You can win a chance to get married at the CNE this year
The Canadian National Exhibition is offering one lucky Ontario couple the chance to tie the knot—or renew their vows—on the CNE Midway this summer.
The “Marriage on the Midway” contest, which is launching today, invites couples with a personal connection to the CNE to submit their love stories online. The winning pair will receive an all-expense paid wedding celebration at the fair on Aug. 23.
“Every year we meet and hear from visitors who tell us that they had their first date at the CNE or met their partners while working their summer job; and we even know of a few vendors, some who have been married for more than 50 years, who first met and fell in love at the CNE,” said Jane Matthews, CNE Marketing Director. “We’ve had wedding proposals at the CNE, so this year we thought, why not a wedding ceremony?!”
The ceremony will take place beneath the SuperWheel and include an official photographer, a wedding cake from the CNE’s new cake decorating competition, and admission for up to 20 guests. The prize also includes unlimited ride access for the wedding party, $500 in food vouchers, and reserved seats at the CNE Bandshell for the 98 Degrees concert—featuring their hit ballad “I Do (Cherish You).”
The CNE is looking for stories that show how the fair has been part of a couple’s journey—whether it’s a first date, first job, or lasting tradition. Submissions are now open through the official CNE website.
A few months into its opening, Mar’aa is beginning to find its place in Yorkville. The Middle Eastern restaurant sits on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre and is operated by Scale Hospitality. The group behind Byblos, Lapinou and Miss Likklemore’s.
The space previously housed AP, a high-profile collaboration with Montreal chef Antonio Park that opened in late 2022. Known for its pan-Asian and Latin-inspired menu, AP launched with big expectations but closed earlier this year, less than two years in.
@maraayorkville/Instagram
In its place, Mar’aa offers a more grounded concept, drawing from Middle Eastern traditions with a modern, polished presentation. The name means “mirror” in Arabic — a reference, the restaurant says, to reflecting both heritage and contemporary refinement.
The menu at Mar’aa includes duck confit hummus, lamb manti dumplings and a charcoal-grilled strip loin with baharat jus. Larger dishes, like a 24-hour braised wagyu short rib, are designed for sharing, and sides like crispy saffron rice and lentils with golden raisin purée add depth.
A recent addition, Sunday brunch brings a lighter tone, with options like breakfast hummus, pistachio croissant knots and a wagyu brunch burger with halloumi and ajvar.
The drink list includes a few playful twists on brunch cocktails, including one made with cereal milk.
The room still features its signature floor-to-ceiling windows and skyline views, but the overall feel is quieter and more focused.
One of Toronto’s most popular summer events is marking a major milestone. The Toronto Chinatown Festival returns this August to celebrate its 25th anniversary, promising two days of cultural performances and mouth-watering street food in the heart of Chinatown!
The festival was launched in 2000 and celebrates the culture, history and businesses of Chinatown, so this year’s anniversary marks a special milestone for both the festival and the community as a whole!
It takes place from Sat, Aug 9 (12 pm -11 pm) to Sun, Aug 10 (11 am-8 pm), and will transform Spadina Ave (from St. Andrew St. to Sullivan St.) into a fun-filled pedestrian zone packed with entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
The full festival lineup will drop soon, but we already have a couple of highlights to look out for:
Lion & dragon dances: Watch traditional lion dances as part of the opening ceremony! These time-honoured performances are believed to bring luck and prosperity.
Cultural performances: Expect a rich, multicultural lineup that reflects the diversity of the city, including traditional Asian dance troupes, contemporary musicians and performance artists.
Global street food: Foodies can explore an array of Asian street eats from across the continent. Similar to previous years, you can savour everything from skewers and bao to sweet treats and bubble tea.
Lucky draw prizes: There’s tons of food and music, but visitors will also have a chance to win cool prizes throughout the weekend!
Capping off Saturday night is a special appearance by celebrated Hong Kong actress and singer Alice Lau, known for her breakout role in I Have a Date with Spring. Lau will bring her soulful voice and captivating presence to the main stage in an exclusive Toronto performance.
