For the past 7 years, The Rosé Picnic has blossomed into one of Toronto’s premier picnics, beautifying social feeds with its celebration of all things pink and Rosé wine. Produced annually by Heller Events, the influencer event aims to create an inclusive social environment for all Torontonians. Originating with a humble mission to support the Women’s College Hospital Foundation, the festival now draws over 5000 patrons each year to its iconic white and pink photo pop-up playground.
Summer Solstice is a new addition in 2024, kicking off the festivities on Friday, June 21st, coinciding with the longest day of the year and the enchanting strawberry full moon. Held on the lush grounds of Hotel X Toronto’s Stanley Barracks, the 2-day event featured over 130 sponsors, vendors, and production partners. Notable participants included beverage giants like Somersby, Jack Daniel’s, Kim Crawford, and FLOW Water, alongside premier sponsors Visit Barbados, Baskin Robbins, Hubba Bubba, Genesis, and La Vie en Rose.
Food was a top priority at the event, featuring a mouthwatering array of gourmet street food and festival eats from some of the city’s finest caterers. Guests enjoyed everything from fresh oysters and sushi to flavourful tacos and juicy burgers. The line-up of food vendors was extensive, including The McEwan Group, Food Dudes, Cleese Catering, FAT Bao, Chris Straker Catering, Kong’s Hot Tacos, Bashy Patties, Letterbox Doughnuts and Top It mini pancakes to name a few. Attendees were stunned to bump into Celebrity Chef Trevor Lui, Founder of Highbell Hospitality Group and other celebrity chefs flown in straight from the Bajan islands courtesy of Visit Barbados.
World-class DJs set the stage ablaze over both days, spinning a dynamic mix from soca and dancehall to hip-hop, top 100 hits and pop. Headliners Dr. Jay, DJ Puffy, and DJ Jus Jay King electrified the crowds alongside renowned Toronto DJs like DJ Fizza, DJ Jester, and DJ Aleksandra. The stage dazzled the audience with digital towers from Brand M3dia showcasing all sponsors, a stunning sequin wall crafted by ShimmerTech, and whimsical bubble decor courtesy of Balloons by MADZ.
That, in addition to the endless eye-candy brand activations, made for one amazing picnic under the warm, glowing sun. Take a peek below for our favourite highlights and activations from this year.
Taste of Barbados Experience
Visit Barbados made a vibrant splash at Summer Solstice & Rosé Picnic Toronto as the presenting sponsor, infusing the event with authentic Bajan flair. They curated an impressive lineup featuring award-winning Bajan Celebrity Chefs like Chef Creig Greenidge, renowned DJ Puffy, and Barbados Bartender of the Year, Philip Antoine. Visit Barbados’ 3,000 sq. ft. custom-built activation transported guests with a sampling island bar serving traditional Bajan cocktails and cuisine, complemented by a Bajan-themed beach house for leisurely sipping and nibbling. To extend the Bajan vibes beyond the activation, captivating models and dancers frolicked the grounds showcasing Toronto’s top Carnival Mas Camp Designers —Always Carnival, Saldenah Carnival, and Carnival Nationz.
Baskin Robbins ‘Picnic-Crasher’
Baskin Robbins made a triumphant return as the Platinum Sponsor of Rosé Picnic this year, delighting guests with a weekend-long extravaganza of giveaways. On day two, they launched a ‘Picnic-Crasher’ giveaway, offering the first 1000 attendees a chance to snag a coveted Baskin Robbins picnic blanket and a Rosé Picnic souvenir sampling cup. As gates swung open, eager attendees flooded in to claim their gifts and receive a surprise complimentary ‘real fruit smoothie’ voucher. Throughout the picnic, guests lounged on their Baskin Robbins blankets, basking in the sun while enjoying their favourite eats.
Hubba Bubba Bubble Dome
Rose-Gold sponsor, Hubba Bubba seamlessly blended into the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, nestled within Rosé Picnic’s enchanting bubble dome in collaboration with Mavalli Entertainment. Adorned with swirling pink and white balloons, attendees captured unforgettable selfies inside. The activation was complemented with a cute bubble-wall and a giant, bedazzled Hubba Bubba sculpture created by Visual Artist Influencer, Briony.
Genesis Pink Carpet Runway
Gold sponsor Genesis Downtown Toronto added a touch of luxury to the event’s iconic pink carpet runway. Showcasing the latest 2024 summer fashion collections from Borenta Boutique, Revelle, TIALANI, and Livy Lizzy Boutique, the catwalk was adorned with lush floral archways crafted by Seven Events & Florals. Guests strutted along the pink carpet, each step bringing them closer to a chance to win the coveted Genesis GV70 sweepstake.
