Cie Carabosse: Nights of Fire
They’ve lit public spaces—and awed audiences—all over Europe, and now France’s Cie Carabosse is taking over Nathan Phillips Square. Come walk through a garden of fire while 1,500 burning clay pots transform the ordinary into magic.
When: Jan. 25 and 26, Feb. 1 and 2, 6–9 p.m.

Theater Gajes: Alice in Wonderland
This troupe from the Netherlands delivers all the joy and raucous physical comedy of Alice in Wonderland with some extra twists: the show is interactive and set to live music; the actors perform on metre-high stilts.
When: Jan. 26 and 27, Feb. 2 and 3, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.; 60-minute show.

The Weakerthans
Catch these folk-punk poets from the ’Peg out in the open air for their special visit to Toronto. Arrive early, though; the success of their 2007 album Reunion Tour guarantees they’ll draw a huge crowd.
When: Feb. 2, 8:45–10 p.m.

Tokyo Police Club
Fresh from their 2007 appearances at indie-licious festivals Glastonbury and Coachella, these Newmarket lads will play some familiar tunes and perhaps a few tracks from their new album, set to be released later this year.
When: Jan. 26, 8:45–10 p.m.

Family Tailgate Party With Chef Robert Rainford
This familiar face from Food Network’s License to Grill serves up grilling tips and a scorching good time. Live demonstrations for the slow cooker and fast sizzler alike.
When: Feb. 3, 2–6 p.m.; chef Rainford’s presentations at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.

The Flying Canucks
Trampoline artists from across Canada combine the Olympic moves of freestyle skiing and snowboarding with circus-worthy acrobatic skills for a show that’s sure to delight and amaze.
When: Jan. 26 and 27, Feb. 2, 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Feb. 3, 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Entertaining and economical, all events are free.