First thing Oscar night
There's nothing quite like the drama of Oscar night, especially this year as James Cameron ( Avatar) dukes it out with his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow ( The Hurt Locker) and Lee Daniels, the first openly gay black director to be nominated for Best Picture ( Precious). Take in all the action with like-minded cineastes at the live screening of the Academy Awards at the Bloor Cinema. (Tomorrow, 7 p.m. 506 Bloor St. W. $6)
2. Everybody (modern) dance now Bearing in mind that modern dance defies synopsis at the best of times, the most important thing to know about Do Animals Cry - which "delves deeply into the complex relationships of parents and children" - is that it's the latest from uber-choreographer Meg Stuart and played to rave reviews in Toulouse before arriving at Harbourfront Centre for a limited engagement. (Tonight, 8 p.m. Fleck Dance Centre .$30)
3. You owe it to Canada If watching the closing ceremonies of the Winter Games in Vancouver didn't put you back in touch with your inner lumberjack, the annual Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival will. Get ready for a month-long celebration featuring hayrides, guided tours and pancakes swimming in sweet, patriotic tree essence. (Today and tomorrow, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, 3291 Stouffville Rd., Stouffville. Adults $8, kids $6)
4. Toujours l'amour The latest burlesque trend that has been the toast of the louche hipster scene south of the border has finally made it to Canada: naked ladies reading. Burlesque queen Michelle L'amour and various other "readers" will be celebrating the printed word while not wearing any clothes. (Tomorrow, 7 p.m. The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington Ave. $15)
5. Tame your Tiger For those addicted to whacking and then chasing the dimpled Scottish ball, the seasonal harbinger of joy is back: the 21st annual Toronto Golf Show, everything you could ever hope for in the way of spiked shoes, drivers, pitching wedges, golf vacations and clothing Jay-Z wouldn't be caught dead in. (Today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W. $15)