1. PRIDE
This 10-day arts and culture extravaganza isn’t just about the parade (which takes place next weekend). Friday marks Pride 2009’s official kickoff, and there’s plenty to see and do. Theatre buffs will enjoy Hey Marilyn, a musical about the life of Ms. Monroe, and kids will appreciate 918 Bathurst’s Family Day. This daytime event features games, arts and crafts, a family photo shoot and laughter yoga. Also worth checking out is Naco Gallery’s DiverCiudad, a mural exhibit featuring the work of Toronto’s queer Latin American artists. June 19 to 28. Prices vary. Various locations, 416-927-7433, pridetoronto.com.

2. WORLDWIDE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
This fest is all about the short stuff, screening 295 flicks that all tap out before the hour mark. But less screen doesn’t mean less impact: films are divided into programs, like Stories on Human Rights, a selection of 22 films that commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Also included are a selection of Canuck humour, including the world premiere of Deadspiel, the “greatest curling zombie film ever made,” and midnight horror screenings on Friday and Saturday evening. June 16 to 21. Screenings $10 each. Various locations, 416-445-1446, ext. 815, worldwideshortfilmfest.com.

3. COOKING FIRE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Now in its sixth year, Cooking Fire honours theatre, food and public space with the help of hosts Les Trouvères, actors playing the roles of members of an actual 19th-century European theatre troupe. Performances take place throughout Dufferin Grove Park; Les Trouvères will lead attendees from stage to stage while volunteers serve organic meals prepared over cooking fires and in the park’s two community ovens. June 17 to 21. PWYC, suggested donation $10. Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin St., dufferinpark.ca.

4. ECO SAVVY FESTIVAL (FREE!)
The second instalment of Eco Savvy is once again focused on promoting Toronto’s sustainable businesses with documentary screenings, workshops and live music. There’s even an eco-fashion show, which features clothes from Me to We Style, 69 Vintage and Green Is Black. Don’t miss Friday evening’s Green Spoons Sampler, where locavore-approved organic snacks are available to try. June 19 and 20. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St., enlightenedevents.ca/ecosavvyfestival.

5. FRANCO-FÊTE 2009 (FREE!)
A surefire good time for francophone (and francophile) Torontonians, this annual Harbourfront festival, now in its 27th year, has become the largest French-language event in the province. This year’s lineup includes storyteller Stéphane Guertin, culinary demonstrations by local chefs Thierry Schmitt (La Pâtisserie la Cigogne) and Gregory Furstoss (Senses) and a concert by Kaïn, one of Quebec’s most popular bands. June 19 to 21. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-644-1575, franco-fete.ca.

6. NXNE
This indie-centric festival isn’t just concerts by hipster kids with cool band names—though there’s plenty of that, too. Team Robespierre, Hooded Fang and the Cool Kids join bigger names, like Jason Collett, Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA, and Smashing Pumpkins and Hole alum Melissa Auf der Maur. This year’s film lineup features premiere screenings, including Till You’re Told to Stop: James Blunt, which follows the British crooner’s rise to fame; African Underground: Democracy in Dakar, about the intersection of hip hop and politics in Senegal; and Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, a look at a defining moment in the legendary musician’s career. June 17 to 21. Five-day wristband $50. Various locations, 416-863-6963, nxne.com.

7. SOLSTICE CAPTURE THE FLAG (FREE!)
Though they’re doing it a little early (the summer solstice is on June 21), FunToronto welcomes the season with a friendly game of capture the flag. With an expected turnout of between 200 and 400 people, it’s bound to be madness in the best possible way. Make sure to bring along an arm band of some sort (even a plastic bag will do) and a hat or headgear to identify your team. Participants can bring bikes, water guns, binoculars, compasses and walkie-talkies. June 19, 8:30 p.m. High Park subway station, 1874 Bloor St. W., facebook.com/event.php?eid=71886807296.

8. EDGEFEST
If you were hoping for peace and quiet this weekend, you’re not likely to get it. As if NXNE weren’t enough, there’s another reason the city will be rocking: Edgefest. With performances by such serious Canuck talent as Billy Talent, Alexisonfire, Metric, K-os and The Stills, this outdoor concert is the perfect way for rock star wannabes to spend a Saturday. June 20. $50. Downsview Park, 75 Carl Hall Rd., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

9. BIG ON BLOOR (FREE!)
As street festivals go, this one is pretty extensive. Two and a half kilometres of Bloor Street will be closed to traffic to accommodate live performances, vendors and pedestrians. In between concerts on one of three stages, grab a bite to eat at one of the many outdoor patios, some specially licensed for the event. June 20. Bloor St. W., between Christie and Lansdowne, bigonbloor.com.