1. DREAM IN HIGH PARK
Dream in High Park kicks off Friday with Dora-nominated local director Sue Miner at the helm of a gender-bending adaptation of The Tempest. The performance of the Shakespeare classic about a shipwrecked sorcerer makes for perfect al fresco entertainment. Pack a picnic (maybe even sneak in a Tetra Pak of wine) to watch as Prospera (Karen Robinson) is exiled to a remote island inhabited by various spirits and monsters. To September 6. PWYC (suggested donation $20). High Park Amphitheatre, 416-367-1652, canstage.com/dream.

2. TORONTO RIBFEST (FREE!)
This annual community barbecue attracts upwards of 100,000 unrepentant carnivores and is totally worth the trip west. Regulars know to hit the famed Camp 31 tent to satisfy their pork rib cravings, and Blazin’ BBQ is one of a few that serve beef ribs. Though the tagline of the event is “all the meat you can eat,” sides are also worth attention: look for cornbread, blooming onions and Tiny Tom doughnuts for dessert. Carnival rides, a climbing wall and pony rides keep kids happy. June 26 to July 1. Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd., torontoribfest.com.

3. TORONTO JAZZ FESTIVAL
This year’s jazz extravaganza features 1,500 musicians performing in 350 concerts on 40 different stages. Based on those numbers, if this isn’t the largest musical event of the summer, it’s certainly up there. The first of the fest’s two weekends includes plenty of talent. Jazz legend Sonny Rollins gets things going with a show at the Four Seasons Centre on Friday. Fans of retro funk will delight in the energy of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. On Sunday, Buckwheat Zydeco spices things up at Nathan Phillips Square. June 26 to July 5. $30–$151. Various locations, torontojazz.com.

4. TORONTO FILM RACE SCREENING
Last weekend, up-and-coming filmmakers did what some would call impossible: they made a movie in 24 hours. The pursuit is called film racing: teams produce an original short based on a specific theme—past ones have included a fortune, a wish and bad advice, and this year’s is payback. This weekend, audiences can see the fruits of all that labour when the qualifying flicks are screened at Bloor Cinema and compete for upwards of $40,000 in cash and prizes. June 26. $9. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., 416-973-4000, filmracing.com.

5. PRIDE PARADE (FREE!)
Capping the 29th annual Pride Week festivities, this Sunday’s parade promises to be madness, but in a good way. Brave the heat, crowds and sea of body paint, glitter and wild costumes at the parade itself. If you’d rather stay cool, settle in at one of the bars in the Village and watch the parade on CP24, where it’s being broadcast live for the first time. June 28. Parade travels along Church, Bloor, Yonge and Gerrard Streets, pridetoronto.com.

6. FASCINATION STREET SPOKEN WORD
Founded just over a year ago by poets Liz Worth and Mindi St. Amand, Fascination Street presents performances of the city’s best in alternative, experimental and fringe poetry. This time around, catch readings by CIUT 89.5 radio host Nik Beat and local poet Liisa Ladouceur, as well as experimental folk musician Dave Dodwell. June 28. PWYC. The Smiling Buddha, 961 College St., myspace.com/fstreetpoetryeve.

7. ALEX GREY (FREE!)
New York–based artist Alex Grey opens his first Canadian exhibit in two decades. A series of paintings produced over the past 10 years, the Anatomy of Being looks like a psychedelic version of Bodies: The Exhibition, only with less controversy. Meta Gallery, the Distillery District’s new kid on the block, will display Grey’s paintings until September, starting with a launch party this Friday, when art lovers can meet the artist. June 26 to Sept. 4. Meta Gallery, 37 Mill St., Ste. 107, 416-955-0500, metagallery.com.

8. REELHEART FILM FESTIVAL
Now in its fifth year, ReelHeart describes itself as “truly open,” accepting submissions of all lengths and genres, from many countries of origin. The fest eschews the VIP experience, so expect to rub shoulders with filmmakers and actors—though a focus on indie and low-budget flicks means major star wattage is lacking. Instead, scope out fresh talent and take in some quality movies. Our picks include The Sky Was Angry, about a group of children who sheltered in Beirut’s Al Madina theatre during the Israel-Lebanon war in 2006; and The Notorious Newman Brothers, a Canadian comedy that follows a hapless filmmaker trying to make a documentary about two mobster brothers. To June 27. $10. Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave., 416-863-6963, reelheart.com.

9. THE ALL-CANADIAN DEPARTMENT STORE
It’s like Forever 21, only much, much better. Instead of buying cheap designer knock-offs, head to the Burroughes Building for a weekend-long chance to shop for deeply discounted togs by local designers. Score streetwear from Project Runway Canada champ Evan Biddell, pretty summertime frocks from Karamea and glam evening looks from Joeffer Caoc, Jason Meyers and Lucian Matis. Accessories and jewellery from Susana Erazo, Jabberdust, Biko and Sassan Fazeli are also on offer. Don’t miss out on a wardrobe must-have; be sure to bring plenty of cash, as only some vendors accept credit cards. June 26 to 28. Burroughes Building, 3rd flr., 639 Queen St. W., 416-832-7112.