Friday: The Vanishing of Pató is one of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival's selected movies

Friday, June 29
The Italian Contemporary Film Festival got under way earlier this week at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, with screenings of excellent modern-day movies from one of Europe’s cinematic powerhouses. Highlights for today include The Vanishing of Patò and the Canadian premiere of Il Gioiellino.

Another opportunity for movie buffs—especially those who don’t want to be stuck indoors—is the Evergreen Brick Works‘ evening of cycling-themed short films.

Don’t let the cute puppets fool you into bringing the kids to see subversive musical Avenue Q. This very adult parody of Sesame Street is now playing at Lower Ossington Theatre, and tells the story of a college grad ready to take on life in the Big Apple. Also tonight at the LOT is your final chance to see Top Gun! The Musical (yes, it’s based on the Tom Cruise-as-a-fighter-pilot film).

Saturday: Afrojack and his fellow DJs perform at the Digital Dreams Music Festival

Saturday, June 30
AfroJack, Duck Sauce, Steve Lawlor and Major Lazer headline the Digital Dreams Music Festival, which touts itself as the first electronic musical festival of its kind ever hosted in Toronto. Four stages spread across the eastern portion of the Ontario Place grounds are sure to be bumping all weekend.

ulture aficionados can also hop on a ferry to the Toronto Islands for the inaugural New Traditions: Island Music and Art Festival. The family-friendly event includes non-stop indie music performances, dance workshops, fresh food, art installations and more.

Aboriginal History Month concludes today with festivities at Yonge-Dundas Square. The welcoming ceremonies start at noon, and live music—by groups including headliners Digging Roots—soundtracks the entire day. Native arts and craft vendors also set up shop, and tasty native-inspired fare is available, too.

Sunday: The annual Pride Parade brings the party to Toronto

Sunday, July 1
Another year, another successful Pride Week in Toronto. Today’s ever-popular rainbow-coloured Pride Parade marks the end of the party, so head down to Yonge Street (between Bloor and Gerrard streets) at 2 p.m. to celebrate with Torontonians of all stripes. The fun continues with a post-march picnic at Allan Gardens, featuring music, games, snacks and even more dancing.

Experience the world in Toronto’s own backyard as the multicultural CHIN Picnic returns for another year at Exhibition Place. The event runs from Saturday through Monday; Sunday’s highlights include Chinese entertainer Raymond Wong, the “Mr. Chin” fitness contest and Filipino entertainer Rico Puno. And let’s not forget the food!

Of course, it’s also Canada Day today! We rounded up many of the celebrations and special events in a previous post, but thought it appropriate to mention one more: Spadina Museum looks back to the 60th anniversary of Canada’s creation with a 1920s-style party. Bring your best period costumes, learn how to dance the Charleston, and enjoy old-fashioned fun and games on the grounds of this historic mansion. You can even try your hand at making ice cream!