#FOOD: WORLD CUP THINGS-TO-DO ROUNDUP – NRG HAUS, THE DRAKE HOTEL, AND CHOTTO MATTE

With World Cup fever building, I’m excited to share a few unique Toronto experiences for potential coverage, from watching matches between sauna and cold-plunge sessions at NRG Haus to patio viewing parties at Chotto Matte and soccer-inspired stay packages at The Drake Hotel.

NRG HAUS:

This summer, NRG is bringing the energy of the FIFA World Cup to the heart of Liberty Village with a full lineup of watch parties, kickoff celebrations, and community activations, making it the only recovery studio in Toronto hosting World Cup viewing experiences throughout the tournament. Inside the space, guests will watch every match on a massive 150-inch projector screen in NRG Haus’ Mocktail Lounge, transforming the contrast therapy studio into a vibrant viewing destination for soccer fans. 

NRG Haus will be hosting the following activations + partnerships:

• June 11 at 3:00PM: FIFA Kickoff Party for the tournament opener, Celsius will be onsite giving away samples of their newest drink, Electric Vibe, alongside branded décor and activations surrounding the exterior of NRG. 
• June 12 at 3:00 PM: Canada’s first World Cup match watch party. Celsius will be onsite giving away samples of their newest drink, Electric Vibe, alongside branded décor and activations surrounding the exterior of NRG. 
• July 19 (time tbc): NRG Haus will host a World Cup Finals Party featuring an outdoor Ole activation with complimentary samples, giveaways, and additional fan experiences. Ticketing and RSVP information for all events will be announced soon.

BOOK YOUR SESSION HERE

Chotto Matte: 

This summer, Chotto Matte invites you to experience the World Cup like never before. Complete with sweeping views of the CN Tower, and close to Union Station (a central location for tourists visiting the city), Chotto’s patio becomes the ultimate destination for Toronto’s most unforgettable match days. Each game transforms into a full celebration: Nikkei bites, crafted cocktails, and live DJ sets for every kick-off. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is Toronto at its best: world-class sport met with world-class hospitality.

RESERVATIONS HERE

The Drake Hotel:

With the World Cup set to take over Toronto, The Drake Hotel is gearing up to give fans an unforgettable stay that brings the spirit of the big game to life. Guests can settle in with full access to an in-room minibar, thoughtfully stocked with premium beverages and snacks (valued at $300), included with their stay, and receive two custom limited-edition soccer t-shirts from a local screenprinting studio on WQW. Designed around match days, the package requires a two-night minimum and starts at $709+ tax per night, while the hotel’s best available rate on game days begins at $659+ tax per night.

BOOK YOUR STAY HERE

#FIRSTLOOK: PRIDE GUIDE WITH THE DRAKE HOTEL, FIERCE & FABULOUS EXPO

The most colourful, joyous, and vibrant time of the year is almost here: Pride Month in Toronto. And in one of the proudest and most inclusive cities in the world, The Drake Hotel and Fierce & Fabulous Expo are coming together to create the ultimate lineup of celebrations, experiences, and unforgettable moments to enjoy Pride in full swing. 

FIERCE & FABULOUS EXPO:

Kicking off Pride Month in Toronto, Fierce & Fabulous Expo is a vibrant celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ creativity, culture, and community. Proudly supported by Pride Toronto and the Toronto Arts Council, the event will bring together more than 5,000 attendees for a dynamic day of iconic performances, art, entertainment, and connection.

Guests can expect appearances from fan-favourite queens from Canada’s Drag Race, including Toronto winners The Virgo Queen and Van Goth, alongside a curated lineup of local talent, vendors, creators, and community organizations. The morning will begin with an official Pride Month kick-off, including opening remarks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and media photo opportunities, setting the tone for an exciting and meaningful start to Pride celebrations across the city.

Date: Friday, June 6, 2026

Time: 9:00AM-6:00PM

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre — North Building, Hall A

Address: 255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON

THE DRAKE HOTEL:

Mermaid Ball

Explore the depths of the TRENCH with all the eerie wonders it holds. The Mermaid Ball is diving deep for it’s 8th year. Enter a world stranger than you have ever imagined, yet one you have somehow seen in your dreams since childhood. This 2 night event takes place in The Drake Hotel’s Underground where it will be transformed by the decor of Zirco Fish into an eerie coral reef nestled at the deepest point of the Mariana Trench. This Albino Reef gives explorers a fantastical glimpse into the sensory, explosive environment that has technically passed on but continues to yield stories of brewing magic. Costumes continue to be strongly encouraged as your participation adds so much to the immersive experience.

Dates: May 22 + 23

Time: 7:00PM-12AM

Location: The Drake Hotel

Pride Hotel Package Reservation link for the Pride Hotel package HERE. 

With a full lineup of programming to celebrate all month long, from Drag Brunch (and Drag Bingo), the legendary Mermaid Ball, ShikShook andChippy NonstopPride parties, and a special Thank You For Listening Pride edition, the Drake is known to be, and proud to be a safe and inclusive space for our 2SLGBTQI+ guests, team members, and communities. This month, be our guest and book the Stay Proud Hotel package where your stay during Toronto Pride month includes ALL the perks and a guaranteed good time, day + night. Available all month long with their, you’ll get a $40 daily Uber credit to move through the city, a $50 food + drink credit, and a few morning-after extras: like slippers and a sleep mask. We’ll throw in a couple of photobooth vouchers, too, because some moments deserve proof. Raise a glass, hit the dance floor, sleep in, repeat.The Drake is a proud ally and a member of World Rainbow Hotels and an official Rainbow Registered hospitality partner with the CGLCC, setting standards for building a culture of inclusivity and a commitment to inclusive leadership to ensure our 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.