A first-of-its-Kind Open-Air DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™ to Transform Toronto’s Night Sky!

Limited two-night engagement celebrates 25 years of the Harry Potter™ film series on September 25 and 26, 2026.

WHAT:

DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™ is a large-scale live spectacle that will reimagine beloved moments from the Harry Potter™ films across Toronto’s night sky.

Featuring 1,200 synchronized illuminated drones, the show combines advanced drone choreography with breathtaking aerial displays set to music and dialogue from the films. A live violinist will perform as the drones move across the sky, while synchronized LED wristbands will allow attendees to interact with key scenes and become part of the magic unfolding around them.

WHO:

Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Fever, the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment, with a drone production by Nova Sky Stories.
WHEN:

Friday, September 25 or Saturday, September 26, 2026
Doors open: 6 p.m.
Showtime: 8 p.m.

The show runs approximately 60 minutes, including an intermission.

WHERE:

YZD (former Downsview Airport)
590 Wilson Avenue
North York, Ontario

WHY:

Celebrating 25 years of the Harry Potter™ film series, DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™ offers fans a new way to revisit the stories and moments they know and love. Toronto is one of select cities hosting the first-of-its-kind spectacle as part of a tour spanning Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.

For more information, please visit thedroneartshow.com/toronto/harry-potter.

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Radici Project will welcome the team behind Kitchener’s MICHELIN Guide-recognized Odd Duck Wine & Provisions for an innovative collaborative dinner bringing together two distinct approaches to seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking. Chef and Co-Founder Emiliano Del Frate of Radici Project will join Culinary Director and Co-Founder Jon Rennie of Odd Duck for an intimate multi-course tasting experience exploring the relationship between food, wine, seasonality, and creative exchange.

Held at Radici Project (Toronto Life’s Best New Restaurants #7) in Toronto’s Little Italy, the evening will offer 30 guests the opportunity to experience the two restaurants’ distinct culinary perspectives through a menu created exclusively for the collaboration. Reservations will be available from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., with guests choosing between the Essence Menu ($120 per person, plus tax and gratuity) or the Immersive Menu ($195 per person, plus tax and gratuity). Beverage pairings will be available for an additional cost. Reservations can be made for Essence Menu HERE and Immersive Menu HERE.

Rather than presenting dishes from each restaurant separately, Del Frate and Rennie will work together to create a menu that responds to the ingredients, seasonality, and ideas of both kitchens. Odd Duck’s wine-first philosophy will play a core role in the creative process, with dishes developed in response to Radici Project’s curated wine selections and shaped by each wine’s structure, texture, and flavour. The result will offer guests an opportunity to experience each chef’s individual approach while exploring what emerges when their culinary perspectives, ingredients, and approach to wine meet.

Different Kitchens, Shared Curiosity

While their culinary backgrounds and creative starting points differ, Del Frate and Rennie share a commitment to seasonality, experimentation, and allowing ingredients to guide the experience.

At Radici Project, Del Frate explores the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions through a distinctly Canadian lens. The restaurant’s menus are intentionally micro-seasonal, evolving alongside the availability of ingredients and the inspiration of the kitchen. Rooted in the principles of Itameshi, Del Frate’s cooking brings together Italian and Japanese influences through precise, ingredient-driven techniques.

At Odd Duck, in addition to the wine-first philosophy, Rennie constantly evolves his menu, sometimes changing from week to week or even day to day according to ingredient availability, seasonality, and the wines inspiring the kitchen.

The collaboration will extend to the bar, beginning with two welcome beverages created specifically for the evening. Julian Manley of Radici Project will prepare a non-alcoholic welcome beverage, while Odd Duck Bar Manager Emma Osmond will create an alcoholic welcome beverage featuring Valley of Mother of God Gin. Together, the drinks will offer guests two distinct expressions of the collaboration before the tasting experience begins.

Meet the Collaborators
Originally from Italy, Chef and Co-Founder Emiliano Del Frate brings an internationally informed perspective to Radici Project. His career has taken him through acclaimed kitchens across Europe, Japan, and Canada, including Noma in Copenhagen, Gucci Osteria Tokyo, ADMO Paris, Don Alfonso 1890, and DaNico.

Together with Co-Founder Kayo Ito, Del Frate founded Radici Project as an expression of the dialogue between Italian and Japanese food cultures. The restaurant’s cooking is grounded in Canadian ingredients, seasonality, sustainability, and precise technique, with menus that evolve throughout the year.