La Vie en Rose Skyline Pitstop
Gold sponsor La Vie en Rose brought a charming ‘lit-up’ Toronto skyline pitstop to Rosé Picnic, inviting guests to unwind, collect freebies, and snap selfies against the city backdrop while browsing the retailer’s 2024 summer lingerie collection.
Rosé All Day Bar
The main bars at Rosé Picnic proved to be a focal point, captivating guests who eagerly snapped photos as their drinks were poured. The Design Techs Creative Agency ensured a visually stunning experience with special attention to the charming Rosé All Day bar, which exclusively featured a premium selection of wines including Henry of Pelham, Gris Blanc, Three of Hearts, Côte des Roses, Family Tree Wine by Speck Bros, and Cuvée Catharine. The collaboration showcased summer floral-rich overhead signage printed by SHIFT Marketing, stylish furnishings from Event Rental Group, mini cherry blossom trees and a rose-lush backwall courtesy of Seven Events & Florals, and complimented with stunning custom crafted flower letters by Beautifaux Florals gracing the backbars. Bartenders blended right in with their fresh Picnic Crew t-shirts printed by Red Scarf Gift Co.
Mocktail Bar by Delixir
David’s Tea, Rubicon, and Sobrii partnered with DELIXIR Bar + Event Services and The Design Techs to create a mini Mocktail Bar, where guests marveled at professionally skilled mixologists crafting cocktails from each brand’s unique line of beverages. From afternoon to night, guests were captivated by DELIXIR’s expertise in bar entertainment, gasping in awe at the impressive displays.
VIP Key Lounge & Social Club?
The VIP Key Lounge, hosted by Toronto Key To The City, offered an elevated experience with an inclusive Mocktails & Cocktails bar featuring Tito’s Vodka, Kim Crawford, Ruffino, and other premium beverages, supported by VIP sponsor La Presserie – providing a wide selection of cocktail juices to mix with. Attendees enjoyed all-inclusive food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres, alongside a nail touch-up and hand massage station, a lush flower wall from Flower Wall GTA, Instagram-worthy donut wall made by Letterbox Doughnuts, balloons courtesy of Balloons by MADZ, and a sequin champagne wall built by ShimmerTech.
PRIDE Toronto’s Rainbow of Love
To celebrate love in all its forms and foster inclusivity, Rosé Picnic joined PRIDE Toronto this year in its month-long Pride event line-up. Balloon Society decked out one of the historic Stanley Barracks’ doors in vibrant PRIDE colours, creating a warm welcome for guests from the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
SLICE of Rosé Pop-up
Media Partner, Slice TV, collaborated with Seven Events & Florals to present a stunning pink, insta-worthy pop-up that showcased viewers’ favourites on every step. Throughout the day, impeccably dressed attendees lined up for the activation, eager to capture a ‘slice’ of decor heaven.
Swing into Wellness with Whole Body MRI
Whole Body MRI introduced a captivating glow-in-the-dark pop-up swing for guests to sip, swing and snap selfies. Festooned with white and pink balloons, the activation became a continuous highlight, enchanting guests throughout the late evenings and into the night and the swings lit up.
Dreamland Cotton Candy Art
The brand activations weren’t the only highlight that had guests buzzing. Dreamland Cotton Candy Art stole the show at the event, offering whimsical cotton candy creations like Hello Kitty and adorable bunnies. Patrons delighted in selecting their favorite designs, proudly parading their sweet treats, capturing every photo-worthy moment.
Hello Gorgeous Flower Wall
A late addition to the decor partner lineup, Flower Wall GTA impressed patrons with their stunning blossom walls, earning hundreds of social mentions and reel features on Instagram. As the sun set and the sky darkened, these walls remained a standout, enhanced by captivating neon signs integrated into the activation.
Get Rosé Picnic Vibes Anywhere You Snap
Rosé Picnic delighted attendees with an exclusive Instagram filter crafted by Brand M3dia, utilizing augmented reality to accessorize users’ selfies with a virtual flower crown. Geotargeted for seamless integration, the filter prompted guests as they captured event moments on their phone. If you missed the festivities, relive the Rosé Picnic experience by trying out the filter on your own phone now—CLICK HERE to add a touch of Rosé Picnic to your day.
For a comprehensive view of the event, check out the highlight reels from Summer Solstice and Rosé Picnic on the official @therosepicnic Instagram page. These reels offer a complete snapshot of the event that photos alone can’t capture. Enjoy!
