Taco Fest has revealed the full vendor lineup for its Toronto return, August 7 to 9, 2026 at Fort York, and it’s the biggest in the festival’s nine-year history. The announcement comes on the heels of the festival’s inaugural Mississauga edition, where sold-out crowds crowned their first Best Taco winner.

More than 35 vendors will serve up hundreds of taco varieties over three days. The lineup brings together some of the GTA’s most celebrated restaurants and taquerias for Toronto’s hottest summer fiesta.

This year’s Toronto vendor lineup includes: 6 Spice Rack, Azdôra Catering, Balam, Big Jerk, Taco Loco, Birria Catrina, Chente’s Taqueria, Choco Churros, Hielito Bits, Churros by Rebozos, Delight Bite, Dope As Duck, Inmigrante, Frida House Tacos, Fruta Libre, Ghost Taco, Gigil Taqueria, I Love Churros, King Catering, Kong’s Hot Tacos, Las Mexicanas, Lenpanada, Lit Up Jerk, Masa Mexico City Tacos, Tacos101, Me & Julio, Meza Group, Narcos Tacos, PalettAmérica, Picante MX, Rebozos Taqueria, Rick’s Good Eats, Tino’s Taco House, Tacos De Princesa, and Tulum Mexican Restaurant.

Among the names to watch is Inmigrante (@inmigranteto), the winner of the Best Taco award at Taco Fest’s first-ever Mississauga edition. Fresh off their win, Inmigrante is bringing the award-winning quesabirria dish to Toronto.

Beyond the tacos, the festival’s signature experiences are back:

The Los Cabos Guac School, a hands-on masterclass in crafting the perfect homemade guacamole, led by an expert chef and paired with interactive Los Cabos experiences

The Jarritos Chill Zone, featuring photo moments, lawn games and exclusive Jarritos cocktails

The Hot Sauce Bar, stocked with more than 50 varieties from around the globe, including a limited edition Taco Fest hot sauce created by Piko Peppers

The Altos Tequila School, offering guided classes for tequila lovers of every level

The La Costeña Topping Bar, loaded with everything you need to build your perfect taco

Aroma by Tia Rosa, an immersive activation serving taco samples and interactive experiences

The SOL Beer Chelada Experience, where guests can learn to build the perfect chelada and enjoy free samples

Tequila & Mezcal Tastings, with 30+ selections ranging from smooth blancos to smoky mezcals

Live mariachi, salsa dancing and product sampling all weekend long

The legendary Best Taco Trophy also returns to Toronto. Throughout the festival, attendees can vote for their favourite taco, with the winner crowned at the end of the weekend and receiving the most coveted trophy in tacos.

Tickets for Taco Fest Toronto are on sale, starting at $18.95. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.thetacofest.com/toronto and follow on Instagram @thetacofest.

About Taco Fest
Taco Fest Toronto is the annual summer festival that has brought the heat to the city for the last nine years. Taco Fest brings together top chefs, local restaurants and food enthusiasts for 100s of mouthwatering tacos, handcrafted cocktails, live music, salsa dancing and more. From traditional flavours to bold creations, guests can experience a fiesta like no other. Taco Fest takes place every year in Toronto, Mississauga, and Montreal. For more information, visit thetacofest.com

The 10th edition of OssFest returns to Ossington on July 25, 2026 with bars and restaurants on the strip between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West rolling out festival-exclusive menus and one-day-only experiences. Whether festival-goers are after Vietnamese street food from Lunch Lady, an all-day block party at No Vacancy, or specially curated collaborations with Favorites Thai, here’s what to expect.

The Lunch Lady
IG. @thelunchladytoronto
📍93 Ossington Ave.

Fresh off the Canada’s 100 Best Recommends 2026 list, Lunch Lady will be returning to OssFest this year, serving its “world-famous” Vietnamese street food from 11 am to 10 pm (or until sold out). Priced between $9 – $14, they’ll be offering a specially curated menu of drinks and bites designed to blend their comforting, authentic, Vietnamese cuisine with a festival-friendly twist. Guests can enjoy a little piece of Saigon with their rich Vietnamese coffee or refreshing sugarcane juice. They’ll also be offering a variety of skewers, including octopus, pork, and beef paired with red and green chili sauce.
Lunch Lady Ossfest Menu
Vietnamese Coffee
Sugarcane Juice
Octopus Skewers with green chili sauce
Pork skewers with red chili sauce
Beef skewers with red chili sauce

No Vacancy
IG. @novacancytofav
📍74 Ossington Ave.

