1. INTIMATE APPAREL
It’s 1905 in the Lower East Side. Esther (35 years old, plain, New Yorker) has been working as a seamstress for most of her life. She’s finally achieved some financial independence but longs for love. Enter George (charming, Caribbean, half a world away). Lynn Nottage’s award-winning play has been applauded for its feminist perspectives and commentary on race, but it’s also a beautifully told, accessible story. To March 6. From $20. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front St. E., 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

2. BLOOR-YORKVILLE ICEFEST (FREE!)
No doubt inspired by Canada’s Olympic hosting duties, this year’s IceFest has a thoroughly patriotic theme. Brave the cold to admire larger-than-life-size carvings of beavers, moose, geese and bears, and watch as pros battle it out at Sassafraz’s 10th annual ice-carving contest. Feb. 20 and 21. Village of Yorkville Park, Cumberland St. between Bellair St. and Old York Lane, bloor-yorkville.com/icefest/icenite.html.

3. TOTSAPALOOZA: THE SPACE AGE RODEO EDITION
Crafty kids will love this afternoon of DIY fun, organized by Chris Reed of This Is Not a Reading Series fame. The entertainment includes performances by such local indie rockers as Don Kerr and the Jet Pack Orchestra and Bellwoods Trinity, readings by kid-lit faves Katie Van Camp and Ashley Spires, and a build your own UFO workshop. Feb. 21. $10. Revival, 783 College St., smallprinttoronto.org.

4. MASALA! MEHNDI! MASTI! WINTERFEST (FREE!)
For the first time ever, the annual South Asian arts fest is hosting a winter event. Film, food, dance, music and art are well represented (just like at the warm-weather counterpart), with a seasonally appropriate addition: Bollywood on Ice. Feb. 23. York Quay Centre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., masalamehndimasti.com.

5. GRIMM TOO
Part of Theatre Smith-Gilmour’s 30th anniversary season, this new work takes on the traditional folk tales of the Brothers Grimm. Several different tales are faithfully retold with the company’s trademark emphasis on physical theatre. Feb. 19 to March 21. $10–$28. The Factory Studio Theatre, 25 Bathurst St., 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

6. 2010 NATIONAL HOME SHOW
So the Home Renovation Tax Credit is but a fond memory. So what? It’s almost springtime, and that means one thing for house-proud Torontonians: reno season. Check out this popular convention for inspiration, advice and the chance to mix and mingle with design personalities, like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s Ty Pennington. Feb. 19 to 28. $15. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Blvd., 416-263-3000, nationalhomeshow.com.

7. PALAIS D’HIVER 2010: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
This Alice in Wonderland–themed fête promises to turn U of T’s Hart House into a “dark and seductive circus for the senses” complete with gravity-defying acrobats, a performance by Glamour Puss burlesque and a selection of signature cocktails, beer tastings and wine. Feb. 19. $50. The Great Hall, Hart House, 7 Hart House Cir., 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

8. ERIC CLAPTON AND JEFF BECK
Though they’ve known one another since the ’60s, guitar greats Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck rarely shared the same stage until a show in Tokyo last year. Apparently they quite enjoyed themselves, because they planned follow-up shows in London, England, New York City and Montreal, as well as this weekend’s Toronto engagement. Feb. 21. $85.75–$241.25. Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay St., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.