice President of the Training Centre, Julie Dumais Osborne and Director of Marketing – Toronto, Mike Farinaccio.

Building on a rich legacy, this dynamic team is primed to usher in a new era of creativity and innovation. For over five decades, The Second City Toronto has been the cornerstone of Canadian comedy, leading the way in live entertainment and comedy studies.

The Second City Toronto’s brand new, critically acclaimed show All Messed Up & Nowhere To Go is onstage now! Tickets are available here: All Messed Up & Nowhere To Go Tickets

Connect with us on socials to see our hilarious performers in action and keep updated on special shows and events: The Second City Toronto on Instagram

The Second City Toronto is located at ONE YORK STREET overlooking Love Park in Toronto’s beautiful Waterfront District.

Canada’s Walk of Fame and Seeing Red Media Inc. are delighted to announce a new strategic partnership designed to tell more incredible stories to Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Together, Canada’s Walk of Fame and Seeing Red Media look to build a bridge, as Seeing Red Media is a trusted partner and conduit for Indigenous communication and strategic efforts, forging an undeniable impact on both organizations and their legacies.

Canada’s Walk of Fame is dedicated to honouring and celebrating the stories of Canada’s most extraordinary individuals from all backgrounds, emphasizing their resilience, achievements, and positive contributions to society. Seeing Red Media is focused on amplifying the voices and visions of both established and emerging Indigenous storytellers, telling more of their stories, improving their representation and cultural accuracy across various media, and fostering unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Together, they will collaborate on many programs that will inspire future generations, including Canada’s Walk of Fame “Future Storytellers Program,” presented by our founding partner NBCUniversal and Seeing Red Media, which aims to nurture the talent of Canada’s emerging filmmakers. The program supports young, diverse student filmmakers from underrepresented communities, promoting inclusive storytelling and cultural exchange.

“Our 2023 Community Hero, Autumn Peltier, has become an extraordinary bond between our two organizations, the perfect catalyst to begin this partnership,” said Jeffrey Latimer CEO, Canada’s Walk of Fame. “She is a unifying force and a powerful global youth Ambassador. With this partnership, we look forward to making a positive difference by uplifting and amplifying Indigenous storytellers to help build a stronger Canada.”

“What began as a small collaboration has bloomed into an amazing partnership. I look forward to a harmonious and fruitful relationship for many years to come. I am honoured to walk together on this path with Canada’s Walk of Fame” said Bryan Porter, Founder & Shakohen:te’s, Seeing Red Media Inc.

Additionally, Canada’s Walk of Fame is pleased to announce the following appointments to the Board of Directors:

-Nick Di Donato, President & CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group has been appointed Chair of Canada’s Walk of Fame Board of Directors
-Tom Anselmi, Sports and Entertainment Executive, has been appointed Vice-Chair
-Bryan Porter, Founder & Shakohen:te’s, Seeing Red Media Inc. and Dr. Ruby Dhalla, CEO and President of the Dhalla Group of Hotels have joined as Directors.

Building on its mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com’s latest LGBTQ+ travel research reveals that travellers continue to face significant challenges. More than half (63%) of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers have experienced discrimination when travelling. Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers expect some form of discriminatory behavior from both their fellow travellers (51%) and locals at their chosen destinations (56%). In parallel, 55% agree that being LGBTQ+ has made them more insecure and self-conscious as a traveller. This is of even greater concern for those who identify as transgender (64%), intersex (57%) and non-binary (56%).
Despite these challenges, LGBTQ+ travellers are taking ownership of their lived reality. From thoughtful destination decision-making to creating alter egos, LGBTQ+ travellers are taking control of their trips more than ever before to safely navigate different challenges and to find the best experiences.
Since launching in 2021, Booking.com’s Travel Proud program provides free inclusive hospitality training for accommodations to help them gain a better understanding of the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers, as well as what can be done to make every guest feel more welcome, regardless of where they come from, who they love or how they identify. There are now more than 67,000 Travel Proud-certified properties globally on Booking.com across 133 countries and territories and in 12,645 cities and destinations.

Destination deliberations
Likely reflective of the current economic uncertainties affecting many people, accommodation that fits their budget is the primary concern for 68% of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers. After those primary financial considerations, more than half (59%) believe that being able to be their authentic self on their trip is their next most important factor.
Among all Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers:
55% consider a destination’s local legislation regarding LGBTQ+ human, equality and marriage rights an important factor.

51% consider whether the destination is more, or less accepting of LGBTQ+ people than their home country.

51% consider what they have heard or read in the news about experiences for foreign LGBTQ+ travellers.

These concerns have had a clear influence on LGBTQ+ travellers’ perceptions and decision making, with 43% of Canadian respondents cancelling a trip within the past year after seeing a destination being unsupportive of its LGBTQ+ residents. This is most common among Canadian LGBTQ+ parents (48%) compared with non-parents (40%), but even more so amongst transgender (59%) and intersex (56%) travellers. On the flip side, more than half (54%) of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers have booked a trip in the past 12 months to a destination seen as supportive of residents who identify as LGBTQ+, with millennials most likely to be inspired to travel there (62%) and senior citizens the least (21%).

When presented with the choice, 59% say they prefer to visit destinations where LGBTQ+ tourism is already well established, compared with 49% who would rather consider locations where their presence could contribute to broadening social awareness and acceptance. The zeitgeist is also playing a part in decision making: nearly two-thirds (63%) of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers say they are more likely to book travel experiences inspired by LGBTQ+ pop culture with millennials (70%) the most likely.

