1. CANADA BLOOMS
Just in time for the official start of spring, Canada’s largest flower and garden festival hits downtown Toronto for the 13th year. Green-thumbed Torontonians can attend talks by gardening greats like Mark Cullen, score decor advice at the Home Depot–sponsored Outdoor Living Centre and enjoy more than six acres of greenery. March 20 and 21, 10–9; March 22, 10–6. $18. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd., South Building, 416-585-3783, www.canadablooms.com.

2. WOMEN X WOMEN (FREE!)
Featuring images by both prominent and emerging female fashion photographers, this all-Canadian exhibit (a fashion week first) puts the emphasis on the female gaze, not just the female form. Fashion photography has traditionally been male dominated, says co-founder Angela Young, and this exhibit is intended to inspire with its fresh new take on style. March 20, noon–6; March 21 noon–5. The Fashion House, 560 King St. W., www.womenxwomen.com.

3. HIP-HOP KARAOKE
It’s been two years since wannabe MCs started rocking the mic at Hip-Hop Karaoke events. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to celebrate, organizers Never Forgive Action are throwing a birthday bash. If that isn’t enough of a draw, check the special guest: Toronto hip-hop royalty Maestro Fresh Wes. A little “Let Your Backbone Slide,” anyone? March 20, 9 p.m. $10, $15 after 11:30 p.m. Revival, 783 College St., www.hhktoronto.com.

4. PILLOW FIGHT 2009 (FREE!)
Nothing is more fun than whacking perfect strangers with a nice, fluffy pillow. Bring a soft pillow, listen for the signal and start swinging. March 21, 3 p.m. Yonge-Dundas Square, www.newmindspace.com.

5. THE SHAPE OF A GIRL (FREE!)
This play, penned by Vancouver-born playwright Joan MacLeod, takes the audience back to 1997, when Canadians were shocked by the murder of Reena Virk. Virk, a 14-year-old British Columbia girl, was beaten to death by a group of mostly female classmates. MacLeod’s play explores the aftermath by focusing on 15-year-old Braidie, who makes some uncomfortable realizations about her similarities to Virk’s attackers. Food bank donations are appreciated. To March 22, 8 p.m. Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St. George St., 416-978-1505, www.uc.utoronto.ca.

6. YO, REMEMBER THE ’90S?
Further proof that nostalgia can make people pine for just about anything, this high-energy dance party features a Vanilla Ice–inspired playlist, with Dale Cooper, Dylan McKay and Uncle Phil on the turntables. There will also be a screening of Ice’s opus, Cool As Ice, and (if you get there early enough) a limited-edition button with a picture of the man himself. March 21, 10 p.m. $5 before midnight. Augusta House, 152A Augusta Ave., www.yojamz.com.

7. TORONTO PALESTINE FILM FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER
A stroke of luck for anyone who missed last year’s Toronto Palestine Film Festival, 2008’s Audience Choice Award winner and runner-up are screening at the Bloor Cinema this weekend as a fundraiser for this year’s festival. The winner, Slingshot Hip Hop,Salt of This Sea, follows young Palestinians in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank as they discover hip hop and use it to express themselves. The runner-up, is about Soraya, a child of Palestinian refugees who fulfills her life-long dream of returning to Palestine, where she meets Emad, who wants nothing more than to leave forever. March 20, 7 p.m. (Salt of This Sea) and 9 p.m. (Slingshot Hip Hop). Each film $7–$10. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., www.tpff.ca.

8. SONGWRITER’S EXPO
This monthly gathering started as a place for Toronto songwriters to experience one another’s work. Over the past 11 years, it has evolved into a truly unique concert experience for local music lovers. With a diverse lineup and a mix of well-known and newbie writers, each expo is unlike the one before it. This time, catch Carly and Mark, Shawna Caspi and Blue Blue Satellite. March 22, 4 p.m.–7 p.m. PWYC. Cadillac Lounge, 1296 Queen St. W., 416-536-7717, www.songwritersexpo.com.

9. FASHION WEEK WRAP-UP BRUNCH AND PANEL DISCUSSION
Fashionistas, we know you’re tired. It’s been a long week, what with the shows and the parties and the trying to spot Project Runway Canada alumni. But keep your strength up. It’s almost time for the best part, the essential post–fashion week debrief at The Drake. On the menu: mimosas, brunch and a breakdown of the good, the bad and the downright ugly by fashion gurus Adrian Mainella and David Livingstone. March 22, 1 p.m. $27. The Drake Hotel Underground, 1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042, ext. 113, www.thedrakehotel.ca.