Culinary Director and Co-Founder Jon Rennie leads the culinary program at Odd Duck Wine & Provisions in Kitchener, recently recognized by the MICHELIN Guide for its distinctive approach to food, wine, and hospitality. His culinary experience spans classical French, New American, and Southeast Asian cuisines, informing an approach rooted in experimentation, collaboration, and continual change.

At Odd Duck, Rennie works closely with his kitchen team to develop dishes collectively, allowing menus to evolve according to seasonality, ingredient availability, and the wines shaping the restaurant’s creative direction.

Emma Osmond, Bar Manager of Odd Duck Wine & Provisions, has helped shape the restaurant’s beverage program since before its opening. Her work extends the restaurant’s ingredient-driven philosophy to cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, with a focus on thoughtful flavour combinations and a creative approach to beverage.

Osmond was named a Canadian National Finalist in the 2026 Vero Bartender competition and has also participated in the Tales of the Cocktail apprenticeship program in New Orleans. For the September collaboration, she will create the evening’s alcoholic welcome beverage featuring Valley of Mother of God Gin.

At Radici Project, Julian Manley brings a creative, technique-driven approach to the restaurant’s beverage program, with a focus on unexpected flavour combinations and thoughtful guest experiences. For the September 30 collaboration, Manley will create the evening’s non-alcoholic welcome beverage, designed as an equal expression of the collaboration alongside Osmond’s cocktail.

Event Details
Event: Odd Duck × Radici Project Chef Collaboration
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Reservation Times Available: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Radici Project, 588 College Street, Toronto
Essence Menu: $120 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Immersive Menu: $195 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Beverage Pairings: Available at an additional cost
Capacity: 30 guests
Reservations: Essence Menu HERE and Immersive Menu HERE

Due to the highly curated nature of this collaboration, dietary restrictions and menu modifications cannot be accommodated. Reservations for this intimate dinner are limited.

Netflix and WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, today announced new cast members joining the returning stars from Season 1 for Season 2 of Netflix’s hit global teen drama series Finding Her Edge. The series is currently filming on location in Southern Ontario through December.

Joining the returning cast as new series regulars are newcomer Nikita J Olechko (Snowpiercer) as ‘Andrej,’ Voltage Academy’s star singles skater; British actress Niamh Blackshaw (The Jetty) as ‘Freya,’ a rival ice dancer at Voltage Academy; Matthew Finlan (Sheriff Country) as ‘David,’ Freya’s partner and a rival ice dancer at the Academy; Canadian singer-songwriter Johnny Orlando (3 x MTV EMA Winner and 2 x JUNO Nominee) as charismatic local ‘Jesse,’; and Canadian Olympic medal-winning figure skater Elvis Stojko (Murdoch Mysteries, Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story), who returns as a series regular playing ‘Kevin,’ the owner of Voltage Academy.

New cast joining as recurring characters include Justine Nelson (Mind Fudge) as ‘Lucy Grant,’ Voltage Academy’s lead choreographer; CSA and ACTRA Award-winning actor Saara Chaudry (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Holly Hobbie) as ‘Zoie,’ Brayden’s former skating partner and ex; and Matt Wells (Who’s Yer Father?, North of North) as ‘Mason Guilbart,’ Adriana and Brayden’s new coach at Voltage Academy.

In Season 2, the Russo sisters trade their family rink for the cutthroat pressure of Voltage Academy, where every skate could make or break their National Team ambitions. As the pressure mounts on and off the ice, Adriana finds herself torn between her loyal boyfriend, Freddie, and Brayden, the former skating partner she never truly left behind.

The new cast joins returning stars Madelyn Keys (A Mother’s Life, The Exchange), Harmon Walsh (Gossip Girl, Murdoch Mysteries), Alexandra Beaton (Overcompensating, Luckiest Girl Alive), Cale Ambrozic (Hotel Cocaine, We Were Liars), Olly Atkins (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Casket Girls), Meredith Florenza (Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, Blindspot), Alice Malakhov (Anne With an E, Reverse 1999), Millie Davis (The Umbrella Academy, Wonder), and Yona Epstein Roth (The Boys).

Season 2 also welcomes directors Paolo Barzman (Wynonna Earp, Sky Med), Melanie Orr (Mistletoe Murders, Hardy Boys), James Genn (Wild Cards, You’re Killing Me), and Jacqueline Pepall (Horrible Histories, Goldies Oldies), who returns after directing Season 1.