Pre-flight preparations
Once the destination has been decided, Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers are taking additional proactive steps to mitigate concerns about potential discrimination while flying. Over a quarter (27%) have had a negative experience with a fellow flight passenger directly related to their identity, while 35% expressed apprehension at the idea of being seated next to a stranger in fear of their reaction or behavior towards them as an LGBTQ+ individual. The latter is most common among those who are transgender (57%), intersex (48%) or non-binary (44%).
Code-switching and travel personas
LGBTQ+ travellers are actively adopting personas to protect themselves on their trips. 37% of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers say that they modify aspects of their appearance and behavior to avoid potential discrimination or unwanted attention, while 48% have created an alter-ego to navigate different environments when travelling. The main reason for travellers in creating an alter-ego was to protect themselves and feel safe (45%), with 36% doing so to adapt to cultural sensitivities that may exist at a destination.

Travel industry allies

Beyond their own decisions, Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers recognize progress within the travel industry, with 74% saying increased inclusivity has made them feel more comfortable when travelling. This is most true among those who are out (76%,) but also 65% of those who are not.

Travelling to destinations that have adequate legislation in place facilitates feeling included and this is reflected in interactions with those that work in the travel industry: 81% of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers feel comfortable when arriving to check in at their accommodation, 80% when having correspondence with accommodation hosts and airlines, and 79% when interacting with hospitality professionals at their destination such as tour guides, flight attendants and taxi drivers. Additionally, when asked what features LGBTQ+ travellers would like to see from travel companies to improve their future travel experiences, 29% referenced filters that would facilitate identifying properties that offer a welcoming experience. This is of particular importance for transgender (49%) and genderfluid (40%) travellers.

“At Booking.com, we passionately believe that everyone should be able to travel and experience the world in their own unique way,” says Arjan Dijk, CMO and Senior Vice President at Booking.com. “As a gay man, I unfortunately know first hand the challenges that persist in many parts of the world, including sadly with travel alerts already being issued ahead of Pride events this year. Despite all this, I am incredibly inspired to see LGBTQ+ travellers resiliently embracing their lived experiences, both at home and during their trips. While real and tangible progress is being made, we must remain vigilant and do our part to make it truly easier for everyone to Travel Proud.”

In addition to the company’s global partnership with IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, Booking.com is now also exceptionally proud to be one of the newest partners of two organizations that help underscore Booking.com’s dedication to making the world more inclusive for everyone, everywhere:

Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center: Located in Greenwich Village in the heart of New York City, this landmark center, opening on June 28, 2024, preserves, advances and celebrates the legacy of the historic Stonewall Rebellion and serves as a living monument to the advocates and pioneers who came before us and educates on the events that shaped the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

Global Equality Fund. This unique public-private partnership brings together like-minded governments and private sector entities dedicated to advancing and defending the human rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people around the world. Through the GEF, governments, companies and foundations work collaboratively with human rights defenders and civil society organizations working to protect and empower LGBTQ+ movements and people

It’s very good behaviour for BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE, debuting atop the Box Office this weekend with a smashing $56 million from 3,885 theatres for Sony Pictures. Above this, this latest installment in the Franchise led by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, gets a passing 63% on the Tomatometer. Best opening for the series still goes to 2020’s BAD BOYS FOR LIFE with $60 million.

Second is GARFIELD THE MOVIE with $10 million, taking it to $68.6 million in North America, also for Sony Pictures.

In third is IF with $8 million for Paramount Pictures, a total of $93.5 million over four weeks.

Fourth goes to THE WATCHERS, debuting with $7 million from 3,351 theatres for Warner Bros. It gets 30% on the Tomatometer. This is the directorial debut from M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter Ishana.

Rounding it all off is KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES with $5.4 million, a five week run of $149.5 million for 20th Century Studios.

Local bakery and family-run landmark, Sanremo, famous for its Italian treats with a modern twist has created a special edition donut in celebration of Cirque du Soleil’s milestone 40th Anniversary and the iconic Big Top that has become an annual staple in the neighbourhood of Mimico.

The current Toronto production of ECHO is chockful of surprises, which was the inspiration for the “Candy Apple Cloud Donut” created by Sanremo Head Chef and Co-Owner, Ed Bozzo. The classic Italian donut is topped with airy swirls of toasted meringue (inspired by the cloud imagery of ECHO), with a surprise filling of candied apples.

The ECHO-inspired donut is available in-store for a limited time in conjunction with Cirque du Soleil’s 40th Anniversary Sale running Tuesday, June 11th at 9am ET. Cirque fans can take advantage of 40% off regular tickets to ECHO, on sale for 40 hours only until June 13 at 1:00am ET. Tickets are available at cirquedusoleil.com/echo.

The Candy Apple Cloud is $4.00 per donut, and available during store hours from June 11 – 13th. Sanremo is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 8am – 5pm located at 374 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke – less than 10mins from the Big Top.

Tag a photo of the #ECHOdonut @sanremobakery and @cirquedusoleil to win a pair of tickets to see ECHO in Toronto!

Since premiering in May, ECHO has delighted more than 100,000 audiences to-date with its jaw-dropping acrobatics such as Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever duo hair suspension act, Icarian Games, triple teeterboards, and a two-storey high CUBE that features incredible projections and moving parts. ECHO is on now in Toronto until August 4th at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W.