1. TORONTO NIGHT MARKET (FREE!)
It may not be in the city, strictly speaking, but the annual Toronto Night Market is certainly not to be missed. Inspired by the ever-popular night markets of Tokyo, Shanghai and Taiwan, T.O.’s version is all about the Far East treats. Try the fish balls in curry sauce, mango sago pudding or the “stinky” fermented tofu. Most of the food is less than $5, and proceeds go to charity. July 11 and 12, 1–1. Metro Square, 3636 Steeles Ave. E., Markham, www.torontonightmarket.com.

2. DREAM IN HIGH PARK FAMILY NIGHTS (FREE!)
Take the kids to High Park before the curtain rises for a little behind-the-scenes fun. Sunday performances are preceded by backstage tours, Shakespearean-themed games and an improvisational acting workshop hosted by the cast. Registration is required. To Aug. 31, family night 5 p.m.; performance 8 p.m. PWYC, suggested donation $20. High Park Amphitheatre, 416-367-8243, ext. 277, www.canstage.com.

3. TORONTO OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION (FREE!)
Both established and up-and-coming artists show their stuff at this annual competition, now in its 47th year. It’s the biggest outdoor art exhibit in the country, with over 500 artists and craftspeople set to participate this year. Score some one-of-a-kind art, enjoy Ecuadorean fare from the La Fiesta vendor and catch the awards ceremony (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.), where about $35,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to participants. July 11, 10–8; July 12, 10–7; July 13, 10–6. Nathan Phillips Square, 416-408-2754, www.torontooutdoorart.org.

4. MÉTIS ARTS FESTIVAL
This wholeheartedly Canadian fest features a wide range of entertainment—from traditional Métis fiddling to First Nation drumming—that shows off the talents of both contemporary and traditional aboriginal artists. July 11 to 13, 11–5. $13. Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., www.blackcreek.ca/whatson.

5. GREEN GASTRONOMY
Foodies-in-training and their gourmand parents might enjoy this kid-friendly lunchtime event, where chef Caesar Guinto from ROM resto Food Studio and guest chefs Bertrand Alépée and Jason Inniss from Amuse-Bouche create local delicacies for the audience, such as a French strawberry shortcake. July 13, noon–2. Admission free; food extra. Food Studio, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-7928, www.c5restaurant.ca.

6. SELL OUT (FREE!)
Forget the starving artist mythos; this exhibit features artists who are unapologetically commercial (not to mention employed). Not surprisingly, the art doesn’t suffer for it. Look for paintings by show coordinator Mikey Richardson, who is a creative director at a graphic design firm. July 11 to 13, noon–5. Lennox Contemporary, 12 Ossington Ave., 416-599-2699, www.artlab.ca.

7. SARA HENNESSEY TIME
Local joker Sara Hennessey brings the laughs with her second solo show, in which she tackles heartbreak, suburban angst and the mid-20s (the other terrible twos). July 11, 8 p.m.; July 12, noon. $10. George Ignatieff Theatre, Gerald Larkin Bldg., 15 Devonshire Pl., 416-966-1062, www.fringetoronto.com.

8. BOMB IT
Award-winning music video director Jon Reiss, whose previous flick, Better Living Through Circuitry (1999), was an in-depth examination of rave culture, turns his lens on graffiti in his latest doc. From ancient cave markings to New York in the ’70s to today’s urban spray-painting “writers,” Reiss searches five continents for the most cutting-edge artists. July 11, 7 p.m. $8. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., 416-516-2331, gelaskins.com/bombit.

ALSO HAPPENING IN TORONTO:
• The Holiday Inn on King is taken over by the Paradise Toronto Comicon convention on July 12 and 13
• Toronto’s first-ever burlesque festival, running all weekend
• The Caribbean Tales Film Festival, which ends on July 13
• Scruffy Montrealer Sam Roberts, who performs at Edgefest on July 12