Executive Producers for WildBrain include Josh Scherba, President & CEO; Stephanie Betts, Chief Content Officer; and Angela Boudreault, Vice President, Live-Action. Award-winning Canadian author and Executive Producer Jeff Norton (Geek Girl, Crew Girl) returns as showrunner, alongside Executive Producer and Head Writer Shelley Scarrow (Wynonna Earp, Degrassi: The Next Generation). Season 2 writers also include Sabrina Sherif (The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Hardy Boys), Jeff Norton, and Jacqueline Pepall.

“It’s a true privilege to hit the ice for a second season with this incredible cast, and to further the stories of our inspirational characters in a juicy, soapy sophomore season of Finding Her Edge,” said series showrunner, executive producer and writer Jeff Norton.

Finding Her Edge is produced by WildBrain and was commissioned in association with Netflix. Based on the novel by Jennifer Iacopelli, Season 1 released on January 22, 2026 and debuted #4 in the Netflix Global Top 10 and reached Top 10 in 81 countries. The massive popularity on Netflix also increased book sales and audio book listens. According to Spotify, the audio book saw an increase of 990% in global listens and a 1300% surge in global searches on Spotify following the series premiere.

CBC today unveiled the trailer for original feature documentary and 2026 Toronto International Film Festival official selection Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple. The trailer offers a first look at the film’s intimate exploration of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, featuring rare archival footage, personal reflections, and extraordinary live performances from some of the world’s most acclaimed drummers.

Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn and produced by Banger Films and Elevation Pictures, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple explores the artistry and enduring influence of Rush’s enigmatic drummer and lyricist. An all-star lineup of drummers, including Danny Carey of Tool, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Gavin Harrison of King Crimson and Porcupine Tree, and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, joins Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to tackle Peart’s notoriously demanding drum parts, revealing the musicianship behind one of rock’s most original artists. Republic Pictures has acquired the film outside of Canada.

TIFF 2026 WORLD PREMIERE

Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 9:30 PM (EDT)

VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

BROADCAST AND STREAMING PREMIERE

Wednesday, September 23, 8:00 PM (8:30 NT)

CBC and CBC Gem in Canada

Interactive entertainment continues to grow. Canadians can now participate in games, live broadcasts, online communities, digital experiences, and much more from almost anywhere. This is thanks to technology like faster connections and smartphones. When they come together with evolving platforms and expectations, it has created an entertainment landscape where participation matters just as much as viewing.

From Passive Viewing to Active Entertainment

Traditional entertainment like films and music largely revolved around sitting back and consuming content. Digital platforms have changed that relationship.

Video games allow users to influence what happens, yes, but even live streaming platforms see audiences interact with creators and other viewers. Social platforms have similarly blurred the line between watching and participation, with comments, reactions, and live discussions part of the experience.

This movement is noticeable in Canada, where audiences engage with entertainment produced locally while simultaneously accessing content from around the world.

Gaming: Increasingly Accessible

Gaming has been central to the growth of interactive entertainment. It’s no longer restricted to dedicated consoles and powerful computers. With smartphones, which everyone owns and has on hand, there’s instant access to everything from simple casual games to much more sophisticated experiences.

Online multiplayer has also turned gaming into a social activity. Players can compete or cooperate with friends and strangers, regardless of where they live. For Canadian users, that means geographical distance is irrelevant when it comes to finding communities around shared interests.

Casino gaming has followed a similar digital trajectory. It brings established game formats onto computers and mobile devices.

A More Regulated Interactive Experience

On the topic of casinos, the development of online gambling in Canada also demonstrates how digital entertainment is evolving alongside regulation. Ontario and Alberta have both introduced their own regulated markets in recent years, for instance.

Jackpot City is a prime example of how this market has developed. Its Ontario operation is registered through the province’s regulated framework, while its wider Canadian availability involves different regulatory arrangements depending on location. Even with regulation, the platform’s offering includes 1,000+ games, spanning slots, tables, and live casino content, with games built for both desktop and mobile use.

That combination of variety and accessibility highlights the development of interactive entertainment. Players aren’t just consuming content. They’re deciding how they participate and which experiences match their needs.

Mobile Devices Drive Further Change

Smartphones have made interactive entertainment more convenient than ever. With a single device, it’s possible to access games, live streams, social networks, sports coverage, and many other forms of digital entertainment.

This accessibility has seen shorter, more flexible sessions become the norm. Someone might watch a live stream for ten minutes, play a game during a break, or check an interactive event before moving on to something else.

For Canadians, that means entertainment is increasingly capable of fitting around everyday life.

