LOCAL NEWS
Help design a mural
Community Matters has a grant for a mural on the wall of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). They want your help with the design - they want lots of ideas from the community. It’ll be a big image, 120 feet long and 20 feet tall and it’ll clean up and enliven the laneway.
They’re holding a design workshop on Saturday February 21 from 1 to 4 pm at the CYC. It’s your chance to add your insights into the final mural design. If you’re interested in participating, please send an email or call (416) 944-0163, or just drop-in.
Update - 502 to 508 Parliament
Three of these houses are ready to receive tenants. The first people will arrive in early March and eventually 27 people will live there. The tenants will come from shelters and other agencies who help homeless people. Dixon Hall is administering the project along with Reconnect Health. 502 Parliament is still being renovated and the opening date is targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
Congrats Steve
Steve Grant, known as Cabbagetown Steve since the 1970s, has been nominated for the 2026 Canadian Blues Music Awards. He’s in the Blues Harmonica Player category. His performances in the Cabbagetown Festival always draw a good, enthusiastic crowd. The ceremony will be held on March 30. He also tells us that, “I have just been added to Black History Month by the Toronto Blues Society as a Canadian Black Artist of excellence and also just last week invited to Sirius XM and ask to sign their wall of fame.” Good luck Steve, you deserve it.
Congrats Duncan
Duncan Fremlin, Whiskey Jack and their special guests had a great time at the Horseshoe on February 9. They celebrated Stompin’ Tom’s 90th birthday and they pumped out their pride in Canada. Duncan says the house was packed and the crowd joined them singing their favourites. In the Spring, the band is in Midland on April 23 and Parry Sound on April 24.
Life drawing session
Rapid Photo Studio (434 Parliament) is hosting a nude life drawing session on Sunday February 22 from 2 pm. A male model is featured. “Whether you’re a student, an emerging artist, or simply looking for dedicated time to draw, this open session is for you.” The session starts at 2:15. Please arrive early. The doors will be closed at 2:15. $15.
Filming notification
Filming will take place on Bleecker and on Lancaster from Thursday February 19 to Saturday February 21. Set-up happens on Thursday, filming on Friday and removal on Saturday. Parking will be affected on Bleecker (Carlton to Wellesley), Flos Williams Lane (Prospect to Lancaster), Lancaster Ave (Parliament to Rose) and Bleecker parkette. For more info and for comments, contact the Toronto Film Office. The local manager is Andres Guillen at (647) 458-1990.
Vendors at The Cabbagetown Farmers Market
The Market is accepting vendor applications for the 2026 season. It runs from May 12 to October 20. There’s an application form online here - the deadline is February 28.
Cabbagetown Festival’s Rainbow Market
It’s new this year - a dedicated space within the Festival for 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors, makers, artists, and community organizations. If you identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or you have products and services for that community, then apply now for a space on the street. There’s an early bird rate that continues to May 1. Click here to learn more and to apply.
Cabbagetown Festival opportunities
Performers wanted. Organizers at the Cabbagetown Festival are looking for performers for the 2026 festival, September 12 and 13. Please respond before June 30. Details about the event and the entertainment are available online.
Sponsors wanted. Sponsors are invited to support the 2026 Cabbagetown Festival. It’s a huge event and it offers plenty of exposure and rewards for its sponsors. Check out the data, the options, the benefits and the costs - click here. (Image: City of Toronto)
IN THE MEDIA
Problems at the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre
The Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre in Regent Park is regularly experiencing maintenance problems, periodic closures and thefts in the locker room. Julia Frankling has written about these issues in the February edition of The Bridge. Click here to read her story.
COMING EVENTS
Movies at Stout
Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On Sunday February 22, it’s “How to Train Your Dragon” and on March 1, “Freakiest Friday”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. To save your spot - send an email to Erin or call her at (67) 344-7676.
Heritage on Tap
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association and the Cabbagetown HCD Advisory Committee are hosting a social on Thursday February 19 from 7 to 9 pm to mark Ontario Heritage Week. Drop in to Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) and enjoy informal chats about the future of our community.
Corktown Chamber Orchestra
On Friday February 20, the program includes Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and Copland’s Appalachian Spring. 8 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E), $25 or pwyc.
Allan Gardens Saturday Market
The Market is back - every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. It’s located in the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E). There’s always a selection of delightful vendors. For more details, check out the Facebook page.
Events at Soulpepper
Improv. Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is inviting experienced artists, enthusiasts and casual onlookers to learn more about improvisation. Weekly classes at 6 pm will be held every Tuesday until March 10. Registration here.
