1. BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE
On what would have been Marley’s 64th birthday, the reggae superstar is being honoured with this tribute concert featuring a slew of local artists, including Blessed, J. Wilson and Makaya. Feb. 6, doors 9 p.m. $15 ($10 with a non-perishable food item). El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Ave., 416-777-1777, www.bobmarleybirthday.com.

2. WINTERCITY (FREE!)
Three city-wide fests in one, WinterCity offers an abundance of things to do. Street theatre by Dutch troupe Close-Act turns Nathan Phillips Square into an underwater wonderland to tell the story of forbidden love between a mermaid and a fisherman. Watch out for music, dance and kick-ass props (Feb. 6 and 7, 7 p.m.). Not to be missed: indie-approved Montrealers The Stills, who perform at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday (8 p.m.). To Feb. 12. www.toronto.ca/special_events/wintercity.

3. KUUMBA (FREE!)
Kick off Black History Month with Harbourfront’s two-weekend celebration of Afro-centric music, art, film and dance. This weekend, check out Ghanaian hip hop–highlife fusion music, screenings of Somaliwood flicks or a cooking class. Feb. 7 and 8, various times. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

4. WINTERLICIOUS
The yummiest part of the WinterCity juggernaut, Winterlicious is a favourite of Toronto’s cash-strapped gastronomes. In addition to the prix-fixe menus, there’s a selection of nosh-related events, including a few that are perfect for this brunch-loving city. Check out Rosewater Supper Club’s Five Senses Brunch (11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). To Feb. 12. www.toronto.ca/special_events/wintercity.

5. COME UP TO MY ROOM ’09
Now six years old, this alternative design show is once again taking over the Gladstone to highlight work of the multidisciplinary, indie, emerging and self-taught varieties. Head to the second floor, where local designers have put together 11 exhibits and 12 public space projects. Feb. 6, noon–8 p.m.; Feb. 7, noon–10 p.m.; Feb. 8, noon–5 p.m. $8. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635, www.gladstonehotel.com.

6. KEVIN SMITH-A-THON
Kevin Smith has been called one of the most influential American auteurs of the ’90s (by the organizers of this event, actually). We prefer to think of him as Silent Bob, but no matter. Whatever you call him, Smith will be on hand this weekend for a Q&A sesh following screenings of six of his flicks, including Clerks and Clerks II. Feb. 8, 7 p.m. (Clerks) and 10 p.m. (Clerks II). $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., www.bloorcinema.com.

7. LOVE & RUMMAGE TRUNK SALE (FREE!)
Who doesn’t hate the term “recessionista”? But don’t let unfortunate nomenclature get in the way of some truly excellent deals. Hosted by City of Craft, the sale features yarns, fabrics, housewares, paper products and clothing from local and visiting crafters. Snacks are free. Feb. 8, noon–5 p.m. The Workroom, 1340 Queen St. W., www.cityofcraft.com.

8. THE LITTLE SWEETHEART BALL
This kid-friendly do benefits Saturday Support, a Rethink Breast Cancer program for new parents coping with the disease. With a Joe Fresh fashion show, a Bunch Family mini-disco, instruments for kids to play and a cupcake-decorating station, this one’s good fun for a good cause. Feb. 8, 3–6 p.m. Adults $50, children $7. Capitol Event Theatre, 2492 Yonge St., 416-920-0980, www.rethinkbreastcancer.com.