The Canadian Art Foundation leads free gallery hops, hosts art-world legends in Toronto and publishes Canadian Art. This gala and auction is their single most significant fundraiser — not to mention a terrific party. $650. The Carlu, 444 Yonge St., canadianart.ca.
A shoe-business heir, drag queen and factory worker join forces and plough their way through a vigorous, Cyndi Lauper–penned score (which won both a Grammy and Tony). $29–$107. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St. W., mirvish.com.
The Chinese-American cellist taps musicians from more than 20 countries — each playing instruments as varied as their heritage — and, in the process, redefines the meaning of world music. $59.50–$199.50. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., masseyhall.com.
In Michael Temblay's sharp and poignant play, a young Québécois woman's ambition to become a country star amidst the Quiet Revolution becomes a parable about her province's place in Canada. $29.50–$58. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Ln., soulpepper.ca.
This all-hours diner in Trinity Bellwoods serves fluffy flapjacks, smoky meat platters, house-made sodas and whipped cream–topped waffles—in other words, the perfect Sunday brunch, whatever your mood. Read our review here. 800 Dundas St. W., oldschoolyyz.com.
There's no shortage of potential masterpieces playing at TIFF this year, including Ridley Scott's extraterrestrial epic The Martian, Eddie Redmayne's next Oscar shoo-in The Danish Girl, and Atom Egoyan's Holocaust aftermath film Remember. 1-888-599-8433, tiff.net.
The humble Haligonian heroes have left a lasting mark on the CanRock canon with their guitar-driven power pop (check out: "The Good in Everyone" and "Coax Me"). Their latest release, Commonwealth, is a double album with four sides, each written by one of the band's members. $18.94–$29.50. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., masseyhall.com.
Canada's southernmost point is a haven of B&Bs, beaches and outdoor beauty. Hike through Lighthouse Point Park, scuba dive down to one of 200 shipwrecks or relax at the Pelee Island Winery. Pelee.com.
It's anyone's guess which Toronto hotspots will play host to the stars on the TIFF's opening night. One guarantee: the Drake Hotel, as it does every year, will throw an incredible bash. $10. Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. W., thedrake.ca.
Ivana Raca's namesake café is the perfect hump-day helper, serving up an exceptional seasonal menu and custom cocktails in a cozy, Bali-inspired Parkdale space. Our favourites: scallops and asparagus, mushroom risotto, and Nutella-topped treats. 1704 Queen St. W., 416-901-9951.
In this interactive show, the clown-nosed actor-playwright Rebecca Northan is stood up by her date at a Paris bistro. So she surveys the audience for someone to take his place, setting in motion an amusingly awkward and entirely improvised blind date. $55–$60. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave., tarragontheatre.com.
The Montreal-based burger bonanza offers succulent selections, including W Burger Bar's sandwich, stuffed with mac and cheese and topped with hickory sticks, and Fresh's "The6ix" (vegan patty, pineapple, banana chillies, onion, lettuce, tomato). Prices vary. Leburgerweek.com.
Local writer-director Kyle Sawyer has created an indie flick about a philosophical homeless boxer who lives and trains in High Park as he prepares to face a formidable opponent. Free. Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave., whoiscolthammer.com.
On the menu this year: searing specialties from across the globe, never-ending music and dance, and red-hot recipe demonstrations from Dragon Vikram Vij (his family's chicken curry) and Fidel Gastro phenom Matt Basille (lamb meatballs). Free admission; food prices vary. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, harbourfrontcentre.com.
For the first time ever, the Swedish singer-songwriter brings a backing band to the stage. He'll play songs from Dark Bird is Home, a lo-fi compilation of wistful acoustic ballads and Dylan-esque melodies. $39.50–$49.50. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., masseyhall.com.
