1. THE SECOND CITY ATE MY HOMEWORK
This legendary comedy troupe isn’t exactly known for G-rated humour, but this hour-long weekly show makes an exception. Watch sketches and songs created by famous alumni (they’ve been adapted for a younger audience) and a long improv session, where the audience provides suggestions for scenes. Aug. 1, noon. $12. The Second City, 51 Mercer St., 416-343-0011, www.secondcity.com.

2. BEN HARPER and K-OS (FREE!)
This free concert features local reggae fusion band Hard Core. Opening for Molekane is Ghanaian-born and Hamilton-based Kae Sun, whose mix of reggae, soul and hip hop has garnered him comparisons to Ben Harper and fellow Canuck K-os. Aug. 1, 8 p.m.–10 p.m. Yonge-Dundas Square, www.ydsquare.ca.

3. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL (FREE!)
In a slightly delayed example of art imitating life, 11 artists showcase work inspired by E.F. Schumacher’s 1973 treatise on globalization and “Buddhist economics.” Get Zen this weekend at the show’s reception or catch it before it closes on August 8. Aug. 2, 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Ben Navaee Gallery, 1111 Queen St. E., 416-999-1030, www.bennavaeegallery.com.

4. RHINESTONE COUNTRY MUSIC FEST & RODEO
Get out those cowboy boots. This weekend, Downsview Park goes country with this two-day event. There’s a good mix of Canadian and American talent: performers include last year’s Canadian Country Music Award winner Doc Walker and up-and-coming Nashvillians Lady Antebellum. And did we mention there’s a rodeo? Yee-haw! Aug. 2 and 3, noon–11. $15–$145. Downsview Park, 1-35 Carl Hall Rd., 647-341-0491, www.rhinestonecountryfest.com.

5. FESTIVAL DE VERANO (FREE!)
Sharing the space with the cowpokes at Downsview Park (see No. 4), this celebration of Latin culture is the brainchild of local businesswoman Toni Reyes. Expect music, dancing, food and crafts from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Cuba and more. Aug. 3, 1 p.m.–11 p.m. Downsview Park, 1-35 Carl Hall Rd., 905-813-8800, www.festivaldeverano.ca.

6. CARIBANA
Toronto is celebrating its Caribbean flavour all weekend. Friday’s Pan Alive (7 p.m.–midnight, $20, Lamport Stadium) is an evening devoted to the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century, but the main event is the annual Caribana parade on Saturday (10–6, $18–$25, Exhibition Place). There are many nighttime fêtes, and we hear Akon, Estelle, DJ Green Lantern and local boy Kardinal Offishal will be in town. On Sunday, Olympic Island plays host to De Caribana Lime Island Festival, a low-key arts fest (noon–8, $10). Aug. 1 to 3, www.caribana.com.

7. IRIE MUSIC FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Created as a “unifying symbol of Toronto’s diversity,” this cousin of Caribana is more relaxed, but no less enjoyable. Take in live music and dance, art exhibitions, readings and kid-friendly activities (face painting, colouring contests). Queen’s Park will be devoted to tasty eats from throughout the Caribbean. Aug. 1 to 4. Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.; Queen’s Park, 111 Wellesley St. W.; www.iriemusicfestival.com.

8. THE TAXI PROJECT
Written by four members of PEN Canada’s Writers in Exile Program, this play explores such issues as freedom of expression and the harsh realities of living in exile through the stories of four characters who, after being forced to leave their native countries, struggle to make a life in Canada. A discussion and reading will follow the play. Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. PWYC (reserving tickets in advance is recommended). Alchemy Studio Theatre, 133 Tecumseth St., 416-703-8448, ext. 23, www.pencanada.ca.

9. CANOEING TO THE ISLANDS
Nature lovers will enjoy this guided three-hour adventure. Explore the quiet lagoons of the Toronto Islands in a voyageur canoe. Tour stops can include a visit to Centre Island and the bird sanctuary on Donut Island. Registration required. Aug. 4, noon. $25 in advance. Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre, 283A Queens Quay W., 647-448-6985, www.canoetoronto.com.

ALSO HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND:
• The Toronto Public Library’s Along Came a Spider…, a tribute to the creepy-crawlies that populate children’s literature, opens on August 1
• Adventure Valley Day Camp offers warm-weather fun on its 20 acres, with nature hikes and cozy campfires on August 2
• ROMWALKS explores city hall’s Archer and other sculpted hidden treasures on August 3