Do as the Roman candles do
If you haven't made it out of town on the first warm-weather long weekend, you might as well embrace the city in all its noisy glory, which means crowds and fireworks. The Toronto Islands offer a good view of the show. Or grab a beer and head up to the roof of your building. Fireworks at Ontario Place, Sunday after 9:30 p.m. More pyrotechnics Monday at Ashbridge's Bay, after 9:30 p.m.
For daring young men (and women)
Before they run away to the circus, let them get a taste of it. This weekend, Harbourfront hosts the International Circus Festival, where kids can hear about the history of the circus, talk to performers and try juggling, aerial hoop or acrobatics. Bonus: If your kid's tough enough to try acrobatics, she's probably tough enough to handle the requisite clowns too. (Saturday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Queens Quay West at Lower Simcoe St., www.tocircusfestival.com; www.harbourfrontcentre.com)
The gloves are on
It's like Million Dollar Baby meets Singin' in the Rain! Tomboyfriend, the nerdcore band, and Veda Hille, the indie-music legend from B.C., play a benefit for the women's boxing club, The Toronto Newsgirls, with promises of a "box-a-riffic" dance number. Proceeds will go to The Newsgirls' survivors-of-violence program, Shape Your Life. (Sunday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Slack's, 562 Church St. PWYC.)
Whey fare
Combine a long lakefront stroll with a visit to the Cheese Boutique, where walkers can sate their appetite with grub from two of the city's top chefs, Chris McDonald of Cava and John Higgins of George Brown College, who will be doing food demos. Lessons in cheese and wine pairings will be offered as well. (Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cheese Boutique, 45 Ripley Ave.)
Pellicularly pleasing
What do William Burroughs, Tilda Swinton and Rufus Wainwright have in common? They've all parlayed their uniqueness into power, which is what makes them perfect subjects for movies in the LGBT film festival Inside Out, now celebrating its twentieth year. There will be over 100 screenings, and unprecedented partying. Naturally. (www.insideout.ca)