1. THE PROMISE CHERRY BEACH SUNDAY AFTERNOON SOUNDSYSTEM (FREE!)
This weekly beach party wraps up its seventh season with one last jam featuring sets from this summer’s favourite Soundsystem DJs. Expect everything from house to dub reggae as well as live bands and about 400 people. September 1, 3 p.m.–11 p.m. Cherry Beach (at the foot of Cherry St.), www.ilovepromise.com.

2. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Set in steamy New Orleans amid a soundtrack of old-school jazz, this Tennessee Williams classic recently hit the stage at the Walmer Centre. Proving that you can indeed depend on the kindness of strangers, part of the proceeds will go to Brad Pitt’s Make It Right project, which helps rebuild homes lost in Hurricane Katrina. August 29, 8 p.m.; August 30, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $30; matinee $20. Walmer Centre, 188 Lowther Ave., 905-450-2164, www.shakespearerocks.com.

3. URBAN MUSIC WEEK
Hip-hop lovers and rap stars descend on the town this weekend for the country’s largest urban music event. The 12-year-old fest features an arts showcase, a conference about music in a digital culture (Sept. 5–6) and tons of performances. We’re excited for underground indie rappers Dilated Peoples, who are onstage this Saturday at Bandshell Park in Exhibition Place. To September 6. Various locations, 905-799-1630, ext. 29, www.tumf.net.

4. MUHAMMAD OF YORKVILLE/HOLY FUSS
Muhammad of Yorkville, a remount of last year’s SummerWorks hit, is a tongue-in-cheek look at art, religion and relationships, written and performed by indie company Nobody’s Business Theatre. Catch it this weekend at Kensington’s Hotshot gallery, where a special art show—featuring work by Christine Mullen, Natalia Laluque and photo-blogging duo Istoica—has been launched just for the play. August 29–30, 8 p.m.; August 31, 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. $15. Hotshot, 181 Augusta Ave., www.nobodysbusiness.ca.

5. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
We hear MTV is remaking this cult classic with names like Marilyn Manson getting thrown around for the role of Dr. Frank N. Furter, the “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.” While we’re not sure about that, we are always willing to do the time warp—again. Get your kitsch on at this Friday’s late-night screening. August 29, 11:30 p.m. $9. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., 416-516-2331, www.bloorcinema.com.

6. LILY: THE LITTLEST CANNIBAL (FREE!)
This multimedia art exhibition by British duo Tado is equal parts cute and creepy. With brightly hued monster mushrooms, pirate bears and smiling mountains, the paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and plush toys that make up this exhibit are best described as horror flick meets My Little Pony but in a good way. To September 20. Mondays to Saturdays, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sundays, noon–6 p.m. Magic Pony Gallery, 694 Queen St. W., 416-861-1684, www.magic-pony.com.

7. PICNIC IN HIGH PARK (FREE!)
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school madness to enjoy the weather. High Park is a good way to spend a summer afternoon. Visit the llamas and bison at the zoo, take a ride on the trackless train ($4) or pack some sammies and have a picnic. High Park, 1873 Bloor St. W., 416-392-1111, www.toronto.ca/parks.

8. ARTISANS AT THE DISTILLERY (FREE!)
Canadian artists set up shop in the Distillery District for this first annual showcase and sale with photography, painting, mixed media, sculpture and stained glass. Look for fluid, wooden sculptures by Quebecois artist Éric Tardif and patchwork quilts by the Toronto-based Urban Quilt Company. August 29–September 1, 11–7. The Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St., www.artisansatthedistillery.com.

9. [MURMUR] (FREE!)
This weekend’s forecast is optimistic, so take advantage of the long-awaited sunshine and explore the city through this documentary-style oral history project. Created in 2003, [murmur] allows Torontonians to get to know the city’s past through their cell phones. Go on-line and print out maps that direct to signs at Fort York, the Annex, Kensington, Little India, Spadina Avenue and the Toronto Reference Library. To access the stories, dial the phone number at the bottom of the sign and listen in the same spot it all went down. Various locations. www.murmurtoronto.ca.

ALSO HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND:
• The Ashkenaz Festival celebrates Jewish culture with gospel-style music, punk, hip hop mixed with klezmer
• The Canadian National Exhibition closes its 130th year on September 1