The Toronto Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (June 26)

Hey, Toronto, what’s up?! Your group chat is popping off, and we’re here to keep the good times going. Welcome to another week of the Toronto Group Chat. This is your weekly rundown of the city’s biggest and hottest updates. Here, you’ll find all the stuff you actually want to share in your group chat. Every week, we’re dishing out five must-know highlights of what’s going on in the city or stories you need to know about.

Maybe people are already talking about it, or maybe you’ll start the conversation? Let your friends know.

Check out what’s new in Toronto. Let’s get into it.

Did you hear, Toronto?

Yves Rocher x On Third Thought Pop-Up

Yves Rocher Canada is teaming up with On Third Thought for a summer-inspired pop-up to celebrate their Monoï collection. That means freebies, and you know we LOVE a good freebie.

On June 6 and 7, those who show up can enjoy a complimentary Monoï-inspired gelato along with a full-size Monoï Hand Cream. The only thing is that this giveaway is available for the first 300 people in line each day.

It’s going down at On Third Thought, located at 6 Markham St., right at noon.

We’re staying moisturized this spring, chat.

Toronto’s getting a massive new country bar because why not

The city LOVES its country bars, and that’s a safe statement because we definitely have a handful of them that have stuck around for years. Well, now it looks like we’re getting another one.

Dolly’s is the bold creation of the Hnatiw brothers, the duo behind the Old Spaghetti Factory and Eloise. The new country hot spot will be located at 58 The Esplanade.

But cowgirls, before you get your squad ready, wait up until July 2026. An opening date hasn’t been set yet, but you can expect it to open sometime next month.

Cineplex’s VIP Wednesdays = date nights

Wednesdays are date nights, at least for the month of June. Cineplex is giving back to moviegoers this month, offering VIP upgrades for no additional charge.

That means you can treat yourself to a VIP experience, with in-seat service, comfy lounge chairs, and a binge-worthy menu for the cost of a general admission ticket. Of course, as long as you’re 19+.

I’m about to book my ticket to watch Obession — who’s down to go?

Original Downton Abbey costumes inside Toronto’s Casa Loma

Live your Downton Abbey dreams at this costume exhibition coming to Casa Loma later this month. You can check out the OG costumes worn by the stars of Downton Abbey that depict the fashions of the British aristocracy in the early 20th century.

The exhibition showcases the turbulence and changes in the late Edwardian era through the 1920s through the fashions of the period, while evoking fans’ favourite moments.

“The costumes range from country tweeds and riding outfits, servants’ uniforms and footmen’s livery, to lavish evening attire crafted from sumptuous fabrics and decorated with intricate embroidery, lace, and beading,” share organizers.

It’ll all be on display at Casa Loma from June 25 to Aug. 30, 2026. Tickets can be purchased online.

Beaver Tails and Kraft Dinner Canada made the ultimate collaboration

The BeaverTails x Kraft Dinner Canada: KD Takeover is now available at participating BeaverTails locations across Canada for a limited time.

Now until Aug. 9, 2026, you can indulge in two exclusive menu items — KD Takeover BeaverDog: an all-beef hot dog wrapped in BeaverTails pastry, topped with Kraft Dinner and finished with ketchup; KD Takeover Poutine: loaded poutine topped with Kraft Dinner, bacon, and chives.

So what are we trying first?

And that’s all for now, Toronto. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered for next week. It’s never a dull moment in the city.

Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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