Canada Day weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this June 27-29, 2014.

World Pride 2014
On the dawn of Rob Ford's eminent return, let us party with forgiveness in our hearts over the fact the Mayor missed one of Toronto's biggest events of the year - forgiveness and hope that it gets better (if we vote as hard as we party for Pride, it can get better - I believe it!). Toronto's World Pride celebrations are North America's first, and art exhibits, conferences, comedy shows, drag shows, and parties are already dotting the city (check out our party guide here). If you got a crazy haircut just for Pride, you automatically get 2014 points. The points can be redeemed at City Hall after June 30. Check out our World Pride preview here. Pride parades are: Friday: Trans March. Saturday: Dyke March. Sunday: Main Parade. June 20-29.

SPORTS

World Cup
They are still kicking those balls around. Whether your passion is ignited by love of the game, slightly unfounded four-generations removed patriotism, or you're just a literary dandy trying to channel the spirit of Hemingway into an awkwardly transparent enthusiasm for blood, we've got a list of the city's best patios from which to watch, and a round up of where to watch the game depending on which country has the cutest dogs - I mean which country you hope kicks balls best. Until July 13.

PARTY

Goin' Steady Finale
After 9 years of spinning old fashioned rock'n'roll and early rhythm and blues records for packed dance floors around the city, the folks behind Goin' Steady are throwing one final party. Don't worry though, their more open-format shindig Chronologic is still an ongoing event. Saturday, June 28,Great Hall,10pm, $10. BB

WORLD PRIDE: Green Space LIPSTICK JUNGLE
Post Dyke March (also free!) thousands of lesbian, trans and gay marchers will head to Lipstick Jungle for a banging outdoor dance party. DJs include Kim Ann Foxman, Francesca Lombardo, and Tizi. Saturday, June 28, 1pm, Green Space On Church (519 Church Street).

Alterna-Queer @ WorldPride Toronto
Post Pride Parade this party includes Lydia Lunch, plus Hervana, DJ Steve Rock, Zoo OWL, Unfinished Business, No Pants Society, PANTYCHRIST, Judy Virago and Igby Lizzard Trash Cabaret and more. It all goes down at Alexander Parkette outside Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander Street) from 2:30-11pm. June 29.

Disco Disco
There will be no shortage of opportunities to dance outdoors at this year's Pride celebrations, but there's nothing quite like shaking your ass under the stars to some quality underground disco. Headliner Dimitri From Paris can always be depended on for some beautiful dance floor moments, and London's Horse Meat Disco definitely know how to keep the vibes deliciously dirty. Sunday, June 29, Cawthra Park, 1pm, free. BB

See also

• 88 Days of Fortune, bklyn boihood & Black Weirdo Present: Wild For Night - World Pride Party (Friday, Tattoo)
• CHRONOLOGIC (Friday, Toronto Islands)
• CREAM: Official Carole Pope Afterparty with Peaches and Vee Stun (Saturday, Wrongbar)
• Digital Dreams Afterparty (CODA)
• Yes Yes Y'all World Pride (Adelaide Hall)
• ITZSOWEEZEE (Saturday, Drake)
• Brenmar (Saturday, Smith)
• Hotnuts presents Nomi Ruiz - A Whole New World Pride (Saturday, Garrison)
• House of Ladosha / Bok Bok / Girl Unit (Sunday, Smith)

For more dance listings, check out our Top Dance Parties in Toronto in June post.

COMMUNITY

Pride Streetfair
The Church-Wellesley Village is going car-free for Pride, and giving the streets over to a marketplace, food and drink vendors, performers, and everyone you know wearing sunglasses because last night - last night. You know this is where the pugs are going to be! In fact next to Woofstock, the dog watching/strutting action at this fair will probably be the best of the summer. Get out and make new friends. Friday - Sunday, various times.

