Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of August 16–18
FAIR
Canadian National Exhibition
The Ex returns for its 135th year of family-friendly entertainment. Along with the usual midway rides, marketplaces and air shows, this year’s fair has sand sculpting, rum tasting and an especially impressive lineup of fat-laden snacks. Aug. 16–Sept. 2. $16 ($12 for kids). Exhibition Place, 416-263-3330, theex.com
ART
Ai Weiwei: According to What?
A major survey of works by the world’s most famous contemporary artist is made all the more thought-provoking by Weiwei’s mandatory absence (China has prohibited him from leaving the country). Highlights include his Map of China, a vehicle-sized relief map made from destroyed Qing Dynasty temples and River Crabs, featuring 3,000 painted porcelain crustaceans. Aug. 17–Oct. 27. $25. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648, ago.net
FOOD
CraveTwo
After a highly successful May premiere at the Brick Works, CraveTO hosts another smorgasbord of food, beer and beats in the alley behind Honest Ed’s. The event is split in two: a day ticket permits entry from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., while a night ticket is valid from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. All food and drink (excluding liquor) costs $5 or less, and a trio of DJs will keep the party going until midnight. Aug. 17. $14.50–$17.50. Honest Ed’s Alley, 581 Bloor St. W., craveto.com
MOVIES
Toronto Sail-In Cinema (FREE!)
A dual-sided screen set on a barge allows both sailors and landlubbers to enjoy a three-night movie series. A trio of old favourites are on tap: Ghostbusters on Thursday, The Princess Bride on Friday, and Back to the Future on Saturday. Movies begin at dusk (about 8:45). Aug. 15–17. Free. Sugar Beach, 25 Dockside Drive, sailincinema.com
MUSIC
Toronto Reggae Fest
Local and international artists, including Tarrus Riley and living legend Beres Hammond, perform over two days at the Polson Pier in a feel-good celebration of reggae music. Aug. 17-18. $60 ($100 for both). Sound Academy, 11 Polson St., 416-649-7437, torontoreggaefest.com
. Exhibition Place, 416-263-3330, theex.com
ART
Ai Weiwei: According to What?
A major survey of works by the world’s most famous contemporary artist is made all the more thought-provoking by Weiwei’s mandatory absence (China has prohibited him from leaving the country). Highlights include his Map of China, a vehicle-sized relief map made from destroyed Qing Dynasty temples and River Crabs, featuring 3,000 painted porcelain crustaceans. Aug. 17–Oct. 27. $25. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648, ago.net
FOOD
CraveTwo
After a highly successful May premiere at the Brick Works, CraveTO hosts another smorgasbord of food, beer and beats in the alley behind Honest Ed’s. The event is split in two: a day ticket permits entry from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., while a night ticket is valid from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. All food and drink (excluding liquor) costs $5 or less, and a trio of DJs will keep the party going until midnight. Aug. 17. $14.50–$17.50. Honest Ed’s Alley, 581 Bloor St. W., craveto.com
MOVIES
Toronto Sail-In Cinema (FREE!)
A dual-sided screen set on a barge allows both sailors and landlubbers to enjoy a three-night movie series. A trio of old favourites are on tap: Ghostbusters on Thursday, The Princess Bride on Friday, and Back to the Future on Saturday. Movies begin at dusk (about 8:45). Aug. 15–17. Free. Sugar Beach, 25 Dockside Drive, sailincinema.com
MUSIC
Toronto Reggae Fest
Local and international artists, including Tarrus Riley and living legend Beres Hammond, perform over two days at the Polson Pier in a feel-good celebration of reggae music. Aug. 17-18. $60 ($100 for both). Sound Academy, 11 Polson St., 416-649-7437, torontoreggaefest.com){kind=link}