The festival grounds are pedestrian-only, so keep the car at home and arrive on foot or via public transit: Take the 510/310 Spadina streetcars and get off at Dundas/Spadina or ride the 505 Dundas or 501 Queen streetcars.
For more updates, keep an eye out on the torontochinatown Instagram page or visit the Toronto Chinatown BIA website. Click here for more festivals to look out for this summer.
Lili Beaudoin in Canadian Stage's Romeo & Juliet. Photo By Dahlia Katz
Lili Beaudoin has been travelling around the country performing at different theatres and in films since she was just six years old. Now, she’s in Toronto for a production of Romeo & Juliet at the annual Dream in High Park. Stepping into the shoes of Juliet, the actor shares how the love story of her and her partner, actor and comedian Ryan Beil, emulates the Shakespeare classic in one hilarious way.
How they met
I met my partner so many years ago — we were both in the theatre community in Vancouver, so I had known of him. I think I bartended at a venue where he was performing. We had a lot of mutual friends, and we both became a part of the improv world. It became a thing where we just started talking, and we just couldn’t stop.
The first date
It was at Sylvia Hotel, this famous Vancouver hotel that’s covered in vines, very romantic. We met at the hotel bar there for a drink. We pretty much had immediate chemistry. What was really special about Ryan was, instead of all the nerves being nervous energy, it was just all excited, bubbly, excitement energy! I felt like I could talk to him so easily right away.
The relationship
Lili Beaudoin, top, and Praneet Akilla in Canadian Stage’s Romeo & Juliet. Photo By Dahlia Katz
I think we were both pretty full on in the relationship right away. We moved quite fast. We just were really into each other. It’s funny — I’m doing Romeo & Juliet right now, and the two of them are right away saying they love each other. And for us, Ryan actually accidentally told me he loved me on our second date. It just kind of slipped out!
I remember, a month into dating, I had already planned this big, month-long trip to Europe. Ryan was coming off a film shoot and wanted to see me before he left. But on his way home, he got into a car accident! He was so worried about not being able to see me before I went that he just got into a cab and came home, even though he was still in shock. What he gave me was a letter for each country that I was going to, and each letter had pictures and a ton of facts about the country and love notes and sweet little details about how my trip is going and how he’s thinking about me. The effort and thought that he put into it was just so sweet.
We haven’t gotten engaged yet, but we’ve talked about it, and if we do, for some reason it feels right for us that I would be the one to ask!
The pets
Ryan already had two dogs when we started dating, and they’ve since passed away. And we now have another dog, Millie — a Scottish Terrier.
Shared hobbies and interests
We’re big nerds, and we really love games and board games. We’ve played a lot of Dungeons and Dragons together!
The secret to success
We laugh so much at home. Ryan is a renowned comedian, and both of us are improvisers, and we have so many inside jokes that it’s impossible to remember a quarter of them. It’s a really fun household and a really fun life with each other. On top of that, we’re very attentive; we’re each other’s go-to. We’ve been together for nine years now — it really feels like Ryan is not only my partner but a part of my family.
Balancing careers and a relationship
That’s never been much of a struggle for us. We share a career path; we’re both actors. So there have been many times where we’ve collaborated, which is nice. I’ve been on a few of Ryan’s podcasts as a guest, and Ryan has come and done shows with my improv company. On top of that, we support each other a lot. Even just this morning. I helped Ryan with two self-tapes, and we’re on opposite sides of the country right now!
The future together
There are lots of dreams about moving somewhere new or being able to buy a house one day or travelling. But I’m not too stuck on one thing. I’m really just enjoying where we’re at right now. We’ve never done a play together, so that might be nice!
You don’t need to head to the Caribbean to enjoy a white sand beach vacation. Ontario has freshwater shores surrounded by stunning white sand beaches that make for a perfect summer escape! Here are some must-visit spots with scenic charm.
This stunning beach, formerly Sauble Beach, is nestled on the shores of Lake Huron and boasts 7 km of sparkling white sand and warm, shallow water. It’s so perfect, it’s been rated Canada’s no. 1 freshwater beach! And Saugeen has a lot more than just white sand and waves. Gather the family and enjoy everything from swimming and wakeboarding to music nights and sandcastle contests. Check out local activities like the 9-hole golf course at Pinewoods Golf and the outdoor adventure course at Ascent Aerial Park. For a chic, retro-style weekend getaway, stay at the June Motel. The spot was featured in Netflix’s Motel Makeover and boasts the coolest sunset-inspired rooms surrounded by neon signs, hanging plants and wave-like wallpaper! About 3.5 hours northeast of Toronto.
