1. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
The latest touring show from the legendary circus troupe Cirque du Soleil, Ovo is a peek into the world of grasshoppers, ants and spiders—if bugs performed gravity-defying acrobatics, a slackwire act and foot juggling set to samba beats, that is. Sept. 3 to Nov. 8. $65—$130. The Port Lands, 51 Commissioners St., 1-800-450-1480, cirquedusoleil.com.

2. TORONTO BLUE JAYS
It’s the last summer long weekend, the weather’s supposed to be warm and mostly sunny, and the Blue Jays are playing every day. Baseball fans are understandably ecstatic. The Jays go head-to-head with A-Rod, Jeter and the rest of the Yankees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday before taking on the Minnesota Twins on Monday. Sept. 3 to 10. $12—$210. Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, 416-341-1234, bluejays.com.

3. HOT AND SPICY FOOD FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Tabasco lovers hit the last of Harbourfront’s summer festival series for demos and workshops from such notable chefs as Spice Route’s Winlai Wong and Cava’s Christopher McDonald. Also on the menu: the International Iron Chef Competition and a screening of the documentary about raw milk champion Michael Schmidt. Sept. 4 to 7. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

4. THIRTY IN TWENTY (FREE!)
In 1973, Toronto foodies Toni and Ria Harting went on a three-week gastronomic adventure in eastern France. Following recommendations in the Guide Michelin Rouge, the Hartings made reservations at 10 three-star restaurants, travelling to each one in their Volkswagen camper. In this exhibit, open this weekend on Friday and Saturday, photos and memorabilia from their trip are on display. Later in September, the couple will host three tastings ($60 each) with menus inspired by menus at Maxim’s, L’Oasis and Paul Bocuse in ’73. Sept. 4 to 26. The Department, 1389 Dundas St. W., 416-716-8273, thedepartment.ca.

5. CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW
The annual air show, billed as the best in Canada, turns 60 this year. Look for old favourites like the Snowbirds; special guests the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy formation jet team that flies FA-18 Hornets; and the Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet, which is decked out in a Centennial of Flight paint job to celebrate 100 years of powered flight in this country. Sept. 5 to 7. Free with entrance to CNE, $15. Exhibition Place, 210 Princes’ Blvd., 416-393-6300, theex.com.

6. THE KILLERS
It won’t be long before music lovers have to kiss their picnic blankets and starlit sets goodbye, but the end isn’t here yet. Catch Las Vegas alt-rockers The Killers for their second show in the city this year. Their early success meant everyone and their mother was humming “Mr. Brightside”; their latest CD has fans singing along to such perplexing lyrics as “Are we human or are we dancer?” Probably a little bit of both, Brandon Flowers. Sept. 6. $26.25—$69.50. Molson Amphitheatre, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

7. DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT JOHN HUGHES
The death of John Hughes early last month was a blow for movie fans and ’80s kids everywhere. This weekend, the Comedy Bar hosts a special tribute to the legendary director. The city’s top improv performers will be re-imagining three of his best-known flicks: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; Planes, Trains and Automobiles; and The Breakfast Club. True Hughes fans will want to shell out $25 and get a pass for all three shows. Sept. 5. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W., 647-898-5324, comedybar.ca.

8. WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
Considered a masterpiece by most theatre lovers, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf stirred up controversy when it first opened in 1962, back when swearing and sex were taboo. The play takes place at an intimate late-night party hosted by George (Diego Matamoros) and Martha (Nancy Palk), who put the fun in dysfunctional when their guests arrive and promptly begin verbally and physically attacking one another. Aug. 29 to Oct. 24. $28–$68. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill St., Bldg. 49, 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.