1. XOCOCAVA
Self-respecting foodies will head to chef Chris McDonald’s Xococava, an artisanal ice cream and chocolate shop that opened next to his restaurant Cava last Friday. Indulge in a scoop of licorice-caramel, chocolaty gianduja or honey cinnamon. Xococava, 1560 Yonge St., 416-979-9918.

2. MOVIES UNDER THE STARS (FREE!)
Pack up a blanket, some popcorn and the kids before heading uptown to catch a flick at Downsview Park. Starting this Friday with The Spiderwick Chronicles, a different family-friendly blockbuster will be screened every week. July 4, dusk. Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd., 416-952-2222, www.downsviewpark.ca.

3. BEATS, BREAKS & CULTURE (FREE!)
For the fifth instalment of Harbourfront’s much-lauded electronic music fest, the emphasis is on borders and the “global domination of electronic music and culture.” Not nearly as apocalyptic as it sounds, BBC features quality offerings from local and international acts. Check out Once Upon a Time in the East, a doc about British indie darlings Ladytron and their 2004 Chinese tour, July 4, 7 p.m. Rump shakers, don’t miss the Dance Dance Revolution tournaments hosted by competitive gaming hosts DorkARMY, July 5 and 6, 3 p.m. And on Sunday, Shad’s thoughtful rhymes and smooth beats are reminiscent of old-school hip hop, with new-school consciousness, July 6, 3 p.m. July 4 to 6. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

4. THE SCREAM LITERARY FESTIVAL
From its humble origins as an outdoor poetry reading, Scream has gotten louder in recent years, becoming a 12-day celebration of all things bookish. We’re looking forward to the Type Books Salon Series, which kicks off this Friday with a reception followed by Freedom in Death, readings from books that entered the public domain this year, July 4, 9 p.m. PWYC. Type Books, 883 Queen St. W., 416-366-8973. Saturday’s youth-centred workshop run by Toronto’s Seen Reading blogger Julie Wilson has kids and teens write micro-fiction (a piece 500 words or less), July 5, 4:30 p.m. Free. Tinto Coffee House, 89 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-530-5885. July 3 to 14, thescream.ca.

5. HOMEMADE APPLE PIE
American expats can get a taste of home this July 4 at Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, the newly opened Kensington shop by famed Toronto baker Wanda Beaver. Choose from 12 kinds of apple pie, including the more traditional covered-top and the Swiss version (with lemon, nutmeg and vanilla). $4.75 per slice. Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, 287 Augusta Ave., 416-236-7585, www.wandaspieinthesky.com.

6. AMATEUR SALSA COMPETITION
Strap on those stilettos and shake what your mama gave you at this amateur night. Start the evening with a lesson before watching the top five pairs from last month’s preliminaries compete for first place. July 4, 9 p.m. $15. Six Degrees Nightclub, 2335 Yonge St., 416-486-9666, www.torontodancesalsa.ca.

7. AFROFEST (FREE!)
Created to showcase the richness and diversity of African culture, this 20-year-old fête is still going strong, with a marketplace selling crafts, food and art, a Children’s Village and free music and entertainment. July 5 and 6, noon–10:30 p.m. Queen’s Park, www.to-music.ca/afrofest08.htm.

8. TASTE OF LAWRENCE FESTIVAL (FREE!)
In one of Scarborough’s most lively neighbourhoods, this three-day food fest on Lawrence Avenue features multicultural eats from food vendors, a laid-back beer garden and a rum tasting. July 4, 8 p.m.–11 p.m.; July 5, 11–11; July 6, 11–6. Lawrence Ave. E. (between Warden Ave. and Crockford Blvd.), www.tasteoflawrence.com.

ALSO HAPPENING IN TORONTO:
• Summerlicious begins on July 4 and runs until July 20
• Crystal Castles performs with Thunderheist at Harbourfront on July 5
• The Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta runs all weekend on St. Clair Ave. W.
• LandymoreKeith’s summer group show, Hide and Seek, opens on July 5
• Tuscon rockers Calexico perform at the Mod Club on July 6