1. SHAKESPEARE IN ACTION: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
An ideal long-weekend distraction for the little ones, this reworked version of one of the Bard’s most popular plays is lively, engaging and thoroughly kid friendly. Artistic director Michael Kelly combines puppets, shadow play, acrobatics and music to produce an entertaining Shakespeare 101 for budding thesps (and their parents). To May 23. $12. Joseph Workman Auditorium, 1001 Queen St. W., 416-703-4881, shakespeareinaction.org.

2. PET-CENTRIC YARD SALE (FREE!)
Rover and Spot will be as happy as the old bank account when pet lovers cart home the spoils of an afternoon spent at this budget-friendly market. At this fundraiser for local pet rescue organizations, dog and cat owners can expect to find a selection of new and gently used crates, beds, dishes, toys, clothing, collars and grooming equipment up for grabs. May 16 to 18. PawsWay, 245 Queens Quay W., North Building, 416-360-7297, pawsway.ca.

3. DOUBT, A PARABLE
Doubt is a gripping drama about a well-liked priest at a Bronx Catholic school who is accused by the principal (Seana McKenna) of conducting an inappropriate relationship with a student. (The Oscar-nominated flick of the same name was based on the play.) Set in the early 1960s, the story, written by John Patrick Shanley, tackles three lightning rods of controversy: religion, morality and authority. To May 30. $22.50; May 18 special rate $18. Bluma Appel Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St. E., 416-368-3110, canstage.com.

4. AN EVENING WITH THE TRAGICALLY HIP
True Canuck faves, band members Gord Downie, Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair and Johnny Fay have been churning out the hits for over two decades. Tuesday marks the end of their week-long residency at Massey Hall, so try to score tickets for one of the two weekend shows. But don’t despair if you can’t; the Hip will be back in the GTA in the fall for three concerts at Hamilton Place. May 15 and 16. $49.50–$89.50. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

6. OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN ALL THE WORLD (FREE!)
This art installation meets theatrical performance illustrates national and global statistics with grains of rice: each grain represents one person. Past performances have included the grain equivalents of such figures as the number of soldiers serving in Afghanistan and the number of Canadians who consume fast food on a daily basis. To May 24. York Quay Centre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

7. INSIDE OUT TORONTO LGBT FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL
Touted as Canada’s largest LGBT film fest, Inside Out celebrates its 19th birthday this year. In addition to the screenings of both local and international flicks, the festival includes artist talks, panels, installations and some truly stellar parties. Kick things off with the world premiere of Make the Yuletide Gay (May 17), a Christmas comedy starring Degrassi alum Adamo Ruggiero. To May 24. 416-977-6847, insideout.ca.

8. SHARKS AT STINGRAY BAY
Just in time for the three-day weekend, the stingrays are back at the Toronto Zoo. After a winter-long vacay, the zoo’s cownose and southern species will be joined for the first time by bamboo and nurse sharks. Take your biologists-in-training to the zoo this long weekend; they’ll enjoy the opportunity to chat with keepers and safely touch the marine life. $3 (free for children three and under), plus regular zoo admission. Toronto Zoo, 416-392-5929, torontozoo.com.

9. TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Parents and kids alike will have a hard time resisting the urge to run away with the circus after a day at this unusual festival, which features acrobats, fire-eaters, stilt walkers and performers of all stripes. Look out for Pyromeo, a skilled manipulator of fiery props; Alex Elixir, a world-class juggler; and Svetlana the Russian acrobat, appearing in the Forkman Cabaret. May 16 to 18. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., tocircusfestival.com.

10. ROCK PAPER SISTAHZ
This girl-powered arts festival incorporates events from a variety of disciplines, including visual art, dance, music, theatre, spoken word and cooking. This weekend, check out Talk in Gold, where the festival’s artistic director, Ahdri Zhina Mandiela, gives a behind-the-scenes overview of the month’s events (May 16). Or take in the culinary talents of various young chefs at Next Gen Cooks Again (May 17). They’ll be giving cooking demos and, more importantly, handing out samples. To May 31. $8–$18 (some events PWYC), festival pass $50. 416-707-0330, bcurrent.ca.