Dance for non-dancers. Dance classes from noon to 1 pm on Fridays from January 30 to March 13. To find out more and to register, click here.
FOR YOUR BODY
Time for your tune-up
It’s hard to imagine cycling when the snow is up to the top of your wheels. But it’s a convenient time to get your tune-up. You can book your appointment at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) online. You’ll get a hassle-free date without a line-up.
Sequins’ Clubhouse Series - discount
Yoga for young people ages 12 and up. Enjoy a five-day March break session in the Sequins clubhouse (552 Parliament). “Classes are moderately paced with a comfortable challenge, designed to build strength, balance, and coordination while encouraging body awareness and confidence.” Sign up soon - the group is limited to 10 persons. March 16 to 20, 10:45 to 11:45 am. $140 - save 15% if you register before February 25. Click here for more info.
Outdoor skating rinks
Two nearby rinks are open on Thursday February 19 - Regent Park (480 Shuter) and Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne). Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne) and Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) are listed as closed due to snow removal. Check the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions and the weather will affect rink openings.
BUSINESS NEWS
99 Frames
99 Frames (527 Parliament) is both a gallery and a framing shop. They get very positive comments about their framing services from local customers. Vlad Dzavik is currently showing his photographs “Forest in Focus”. His show runs to Saturday February 28. There’s an opening reception from 7 to 9 pm on Thursday February 19. You can see more of his photographs on Facebook. For more info about 99 Frames, click here.
St James Town Steak & Chops
St James Town Steak & Chops (514 Parliament) is closed for its annual holidays through Sunday February 22.
Kumon’s special promotion
Enrol your child now and save up to $80. At Kumon (194A Carlton), your child will strengthen their math and reading skills, develop independence and learn habits that last a lifetime. This promotion continues to February 26. To learn more, email Vasudha or call (416) 939-2300.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Ramadan at Rayah
Throughout Ramadan (to March 19), Moroccan Iftar is available daily at Rayah (505 Parliament). By reservation only. It’s a prix fixe meal, $50. For menu details, click on the image. The regular menu is also available.
Drinks & Drag sober party
Zero Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton) presents a sober drag show with Sandy Joint and special guest Dottie Dangerfield. 7:30 pm, Saturday February 21, $10. Click here for tickets.
Jazz nights
Johnny G’s (478 Parliament) jazz program runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 pm. Cocktails and dinner are available. No cover charges.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
Here’s your list, day by day, of events and specials in our clubs and pubs for the next ten days. For contact info, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19 TO SUNDAY MARCH 1
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Soul Jazz
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
Zero
7 pm, Trivia with Nathan Manning
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Nights
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Murray Drive
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Decoy
9 pm, East Side Story with DJ Navi
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Groove
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Susan Fazackerly
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Benji Crane
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - How To Train Your Dragon
MONDAY FEBRUARY 23
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Cafe Zuzu
7 pm, I Know This One trivia and comedy
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, Messy’s Drag Bingo
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Wednesday with half priced bottles
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Lisbon
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
Super Bargain
9 pm, Karaoke with Bray Bryant
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Soul Jazz Night
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
Zero
7 pm, Trivia with Nathan Manning
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Rae Melvin Band
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28
Bisou
6 pm, dinner by Porcolino
Decoy
9:30 pm, cheap sets
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Groove
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Dave Daniel
SUNDAY MARCH 1
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Sean Benihana
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Legally Blond
CONTACT INFO
Alphabetical lists for restaurants in Cabbagetown, Canary District, Corktown, Distillery and Regent Park.