Following a standout year that saw it named No. 14 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars list, awarded Best New Bar, and ranked No. 82 on the extended North America’s 50 Best Bars list, No Vacancy is going all out for OssFest, taking over the driveway at 77 Ossington for a one-day-only block party from 11 am to 10 pm. Chef Brian Kang will be serving grilled skewers, while drinks will include beer and spirit cans supported by Steam Whistle and Suntory, alongside a full bar. DJ sets will run throughout the day, including Toronto DJs Deecee and Quim, who will close out the lineup. The party will continue well into the evening, with No Vacancy offering its regular lounge menu for walk-ins and a post-party continuing from 10 pm until late.

Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai
📍141 Ossington Ave.

Favorites Thai, the four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant, is bringing together two of Toronto’s most sought-after dining destinations for a special collaboration with cult-favourite sandwich shop Lambo’s Deli. Guests can expect a Thai-inspired take on Lambo’s signature sandwich, complemented by a Therianthropy wine truck and DJ sets throughout the day on Favorites Thai’s spacious alleyway patio.

Watch the official trailer for Macon Blair’s Idiots starring Dave Franco, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Mason Thames, Kiernan Shipka, Nicholas Braun, and Peter Dinklage.

Two rock-bottom drivers transport a wealthy teen to rehab, but their simple job spirals into a chaotic journey of drugs, danger, and crime as their passenger derails their plans.

VVS Films release August 28, 2026.

The final trailer for Ridley Scott’s “The Dog Stars” is now available to download and share. The film, a riveting, cinematic thriller set in a world where survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice, opens exclusively in theatres, IMAX, and premium large formats August 28, 2026.

Based on Peter Heller’s captivating bestseller, “The Dog Stars” features a critically acclaimed ensemble, including Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce. The screenplay is by Mark L. Smith, based upon the novel by Peter Heller, and the producers are Ridley Scott, p.g.a., Michael Pruss, p.g.a., Mark L. Smith, and Cliff Roberts, p.g.a., with Lily Brooks-Dalton, Brandon Scott Smith, Peter Heller, Aidan Elliott serving as executive producers.

The film tells the story of Hig (Jacob Elordi), a young pilot who, together with a military survivalist, Bangley (Josh Brolin), has carved out an efficient but isolated homestead in a brutal post-apocalyptic world. But when Hig receives a mysterious radio transmission, he ventures into the unknown in search of the hope and humanity he still believes exist.

If names like Texas Tab, Shark Attack and Strawberry Breeze mean something to you, you’ve probably already fallen down the dirty soda rabbit hole. If they don’t, you’re about to.

Viral across TikTok and Instagram, and popularized by hit TV shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, dirty sodas have officially taken over our cultural conversation. These dreamy-like customizable cream and syrup soft drinks have built cult followings at Sonic and later exploded at Utah-born chains like Swig and Sodalicious, turning a regional obsession into one of the biggest beverage trends of the year.

On July 15, Mandy’s is putting its own spin on the craze, giving Canadians a first taste of what everyone’s been talking about. Available across all locations in Ontario and Quebec, they’re launching two delicious flavors to keep you hydrated this summer:

🍒🍋‍🟩 Cherry Lime Cola: a nostalgic cola base brightened with tart lime and sweet cherry.

🥭✨ Mango Sprite: a tropical twist on the classic, made for long summer afternoons spent on Mandy’s patios.

At Mandy’s, nostalgic, joyful and colourful takes on everyday favourites have always been part of the brand’s DNA. Dirty sodas may have started south of the border, but they felt like the perfect fit for Mandy’s: playful and made to put a smile on your face, with a signature Mandy’s twist.

Visit here for location nearest to you.

Join the Mandalorian and Grogu on their most thrilling mission yet when Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” arrives on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV, July 21, 2026 and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray August 25.

The all-new Star Wars film brings the beloved duo to the big screen for the first time in an action-packed, thrilling, fun, and heartwarming adventure featuring spectacular visuals, a host of new creatures, exhilarating dogfights, TIE-fighter battles, and plenty of surprises. Following multiple award-winning seasons on Disney+, the film sees the Mandalorian and Grogu facing new challenges and exploring uncharted corners of the galaxy, and introduces new characters portrayed by Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White.

The franchise’s cinematic return, a standalone adventure which will captivate new audiences while rewarding longtime fans, is the ultimate viewing experience at home. The digital and Blu-ray offer hours of exclusive bonus content, including numerous featurettes and audio commentary.

