Raise your glasses! Toronto Cocktail Festival, presented by The Alchemist magazine, announces its inaugural citywide celebration taking place from October 22 to 26, 2025.

This highly anticipated event promises a spirited time filled with seminars, master classes, tasting events, cocktail-paired dinners, neighbourhood crawls, guest shifts, and spectacular parties. Featuring dozens of leading brands pouring their finest products, the festival spotlights your favourite local bartenders alongside top talent from across Canada and around the world.

“We are proud to support and promote Toronto’s incredible cocktail community and culture. The success of Toronto Cocktail Festival is made possible through the collaboration of everyone in the industry including bartenders, venues, brands, consumers, and the supporting media,” says Gail Nugent, publisher of The Alchemist magazine and event producer for TCF.

Don’t miss two signature events: the week’s main highlight, the Gala of Cocktails, taking place on October 24 at the Water Works event space. This glamorous night features hot tunes, bar bites, and more than two dozen cocktail stations hosted by local and international bartenders, including global brand ambassadors serving their most creative cocktail creations. The festival wraps up with the Cocktail Brunch on Sunday,
October 26, at the Fairmont Royal York.

Finally, no celebration of community would be complete without supporting those who work in it. Toronto Cocktail Festival is proud to announce that a portion of proceeds will be donated to charity partner, Mind The Bar, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health wellness across Canada.

Tickets for Toronto Cocktail Festival presented by The Alchemist magazine, October 22 to 26, 2025 ‘Signature Events’ go on sale August 1. Watch the space, sign up for the TCF newsletter or follow along on social for more events being added through the summer.

For tickets or to browse the Toronto Cocktail Festival 2025 program, visit thealchemistmagazine.ca/tcf.

About Toronto Cocktail Festival:
Presented by The Alchemist magazine, the first annual Toronto Cocktail Festival will be held October 22 to 26, 2025, at venues across Toronto. It will be a showcase of the city’s immense bartending talent, with events ranging from seminars and cocktail-paired dinners to the closing brunch at the Fairmont Royal York and the week’s main event, the Gala of Cocktails at Water Works. Toronto Cocktail Festival is also proud to support. Mind The Bar.

A preview:

About The Alchemist magazine:
Published since 2015 by Glacier Media, The Alchemist is the first BC-based — and now national magazine devoted to the dynamic culture of craft cocktails and artisan distillers. Since fall 2023, The Alchemist has been published in Ontario, its content international in scope but local in focus, featuring stories about the trends, people, bars and brands that play their part in the timeless ritual of enjoying a cocktail. This
beautifully designed seasonal magazine is a smartly portable keepsake, and is supported online between issues.

To read The Alchemist magazine, pick up a copy at bars, restaurants, private liquor retailers, distillery tasting rooms, gourmet grocery stores and barware stores or visit us online at thealchemistmagazine.ca.

About Mind The Bar:
Mind The Bar is a volunteer-based non-profit organization that supports mental health wellness in the hospitality industry across Canada. Founded in 2018 by Vancouver’s Shoel Davidson, Mind The Bar provides resources and information on the major issues of depression, anxiety, addiction and workplace harassment. Its goal is ultimately to dismantle the stigma associated with mental health by changing the way we discuss, address and cope with it. mindthebar.com

The Map That Leads to You follows Heather (Cline), a young woman setting off on an adventure across Europe with her best friends before settling into her perfectly planned life. When she crosses paths with Jack (Apa), a magnetic and mysterious stranger, their instant spark ignites an emotional journey neither of them expected. As their connection deepens, secrets, life choices, and hidden truths will test their bond—and change her life in ways she never imagined. From director Lasse Hallström (Dear John, Safe Haven) comes this adaptation of JP Monninger’s novel about love, destiny, and the courage to choose your own path.

Based on the Novel by J.P. Monninger

Directed by Lasse Hallström

Starring Josh Lucas, KJ Apa, Madelyn Cline, Madison Thompson, Sofia Wylie, and Orlando Norman

Screenplay by Vera Herbert and Les Bohem

Story by Les Bohem

Produced by Martin Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, John Fischer, and Isaac Klausner

Executive Produced by Hal Sadoff & Matt Luber

Runtime 96 minutes

Rated PG-13

Marvel Studios Canada is inviting fans to attend a free, one-day only, immersive exhibit to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated film, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”

Step into a one-of-a-kind fantastic celebration featuring interactive themed rooms and memorable photo opportunities.

Attendees are encouraged to embrace the retro-futuristic ‘60s flair in their outfits to match the launch theme.

WHEN & WHERE: ILLUMINARIUM TORONTO
WHERE: 28 Distillery Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 4R2

THURSDAY, JULY 24TH 2025
11AM – 7PM, last entry is 6PM.