Port Stanley is a charming harbour village in Lake Erie that boasts a blue flag-certified Main Beach filled with soft sand that is just perfect for walking! The beach is very family-friendly, with an accessible boardwalk, beach volleyball courts and waterside rentals (head to Bridgeview Marina to rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboat). And don’t forget the food! Snack on frozen treats from old-school ice-creameries and enjoy relaxed lakeside dining at GT’s On The Beach. About 2 hours southwestof Toronto.
This 14-km beach stretches across the South Georgian Bay and is the world’s longest freshwater beach! The white, sandy shoreline is filled with powdery soft sand and warm, shallow water, so perfect for families and anyone into water sports. Throughout the summer, enjoy beachfront concerts, fireworks and outdoor performances. Head to the annual Midway for a classic carnival experience or jam to smooth, soulful music at the Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival. Wasaga is also the perfect spot if you’re simply looking for panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment. About 2 hours north of Toronto.
Imagine Caribbean-style rolling dunes with camping, birdwatching, hiking, biking and rustic cottages available for rent! Sandbanks is home to the world’s largest Baymouth barrier dune formation and is famous for its three expansive white‑sandy beaches (Outlet, Dunes and Lakeshore), boasting panoramic views of Lake Ontario. For families with young kids, Outlet Beach is perfect as it boasts shallow waters and a gentle drop-off. Keep in mind that Sandbanks is one of the busiest parks in the province, so you’ll need to book a vehicle permit in advance to guarantee entry. The area is also a good starting point to explore Prince Edward County for a summer weekend getaway, which is known for its bicycle tours, wineries and amazing food! About 2 hours east of Toronto.
If you’re looking for an epic road trip, consider visiting Agawa Bay, nestled in Lake Superior Provincial Park, just north of Sault Ste. Marie. The camp offers campgrounds, but there are also cute little resorts to stay at. The 3-km beach boasts expansive white sand, smooth granite boulders, and clear blue waters with views that stretch to the horizon. After roaming the beach, visit other areas of the Lake Superior Coast for amazing glimpses of cliffs, river valleys and waterfalls. Check out the world-class hiking trails and canoe routes along the shoreline. Before you leave, explore nearby Agawa Rock pictographs for one of the largest collections of Aboriginal pictographs in the province. About 9 hours north of Toronto.
Cobourg is known for its clean, powdery white sand and clear blue waters, making it the perfect spot to visit for families. Victoria Park Beach is a super lively hub filled with splash pads, playgrounds, volleyball courts and food trucks. Wander to the marina and take pretty Insta pics at the iconic pier and lighthouse! Try to arrive early on weekends to find good parking as the beach gets crowded. Stroll around the bend to West Beach for a somewhat quieter, more natural experience. You’ll be surrounded by a naturalized grass area, an ecology garden to the north and a boardwalk that runs from Hibernia St to Ontario St. Afterward, explore Cobourg’s quaint downtown area, it’s filled with historic architecture, boutique shops and European-style dining options! About 1 hour east of Toronto.
Cantara Beach is nestled in Cantara Park, just outside Sarnia. Here you’ll find soft, off‑white sand along the clear, teal-hued waters of Lake Huron, making it the perfect place to visit as part of a summer vacation! The beach is one of only 22 in Canada to have earned official Blue Flag status, so it’s perfect for water lovers (try everything from wakeboarding and sailing to fishing along the shoreline). The park itself has over 84 acres of parkland, boasting walking/biking trails, passive areas, picnic areas, forests and more. About 4.5 hours from Toronto.
Patio season might be upon us, but there’s something nostalgic about a summer picnic. From vineyard spreads to friendly farm animal luncheons, here are six of the best picnic experiences that let you enjoy curated local flavours in charming small towns — all a short drive from Toronto.
