1. THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR
One of the year’s most important events for the Canadian agricultural industry, the Royal makes cowpokes out of the most ardent city slickers with equestrian competitions ($36 and up), country music concerts ($25) and a rodeo ($25–$55). This year, the fair lives up to its name: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will be on hand for Friday’s opening ceremony. Nov. 6 to 15. Admission $18. Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes Blvd., 416-263-3400, royalfair.org.

2. DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Based on the Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday that honours ancestors, this festival is given the Toronto touch with family-oriented programming, like live music, dance performances, film screenings and a marketplace with crafts and plenty of yummy treats. Nov. 7 and 8. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

3. ST. LAWRENCE MARKET ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (FREE!)
Ask anyone in the city and they’ll definitely say St. Lawrence Market is a Toronto institution, but we suspect Torontonians may not realize just how true that is. This year, the market celebrates its 205th anniversary with an all-day party that features buskers, music, storytelling, crafts, games and activities for the kiddies. Nov. 6 and 7. St. Lawrence Market, 93 Front St. E., 416-860-0727, stlawrencemarket.com.

4. LIVING DANCES
The internationally acclaimed dance company Coleman Lemieux, Montreal transplants who moved their HQ to Regent Park two years ago, mark their Fleck Dance Theatre premiere with a contemporary program of works by much-lauded choreographer James Kudelka. The evening includes the world premiere of Beautiful Movie, a routine created for principal Bill Coleman, as well as the Toronto premiere of See #1. Nov. 4 to 7. $35–$45. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 207 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

5. ARTCORE
Things get a little scandalous at this fundraising art show. It’s to be expected—those funds are being raised for the Feminist Porn Awards, after all. ArtCore will show art-influenced porn and porn-influenced art with a lineup that includes video screenings, performances and installations. Nov. 6. $10. Bread and Circus, 299 Augusta Ave., 416-588-0900, goodforher.com.

6. ARETHA FRANKLIN
The Queen of Soul will be making a stop in Toronto this weekend, ready to bring down the house with a performance sure to include some of her biggest hits, including “Respect,” “Chain of Fools” and “Spanish Harlem.” Fingers crossed for another big hat moment. Nov. 6. $79.50–$169.50. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St., 416-872-4255, roythomson.com.

7. MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING
This musical comedy was a huge hit at this year’s Fringe Festival, and with good reason. Written by the husband-and-wife team of David Hein and Irene Carl Sankoff, it’s based on a true story—Hein’s. The play is funny and heartwarming, and Hein has used his two moms as inspiration. And if warm and fuzzy feelings aren’t your thing, awkward dinner dates at Hooters and songs with titles like “Straight White Male” promise comedy gold. Nov. 7 to 29. $45–$65. The Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St., 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

8. EXPERIENCE BEER AND FOOD PAIRINGS AT THE LCBO (FREE!)
A collaboration between Sleeman and Beerbistro, this tasting event gives tipplers a chance to sample two premium beers—Sleeman’s Bock and Maudite—with complementary snacks. The event kicks off at 4 p.m.; we suggest arriving early, as there’s limited space available and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Nov. 6. LCBO Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Ave., 416-222-7658.