1. PRIDE STREET FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Saturday’s Dyke March is a “political demonstration of critical mass,” while its swingier cousin is the parade to end all parades, with grand marshals Enza “Supermodel” Anderson and Gareth Henry, and the Friends for Life Bike Rally leading the way. Dyke March, June 28, 2 p.m., Church and Hayden St.; Pride Parade, June 29, 2 p.m., Bloor and Church St.; www.pridetoronto.com.

2. NORDIC FAIR 2008 (FREE!)
A brand new event for those who love that other Great White North, this weekend-long fair celebrates the culture of Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden with food, dance and a market. June 27 to 29, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St., www.nordicfair.com.

3. KENSINGTON SHOPPING SPREE
This is the perfect weekend to hit Kensington Market and haggle like crazy. Chances are you’ll be the only customer for miles—Torontonians will surely make it an extra-long weekend and head out of the city. Stick around and enjoy a complete lack of competition, significantly upping your bargaining power. www.kensington-market.ca.

4. ONE LIFE EXPERIENCE (FREE!)
Set in a 2,000-square-foot model African village, this World Vision exhibit uses audio and photographs to tell the story of four African children affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. June 27 to 30, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; July 1, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, www.worldvision.ca/onelife.

5. DREAM IN HIGH PARK
It’s opening weekend for Ahdri Zhina Mandiela’s updated hip-hop take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and since everyone with a cottage (or a friend with a cottage) will be heading up the 400 come Friday, prime seats are practically guaranteed. June 27 to 29, 8 p.m. PWYC, suggested donation $20. High Park Amphitheatre, High Park, 1873 Bloor St. W., 416-367-1652, www.canstage.com.

6. CHIN INTERNATIONAL PICNIC (FREE!)
CHIN’s annual picnic—now in its 42nd year—has all the food, multicultural entertainment, sports, shopping and bikini contests anyone could ever want. June 28 and 29, and July 1. Exhibition Place, 210 Princes’ Blvd., 416-531-9991, ext. 3900, www.chinradio.com.

8. TORONTO CITY ROOTS FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Folk, blues, jazz and country fans will love this weekend’s City Roots fest, featuring such delightfully named groups as the Good Lovelies and the PorkBelly Futures. June 28, 1 p.m.–11 p.m.; June 29, 12:30 p.m.–7 p.m. Donations accepted. Distillery District, 55 Mill St., www.torontocityroots.com.

7. PUZZLE ME RED
Funnymen Michael Kennard and John Turner (a.k.a. Mump and Smoot) join forces for this darkly humorous clown and mask show about Biv Rogy’s (Kennard’s) struggle to stay honest in an increasingly dishonest world. It’s equal parts zany and macabre—coulrophobes (people who are freaked out by clowns) may want to skip this one. To June 28, 8 p.m. $20 (two for one June 28). Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St., 416-368-3110, www.mumpandsmoot.com/news.html.

8. CENTREVILLE
It’s not the most thrilling amusement park, but the convenience and setting balance out Centreville’s lack of anything resembling Wonderland’s new Behemoth coaster. Take the ferry ($6.50) to the island, buy a ride pass ($29.50) and go on the Scrambler 42 times in a row without the hour-long lineups. 416-203-0405, www.centreisland.ca.

OTHER EVENTS TO CHECK OUT:
• Toronto Ribfest runs until July 1
• LL Cool J, Monica and Dru Hill at the Ice Cream Summer Fest on June 28
• Toronto International Portuguese Film Festival runs until June 29
• Summer Music in the Garden series opens with music for cellos on June 29 PLUS: Our guide to the best Canada Day events in the city >>