NATIONAL: Thrillist will host “Slay Ride,'' a fundraiser for The Trevor Project, on Dec. 15. This second annual event will pay homage to a 1960s-style telethon—but with a drag makeover; it will be hosted by Manila Luzon and Monique Heart, stars of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. The livestreamed holiday special will bring audiences “shablam contests,” cocktail how-tos and musical performances. The Paramount+-sponsored event will stream on Thrillist’s YouTube, Facebook page and website, as well as NowThis’ YouTube channel.
MONTREAL: "The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience" will be held at Le Windsor Ballroom starting on Jan. 29. The immersive event will run until March 6 and will feature acrobatic performances, a string quartet playing songs inspired by the show and specialty cocktails. Tickets are available now and start at $49 for general admission.
NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO: Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort plans to open its new $130 million entertainment center in April 2022. The 5,000-seat concert hall’s first performance will be a show from singer Joey Yung on April 24, followed by performances from artists like Larry the Cable Guy, ZZ Top and Cheap Trick.
TORONTO: After taking a hiatus during the pandemic, Toronto’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display is back. Typically held at Nathan Phillips Square, this year’s event is moving to the waterfront. It will feature a 10-minute display at midnight that can be seen from anywhere with views of Lake Ontario; the city will also host a livestream from the CN Tower with live and prerecorded performances by local artists.
VANCOUVER: The B.C. government has increased its grant fund for community festivals and events from $12.9 million to $30 million. The fund will allow more than 680 local fairs, festivals and events—including the Pacific National Exhibition, the Williams Lake Stampede and the Junior All-Native Basketball Tournament—to resume their activities. The grant, which was initially announced in August, is covering up to 20% of the total budget for events held between July 2021 and Sept. 2022.
