The synth-punk MC behind 2000’s “Fuck the Pain Away” is unapologetically abrasive and explicitly sex positive. She’s had a fascinating career of electro-clash anthems, feminist film work and gigs that feel more like illicit raves than concerts. $25. Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne St., ticketmaster.com.
The Toronto-based Cree artist’s new site-specific installation examines Aboriginal history through a queer, postcolonial lens. It features a nine-foot recreation of a buffalo jump, topped by two full-sized bison and a sculpture of Monkman’s alter ego, Miss Chief Testickle. $15. Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen’s Park, gardinermuseum.on.ca.
This French bistro’s food is ornate Gallic goodness. We recommend the salt-crusted, scarlet-centred rack of lamb, the fresh beef tartare and a steamed skate wing stuffed with lobster mousse. Read our review here. 760 St. Clair Ave. W., concessionroad.ca.
Make a New Friend, the PBS show’s new live production, teaches kids about diversity: Elmo, Big Bird and Count von Count welcome Chamki, a new Muppet from India, to sing, dance and share cookies with them. $47–$65. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front St. E., sesamestreetlive.com.
The intimate John Street venue, housed in St. George the Martyr Church, celebrates its 40th anniversary with a program populated with new classical commissions and reinterpretations of memorable Music Gallery works. $15–$25. 197 John St., musicgallery.org.
The Ohio amusement park bills itself as the roller coaster capital of the world, with 16 mammoth machines and another on the way next year. Swing by before it shuts down for the winter. (Leafs lover detour: the Buds battle the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Friday night.) 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH, cedarpoint.com.
Irish phenom Lisa Dwan stars in this trio of solo works. In the first, Dwan recites a 15-minute stream-of-consciousness monologue. In the second, she plays a daughter pacing outside her dying mother’s room. And in the third, she’s an elderly woman contemplating the past as she retreats from the world. $24–$69. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St., canadianstage.com.
This un-pubby gastropub is the perfect humpday destination. Our recommendations: the house burger (a delightful mess of gamey beef, caramelized onions, aged cheddar, thick-cut bacon and buttermilk dill sauce) and the sticky toffee pudding. 1352 Danforth Ave., borough.ca.
The New York punk pioneer reads and discusses her new memoir, M Train, which traces her life and career through her favourite cafés and haunts. Tickets include a copy of the book. $36. Design Exchange, 66 Wellington St. W., knopfdoubleday.com.
The food at Leemo Han’s secretive Dundas West izakaya is meant for sharing. Try the Dyno Wings—stuffed with spicy pork and rice, deep-fried and served in a takeout box—as well as the fantastically fresh hamachi and the charred Japanese eggplant covered in finely shredded deep-fried beets. Read our review here. 2 Lakeview Ave.
The brothers are all grown up, but, on this tour, they return to their roots, playing one night of songs that inspired them (Oct. 10) and another of iconic Hanson hits (what’s that song they do again?). Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne St., ticketmaster.com.
Author and speaker Jessica Fellowes, niece of series creator Lord Julian, is the authority on all things Abbey. Here, she shares her insider knowledge about the show’s cast and creation. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Cir., uofttix.ca.
The R&B legend kicked off his current tour last November and, after two extensions, is wandering hid way back to New York City via Toronto. Wonder will perform his 1976 double album, Songs in the Key of Life, in its entirety. $66.50–$169.50. Air Canada, 40 Bay St., ticketmaster.com.
Short of flying to Germany, a Bratwurst lover’s best bet this October is a trip to the Tri-Cities, home of Canada’s best Bavarian fest, which includes a fashion show, parade and beer and sausage aplenty. oktoberfest.ca.
In this modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 play, a Canadian doctor must put his small town’s economy at risk to expose a looming environmental disaster. $55–$60. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave., tarragontheatre.com.
