Yo La Tengo

Yo La Tengo

The New Jersey trio that refuses to be broken up (they haven't taken a single hiatus since their 1984 inception) bangs through a brimming back catalogue of accessible, endearing and irreverent indie rock. $25–$95. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes' Blvd., collectiveconcerts.com.

Fall for Dance North

Fall for Dance North

The opening night of this dance showcase power-packs three performances into a few short hours: a National Ballet of Canada routine from superstar Guillaume Côté; a Toronto debut by Indian company Nrtiyagam; and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre's acrobatic Takademe, set to an a cappella score. $10. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front St. E., ffdnorth.com.

Word on the Street

Word on the Street

The annual book bag-stuffing extravaganza has a new home—it moves from Queen's Park to Harbourfront Centre this year—but all the same selections: thousands of books, magazines, publishing houses and too many author events to list. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., thewordonthestreet.ca.

Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah

The South African funny man headlines JFL42 with his observational comedy and political satire a mere two days before filling Jon Stewart's chair as the new host of The Daily Show. $50–$155. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front St. E., jfl42.com.

Constantines

Constantines

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic, cartoon-covered Lee's Palace's, the venue owners are tapping these local legends for an evening of triumphantly raw and raspy indie rock. $29.50. Lee's Palace, 529 Bloor St. W., leespalace.com.

Drake Devonshire

Drake Devonshire

This intimate, 13-room lakeside retreat in Prince Edward County is a rustic transplant of its Queen West counterpart's signature style: urban murals, sleek design and high-class comfort food. Read our review here. From $249. 24 Wharf St., Wellington, drakedevonshire.ca.

Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie

The British-Indian novelist has depicted the relationship between East and West using mysticism, satire and controversy. Here, he presents his latest book Two Years Eights Months and Twenty-Eight Nights, a magical realistic novel inspired by the Arabian Nights. Free. Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St., torontopubliclibrary.com.

La Carnita

La Carnita

The ultra-cool College Street taqueria opened a second location in the east end earlier this year. The hood may be different, but the decadent tacos, tropical concoctions and hip vibe (and the occasional blockbuster line-up) should feel familiar. 780 Queen St. E., lacarnita.com.

Motown: The Musical

Motown: The Musical

This Tony-winning production tells the story of unsung hero Berry Gordy Jr., the boxer-turned-music-man that catapulted Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye into the limelight. $35–$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St., mirvish.com.

Polaris Music Prize Gala

Polaris Music Prize Gala

The Canadian music scene's swankiest event will crown the best album of the past year and provide a live sampler of its most memorable music. Expect performances by local indie upstarts Alvvays, folk icon Buffy Sainte-Marie and more. $50. The Carlu, 444 Yonge St, polarismusicprize.ca.