See also

• Summer Camp On The Plaza (Friday, Gardiner Museum)
• CHIN International Picnic (Saturday, CNE)
• Pedestrian Sunday + Kensington Market Art Fair (Sunday, Kensington Market)

ART

Pedro Reyes - Sanatorium
Opening tonight is one of the shows I'm most looking forward to this summer, the therapy hub by Mexico's Pedro Reyes, which might say something about me, I'm not sure. The ongoing performance piece offers short therapy sessions for those feeling the woe of urban life - a receptionist will schedule an appointment just for you, you'll sit in a waiting room with other gallery visitors, and then a Reyes-instructed therapist will do their best to settle some ennui. The physical installations themselves look to be interesting as well. The Power Plant (231 Queens Quay West), June 28 - Sept 1. Opening reception Friday, June 27, 7pm.

Toronto Urban Photography Festival
The opening gala of TUPF14 (Toronto Urban Photography Festival) is tonight at 918 Bathurst. TUPF itself runs at various venues June 27 - July 12 - check it all out here. Friday, June 27, 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media & Education (918 Bathurst Street).

See also

• (Em)Bodied Love: Iterations of Self Desire (Saturday, Feminist Art Gallery)

For more art listings, check out our Top 10 Must-See Art Shows This Summer post.

FOOD

Taste of Asia Festival
If you're looking to take part in an Asian cultural festival, this one is a can't-miss. June 28 and 29, Kennedy Rd. between Steeles Ave. and Gorvette Rd. in Markham will include multicultural performances, 150 street vendors, and is likely to attract over 100,000 visitors, if last year's numbers are any indication. Taste of Asia also includes such fun as a bibimbap eating competition and basketball games in the streets. June 28-29, Kennedy Rd b/w Steeles and Gorvette. SR

Porkapalooza
Porkapalooza takes place Sunday, June 29 from 3pm to 5:30pm at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West). For $8 you get a six-sample platter of the contending peameal bacon, pulled pork and ham sandwiches, and the opportunity to vote on your favourite. LI

See also

• RibFest (Centennial Park)

For more food events, check out our Toronto Food Events, Summer Food Events, and Summer Beer Events post.

MUSIC

Rappers Delight with special guest Maestro Fresh Wes
Free hangs with The Sugarhill Gang and Maestro Fresh Wes. What! Friday, June 27, 9:30pm, Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West).

2014 Jazz Fest
On now, the Toronto Jazz Festival's star studded line-up is filled with over 350 artists playing at 50 different venues including Nathan Phillips Square, The Rex, Kool Haus, and Roy Thomson Hall. The festival operates under a pay-per-show format with some bars charging cover while larger acts operate through Ticketmaster or their respective venue`s website. June 19-28. JT

Digital Dreams
Even if you're a veteran dance music snob, you still have to admit that there are some great acts mixed in with the mega-festival cheese at this year's Digital Dreams. Where else could you see names like Danny Tenaglia, Deep Dish, Art Department, Justice, Victor Calderone, Nicole Moudaber, Green Velvet, Andy C and more all playing at one event? June 28-29, Flats at Ontario Place, 2pm, $220. BB

A PSYCHIC EUPHORIA
Little Ghøs† of The RGB Collective is hosting this party at Smiling Buddha that is so psychedelic that I can't really relate it to you properly without us both candy flipping and promising to always be connected in a corner of the Buddha basement first. STÜKA (noise/drone/industrial), CHOBO (yeah, Ben Boles writes for us), Petra Glynt (yeah, I write about her every week) and more are upstairs. What's going on downstairs? I'm not sure what writing is, your face is a butterfly. Friday, June 27, 8pm, Smiling Buddha (961 College Street).

See also

• The Big Pride Sing-Along (Friday, Betty Oliphant Theatre)
• Jacuzzi World (Saturday, 1 Gerrard Street West)
• White Lung (Sunday, Garrison)

For more music listings, check out our This Week in Music, June Concerts, Summer Concerts, and Summer Music Festivals posts.