Stratford Festival’s picnic theatre experience
Courtesy stratfordfestival.ca
Located two hours west of Toronto, Stratford is a small town with tons of charm, plus an unforgettable theatre experience. Running now through October, the Stratford Festival is an annual theatre festival that showcases everything from Shakespeare plays to musicals. Alongside a handful of on-site bars, the festival also offers visitors a takeaway picnic experience.that you can enjoy while watching a show.
Those interested in the picnic experience must pre-order their picnic basket at least 48 hours in advance, from the theatre’s box office, or online at the time of ticket purchase. Baskets must be picked up within two hours prior to performances at the Festival or Tom Patterson Theatres. The picnic menu includes a selection of light sandwiches, including vegan options, as well as the best-selling charcuterie picnic that serves two. All sandwiches come served with a side salad, cookie and a bottle of sparkling water.
Berrylicious Fruit Farm’s Picnics in the Patch
@berryliciousff/Instagram
Two hours from Toronto, Berrylicious Fruit Farm offers a pick-your-ownberry experience now through September. Currently, visitors can grab a basket and take their pick from a selection of juicy blueberries, raspberries and elderberries, as well as apple picking in the fall time.
More than a farm, Berrylicious also offers a tea experience, a farm stand selling homemade provisions, and its Picnics in the Patch experience, which offers several different kinds of bookable experiences. The Couples Picnic ($100) runs for two hours and includes a berry flatbread and mason jar salad (served with a fruit balsamic vinegar) and a blueberry and raspberry shortcake for dessert. The Family Picnic ($100) accommodates up to four guests and includes a selection of sandwiches, Berrylicious Fruit Farm’s signature jelly roll dessert bar and a refreshing beverage. All picnics include one gallon of farm fresh blueberries (picked by you or your group) and a blueberry tasting experience led by farm owners Wendy and Don. For a full list of picnic options, click here!
Ridge Road Estate Winery’s picnic by the pond
Set on an old family farm dating back to 1875, Ridge Road Estate Winery is a boutique winery that’s a welcome escape from the buzzing summer crowds of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Known for its cozy and casual tasting experiences and dog-friendly patio, the winery also offers summer picnic packages.
Picnics for two at this Stoney Creek spot cost $90, and $45 for each additional person up to six people. Each picnic experience includes a picnic basket packed with artisan cheese, salami, nuts, pickles, pita crackers, a fresh baguette, savoury jelly, fresh fruit and dessert. You can also choose to add a glass of wine or cider or a mocktail for an additional charge.
Picnic-goers can choose to reserve a spot under the old willow tree by the pond, or on the dock. Your set up includes an oversized picnic blanket and a tablecloth, as well as a selection of lawn games.
First founded in 2019, Bright, Ont.’s Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life is a working family farm that first garnered attention for its handcrafted goat’s milk icecream. In 2021, the farm officially opened to the public, expanding its services to include goat yoga and, best of all, alpaca picnics.
Starting at $110 for two and running up to $640 for groups of 16, these picnics let you savour a selection of handcrafted Ontario cheeses, artisanal meats, snacks and a scoop of the famous goat‐milk ice cream, while snuggly alpacas graze around you. Don’t worry — you’re provided with a bit of feed for the alpacas, too, so they can enjoy lunch with you. Picnics run for approximately 90 minutes, and can be booked now through the end of October.
Purple Hill Lavender Farm’s luxury picnic series
Courtesy Purple Hill Lavender Farm
Located in Creemore, about two hours north of Toronto, Purple Hill Lavender Farm is a small, family-run lavender farm spanning 50 acres. Along with selling lavender-infused bath and kitchen products, the farm also offers a series of events, including picnics.
Whether you’re looking for a cute date idea or the perfect al fresco dinner spot, Purple Hill Lavender Farm’s luxury picnic experience has everything you need for a memorable evening. Priced at $125 per person, the experience invites guests to take a seat at a long, wooden table in the midst of lavender fields and enjoy a locally-sourced charcuterie box featuring bite-size cheeses, meats and veggies. The set-up is complete with candles, comfy pillows and live music.
The picnics run from 6–8 p.m. and the next available picnic dates are Saturday, July 26, Wednesday, July 30, Saturday, Aug. 2 and Wednesday, Aug. 6. For groups of 10 or more, a discount will be applied.
