THRILL THE WORLD (FREE!)
As Vincent Price so aptly put it, “No mere mortal can resist the evil of the Thriller.” For the past four years, thousands of people all over the world have been gathering on the same date at the same time to perform the iconic steps to 1982’s “Thriller.” Keen participants have been meeting for months to learn the choreography, but organizers do allow zombies-come-lately (registration starts at 6:30 p.m.). Heartwarmingly, this isn’t just about fake blood and synchronized lurching; the dance-a-thon also raises money for the Daily Bread Food Bank. Oct. 24. Harbourfront Community Centre, 637 Queens Quay W., ttw09toronto.com.

LG FASHION WEEK
Fashionable Torontonians have been hitting the shows since Monday, getting a peek at next spring’s looks by such runway faves as Pink Tartan, David Dixon and Andy Thê-Anh. This weekend, catch Project Runway Canada alumni Lucian Matis, Brandon R. Dwyer and Jessica Biffi, who all have shows on Friday evening, before seeing and being seen at the end-of-week bash at Muzik. Oct. 19 to 24. $20 per show. Various locations, lgfashionweek.ca.

TORONTO ZOMBIE WALK (FREE!)
Break out the face paint, tattered threads and most convincing moans and groans for this annual mass shamble, one of several zombie-themed events this weekend. Just remember: well-behaved living dead stay on the sidewalk and don't try to nibble on anyone. Oct. 24. Trinity Bellwoods Park, 1053 Dundas St. W., torontozombiewalk.ca.

CANADIAN PINBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Old-school gamers can set aside the Wii, Xbox and PSP and indulge in a little nostalgia this weekend. The annual competition, in which players of all skill levels compete for $10,000 in cash and prizes, also includes a Donkey Kong challenge on Saturday, a free kids’ pinball tourney and an auction where diehards can pick up arcade games, pinball machines and even a jukebox or two. Oct. 23 to 25. $25. Playdium Store, 70 Ronson Dr., 1-888-977-4263, ext. 298, theplaydiumstore.com.

CN TOWER STAIR CLIMB
Athletic types, or even just the very determined, will love this challenging fundraiser. To raise money for the United Way, participants climb the world’s tallest tower (1,776 stairs). With a 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. check-in, there will be plenty of time to recover afterward while taking in the view from the top. Oct. 24. Minimum donation $50. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Hall C, 416-777-2001, unitedwaytoronto.com/climbforunitedway.

STOMP
Inner tubes, plungers and trashcan lids are transformed into percussion instruments in the hands (and feet) of these performers. What started as a street performance in early 1990s Brighton, U.K., has become an award-winning international sensation. Migraine sufferers may want to skip this one, but everyone else will appreciate how the show still has all the dynamic energy that made it a must-see event in the first place. Oct. 20 to 25. $25–$100. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria St., 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

FREE HUGS (FREE!)
Huggy types, inspired by the feel-good phenomenon Free Hugs Campaign, will be doling out cuddles to anyone who needs a little lovin’ during this weekend’s Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market—the last of the season. Oct. 25. Kensington Market, facebook.com/event.php?eid=143187405193#/group.php?gid=158912587639.

WHISKY LIVE TORONTO 2009
Johnnie, Jack and Jameson will be at this whisky-tasting event, naturally, alongside other premium brands, like Crown Royal and a variety of Glens—Glenlivet, Glenrothes, Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich. In addition to a booklet of tasting tickets, there’s live entertainment and, to keep things from getting messy, a substantial buffet. Oct. 23. $60–$110. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Halls F and G, 255 Front St. W., whiskylive.com/canada/toronto-2009.