FILM

Regional Support Network
Feisty Regional Support Network is back (check out our interview with the avant-garde film programmers here), this time with a series of shorts from radical old... Saskatchewan? No people are weirder than prairie people - I would know. Sask artist Amber Christensen curates. Saturday, June 28, 8pm, Videofag (187 Augusta Avenue)

Bernardo Bertolucci's Me and You (TIFF)
If you're like me and you don't believe in anything you can't cuddle, creep up under the covers with Bertolucci's newest this weekend at TIFF. His first feature in a decade, everything is here: heroin addiction, characters rarely wash their hair because they look hotter that way, troubled familial relationships: it's cheaper than a flight to Italy and a crafty excuse to spend time with your deep crush, air conditioning. TIFF (350 King St West), various.

See also

• Hyperlink (Friday, Double Double Land)
• NUTS & VOLTS (Friday, CineCycle)
• Spoony Toons: CanCon Edition (Saturday, Cinecycle)

For more events on stage, check out our The top theatre productions in Toronto June 2014 post.

COMEDY

BeerProv - 4 Year Spectacular
Ford more years? Hell no. Four more years for BeerProv? If you'd drink to that (and why wouldn't you) here's where you need to be on Friday. June 27, 8pm, Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West).

See also

• VideoHag (Sunday, Videofag)

FASHION

Vintage & Flea
Near Dundas and Dovercourt, where the designer dog watching improves by the month, you can check out Little Portugal's newest vintage shop while eating watermelon (what? isn't that messy?). Vintage & Flea's name is pretty self explanatory: "vintage clothing, designer consignment, and antique furniture" are all promised to you watermelon loving thrifters. Saturday and Sunday, 2-9pm, Vintage & Flea (1263 Dundas Street West).

Drip X American Apparel BBQ
Freebies, BBQ, Maya Postepski (Trust, Austra) on decks. Sunday, June 29, House (580 Church St), $10 includes drink ticket.

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Contributions by Benjamin Boles, Sarah Ratchford, Liora Ipsum, Jacob Thompson.

Photo by jp1958 in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Computer and tech classes in Toronto make it possible to learn to build fun, magical websites, edit the photobomber out of or into your wedding album, and chase that decade-long dream of becoming the next big startup founder. From free coding workshops to hardcore web development bootcamps to continuing education classes, there are plenty of ways for beginners to pick up new computer skills and hack their own education without going at it alone.

Here are my picks for the top 10 places to take computer, web and tech classes in Toronto.

Ladies Learning Code
As the name suggests, it's ladies first (but guys are welcomed too) at this non-profit run by women. More than 5,000 adults in Toronto have attended one-day workshops on everything from web design and development to photo editing and creative visualization, rolled out four times a month with additional classes geared at youth. A catered lunch makes long hours sitting in front of a laptop trying to tackle HTML & CSS, JavaScript or Ruby on Rails less painful. Located on Queen Street West, LLC's headquarters also houses a makerspace with an open device lab.
From $50/workshop.

Camp Tech
Camp Tech is the best bet for bloggers, marketers and small business people who want to pick up web skills but don't have formal training or a desire to go pro. Three-hour evening classes on Wordpress, Photoshop, SEO, Google Analytics, social media, email marketing and the business of blogging run at least once every 6-8 weeks. Despite the name, Camp Tech is less like camp and more like a casual professional development workshop hosted by a colleague giving practical advice on your projects.
From $65/workshop. No classes in July and August.

HackerYou
Sharing the same digs as Ladies Learning Code, HackerYou offers part-time evening courses on HTML & CSS, responsive design & advanced CSS, applied visual design and more. A full-time, nine-week web development bootcamp has students producing projects like random generator websites while learning HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, JavaScript and Wordpress. Similar to a university, there's an application, admission process and tuition. Fortunately, there are no grades and you're working towards building your own business as a freelance front-end developer.
Tuition for full-time bootcamp is $6,500. Application and interview required. Part-time courses from $1,600. Workshops available. Fees vary.