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theatres July 25th, 2025

ABOUT MARVEL STUDIOS “THE FANTASTIC FOUR FIRST STEPS”
Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

BUY MOVIE TICKETS
https://www.marvelstudiosmovie.ca/thefantastic4firststeps/

Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are pleased to offer readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of THE NAKED GUN!

Screenings take place as follows

TORONTO

Monday, July 28th | 7:00PM

Location TBA

MONTREAL

Monday, July 28th | 7:00PM | ENG

Cinema Banque Scotia Cineplex

MONTREAL

Monday, July 28th | 7:00PM | FRE

Cineplex Cinemas StarCité

VANCOUVER

Monday, July 28th | 7:00PM

International Village Cinemas

EDMONTON

Monday, July 28th | 7:00PM

Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton

Synopsis: Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN,

directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy).

Joining the case are cast Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK or IG, and indicate your City (and language, if applicable) in the comments. Tag 1 friend you would like to bring. Multiple entries allowed.

Rules and regulations here.

THE NAKED GUN IS ONLY IN THEATRES ON AUGUST 1, 2025

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Introducing the inaugural edition of ARC WORLD! Formerly known as the CCYAA, ARC (Asian Roots Collective) are celebrating Asian Excellence with this one-day Festival highlighted by Hoops, Food, Drink, and Talks. A market was set-up also, showcasing local Asian-Canadian-owned businesses.

The Festival, co-founded by Clement Chu, culminated in a celebrity basketball tournament at Toronto Metropolitan University with longtime partner and supporter Simu Liu making a huge enrtance, backflipping onto the floor!

Many notables were in attendance this year, including: Jeremy Lin, Jason Williams, Jamaal Magliore, Matt Bonner, Alex Porat, Baron Davis, Leenda Dong, and MC Jin! The latter two were spotted enjoying Omakase offerings at Sushi Yugen, while other celebrity guests enjoyed their nigiri at an event reception, catered also by the likes of Trevor Lui.

asianrootscollective.org for more.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The annual Honey Jam concert has been a summer music staple, spotlighting extraordinary, diverse talent from across Canada. On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Honey Jam – Canada’s first and longest running female artist development program – will celebrate this milestone with its 30th anniversary concert taking place for the first time at the legendary Massey Hall in downtown Toronto with returning host CBC The Block’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe.

Titled “INSPIRATIONS,” the concert promises to be a dynamic evening of music that spans several genres including Hip Hop, Jazz, Pop, Gospel, Opera, RnB, Rock, Country, Dancehall and more! Role modeling and mentoring are central to Honey Jam’s mission of inspiring new generations of artists, and in tandem with the concert theme, featured vocalists will perform songs by the icons who have inspired them.

“Our last big milestone, the 25th anniversary in 2020, was during COVID, where all of our big plans had to be cancelled so we’re excited to make up for that and do it big for our 30th!” says Honey Jam founder and Executive Director Ebonnie Rowe. “One of the wonderful things that did happen back in 2020 was that we were selected to receive the Roy Thomson Award of Merit by the Toronto Arts Foundation. That recognition brought us into the ‘Hall’ family. We did 2 shows at TD Music Hall, and it became a dream to one day perform at the majestic Massey Hall. So it’s a full circle moment and we’re so excited to welcome thousands of music fans to celebrate with us in such a beautiful and historic venue.”

Honey Jam provides mentorship, educational, performance, promotional and networking opportunities for female youth aged 14-25.

Rowe was recently appointed to the Order of Canada, a prestigious honour bestowed upon those who have made significant cultural contributions in the country. Notable alums from the Honey Jam program include Nelly Furtado, Jully Black, Haviah Mighty, Savannah Re, Melanie Fiona, Jenna Walker of The Recklaws, and more.

This year’s amazing list of artists include:

Annabel Oreste
Blue Will
Charmie
Chatta
Christina Smith
Cinzia
Feura
Fridaee
Haliey Smith
Jaclyn Kenyon
Joy Lapps
Leah Holtom
Rachelle Show
Rebecca Sichon
Jelly Too Fly
Lola Bunz
Villah

Honey Jam is aiming to make the concert accessible to youth from community groups, performing arts schools and music programs by having 1,000 tickets sponsored. Businesses or individuals interested in contributing can email honeyjamtickets@gmail.com for more information. In the spirit of the 30th anniversary the ticket price will be $30 each plus applicable fees. Tickets here.