Film Synopsis

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” also stars Sigourney Weaver, with Martin Scorsese and Jeremy Allen White lending their voices. The film is directed by Jon Favreau and written by Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni & Noah Kloor.

Bonus Features*

FEATURETTES:

Crafting “The Mandalorian and Grogu”: Discover the craft behind an epic Star Wars adventure! Go behind the scenes with artists creating the stunning puppetry, miniatures, sound design, and visual effects that bring the worlds, characters, and creatures of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” to life.
Biomes—From Snow to Swamp: Voyage with director Jon Favreau and his crew to a pair of brand-new worlds that may seem a touch familiar to fans of the original Star Wars trilogy. Discover how the ingenious filmmakers constructed snowy landscapes and a living swamp from the ground up!
Welcome to Shakari: A bustling metropolis like Shakari cannot simply be found—it must be made. Join the film’s fabrication as they build an entire Star Wars city with a downtown warehouse, conjuring an epic playground for Mando and his young apprentice.
Dejarik for Real: Sometimes it’s the little things! Who can forget the Millennium Falcon’s charming holochess game introduced in 1977? Witness how the tiny creatures featured in the game were lovingly brought to giant-sized life for the Mandalorian’s big-screen debut!

AUDIO COMMENTARY:

Audio commentary by Jon Favreau: Watch the film with audio commentary by director Jon Favreau.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer. Only available on Digital and Physical.

Today, Disney+ unveiled the official trailer for FX’s “The Shards,” a seductive new drama series from executive producer Ryan Murphy, based on the acclaimed bestselling novel by Bret Easton Ellis. The series will premiere with the first two episodes on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on Hulu on Disney+ in Canada.

Set against the vivid backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles, the series follows a group of privileged high school seniors at an elite prep school as they navigate identity, sex, jealousy, obsession and the dangers lurking beneath the surface of American adolescence.

At its centre is Bret (Igby Rigney), an aspiring writer and keenly observant teenager whose reality begins to unravel with the arrival of a mysterious and magnetic new student, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere). Transferring in just before his senior year, Robert’s appearance coincides with the growing terror of The Trawler, a serial killer targeting teenagers across the city.

Alongside Bret is his elite social circle, which consists of Susan Reynolds (Kaia Gerber), Debbie Schaffer (Hayes Warner) and Thom Wright (Graham Campbell), a glamourous and deeply entangled group drawn into a life of wealth, beauty, parties and excess. The promise of their youth is contrasted with the dark and cynical world of the adults surrounding them: Terry Schaffer (Wes Bentley), Liz Schaffer (Evan Rachel Wood) and Steven Reinhardt (Jordan Roth).

A fusion of the voices of two of America’s most provocative storytellers — Ryan Murphy and Bret Easton Ellis — FX’s “The Shards” is executive produced by Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Ellis, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, Nissa Diederich, Tanase Popa, Nick Hall, Michael Uppendahl, Max Winkler, Kathleen McCaffrey and Brian Young. The series is produced by 20th Television.

Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.

We get Canadian release dates from Cannes selection THE SAMURAI AND THE PRISONER.

Toronto gets a special preview screening on Tuesday, August 4, 2026
at the TIFF Lightbox, with a post-screening Q&A with
writer-director Kiyoshi Kurosawa in attendance

TIFF Lightbox (Toronto) – opens exclusively on August 7, 2026
Cinema du Musee – Montreal – August 14, 2026
Globe Cinema – Calgary – August 14, 2026
The Roxy Theatre – Victoria – August 14, 2026

“From the stunning opening all the way to the closing frames as the characters wander off one final time, it’s a remarkable, restrained and ultimately riveting film that earns every moment and then some.” – The Wrap

“Kurosawa finds in Murashige a formidable analog; anchored as it may be to a rich, illustrious cinematic lineage, The Samurai and the Prisoner feels at once retro and rebellious—a loving tribute from one disruptor to another.” – The Film Stage

“Adapting Honobu Yonezawa’s award-winning 2021 novel, Kurosawa has made one of his best films, a work that feels a bit like Agatha Christie, a bit like Shakespeare, and even a bit like Samurai Columbo.”- RogerEbert.com

Selected Official Selections:

Festival De Cannes 2025 (Competition) * world premiere
Sydney Film Festival 2026
Fantasia Festival 2026 *North American premiere

Synopsis:
When Lord Murashige (Masahiro Motoki) rises up against the tyrannical Oda (Bando Shingo), he finds himself besieged within the walls of his own castle. Isolated, he is confronted with a series of mysterious crimes that shatter the fragile order of his court, plunging the fortress into fear and suspicion. With Oda’s army closing in and a traitor hiding among his ranks, Murashige is forced into an uneasy alliance with Kanbei Kuroda (Masaki Suda), a brilliant yet dangerous strategist held prisoner in the dungeon. Helped by his wife Chiyoho (Yuriko Yoshitaka) and his most loyal generals, Murashige must uncover the truth before the castle falls.

Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Cure, Journey to the Shore, Pulse)
Writer: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Based on a novel by: Honobu Yonezawa

Cast:

Masahiro Motoki as Lord Murashige Araki
Masaki Suda as Kanbei Kuroda
Yuriko Yoshitaka as Chiyoho
Munetaka Aoki as Kyuzaemon Araki
Bando Shingo as Nobunaga Oda
Ryota Miyadate as Sukesaburō Inui
Tasuku Emoto as Sagehari Saika
Joe Odagiri as Jūemon Kōri
Editor: Koichi Takahashi
Cinematographer: Yasuyuki Sasaki
Composer: Yoshihiro Hanno

Producer: Satoko Ishida

Countries: Japan
Runtime: 147 minutes
Language: Japanese (with English subtitles)

Canadian Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment Canada
U.S. Distributor: Janus Films

Note: Janus Films will be releasing the film on July 31 in the U.S.
In Canada, Blue Fox Entertainment Canada will be releasing THE SAMURAI AND THE PRISONER in Canadian theatres beginning on August 7, 2026.

About Blue Fox Entertainment Canada:
Blue Fox Entertainment Canada launched in advance of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, spearheaded by seasoned industry executives Dave Hudakoc, Ian Goggins and Michael Baker. The company has quickly established itself through the strategic acquisition of Unobstructed View Entertainment, now known as Cinema Cellar—a boutique label specializing in Blu-rays, 4K restorations, and prestige home video releases. With partners such as The Criterion Collection, Arrow Video, and Kino Lorber, Blue Fox Entertainment Canada brings cinephiles and collectors access to some of the most celebrated and hard-to-find titles in contemporary and classic cinema.

Operating in close alignment with its Los Angeles-based counterpart, Blue Fox Entertainment Canada handles all Canadian distribution for Blue Fox Entertainment, as well as other curated partnerships across the independent film landscape.

Recent releases include Janus Films’ TWO PROCECUTORS, directed by Sergei Loznitsa which won the François Chalais Prize at Cannes, Kirk Jones’ multiple BAFTA-winning film I SWEAR, and Sophy Romvari’s BLUE HERON winner of the TFCA Awards’ Rogers Best Canadian Film.

Filmed over the course of 12 years between 2002 and 2013, Richard Linklater’s groundbreaking coming-of-age drama Boyhood returns to Canadian theatres on July 31, 2026 to celebrate the film’s 12th anniversary. Written and directed by Linklater, the Academy Award-winning film stars Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke and Lorelei Linklater.

Set primarily in Houston, Texas, Boyhood chronicles the real-life growth of its cast while telling the story of Mason Evans Jr. (Coltrane) as he journeys from childhood to adulthood. Alongside Mason, his older sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater) and their divorced parents (Hawke and Arquette) also navigate the challenges and milestones of growing up. The film was shot for a few days each year using the same actors, whose characters mature before our eyes, capturing the passage of time in a way never before attempted in narrative cinema.

Upon its release in 2014, Boyhood became a cultural phenomenon, earning widespread critical acclaim and six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Film Editing. Patricia Arquette won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. The film also received three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director for Linklater and Best Supporting Actress for Arquette.

To mark the anniversary, the Austin Film Society will host a special reunion on July 18, 2026, featuring members of the cast and filmmakers. Canadian audiences will have the opportunity to watch a recorded version of the conversation, presented exclusively at participating theatres during the film’s re-release.

Step into the kitchen with director Matt Johnson alongside stars Dominic Sessa and Antonio Banderas in an exclusive first look at TONY.

Starring Dominic Sessa, Emilia Jones, Dagmara Dominczyk, Rich Sommers, Stavros Halkias, with Leo Woodall and Antonio Banderas.

A 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain travels to Provincetown and stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen, setting off a summer that will shape the course of his life.

STARRING

Dominic Sessa, Emilia Jones, Dagmara Dominczyk, Rich Sommers, Stavros Halkias,

Leo Woodall, Antonio Banderas

DIRECTED BY

Matt Johnson

— TOR, VAN & MTL AUGUST 14, EVERYWHERE AUGUST 21, 2026 VIA A24 —