Bitmaker Labs
Staying true to startup success stories, Bitmaker launched quickly, generated a ton of buzz, was almost shut down by the government for not being an accredited training institution, and grew to become one of the largest coding schools in Canada of its kind. Proudly unaccredited, with a mission "to disrupt education and promote programming literacy", Bitmaker runs a challenging yet reputable nine-week, full-time web development bootcamp where students learn to code and code and code for days, and build web apps like a pro. Creative types wanting something more visual may opt for the 12-week, full-time program on user experience and interface design. People who can't quit their day jobs can apply to the part-time evening courses.
Tuition for full-time programs are $7,500-$9,000 which include weekly yoga classes and field trips to startups. Application and interview required. All women enrolled receive a $500 scholarship. Part-time courses from $1,500, workshops $600.

BrainStation
Entrepreneurs, working professionals and mobile enthusiasts can head to BrainStation, the newest coding school that teaches 12-week, part-time evening courses on iOS development, web development and Ruby on Rails. Soon after you find yourself wondering what Swift is, you'll be building an app to submit to the Apple store. Bootcamps are taught in different workspaces in the city, including Extreme Startups and Project: OWL. Absolute beginners can head to the free three-hour intro workshops held every month, which are open to the public.
Tuition starts at $2,500. Application and interview required. All women and former members of the Canadian Forces enrolled receive a $500 scholarship.

Toronto Public Library
With the opening of the Digital Innovation Hub at the Toronto Reference Library and the new Fort York branch this year, came a variety of free, all-ages programs covering all things digital. Sign up for intro classes on 3D design, HTML & CSS, web design, video and image editing, Arduino and more. In search of Apple computers with expensive software? How about 3D printers with not-so-expensive printing costs? Book them ahead of time with your library card or borrow devices like tablets, laptops, cameras and even a DJ mixing console for in-house use at TRL.
All classes are free.

CoderDojoTo
Here's one for the under-18 set: The Toronto chapter of CoderDojo, a global movement aimed at empowering young people with computer skills, runs free monthly workshops led by volunteers for youth aged 10-17 getting their first taste of coding, gaming, podcasting and other adorably nerdy topics. Students will need to bring along a laptop to moonlight as computer whizzes on GitHub, the playground of choice for software developers. Parents - tech savvy or not - must come to at least one of the classes too, which are hosted at Bitmaker Labs.
All classes are free. TTC tokens provided.

The YMC
This non-profit organizes meetups, events, workshops and a reoccurring 10-week Web Master Series. Grab a bite to eat at the St. Lawrence Market before attending the weekend sessions on web fundamentals covering topics such as HTML & CSS, JavaScript and content management systems. Bring your own gadgets to PWYC workshops designed specially for Android fans, gamers and anyone excited about technology.
Suggested donation of $99 for 5 sessions of the Web Master Series with PWYC options.

Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Maybe you need to go back to school to get a certificate program from a traditional educational institution that grades you. Humber's School of Media Studies & Information Technology has a number of programs in web design and development, computer programming, information technology, 3D design and database administration. Classes are available on buzzy topics like Big Data and open source programming, while lessons on producing digital media and using creative software make up are the majority of courses.
Tuition varies. Pre-requisites may be required.

Ryerson University
It's not all about websites and apps. For people hoping to fill in gaps in technical training, the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education offers formal computer science and IT classes on computer and network support, information management, databases, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other non-creative topics, in addition to web design and development. Visit Ryerson's Digital Media Zone to see what startups are being incubated and feel like you're part of the local tech scene.
Fees vary. Pre-requisites may be required.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for notable Toronto computer, web and tech classes in the comments.

Writing by Mimi Szeto. Photo by Pam Lau courtesy Ladies Learning Code.

The top dance parties in Toronto get heated as the humidity rises in Toronto, which means that it feels that half the city seems to run away to cottages every weekend. For the rest of us, since we're going to be bathed in sweat anyway, might as well do it in a dark room with a few hundred friends dancing your ass off all night. Remember to take advantage of all the boat parties and outdoor jams, because you've only got a few months before it's jacket weather again.

