1. THANKSGIVING ROYAL BRUNCH
The castle’s conservatory and library is the backdrop to a spread that includes eggs benny, Belgian waffles, roast beef, turkey, and a kid-friendly dessert table that offers Rice Krispies treats alongside tiramisù. Admission to the castle is included in the price, so post-meal explorations are encouraged. Reservations required. Seatings at 10:30, 11, 12:30 and 1. Oct. 11. $47.25. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, 416-923-1171, casaloma.org.

2. KYLIE MINOGUE
Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue is in town at the tail end of her first ever North American tour. Yes, it’s hard to believe neither “Loco-motion” nor “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” got her this far before. This well-reviewed tour is evidence that Minogue has finally made it big on this side of the world, 20-odd years after releasing her first single. Oct. 9. $29.50–$119.50. Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay St., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

3. INTERNATIONAL HOME SHOW
Newbie homeowners and long-time decor mavens alike will find plenty to interest them at this annual convention, which features tips on painting, eco-friendly renos and organization, as well as delicious demos by Food Network personalities. Oct. 9 to 12. $14. International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., 416-512-1305, home-show.net.

4. BODY WORLDS AND THE STORY OF THE HEART
The last time this discomforting exhibit was in Toronto, it was so successful that on the last weekend of its five-month run the Science Centre kept its doors open for 61 consecutive hours. This time around, check out the real-life bodies (donated to science and preserved via a process called plastination) displayed to highlight the cardiovascular system. Reservations recommended. Oct. 9 to early 2010. $28.50. Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd., 416-696-1000, ontariosciencecentre.ca.

5. JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA
This incredibly popular opera ran for more than two years in London’s West End, despite thousands of complaints, regular protests and even attempts at litigation. What was all the fuss about? Just a little swearing (the composer cites 174 “objectionable words,” but who’s counting?) and a less-than-respectful take on religion. The tap-dancing troupe of Ku Klux Klanners may not have helped, either. To Oct. 10. $25. The Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Cir., 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

6. THE FROG PRINCE
While the original Grimm fairy tale is getting Disneyfied for an mid-December release, former Ryerson professor Nelles Van Loon has given the story a live-action update. This time around, the story is about more than just a spoiled princess and transformed prince. There’s also an eco-friendly sub-plot that has the audience sympathizing with the poor prince, who has to live in a polluted well. Oct. 10 to 25. $14. Solar Stage Children’s Theatre, 100 Upper Madison Ave., 416-368-8031, solarstage.on.ca.

7. BIKE POLO (FREE!)
File this under things we wish we knew about sooner: polo, on bikes. While it would have been nice to get in on a game before the temperature took a nosedive, it’s still a good way to counter the pounds of turkey that are bound to be eaten this weekend. Created by Irishman Richard McCready in 1891, bike polo closely follows the rules of traditional polo. Beginners should head out for the earlier game (2 p.m.) so they can learn the rules before the pros arrive for the second game of the day (6 p.m.). Oct. 11. Alexandra Park, Dundas St. W. and Bathurst, bikepolo.ca/club/toronto-canada.

8. MIDNIGHT: THE TWILIGHT MASSACRE
Twihards (fans of Twilight, for the uninitiated) will want to skip this production by comedy troupe Bad Dog Theatre. Stephanie Meyer’s best-selling novels are thoroughly satirized in this hour-long performance, which favours gory vampire antics over the chaste swooning between Bella and Edward. Oct. 10. $10. Bad Dog Theatre, 138 Danforth Ave., 416-491-3115, baddogtheatre.com.