Cabbagetown
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament, (647) 931-9088
Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard), (437) 971-7150
Blondies - 419 Parliament, (437) 341-1555
Butter Chicken Factory - 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7583
Chew Chew’s Diner - 186 Carlton, (416) 323-0068
China Gourmet - 235 Carlton, (416) 515-0088
Church’s Texas Chicken - 537 Parliament, (416) 519-3846
Desi Bit3S - 568 Parliament, (416) 928-9731
Epos Coffee - 290 Gerrard E
Falcha Fusion - upstairs, 568 Parliament, (416) 926-9141
F’Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666
Gushi - 296 Gerrard E (at Parliament), (437) 241-1710
Hakka Bistro - 398 Parliament, (416) 944-3033
Hakka & Jerk - 296A Gerrard E, (647) 643-5405
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament, (416) 925-4074
Jet Fuel - 519 Parliament, (416) 968-9982
Johnny G’s - 478 Parliament, (647) 368-3877
Ju Sushi Bar - 383 Dundas E, (416) 594-0383
Kibo - 533 Parliament, (647) 352-3788
Kingyo Fisherman’s Market - 51B Winchester, (647) 748-2121
L’Avenue - 583 Parliament, (647) 368-8008
La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament, (647) 806-6383
Luis H - 556 Parliament, (416) 964-1000
Madras Curry - 178 Carlton, (416) 323-0000
Maya Bay - 252 Carlton, (416) 924-8989
Mikaku Udon Bar - 229 Carlton, (416) 323-0033
Momo Ghar - 568 Parliament, (416) 920-8224
My Pandan Cake - 246 Gerrard E, , (416) 276-6698
New Retro - 193 Carlton, (416) 519-8511
New Town - 413 Parliament, (437) 777-8260
Noushe - 200 Carlton, (416) 466-9595
Pastor Tacos - 245 Gerrard E, (647) 687-1175
Phosome - 482 Parliament, (416) 551-6395
Pisac Peruvian Bistro - 195 Carlton, (416) 515-0989
Playground Cafe - 492 Parliament, (437) 799-5248
Poopathi Mess - 585 Parliament, (416) 923-4243
Rayah - 505 Parliament,
Red Cranberries - 601 Parliament, (416) 925-6330
Saigon Pai - 446 Parliament, (416) 920-8424
Salt & Tobacco - 521 Parliament, (647) 348-2993
Shalom Ethiopian - 587 Parliament, (416) 964-7271
Souvlaki Express - 484 Parliament, (416) 637-6777
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton, (647) 344-7676
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament, (416) 266-6471
Tasso - 540 Parliament
Tender Trap - 580 Parliament, (416) 920-5147
Thai Room - 243 Carlton, (647) 352-8424
The Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament, (416) 392-1039
The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E
Urban Thai - 415 Parliament, (416) 513-1020
Wing House - 420 Parliament, (416) 968-0294
Wing Machine - 443 Parliament, (416) 961-1000
Zakkushi on Carlton - 193 Carlton, (647) 352-9455
Zero Cocktail Bar - 223 Carlton, (416) 920-9376
Canary District
barBurrito - 464 Front E, (416) 601-1777
Cherry Street BBQ - 275 Cherry, (416) 461-5111
Fuel+ - 469 Front E, (416) 306-6480
Keating Channel - 2 Villiers, (416) 572-0030
Region - 475 Front E, (416) 864-0800
Souk Tabule - 494 Front E, (416) 583-5914
SukhoTHAI - 460 Front, (416) 777-2092
Corktown
Banknote Bar - 474 Adelaide E, (416) 367-7327
Berkeley Cafe - 262 The Esplanade, (416) 825-0504
Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E
East Coast Donair - 314 Parliament
Figs - 344 Queen E, (416) 913-7205
Fusilli - 531 Queen E, (416) 214-5148
Gusto 501 - 501 King E, (416) 477-5647
Impact Kitchen - 573 King E, (416) 306-1986
King Solomon & Queen of Sheba Ethiopian - 360 Queen E, (416) 368-9002
Ladybug Wine Bar - 514 King E, (437) 222-0142
Lisbon Hotel - 19 Lawren Harris Square
Mengrai Thai - 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754
Signature Bar - 320 Queen E, (416) 996-6004
Reyna - 354 King E, (416) 546-3155
Sumach Espresso - 118 Sumach, (647) 351-3833
The Rosebud - 498 Queen E, (647) 531-1388
Wood 900 Grill+ Bar - 372 Queen E, (416) 363-1571
Distillery
Arena Coffee Bar - 15 Tank House Lane
Arvo - 17 Grist Mill Lane, (647) 352-2786
Balzac - 1 Trinity St, (416) 207-1709
Boku Japanese - 42 Gristmill Lane, (416) 368-8686
Brick Street Bakery - 27 Trinity St,
Cluny - 35 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2632
Eataly - 21 Trinity
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2121
Jardin Kitchen & Juice Bar - 28 Gristmill Lane, (416) 203-2363
Madrina - 2 Trinity St, (416) 548-8055
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, (416) 681-0338
Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, (416) 360-1209
Pure Spirits - 17 Tank House Lane, (416) 361-5859
Scooped by Demetres - 46 Gristmill Lane,(416) 988-2482
SpiritHouse Toronto - 16 Trinity St, (416) 948-9926
Young Centre Cafe - 50 Tank House Lane, (416) 866-8666
Regent Park
Cafe Zuzu - 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660
Liberty Pizza - 657 Dundas E