On Friday August 1st, 2025, Cameron Taylor, the esteemed butcher at the iconic steakhouse Harbour 60, will host an exclusive kick-off event for his passion project, The Catering Collective. This event, aptly titled “The Art of the Butcher and the Chef” will be hosted at Rily Kitchen from 6-10pm and marks a significant step in Cameron’s career as he leads the way for a new generation of butchery. The Catering Collective takes a fresh approach to private and corporate events where ingredients and the art of butchery take centre stage.

Beginning his butchery journey in 2018 in South Africa and after earning four certificates from butcher school, he honed his skills for a year before bringing his expertise to Canada in 2021. Here, he quickly made a name for himself working at some of the top butcheries, and eventually becoming head butcher at Harbour 60.

Executive Chef at Harbour 60 and mentor Solomon Mason reflected on Cameron’s impact saying, “Cam represents a new generation of butchers who are redefining what it means to work with meat at the highest level. His commitment to intentional, quality-driven butchery, factoring in everything from breed and genetics to diet and age, is helping us build a deeper philosophy around our sourcing and preparation. At Harbour 60, it’s not just about the cut; it’s about the story behind it, and Cam ensures that story is one of integrity, precision, and passion from start to finish.”

The Art of the Butcher and Chef embodies Cam’s innovative and passionate mindset celebrating the art of butchery while educating attendees on the importance of understanding the origins of their food. Cameron notes that many don’t know what dishes like braised short ribs look like before they reach their plate. By showcasing the processes involved, he highlights that butchery is an art form that deserves as much respect as any other culinary art. The event aims to show guests that it is about respecting the meat and the animal, as much as it is the final product.

To mark the start of his butchery-centric catering company, his event is taking place at Rily Kitchen (26 Sousa Mendes St) on Friday, August 1st from 6-10pm. Guests will start with welcome cocktails, charcuterie, and Canadian oysters. The event will then feature an exclusive live butchery demonstration of beef rib and loin, showcasing the skill and precision involved. Following the demonstration, guests will enjoy a gourmet five-course sit-down meal featuring the freshly prepared cuts and paired with a selection of wines and beers. Additionally, guests will have an opportunity to purchase the meat from the demonstration. Tickets to attend are priced at $150 per guest and can be purchased HERE.

Event Details

Date: August 1, 2025

Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: 26 Sousa Mendes Street

Price: $150 per guest

Capacity: 30 attendees

About Cameron Taylor

Cameron Taylor is the head butcher at Harbour Sixty, a freelance butchery consultant, and an entrepreneur with his own catering business, The Catering Collective. Originally from South Africa, Cameron moved to Canada in early 2021 and has since immersed himself in the Canadian meat market and has gained invaluable experience at highly successful butcheries.

Cameron shares his skills and extensive knowledge to create collaborative dishes rooted in expert butchery. His dedication and expertise have earned him a reputation as a skilled butcher, and he continues to build his career in Toronto, Canada.

About The Catering Collective

Led by head butcher Cameron Taylor, along with chefs Akhil Hajare and Grayson Mundell, The Catering Collective is a catering business that prides itself on its distinctive approach to the catering world, prioritizing flexibility and creativity. From fine dining experiences to BBQs, The Catering Collective delivers exceptional food and service for any occasion. They also offer the unique experience of live butchery demonstrations, educating guests on the artistry and precision behind the craft, while allowing them to appreciate every step that brings food to their plate.

As the breathtaking re-imagined live-action epic continues to capture the hearts of audiences in theaters, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON comes home exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent July 15, 2025 and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray™ on August 12, 2025, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Take a ride behind the scenes with more than 75-minutes of bonus content including deleted scenes, a gag reel and making of vignettes that dive deeper into the cutting-edge visual effects, elaborate character transformations, and iconic story that bring the Isle of Berk, the dragons and Vikings to life with jaw-dropping realism when you purchase from participating digital retailers nationwide.

Captivating global audiences, the animated franchise has earned four Academy Award® nominations and grossed more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON comes to life like never before. Oscar® nominee Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind the acclaimed franchise, turns his beloved animated film into a stunning live-action spectacle. On the Isle of Berk, Vikings and dragons have battled for generations, but that won’t stop Hiccup (Mason Thames), the son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), from building an unlikely bond with the feared dragon, Toothless. With an ancient evil threatening their worlds, it’s up to Hiccup, Toothless, and their courageous companion Astrid (Nico Parker) to make the realm realize they’re stronger together, and only through friendship and bravery can they overcome the challenges of a high-flying adventure.

Gerard Butler (300, Has Fallen franchise) reprises his voice role from the animated franchise and is joined by a talented cast of franchise newcomers including Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Paul), Mason Thames (The Black Phone, “For All Mankind”), Nico Parker (Dumbo, “The Last of Us”), Gabriel Howell (“Bodies”), Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (“Smothered”), and Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy).

