1. TORONTO COMEDY WEEK FOR HAITI
The earthquake in Haiti isn’t a laughing matter, but Toronto’s comedy community has created a joke-filled festival in order to raise money. This weekend, all proceeds from performances at Bad Dog Theatre, Clandestiny, Clinton’s and Comedy Bar will go toward the Red Cross’s efforts in Haiti. Until Jan. 31. Ticket prices vary, comedyforhaiti.com.

2. THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
The Tony-winning musical makes its Canadian premiere this weekend. Margaret takes her developmentally delayed 26-year-old daughter, Clara, on a trip to Florence, where, much to her mother’s dismay, she falls in love with an Italian boy who doesn't know about her disability. Jan. 30 to Feb. 21. $30–$45. Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs, 26 Berkeley St., 416-368-3110, lightinthepiazza.ca.

3. PENDERECKI PLUS
Part of the University of Toronto's New Music Festival, this concert celebrates the famed Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki, currently the faculty of music’s Roger D. Moore Distinguished Visitor in Composition. The program includes two works by Penderecki: the avant-garde Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima and the Concerto Grosso. Jan. 29. $43. Koerner Hall, The Royal Conservatory of Music, 273 Bloor St. W., 416-408-0208, espritorchestra.com.

4. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE
The theatrical version of this kid lit classic is a heavy dose of nostalgia for anyone who grew up watching the television adaptation in the ’70s and ’80s. Star Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder, returns to the Little House universe as Ma. Jan. 27 to Feb. 28. $50–$99. The Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria St., 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

5. SEAN PAUL
Superstar Sean Paul’s newest album, Imperial Blaze, takes a page from countryman Bob Marley’s book with tracks that deal with street violence and other challenges facing youth in Jamaica. His Toronto performance this weekend includes his more socially conscious repertoire, in addition to such club hits as “Get Busy.” Jan. 29. $39.50–$100. Sound Academy, 11 Polson St., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

6. WINTERCITY (FREE!)
Toronto’s seven-year-old winter festival is probably better known for its foodie aspect, Winterlicious (see below), but there’s always a hearty serving of arts activities. This weekend, Nathan Phillips Square plays host to a Parisian carnival and the much-anticipated bird-shaped installation from Flaming Lotus Girls that erupts in flame. Indoor activities include screenings at the NFB Cinema and a family dance party (complete with a breakdancing Mountie) at the Guvernment. Until Feb. 11. toronto.ca/special_events/wintercity/2010/index.htm.

7. WINTERLICIOUS
More than just wallet-friendly prix fixe menus at some of the city’s top restaurants (see our picks for the best of the festival here), Winterlicious also includes Nyood’s Eats, Beats and Tweets, where diners’ tweets about the meal are projected onto a wall; a history-heavy tour of St. Lawrence Market with celeb chef Brad Long; and an international cuisine cooking class for kids and parents at Nella Cucina. Until Feb. 11. toronto.ca/special_events/wintercity/2010/culinary.htm.

8. HATCH 2010: EVERYTHING I’VE GOT
This annual showcase of up-and-coming performance artists features five projects chosen from 55 applicants. The pieces will be staged between now and April, starting with Jess Dobkin’s Everything I’ve Got, where she reworks past performances into one cohesive show that represents her entire catalogue of artistic ideas. Jan. 31. $12. Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.