Revellers take part in the annual Scotiabank Caribbean Festival parade in Toronto, August 4, 2012. The Globe and MailThe Globe and Mail
Island Soul
Harbourfront Centre's festival includes Caribbean music and beyond, with film (The Agronomist, a documentary on the Haitian activist Jean Dominique; Aug. 3, 3 p.m.), dance (A So We Dance, an choreographed exploration of dancehall music; Aug. 3, 9 p.m.) and family-friendly diversions, stilt dancers and windsock workshops. To Aug. 5. Free. 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000 or harbourfrontcentre.com.
Irie Music Festival
The circus at City Hall takes a rest, making way for a four-day music event and balmier vibes at Nathan Phillips Square. Headliners include Richie Stephens (a Jamaican reggae artist turned gospel singer; Aug. 3, 9 p.m.) and Half Pint (a Keith Richards-approved reggae star; Aug. 4, 9 p.m.) To Aug. 5; from 2 p.m. daily. 100 Queen St. W., iriemusicfestival.com.
Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade
The peacocking affair is the marquee event for what used to be known as Caribana. Bejewelled masqueraders and steel pan bands parade their way along a 3.5-kilometre stretch of Lake Shore Boulevard that is as colourful and wonderfully riotous as anything this city will see all year. Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. $15 to $80. Exhibition Place and Marilyn Bell Park, ticketgateway.com.
Beenie Man & Family
The droll dancehall DJ and radio-friendly reggae-rapping superstar is a Jamaican legend. His last LP was 2006's Undisputed, a set of relentless club tracks with an album cover that showed the artist as a prizefighter – swaggering as always. He dabbles in a variety of styles, but count on his charm and mesmerizing showmanship. Aug. 3, 10 p.m. $40. Club 227 Lounge Outdoor Arena, 137 City View Dr., Etobicoke, clubzone.com.
Etienne Charles
His students know him as an assistant professor of jazz trumpet at Michigan State University. Jazz Writers identify him as a composer and band leader, a preserver of indigenous Trinidadian music and an improviser in Haitian voodoo music and American jazz. Those who don't know him at all should: if not by his well-received new album Creole Soul, then by his featured appearance Sunday. Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m. $40. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. E., ticketweb.ca.