NXNE: North By Northeast Music Festival
The music festival wraps up this weekend. On Thursday you can catch indie rock/dream pop band Hot Kid at the Garrison and Frankie Flowers at the Baby G. On Friday, country group the Holy Gambler are at the Dakota Tavern and multi-genre supergroup No Tourists play the Gladstone Melody Bar. On Saturday, dancehall/R&B artist Lexxicon plays the Annex Hotel and post-punk Kingston band the Meringues rock out at the Bovine Sex Club.
Runs to June 19. Passes $20. Various venues. nxne.com
Three Ordinary Men
Steven Elliott Jackson’s play inspired by the disappearances of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman continues its run at the Theatre Centre. Cahoots Theatre’s Tanisha Taitt, who helmed a terrific production of Jackson’s play The Seat Next To The King several years ago, directs the production.
June 16-26. $10-$40. Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen West. theatrecentre.org
Taste Of Little Italy
This downtown street festival is back after two years with live music on multiple street corners and on a main stage, extended patios, multicultural vendors, carnival rides and – new this year – a learn-to-skate park.
June 17-19. Free. College Street from Bathurst to Shaw. tolittleitaly.com
Kings & Classics: A Royal Return
PrettyRiikii hosts the Pride edition of one of Toronto’s longest and hottest Drag Kings shows, featuring HercuSleaze, Craven Blood, Power Haus, Ragina Royal, Kreme Inakuchi, Black Smoke and Illafral.
June 17 at 10:30 pm. $25. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander. buddiesinbadtimes.com
Gay AF Comedy Pride-Stravaganza
This outdoor afternoon comedy show is a literal breath of fresh air, as it takes place in the courtyard of the historic Campbell House. Ted Morris, Tamara Shevon, Vong Show, Hillary Yaas, Jade Niles-Craig and host Robert Watson are on the bill.
June 18 at 3 pm. $25. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen West. eventbrite.ca
Indigenous Arts Festival
The annual event at Fort York features traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, art, dance, artisan creations and food of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples living across Turtle Island. The Na-Me-Res Annual Traditional Pow Wow happens on Saturday.
June 18 and 19. Free. Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd. toronto.ca/iaf
Juneteenth Block Party & Food Market
This free, family-friendly event features more than 15 Black food entrepreneurs representing various cultures and cuisines including Haiti, Jamaica and Zimbabwe. DJ Big Jacks will be providing the music.
June 19 from 1-5 pm. Free. Junction Craft Brewery, 150 Symes. eventbrite.ca
This Lament I’ll Lip-sync Until I’m Born Again
Social Growl Dance presents an interdisciplinary creation of autofiction based on four dancers, one actor and one cinematographer. The performers chase truth through the highs and lows of their emotions.
Runs to June 18. $25-$30. The Redwood, 1300 Gerrard East. socialgrowldance.com
Taco Fest
Who says you can only have tacos on Tuesday? This weekend festival features 35 vendors offering tacos, churros, guac, beer, cocktails and more. Plus there will be salsa dancing and lessons, a live mariachi band, interactive games and more.
June 17-19. $14.50 and up. Ontario Place West Island, 955 Lake Shore West. thetacofest.ca
Gimeno + Beethoven’s Ode To Joy
For many, there is nothing so uplifting as Ludwig van Beethoven’s ninth symphony. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra describes it as “a triumphant rallying cry to hope, humanity and universal fellowship.” So if constant news reports about war, rising prices and Ford more years have you down, perhaps this TSO concert will lift your spirits.
Runs to June 19. $29 and up. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe. tso.ca
Czech And Slovak Festival
If you’re in Scarborough and don’t feel like battling traffic into downtown for a multicultural street festival, check out this event closer to home. The day features live music by Czechoslovak Dixieland Jazz Band, Greg Wyard and Four Lanes Wide, folk dancing, kids’ activities, food and more.
June 18 from 11 am-7 pm. Free. Masaryktown Park, 450 Scarborough Golf Club. masaryktown.ca
