1. ONTARIO BEER & CHEESE TASTING
We’ve always been partial to cheese with wine, but some people think beer is a far better match. See if they’re right at this afternoon tasting event, where four Ontario craft beers are paired with locally made artisanal cheeses. Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.–9 p.m. $45 in advance only. Culinarium, 705 Mount Pleasant Rd., 647-430-7004, www.culinarium.ca.

2. (RE)TRACING FRED
Choreographer and Toronto dance great Darcey Callison’s new work examines masculinity throughout Hollywood’s toe-tapping history. Callison takes iconic dances by Fred Astaire, Elvis Presley, John Travolta and even from Napoleon Dynamite and re-imagines them with original choreography. Feb. 27, 8 p.m.; Feb. 28, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $15. York University, Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, Accolade East Building, 4700 Keele St., 416-736-5888, www.yorku.ca/perform/boxoffice.

3. WILDSOUND TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL
Movie buffs and TIFF lovers will enjoy this monthly short-flick fest, this month moderated by the Toronto Star’s movie critic, Peter Howell. Featuring shorts from Canada, the U.S. and Germany, subject matter ranges from the 1975 Ethiopian revolution to claymation sci-fi to a drama about two girls and a “spirit” board. Feb. 28, 7 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. National Film Board Cinema, 150 John St., www.wildsound-filmmaking-feedback-events.com.

4. PANIC
This dance party is a must-attend for retro-lovin’ rump shakers: DJ Lazarus brings classic ’80s and ’90s jams from the likes of Depeche Mode, Culture Club and Joy Division back to life on the last Saturday of every month. February’s party also includes a side room with hits and videos by The Cure and Siouxsie. Better break out some heavy-duty eyeliner. Feb. 28, 10 p.m. $5 before 11 p.m., $10 after. Basement, 178 Bathurst St., www.djlazarus.com.

5. SEEDY SATURDAY
Though the wind chill might suggest otherwise, springtime is just around the corner, and with it comes gardening season. Kick things off at this annual eco-fair with such draws as gardening workshops and vendors selling heirloom seeds, seedlings, tools and organic goods, plus kid-friendly activities, like face painting and crafts. Feb. 28, 2 p.m.–6 p.m. $2 or PWYC. Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St., www.tcgn.ca.

6. THAT NIGHT FOLLOWS DAY
Performed exclusively by children (16 of them, aged eight to 14), this exploration of parenthood is billed as a playful and poignant exploration of the ways in which “adults project their worlds onto the lives of the children around them.” This Canadian premiere is in Dutch with English Surtitles. To Feb. 28, 8 p.m. $40. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 207 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

7. SNAP! 09
The AIDS Committee of Toronto’s annual fundraiser, Snap! 09 features photos and photo-based art by emerging and established photographers. The evening includes a live auction of curated pieces and a silent auction to raise money, and awareness of HIV/AIDS and the value of local art collections. March 1, 6 p.m. $65–$95. Canada’s National Ballet School, 400 Jarvis St., 416-340-8484, www.snap-toronto.com.

8. 40 DAYZ BOOK LAUNCH
Local wordsmith Motion is throwing a party to celebrate the release of her latest book of poetry, 40 Dayz, a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2002 release, Motion in Poetry. This time around, Motion uses 40 days as a theme. Check out her spoken-word flow at this evening of “wordz and soundz,” hosted by erstwhile Flow 93.5 DJ Mark Strong. March 1, 7 p.m. $15. Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst St., 416-929-2774, ext. 10, www.motionlive.com.

9. SECRET IDENTITY (FREE!)
Featuring the work of jewellery and metalsmith students from across the country, this exhibit is about discarding the masks and façades of society and embracing the hidden self. Look for pieces from students at George Brown College, Nunavut Arctic College and OCAD, among others. To March 14, Wednesday to Saturday, noon–6 p.m. OCAD Student Gallery, 285 Dundas St. W., 416-977-6000, ext. 262, www.ocad.ca.

Home page photo: cheese by foodmuse.