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN PURCHASING AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:

Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois
Gag Reel

Love and Legacy: Making HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Go behind the scenes to see how the beloved characters and intricate fantasy world were brought to the live-action medium.

Building Berk – Walk onto the set of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and take in the scale, detail, and heart that went into building Berk.

Dreaming Up the Dragons – A glimpse at the technology, artistry, and imagination involved in bringing life-like dragons to the screen.

Fit for a Viking – Witness the elaborate transformations the cast made to embody the Vikings we see in the film.

Forbidden Friendship with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Watch Mason Thames perform the full Forbidden Friendship sequence with a puppeteer in the early stages of creating one of the film’s most iconic scenes.

Test Drive with Introduction by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Hold on tight as we join Hiccup on his first flight with Toothless, and see the various elements that came together to construct the thrilling scene.

Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe – Explore HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Isle of Berk and discover an island where Vikings and fire-breathing dragons exist together in harmony.

Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Dean DeBlois

SUPERMAN is pure kryptonite in its debut, opening with a smashing $120 million from 4,135 theatres for Warner Bros. Best opening for the SUPERMAN franchise still goes to 2016’s BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, with $166 million. Critics enjoyed James Gunn‘s fun take, giving it 82% on the Tomatometer.

Second up is JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH with $37 million in its second frame for Universal Pictures, a total run of $229.1 million domestically so far.

Third is F1 with $10.7 million, taking it to $133.8 million for Warner Bros. in its third weekend.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON secures fourth spot with $5.7 million, a tally of $237 million over five weekends for Universal Pictures.

ELIO rounds it out with $3.1 million, taking it to $62 million in its fourth weekend for Disney/Pixar.

Makilala, a new Filipino restaurant from renowned duo Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, along with Jeff’s brother Joel Regular, is set to open late July at 105 Church Street. Known for their beloved Thai restaurants across Toronto, Chef Nuit and Jeff have turned their focus to the food and culture of the Philippines, drawing inspiration from Jeff and Joel’s Filipino heritage and a deep dive into the cuisine. Makilala will blend traditional flavours, vibrant energy, and warm hospitality into an experience that feels like coming home.

Following a series of successful Thai-inspired restaurant openings, the idea for Makilala emerged from Chef Nuit’s desire to explore Jeff’s Filipino heritage more deeply. “Chef Nuit has been cooking and learning from my entire family for the past 20 years, and we’re so excited to share her love for learning and cooking our traditional recipes with the community,” said Joel Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “She has also taken regional cooking classes and spent time exploring local markets and traditions to learn more about the cuisine and culture.” The word Makilala means “to get to know,” and that spirit of openness and connection will define everything about the space.

Guests will enter through a curated front market filled with rotating Filipino artists and vendors offering handmade and locally sourced products. The main dining room will feature a design that is emblematic of a traditional barangay, featuring a large stage at the back. The bar has been designed to resemble a sari-sari store, named after Jeff and Joel’s parents, Nonoy and Myrna, which adds a nostalgic and personal touch to the space. At the back, a private dining room will offer family-style service for up to 14 guests, featuring off-menu feasts like whole roasted pig and chef-driven surprises.

Inside, long communal tables will set the stage for shared meals and lively conversations in the barangay-inspired space, complete with a painted basketball court on the floor, a nod to the sport’s deep roots in everyday Filipino life. “Basketball is such a big part of growing up in the Philippines,” said Jeff Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “We wanted to channel that energy and sense of community into the space—from the court-style layout to the laid-back, open vibe.”

Makilala will serve a curated menu of traditional Filipino family recipes like chicken adobo, sinigang, taho, and breakfast silog plates, along with a special order kamayan-style menu—a communal feast served on banana leaves and eaten by hand. “Everything I’ve learned about Filipino cooking has come from spending time with Jeff and Joel’s family,” said Chef Nuit Regular, co-owner and chef of Makilala. “This menu is built on the tradition and love of their family recipes. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to share these dishes and the stories behind them.”

The beverage menu will feature a mix of tradition and fun invention. Filipino staples like Red Horse, San Miguel, Tanduay, and ube cocktails will be served alongside signature creations like the Taal Volcano, a smoky nod to the Philippines. The team is also launching its own light beer called Makilola, and will be the official provider of Don Papa Rum.

Makilala will be open seven days a week, with lunch served Tuesday through Sunday, and a late-night menu that will carry the energy into the evening with DJs, stand-up comedy, and a dedicated karaoke stage. From traditional Filipino inspired décor and raindrop soundscapes in the bathrooms to a sari-sari style bar and rotating Filipino vendors in the front market, every detail is designed to honour the culture and community that inspired it.

For more information, visit www.makilala.ca.