Where Does Interactive Entertainment Go Next?

The growth of interactive entertainment isn’t slowing down. New tech will continue making digital experiences more immersive, while platforms will compete to give users more ways to participate. The result is an entertainment landscape where the distinction between watching, playing, and participating is increasingly difficult to define.

Diana Sanchez (seen above) has been elevated to President of Hot Docs, effective immediately. Alongside Hot Docs’ Board of Directors, Sanchez has restructured the executive leadership team to better accomplish the organization’s long-term strategic goals and growth. Accordingly, Sanchez has appointed Mara Gourd-Mercado (currently at CPH:DOX) to the position of Executive Director, Hot Docs. Gourd-Mercado begins her new role on October 19, 2026, and will report to Sanchez.

In her new role as President, Sanchez will concentrate on the organization’s strategic direction — artistic oversight, government relations, business development, and major financial partnerships — while safeguarding Hot Docs’ long-term health and stability. Gourd-Mercado will lead day-to-day operations and fiscal management of the organization and the festival, including festival and industry fundraising, with an additional focus on industry programming, a revitalized Hot Docs Forum, and ties with the Francophone doc community in Canada and abroad.

“On behalf of the board, I want to congratulate Diana on this new role and on all the phenomenal work she has done to stabilize and elevate Hot Docs,” said Julie Bristow, Chair, Hot Docs. “As we look to the future, this enhanced executive leadership team enables Diana to focus on what matters most: taking Hot Docs to the next level while ensuring it is financially secure, resilient, and nimble. I’m also absolutely delighted to welcome Mara to Hot Docs. Her experience and skills blend seamlessly with Diana’s, and I know they will make a remarkable team.”

“I couldn’t be happier that Mara is coming back to Canada for this role,” said Diana Sanchez, Hot Docs’ President. “She’s a highly respected documentary thought leader with extensive festival experience and deep connections in the documentary ecosystem worldwide. This, combined with her fundraising and executive-level strategic planning skills, perfectly aligns with what we’re aiming to accomplish at this stage of Hot Docs’ evolution.”

“Documentary has always been about bearing witness to the world as it is, and imagining what it could be — and after building that work across the globe, I want to bring that perspective home to Canada, one of the richest places in the world for documentary storytelling,” said Mara Gourd-Mercado. “I’m elated to join Hot Docs at such a pivotal moment, to build the kind of stability that lets bold storytelling flourish, help strengthen the industry programming and Forum, and deepen ties with French-speaking communities. Every spring, our industry gathers in Toronto because of what this festival makes possible — and part of my job is to make sure that keeps growing, for the filmmakers here today and the ones who aren’t in the room yet.”

With a new board structure now in place, Julie Bristow and Aaron Zeghers’ roles on Hot Docs’ Board of Directors have been solidified. Bristow is now the Chair, while Zeghers is the Vice Chair. Hot Docs’ Board of Directors comprises Chair Julie Bristow (Catalyst); Vice-Chair Aaron Zeghers (The Infinite Image); Doug Allison (The Northpine Foundation); Caroline Harvey (Senior Communications Strategist); Merit Jensen-Carr (Merit Motion Pictures); Lea Marin (Netflix Canada); Habiba Nosheen (Akelo Media); Noah Segal (Elevation Pictures); and Marc Serpa Francoeur (Lost Time Media / Better Together Films).

Hot Docs has also restructured its cinema operations to better align resources with future goals. As a result of these changes, a small number of theatre roles have been consolidated or eliminated. Hot Docs extends its sincere gratitude to those impacted for their hard work and service. This restructuring does not affect the upcoming schedule or the quality of Hot Docs’ patron services.

Hot Docs has made several financial and community impact gains recently, including: a programming partnership with Soulpepper Theatre this fall/winter; expanded offerings for the upcoming 2026-27 Doc Soup season; $121K in Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund funding for Canadian projects; a 14% increase in 2026 Festival single ticket revenue and a 3% increase in Festival attendance; and the successful return of the Hot Docs Forum.