Trius Winery’s Movie Night in the Vineyard
Happening every Thursday night in July and August, Movie Night in the Vineyard is Trius Winery’s elevated take on a classic drive-in movie experience. Tickets cost $29.99 and include a glass of Trius wine in a souvenir glass. The Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard also offers concession-style snacks, like chips, chocolate and popcorn, so you can build your own little picnic spread. Doors open at 8 p.m., and guests have access to a designated seat, though you can still pack your own blanket for the full experience, if you’d like.
The next show times are as follows: Thursday, July 24, 50 First Dates; Thursday, July 31, Love Actually; and Thursday, Aug. 7, Legally Blonde.
Mayor Olivia Chow awarded the Key to the City today to acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro in a ceremony held at Cinespace Studios, recognizing his lasting contributions to Toronto’s film industry.
As part of the event, the Marine Terminal campus sound stages were officially renamed the Guillermo del Toro Stages, honouring the director’s creative ties to the city. Del Toro, a three-time Academy Award winner, has filmed several major projects in Toronto, including The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley, Cabinet of Curiosities, and the upcoming Frankenstein.
Guillermo del Toro honoured with Key to the City as Cinespace unveils the “Guillermo del Toro Stages”
“Toronto has been a second home to me and my creative endeavours. To have my name associated with these glorious stages where my beloved crew and colleagues share both work and memories is an immense honor,” said del Toro. “I am deeply grateful to Cinespace Studios for this recognition, and to the Toronto film community for its unwavering support throughout decades of my career.”
Del Toro often takes to social media to highlight his favourite hidden gems in Toronto such as book stores. The filmmaker also hosted a horror film series for TIFF this month. In addition, he has advocated for the preservation of the Revue Cinema.
The Key to the City is Toronto’s highest civic honour, awarded to individuals who exemplify the spirit of the city and contribute meaningfully to its cultural and civic life.
“Guillermo del Toro is a once-in-a-generation storyteller, director and filmmaker,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “From The Shape of Water to Nightmare Alley to the highly anticipated Frankenstein, he has consistently chosen to produce his award-winning movies in Toronto, supporting our city’s $2.6 billion film industry which employs more than 40,000 people. Today, we celebrate his contributions to Toronto and his films which have touched viewers from around the world.”
Across the city, a growing number of food and drink spots are proving you don’t need a massive footprint to make a lasting impression. These pocket-sized shops — often no bigger than a walk-in closet — are serving up everything from perfectly pulled espresso to caramelized onion smash burgers and inventive gelato that’s worth lining up for. Whether there’s room for two inside or none at all, these mini gems make the most of every square inch.
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gelato shop has just enough room for two customers at a time — but 00 Gelato makes every square foot count. Tucked into 370 King St. W, it’s been quietly scooping inventive gelato and sorbet flavours for over eight years (Camila Cabello even stopped by once). The menu rotates constantly, with new flavours and seasonal specials dropping all summer long. A few sidewalk tables out front offer just enough space to sit for a while and savour. 370 King St W.
Coffee Pocket has been packing big flavour into Koreatownlong before pocket-sized cafés were trendy. This ultra-compact spot — decked out with quirky art and just enough seating to call it cosy — runs on Sam James beans, proudly on display for all to see. A decade in, it remains one of Bloor’s tiniest, tastiest coffee stops, with a pastry case full of flaky danishes and almond croissants to pair with your cup. 688a Bloor St W.
Oklahoma Burgers
Oklahoma Burgers is a 75-square-foot burger spot with barely enough room for three people at the standing bar, but the Canadian-owned joint still draws big crowds for its killer smash burgers. The specialty here is the Oklahoma onion burger — a thin beef patty smashed into a pile of griddled onions so they caramelize right into the meat. Add mustard, pickles, and cheese, and you’ve got a classic. Snag your order and head across the street to David Pecaut Square, where there’s plenty of space to sit and people-watch. 214 King St W.
September is only weeks away, and that means A-listers will soon be lining the streets for the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.The red carpet glam and major celeb sightings will take place from September 4-14 this year. Organizers already unveiled the first five films set to premiere this fall, and they just announced a slate of other flicks for the Gala and Special Presentation programmes.
