The Weekender: Grease, Buy Design’s spring social and six other things to do this weekend

The Weekender: Grease, Buy Design’s spring social and six other things to do this weekend

Grease is playing at the Canon for 11 days (Image: Joan Marcus)

1. FARM TO HOME FAIR 2010
This annual food fair is a locavore’s dream: meet and greets with farmers, info sessions on community-shared agriculture and treats (locally sourced, naturally) prepared by the Gladstone’s chef, Marc Breton, are all on offer. April 10. 1–4. $10. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., slowfood.to/837/events/farm-to-home-fair-2010.

2. TORONTO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL
A brand new addition to the city’s film festival lineup, this celebration of silent movies is a flashback to the era when Fairbanks and Pickford were the boldface names. This Sunday, check out A Thousand Laughs, the festival’s short comedy program, which shines a light on the less-recognized kings of (silent) comedy; Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton are nowhere to be found. Instead, see (Fatty) Arbuckle in Love, Lloyd Hamilton in Breezing Along and Stan Laurel (preLaurel and Hardy) in The Pest. April 6 to 15. $7–$15. Various locations, 416-461-9287, ebk-ink.com/tsff.

3. GREASE
The Toronto chapter of the Taylor Hicks fan club has had precious little to do in the four years since his American Idol win—until now. Since 2008, the silver-haired singer has been playing Teen Angel in the touring production of Grease, which finally makes its way to Toronto for a 11-day engagement at the Canon. April 7 to 18. $25–$99. The Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria St., 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

4. COWHUNT #2
In this urban scavenger hunt, teams of two work to decipher clues, take a photo of themselves at each checkpoint and make it to the finish line first. A partner, comfy shoes, camera and possibly an umbrella are the only things required to participate. April 10. $40 per pair. Gazebo, St. James Park (at King St. W. and Jarvis St.), cowhunt2.eventbrite.com.

5. BUY DESIGN SPRING SOCIAL
With our own recession not very far in the past, this dirty thirties–themed gala is pretty timely. At this benefit for Windfall (a charity that provides new clothing and such basic-needs items as toiletries, housewares and blankets to low-income families and individuals), expect croquet and badminton on the lawn, swing music in the dance hall tent and concession stands stocked with picnic food. April 10. $80. 55 Mill St., Fermenting Cellar, Bldg. 7, buydesignforwindfall.ca.

6. HARRY POTTER: THE EXHIBITION
Costumes and props used in the Harry Potter films are displayed in reproductions of Hogwarts Great Hall, Hagrid’s hut and the Gryffindor common room, but the real fun for kids is in the hands-on activities, like a game of quidditch or harvesting a mandrake plant. Entry to the exhibit is timed and ticketed, but admission includes entrance to the rest of the Science Centre, too. April 9 to Aug. 22. $20–$27.50. Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd., 416-696-1000, ontariosciencecentre.ca.

7. ART FOR AIDS INTERNATIONAL (FREE!)
The Gladstone hosts the launch of an exhibit dedicated to raising awareness of the fight against HIV/AIDS. Works from internationally renowned artists and students from around the world will be for sale, with proceeds benefiting grassroots charities that serve women and children in sub-Saharan Africa. To April 11. The Gladstone Gallery, Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., artforaidsinternational.org.

8. COCK-PIT
Inspired by choreographer Wen Wei Wang’s time in a boarding school run by the People’s Liberation Army in Maoist China, this 70-minute production uses the talents of five dancers—four men and one woman—to explore “adolescent sexual awakening.” April 9 and 10. $17–$28. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 207 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.