1. SUMMERLICIOUS
As prix-fixe menus have become a staple at most restaurants, Summerlicious—the prix-fixe foodie fest—has lost some of its novelty. But chefs are tempting diners with even better deals (lunches $15–$30, dinners $25–$45). Participating restos started taking reservations for Summerlicious on June 18, and let’s be honest, many of the city’s best tables were likely booked in hours, but there are plenty of options. Check out our guide to the best of Summerlicious to pick a spot for the weekend. July 3 to19. toronto.ca.

2. THE FRINGE
With 150 shows performed by companies from around the world, there’s no way even the most dedicated theatre buff can see all the offerings at this two-week fest. To help narrow things down, our picks include Dracula in a Time of Climate Change, in which the blood-sucking hero worries what will happen to the vamps should humans become extinct; Lysistrata, a classic Greek comedy about a sex strike; and Fucking Stephen Harper: How I Sexually Assaulted the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada and Where It Got Me, a brilliant and hilarious play by journalist Rob Salerno. Until July 12. Up to $10 per performance. Various locations, fringetoronto.com.

3. FESTIVAL OF FIRE
There’s one more chance to see the city’s biggest fireworks display. American expats can celebrate their country’s independence on Saturday evening, while everyone else can say they’re catching the explosive series’ grand finale, when pyro-technician David Whysall and his crew go all out with fireworks set to international music. July 4. $17.75. Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-314-9811, ontarioplace.com.

4. CHIN INTERNATIONAL PICNIC (FREE!)
It wouldn’t be summer without CHIN radio’s annual picnic, now in its 43rd year. It’s the ideal spot for a fam jam (kids love the petting zoo and Midway), but there’s also the Border City Wrestling Show, a 10,000-square-foot shopping bazaar and plenty of snacking options, including a spaghetti-eating contest. Until July 5. Exhibition Place, 200 Princes Blvd., chinradio.com/picnic.php.

5. ROCK THE BELLS Hip-hop diehards should not miss this urban music event, a staple on the concert circuit since its first SoCal show in 2004. This year’s tour features such big names as Damien “Jr. Gong” Marley, KRS-One, local boy K’Naan, Wu Tang Clan member RZA and Kelis’ baby-daddy himself, Nas. July 5. $36–$151. Molson Amphitheatre, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 426-870-8000, ticketmaster.com.

6. CORSO ITALIA FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Upwards of 30 bands will take to the streets of this Italian nabe this weekend, performing on corners, patios and balconies. The area’s cafés, restaurants and gelaterias make snacking easy with samples and promotional sales. July 4 and 5. St. Clair Avenue West, between Westmount and Lansdowne, torontofiesta.com.

7. REMEMBER THEIR NAMES (FREE!)
This multimedia installation focuses on the women who vanished from Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside between 1978 and 2001. While convicted serial killer Robert Pickton became a household name, local artist Janis Cole feared the women he killed would be forgotten. A collection of missing posters, television broadcasts and tip-line calls, Cole’s work forces viewers not to forget. July 4 to Aug. 8. Trinity Square Video, 401 Richmond St. W., Ste. 376, 416-593-1332, trinitysquarevideo.com.

8. CASA LOMA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Kids who like Medieval Times will really love this weekend-long carnival, the fifth Casa Loma has organized. The castle’s grounds will be transformed into a 16th-century village, with duelling knights, gypsies and a magician named Zoltan the Adequate. Adventurous types can take archery lessons or hang out with Sir Charles of Linton and his hawks, while history buffs will enjoy learning about Henry the Eighth and his first of many wives, Catherine of Aragon. July 4 to 6. $17. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, 416-923-1171, casaloma.org.

9. MOVIES UNDER THE STARS (FREE!)
Cap off the first full week of summer vacay with an open-air movie night. Head uptown to catch Friday’s screening of Madagascar 2, and don’t forget a blanket, picnic and Rover, as long as he’s on a leash. If this weekend is a no-go, don’t worry: the park will screen a different kid-friendly flick every Friday night in July and August. July 3–August 28. Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd., 416-952-2222, downsviewpark.ca.