MARA GOURD-MERCADO BIO
Mara Gourd-Mercado is an Argentinean-Canadian arts administrator, who combines deep operational expertise with a sustained commitment to people and culture. With more than 20 years’ experience in the screen industry, she has managed both large and small permanent and seasonal teams and seven-figure budgets. Gourd-Mercado is currently the Head of Industry & Training at CPH:DOX where she oversees the CPH:FORUM, the CPH:LAB, the INTER:ACTIVE exhibition, and all industry activities. Prior to that she served as the Executive Director of the Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) and was the Executive Director of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s Quebec division. She has been a jury member, a moderator, a speaker and reader for organisations such as Cannes Docs, Visions du Réel, DOK.Fest Munich, Sunny Side of the Doc, SANFIC, Festival internacional de cine de Guadalajara, Chicken & Egg, Catapult Film Fund. Gourd-Mercado holds a BA in Visual and Media Arts from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), and is fluent in English, French, and Spanish. Gourd-Mercado currently resides in Copenhagen but is returning to Canada in 2026 and will make her permanent home in Toronto.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is hosting an art exhibit—well, sort of. TIFF: The Market recently launched its inaugural Innovation Hub, an exhibition at the intersection of storytelling, art, and technology. Open to the public September 15–16, 2026, the immersive exhibition explores how emerging technologies are reshaping how screen-based content is created, experienced, and shared with audiences.

TIFF’s expansion into a global film marketplace brings creators and industry leaders together around emerging forms of screen-based content. As part of that expansion, the Innovation Hub showcases how emerging forms of storytelling can entertain audiences and create opportunities for decision-makers, who will soon gather in Toronto, to see firsthand how these formats could reach new audiences. Selected by an international advisory committee, the exhibition features three World Premieres, one North American Premiere, and four Canadian Premieres. Altogether, the eight works explore many of today’s defining ideas, including artificial intelligence, speculative futures, Indigenous knowledge, identity, historical memory, climate justice, and more, through immersive and interactive formats.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Lesbian Simulator—an interactive simulation game that transforms virtual reality into a joyful, deeply personal exploration of identity, love, and belonging.

Body Proxy—audiences become the physical body for artificial intelligence, using AI-enabled smart glasses to enter a fictional gig economy where AI agents hire humans to perform physical tasks.

Mekwâc: “Now Is Good”—an immersive projection experience grounded in a Cree worldview, inviting audiences into a living, cyclical story that bridges generations, cultures, and ways of knowing.

As governments, media companies, and creators invest more heavily in emerging technologies and new forms of digital content, we’d love to explore a story about how the Innovation Hub offers a snapshot of where the industry may be heading next and what these new formats could mean for the future of the entertainment business.

More here.

Today, BritBox announced that the International Emmy-Award-Winning series Ludwig will debut a Christmas special this coming festive season featuring all-star cast additions. Season 2 of Ludwig will debut on BritBox on October 13, 2026 with episodes dropping weekly, and Season 3 is now in production.

Set in Yorkshire, the 60-minute Christmas episode sees John, Lucy and Henry arrive at a remote Christmas themed hotel for what should have been a much-needed escape, when a sudden blackout turns the festivities into a locked-room murder mystery. Trapped by a blizzard and cut off from the outside world, the guests must spend the night with a killer in their midst. With John reluctantly pulled into one of his strangest puzzles yet, the race is on for the Taylors to solve the crime before Christmas.

David Mitchell (John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor), Anna Maxwell Martin (Lucy Betts-Taylor), Dylan Hughes (Henry Betts-Taylor), and Dipo Ola (DCI Russell Carter) are joined in the Christmas special by a stellar line-up of guest stars: Sir David Suchet, Jason Flemyng, Joe Wilkinson, Cathy Tyson, Alexandra Roach, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Rebekah Staton, Claire Price, Ariella Glaser, and George Rainsford.

It will see the actor behind one of television’s most famous detectives having the tables turned, with Sir David Suchet here taking on the role of a murder suspect in this Christmas episode.

The smash hit detective series is created and written by Mark Brotherhood, and produced by Big Talk Studios (part of ITV Studios) in collaboration with That Mitchell and Webb Company, a co-production with BritBox and ZDF.

On working with Sir David Suchet, David Mitchell says: “I have long been a huge admirer of Sir David Suchet’s work and have watched every episode of Poirot several times, so it was a dream come true for me when he agreed to appear in the Ludwig Christmas Special. He was an absolute joy to work and spend time with – funny, interesting and generous – and his performance in the programme is wonderful.”

Sir David Suchet says: “It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside David Mitchell and the wonderful ensemble cast. It made quite the refreshing change to be playing a suspect rather than the detective, and to sit comfortably in my armchair while David delivered the denouement. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time.”