2024 Partnerships
PREMIER PARTNERS:
Presenting Sponsor: Visit Barbados | @visitbarbados
Platinum Sponsor: Baskin Robbins | @baskinrobbinscanada
Rose-Gold Sponsor: Hubba Bubba | @hubbabubbamx
Gold Sponsor: Genesis Downtown Toronto | @genesisdowntown.to
Gold Sponsor: La Vie en Rose | @lavieenrose
PRODUCTION PARTNERS:
Event Management: Heller Events | @hellerevents
Producer: Lori Heller
Planner: Nicole Overholt
Production Team: Nauaien, Aneesa, Carolyn, Hemali, Lorraine, Katarina, Tochi, Kristina
Lead Visual Designer: Veronica Michalczak, The Design Techs | @thedesigntechie
Venue: Hotel X Toronto | @hotelxtoronto
VIP Lounge Partner: Toronto Key To The City | @torontokey
Charity Partner: Women’s College Hospital Foundations | @wchfdn
Community Partner: Pride Toronto | @pridetoronto
PR, Influencer & Media Relations: Duet PR | @duetpr
Bar Management & Staffing: Sip Niagara & Reef Agency | @cocktailsxp @reefagency
Tents: Varsity Tents | @varsitytents
AV: Fortis AV | @fortisav
Picnic Crew Shirts: Red Scarf Gift Co | @redscarfgiftco
DECOR & EXPERIENCE PARTNERS:
Seven Events & Florals | @seveneventsandflorals
Evergreen Studio Co | @shop.evergreenstudioco
Brand M3dia | @brandm3dia
ShimmerTech | @shimmertechca
Balloons by MADZ | @balloonsbymadz
Mirror Mirror | @mirror_mirror_inc
Mavalli Entertainment | @mavallientertainment
Balloon Society | @balloonsocietyhq
Beautifaux Florals | @beautifauxflorals
Flower Wall GTA | @flowerwall.gta
Event Rental Group | @eventrentalgroup
SHIFT Marketing (print) | @shiftmktg
Dreamland Cotton Candy Art | @dreamland.cottoncandy
Delixir Bar & Event Services| @del_ixir
ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS:
DJs:
Dr. Jay | @socaprince
DJ Puffy | @deejaypuffy
DJ Jus Jay King | @jusjayking
DJ Fizza | @djfizza
DJ Jester | @thisisjester
DJ Aleksandra | @djaleksandra
FASHION SHOW PARTNERS:
Revelle | @revelleshop
TIALANI | @tialani.luxuries
Livy Lizzy Boutique | @livy_lizzy_boutique
Borenta Boutique | @borentaboutique
MC: Pól | @poljoy32
MAS COSTUME DESIGNERS:
Always Carnival | @always.carnival
Saldenah Carnival | @saldenahcarnival
Carnival Nationz | @cnzinc
DANCERS:
Joanne: @joannelordesscamilleri
Christina Jennifer Lee | @rakssamara
Live Artist: YAELLY | @_yaelly
PHOTO & VIDEOGRAPHY:
Frohdillah | @frodillah
Edward Chiazor | @efosaon
Marcus McPhee Photography | @marcusmcpheephotography
James Bombales | @james_bombales
JGUCCI By Jonathan Levy @byjonathanlevy @jguccient
Loretta Meyer Portraits | @lorettameyerportraits
LDG Photography | @ld_gphotography
FOOD PARTNERS:
Celebrity Chefs:
Chef Mark McEwan | @chefmarkmcewan
Chef Trevor Lui | @trevorlui
Chef Creig Greenidge | @chefcreig_246
Chef Damian Leach | @daydayleach
Chef Javon Cummins | @billionaire_chef
LOCAL CATERERS:
McEwan Foods | @mcewanfoods
Highbell Hospitality | @highbellhospitality
FAT Bao | @fatbaoeats
Letterbox Doughnuts | @letterboxdoughnuts
Cleese Catering | @cleesecatering
Christ Straker Culinary | @csculinary
Food Dudes | @fooddudes
KONG’s Hot Tacos | @kongs.hot.tacos
ProvisionsTO | @provisionsto
Snackette Catering | @snackettecatering
6 Spice Rack | @6spicerack
Roll This Way | @rollthiswaysushi
Top It! Mini Pancakes | @topitexperience
Dreamland Cotton Candy Art | @dreamland.cottoncandy
Canadian Special Events is proud to be an industry-exclusive media and partner to highlight the lavish activations at this year’s Rosé Picnic. We look forward to the next iteration and more wonderful events from the Rosé team.