While the festival hasn’t confirmed which global icons will descend upon the city this year, we can certainly speculate.
Look out for a possible appearance by Keanu Reeves. The actor, who was born in Beirut and grew up in Toronto, stars as a celestial figure alongside Aziz Ansari in Good Fortune, which marks Ansari’s feature directorial debut and is set for its world premiere at the festival.
Keanu Reeves (John Wick 4)
Scarlett Johansson directs Eleanor the Great, which will make its North American premiere this fall. The flick is about a 90-year-old woman who befriends a 19-year-old student, and stars June Squibb, Erin Kellyman and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Other Gala projects are helmed or headlined by other familiar faces that you might see across town! Look out for Brian Cox (Glenrothan), James McAvoy (California Schemin’) and Bobby Farrelly (Driver’s Ed).
Fans of whodunit flicks could expect Oscar-winning director Rian Johnson, who’ll return to TIFF for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, premiering as a Special Presentation. The franchise is known for its all-star ensembles, so Torontonians might spot the likes of Daniel Craig, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis or even Kerry Washington on the red carpet.
The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro, starring Oscar Isaac and Christoph Waltz, and Couture by Alice Winocour, starring Angelina Jolie, are all slated as North American or world premieres, so perhaps, more A-list appearances?
There’ll also be a few Canadian premiers to look out for, including a documentary starring Drake (Degrassi: Whatever It Takes). Anne Émond’s Peak Everything, starring Toronto-born actor Connor Jessup, will be this year’s Closing Night Gala flick.
Look out for more Special Presentations from globally acclaimed filmmakers like Paul Greengrass, Chloé Zhao, Peter Ho-Sun Chan, and Derek Cianfrance, each bringing flicks that could draw huge names to the city.
TIFF tickets go on sale to members starting Aug 15, with the full schedule dropping Aug 12.
Keep an eye out here for more updates or visit tiff.net!
R&B star Givēon is bringing Dear Beloved, The Tour to Toronto’s Coca‑Cola Coliseum on Oct. 27, 2025. The news comes after his second studio album, Beloved, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 earlier this month and one of his songs is currently one of the top on Apple Music’s R&B chart.
“It’s finally time to take this show on the road. It’s been too long…” he wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday. “BELOVED was made to be experienced live.. I cannot wait to see you all.”
The tour kicks off in Seattle on Oct. 1 and will include stopovers in other major cities, including Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago, with a final performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Nov. 6.
The lineup for the Toronto performance will include the acclaimed funk‑rock band Free Nationals, UK–born R&B artist Sasha Keable and another R&B artist with a local connection — Toronto–born songwriter Charlotte Day Wilson (who is behind the city’s new favourite sandwich shop)! The Grammy–nominated artist went to high school at Humberside Collegiate Institute, and her latest album Cyan Blueearned a Best Engineered Album nod at last year’s Grammys, so fans are stoked at the upcoming tour.
“[I] wish you were headlining but [I]’ll take it,” one fan stated on Instagram under the tour announcement. “[C]an we pleaseeeeee get a headliner soon[?]”
This will be Givēon’s third headlining tour, following his Timeless Tour in 2021 and his Give or Take Tour in 2022.
Givēon’s Dear Beloved tour dates:
Oct. 1 – Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater
Oct. 2 – Vancouver, BC @ Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Oct. 4 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Oct. 7–8 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre
Oct. 10 – Las Vegas, NV @ BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau
Oct. 11 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre
Oct. 14 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion
Oct. 14 – Dallas, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Oct. 15 – Houston, TX @ Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
Oct. 18 – Atlanta, GA @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
Oct. 20 – Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Oct. 23 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
Oct. 25 – Philadelphia, PA @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Oct. 27 – Toronto, ON @ Coca-Cola Coliseum
Oct. 30 – Washington, D.C. @ The Anthem
Nov. 1 – Charlotte, NC @ Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Nov. 4 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Nov. 6 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Presale tickets for the Dear Beloved tour are currently available, with general tickets going on sale this Friday.
