Friday: Aziz Ansari cuts loose on the Sony Centre's stage

Friday, July 6
You won’t be able to stop laughing as Aziz Ansari, known for his role on the TV show Parks and Recreation, arrives in Toronto on his Buried Alive stand-up comedy tour. The diminutive japester presents two shows featuring brand-new material tonight at the Sony Centre.

Multifaceted indie rock band Dirty Projectors bring beautiful noise to the Danforth Music Hall. Led by mercurial frontman David Longstreth, the group is in town to promote its latest album, Swing Lo Magellan.

Make a theatrical date tonight—the Toronto Fringe Festival is in full swing. On now through July 15, the annual event features musicals, comedies, family programming, dance and more at locations across the GTA—even in unexpected places like hidden alleys or in the back of cars! Be sure to stop at the Fringe Club at Honest Ed’s, which presents eight “living gallery” spaces, as well as discussions and late-night performances.

Saturday: Brazilian bands such as Matuto perform at Harbourfront Centre

Saturday, July 7
Samba your way down to Harbourfront Centre for Expressions of Brazil, a weekend-long festival featuring Brazilian music, dance, food and film. Stop by the Redpath Stage for a musical performance by Matuto, catch a South American movie at the Studio Theatre, participate in family activities and workshops, and much more!

Nathan Phillips Square is covered with contemporary art and crafts this weekend during the 51st annual Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. Canada’s largest juried outdoor art show, it features works by hundreds of emerging and established talent. Admission is free, but there are many pieces you’ll no doubt want to purchase!

Music, dance, theatre and drumming by 35 local and international bands comprise the always popular Afrofest, which this year takes place at Woodbine Park. The free event also offers fun activities in the Children’s Village, music workshops and an African marketplace with more than 60 food and craft vendors.

Sunday: The Honda Indy race whips around Exhibition Place

Sunday, July 8
Some of the fastest cars in the world roar into town this weekend for the Honda Indy Toronto. The main event happens today as big-name drivers—Dario Franchitti, Alex Tagliani, James Hinchcliffe and more—race 85 laps around the Exhibition Place circuit. The green flag signals the start of the action at 1 p.m.

Today is the final day to check out the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. While it screens the best in animated feature films and shorts, the event is also organized around a variety of panel discussions and masterclasses, including workshops with John Kricfalusi, the creator of Ren and Stimpy.

Toronto loves a good street party—the annual Salsa on St. Clair is the liveliest option this weekend. On St. Clair Avenue West, between Winona Drive and Christie Street, this Latino-influenced festival includes live music, dance lessons, spicy food and more.