1. CANADA’S TOP 10 OF 2009
This TIFF Cinematheque–organized festival is a good opportunity to see standout Canadian shorts and feature-length films that may not be released widely. This year’s offerings, chosen by a panel of industry veterans, include Cairo Time, starring Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig; and J’ai tué ma mère, which was written and directed by 20-year-old Xavier Dolan, who also stars. On the shorts menu, not to be missed is Five Hole, an animated rock ’n’ roll ode to hockey erotica. Jan. 14 to 21. $8 per screening. Jackman Hall, Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., 416-968-3456, topten.ca.

2. RENT
A Hair for the grunge generation, Rent has made its way back to Toronto. Original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp reprise their roles as Roger and Mark from the original Broadway run (and the 2005 movie). Fans can also catch Rapp at noon on Friday at the Eaton Centre Indigo for a reading and signing of his autobiography, Without You. Until Jan. 24. $25–$94. The Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria St., 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

3. DJ SKATE NIGHTS (FREE!)
Harbourfront’s Saturday-night music-and-skating events have been popular for four years now. This weekend, local DJs Andy Reid, Simon Jain and YUG turn the outdoor Natrel rink into a family-friendly (albeit somewhat chilly) rave, spinning high-energy house sets from 8 to 11 p.m. Jan. 16. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

4. WHEN SISTERS SPEAK
This annual showcase of spoken-word performances by young black women celebrates its 10th year. Dora Award winner and dub poet D’bi Young is joined by former Flow 93.5 DJ Jemeni and Toronto’s Caribbean Dance Theatre. Jan. 16. $20–$35. George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St., 416-872-1111, tocentre.com.

5. BASIA BULAT
Toronto singer-songwriter Basia Bulat has been playing the piano, flute, autoharp, banjo, ukulele, saxophone and guitar since the age of three. Her dedication has paid off; in 2008, the folk-pop artist was nominated for the prestigious Polaris Prize and embarked on a world tour. Here, Bulat kicks off a Canadian tour in support of her new album, Heart of My Own. Jan. 16. $20. Trinity–St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. W., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

6. NEXT STAGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
An affordable way to spend the night at the theatre, this juried festival is sort of like Fringe in January. Highlights include Just East of Broadway, a musical comedy about a washed-up Hollywood star who tries to revive his career by heading to China; and The Red Queen Effect, a loose retelling of Through the Looking Glass, except the rabbit hole is a hedge fund. Jan. 6 to 17. $12–$15 per play. Factory Theatre Mainspace and Studio, 125 Bathurst St., 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com/nstf.

7. MONSTER JAM
Roaring engines, spectacular collisions and eight-year-old boys squealing in delight make for a testosterone-packed two days at the Rogers Centre. Jan. 16 and 17. $20–$125. Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

8. THRIFTY CLOTHING SWAP
This clothing swap was inspired by writer Marjorie Harris’ new guide to budget beautification, Thrifty: Living the Frugal Life With Style. For the price of admission, attendees can score as many pieces of gently used clothing as they like; leftovers will be donated to local women’s shelters. Proceeds benefit Dancemakers. Jan. 17. $5. Dancemakers, Distillery District, Case Goods Warehouse, 55 Mill St., Bldg. 74, Studio 306, 416-363-4343, ext. 25, anansi.ca.

9. THE WEDDING SHOW
With an emphasis on DIY projects, this year’s show includes the first-ever Handmade Stand, with items from the on-line craft store etsy.com and ideas for such projects as making hanging paper birds and clothespin seating cards. Jan. 15 to 17. $17–$20. The Carlu, 444 Yonge St., 416-597-0143, theweddingco.com.