Ludwig is a Big Talk Studios production in association with That Mitchell And Webb Company, a co-production with BritBox and ZDF, for the BBC. The Ludwig Christmas episode is written by Mark Brotherhood, and the director is Chris Foggin, who is also currently directing series three of Ludwig. The executive producers are Kenton Allen and Toby Welch for Big Talk Studios, Mark Brotherhood, David Mitchell, Kathryn O’Connor and Chris Sussman; Robert Schildhouse and Stephen Nye for BritBox; Claus Wunn and Frank Seyberth executive produce for ZDF. The producer of the Christmas episode is Georgie Fallon, with Anya Wilson serving as co-producer. The Christmas episode was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp. Ludwig is produced in association with ITV Studios, which also handles international distribution.

The first season of Ludwig is available to stream on BritBox.

Liberty Entertainment Group have unveiled the various marquee events they’ll be hosting at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, including:

-TIFF opening night party and VIP afterparty at Powder Room

-Rogers Red Carpet on Yorkville Avenue (Bellair to Hazelton Ave), September 10-13, featuring live music including the Casa Loma Orchestra with E Street Band members, Our Lady Peace, and open-air film screenings at dusk. More on some of Rogers’ initiatives this year here.

-Rogers TIFF Gala VIP reception at Blue Bovine, Saturday, September 12, 2026, 7 pm to 12 am

-At Powder Room, they’ve created TIFF-exclusive cocktails and bites: the Rotten Tomatoes (fresh muddled Campari tomatoes, 15-year-old white balsamic vinegar, Ketel One vodka, shiso leaf, cracked black pepper) and Red Carpet Tater Tots (crispy tater tots with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos powder, crème fraîche, chives, and caviar).

Pouring Forward is a one-night fundraiser bringing together 15 of Canada’s leading bartenders in support of Toronto hospitality leader Tiffany Desbiens as she undergoes treatment for cervical cancer.

Date: Monday, September 7, 2026

Time: 8:00 PM to late

Address: Dirty Laundry, 1186 Queen Street West, Toronto

The event is free to attend and is shaping up to bring out Toronto’s hospitality community in a big way. Expect five hours of rotating cocktail Power Hours and bar battles featuring some of Canada’s leading bartenders, including Jacob Martin of Liberty Entertainment Group, 2021 World Class Global Bartender of the Year James Grant, and Élise Hanson, recipient of Canada’s Best Bartender 2025, with music by DJ Alex Roc and activities with prizes throughout the night.

If you’re looking to connect with Toronto’s food and drink community, this is a night to be in the room.

Pouring Forward has set a fundraising goal of $15,000+, with funds supporting Desbiens’ cancer treatment. Throughout the evening, guests will be able to contribute through cocktail purchases, participation in onsite activations, and direct donations to Desbiens’ GoFundMe (link here).

As Tiffany undergoes treatment, her ability to work will be limited during periods of treatment and recovery. Funds raised will help ease the financial impact, including costs associated with fertility preservation, transportation to medical appointments, essential living expenses and time away from work.

Activities throughout the evening will feature  prizes donated by members of the hospitality community including Mother Cocktail Bar, Cocktail Emporium, Liberty Entertainment, John Sleeman & Sons, The Macallan, Diageo, Spirit of York, Giffard, GrapeWitches, The Balvenie and Hendrick’s. 

For Desbiens, the evening is ultimately about something larger than cocktails. Pouring Forward reflects the relationships at the centre of an industry built around showing up for people, and what can happen when that same spirit of hospitality is turned toward one of its own.

Event Details

Event: Pouring Forward

Date: Monday, September 7, 2026

Time: 8:00 p.m. – Late

Location: Dirty Laundry, 1186 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

Admission: No cover charge

Fundraising Goal: $15,000+ in support of Tiffany Desbiens’ cancer treatment

Drink Tickets:

$16 | 1 Drink Ticket

Available online HERE and at the door.

High resolution images available HERE. 

About Tiffany Desbiens

Tiffany Desbiens (@bloggingboujee) is a Toronto hospitality leader and Bar Manager at Harbour Sixty and Arianna, where she oversees multi-million-dollar beverage operations. Previously Bar Manager at BlueBlood Steakhouse at Casa Loma, Desbiens is known for creating food-driven, experiential cocktails that bridge the kitchen and bar. She is also the creator of @Bottletenders on TikTok, a cocktail platform with 25,000 followers dedicated to approachable cocktail education and celebrating the people and culture behind the industry, and serves as Director of Sales for Truffle Kings Canada.

Proceeds from the evening will support Tiffany’s cancer treatment, with cocktails available through $16 drink tickets. Full event details and the complete bartender lineup are available HERE.