Wood-fired pizza hits differently at Cantina Amici, Vaughan’s latest Italian diner at 345 Millway Ave. Opened earlier this year, it blends the flavours of Naples with the comfort of a family spot— think trees sprouting from tables, vibrant plating and elevated dishes made with ingredients sourced from Italy.
“People want to go out and they want to feel free to have a good time,” says Antonio Caputo, one of the owners. The rest of the ownership group includes Will Aguilar, John Mpardakis and Caputo’s brother Luca, who serves as the creative force behind the restaurant menu.
@cantina_amici/Instagram
Though this is Caputo’s first restaurant, it’s not his first time bringing Italian culture to Canada. Since arriving from Italy 16 years ago, he has built I Sarti Italian Menswear into a luxury boutique brand with four GTA locations. Still, he says, his dream has always been to bring Italian food to Canada.
“I go to Italy very often, so we haven’t lost that culture and that style of life, and that’s what I try to bring here in my businesses,” he says.
That’s exactly the approach behind Cantina Amici’s specialty, wood-fired pizza. Although rooted in Neapolitan tradition, a thicker crust adds a distinct Roman twist. Like the house-made breads, the dough is crafted in-house with flour imported from Italy, then left to rise for 48 to 90 hours. With a high hydration of nearly 85 per cent, the result is a light, airy base — leaving room to enjoy Cantina Amici’s handcrafted, authentic desserts.
@biteswjo/Instagram
Alongside expertly crafted inhouse pastas, menu highlights include grilled octopus, wild mushroom truffle risotto and a signature salad with red wine–roasted pears. With rotating specials and plenty of shareable boards, Cantina Amici’s menu invites repeat visits — because above all, Caputo wants you to stay a while.
“We hope people come here to interact and connect,” Caputo says. “I don’t want them to just eat and leave. I want them to spend time, enjoy the vibe and really take it in.”
The Trent Severn Canal, courtesy Birchbark Media/@leboatvacations, Instagram.
Summers in Canada are best spent on the water. Even with prices dropping, cottages are still out of reach, so most Torontonians have learned to settle for the crowds and make do with a beach day somewhere local. But there’s another option: in Ontario, there’s a way to charter your own boat for a cruise along two popular summer destinations, giving you a luxury staycation on the water.
Operating for more than 55 years, Le Boat is a premium houseboat rental company that offers a fleet of large cruisers available for rent, allowing couples, families, and groups of friends to stay on board and explore their chosen region as they eat, sleep, and live on board their own private boat. The company offers more than 50 boat types that can accommodate anywhere from two to 10 passengers.
From family reunions to bachelorette parties, it’s the perfect way to spend your summer on the water, at your own pace. The best part? With boats cruising at a maximum speed of just 10-15 kilometres an hour, you don’t need a boating license, or prior boat experience to be the captain of your own adventure.
Courtesy @leboatvacations/Instagram
Le Boat currently offers cruise itineraries down two of Ontario’s most popular waterways: the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, and the Trent-Severn Waterway and Kawartha Lakes region. Those who opt for the Trent-Severn adventure will begin at Le Boat’s Peterborough base, while those wishing to see more of Canada’s capital will start at the Smiths Falls base. Upon arrival, all travellers will meet with one of Le Boat’s team members, who will debrief guests on the features of the boat, and accompany you on your first practice drive.
As a premium houseboat rental company, Le Boat offers its guests a fully-furnished style of accommodation on board, meaning you don’t have to splurge extra on fancy hotels for the duration of your trip. Private bedrooms with comfortable beds and linens, three-piece bathrooms with hot water and fully-stocked kitchens with gas ovens and stovetop burners are all included. All of the cabins are also equipped with heating and air conditioning, life jackets and plenty of plug-in power sockets.
On board, you’ll also find plenty of maps with key attractions highlighted along the route. Your boat also comes with a full tank of fuel; just like a rental car, simply refill the tank when you’re ready to return it.
With no set itinerary, you can float leisurely down the waterways at your own pace, and make stops any time you want, whether it’s to check out a cute small town, or to try your hand at fishing.
Currently, Le Boat offers a mix of short and long stays, ranging from three to seven nights, though the longer stays can always be extended.