Electric Island / July 1 / Toronto Island / 1:30pm / $35
The always popular monthly picnic party on the island features another great lineup for the Canada Day edition, including appearances by two artists from the quality German label Innervisions: co-founder Dixon and quirky deep house innovator Henrik Schwarz, alongside NYC's Martinez Brothers and local supporting DJs.

Kajama Midnight Moon Sailing Cruise / July 4 / 235 Queens Quay W / 11:15pm / $45
Promise and AlienInFlux's annual cruise on the Kajama tall sailing ship is always one of the more memorable events on the water, and much different than your typical party-boat outing. This year they're bringing in Scottish electronic music veteran Funk D'Void, who excels at bridging the gap between techno and house.

Summerdaze / July 6 / Gossip / 2pm / $15
For the fourth installment of the Summerdaze patio party series, they're rotating their location back to Gossip Restaurant on the CNE grounds, and teaming up with Box Of Kittens for a bit more techno flavour than previous parties. Berlin-based Torontonian Sid Le Rock performing live alongside DJ sets by Jamie Kidd, Mike Gibbs and LeeLee Mishi. Check out our review from the first Summerdaze here.

Hudson Mohawke / July 25 / Hoxton / 10pm / $15
Glasgow's Hudson Mohawke is one of the more unpredictable electronic artists around, but unlike some left-field producers, he's got the turntablist background to actually pull off a strong DJ set without compromising his idiosyncratic vision. But considering his Hoxton gig is on a Friday, he'll probably be focussing on the bangers.

New Kanada Presents / July 26 / Coda / 10pm / $15
Toronto techno veteran Adam Marshall's New Kanada label has been getting lots of attention lately, largely for the success of Graze, the live electronic duo of Marshall and Christian Andersen, who will be headlining this label showcase alongside Basic Soul Unit, Kevin McPhee and Crushfield.

Photo by Matt Forsythe at Summerdaze

Maple bacon donuts with a tube of maple syrup, anybody? This cute '50s-themed bakery on Yonge is far from being stuck in the past - some of the treats they've dreamed up are downright trendy. That's not to say they can't do the classics well - there are cakes, cupcakes and pies aplenty.

Read my review of The Rolling Pin in the bakeries section.

While there are plenty of regular curbside spots to find your favourite food trucks, perhaps the best way to experience pure street food bliss is by following a convoy of mobile kitchens when they congregate at a summer festival.

Here are 5 upcoming festivals in and around Toronto where you can find a pack of food trucks. For daily locations and photos, be sure to check out torontofoodtrucks.ca.

Ajax Downs Canada Day Food Truck Event
Celebrate Canada Day at this free food truck event hosted by Abbey's Kitchen that's taking place at Ajax Downs Race Track (50 Alexander Crossing, Ajax) between 5:30pm and 10pm. Head east of the city for the giant fireworks display and stay to enjoy eats from food truck favourites; The Feisty Jack, Hogtown Smoke, Cafe de Monde Creperie, Bestia, Curbside Bliss and Rome'n Chariot.

Roundhouse Craft Beer (and Food Truck) Festival
Joining 20 craft breweries from across Ontario will be roster of food trucks supplying beer-friendly fare. This annual summer highlight will take place outdoors, on the weekend of August 9 and 10 at Roundhouse Park (255 Bremner Blvd.) from noon until 7pm. Expect to see food trucks like Gorilla Cheese, Dobro Jesti and Mr. Corn (to name just a few) in attendance. Advance tickets are on sale now for $20.

TO Food Fest
Now in its third year, this food market at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (5183 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough) will take place on Sunday, August 10 from 1pm to 6pm and will feature 40 or so vendors from Toronto's top restaurants and food purveyors. While the complete line-up has yet to be announced, food trucks Blue Donkey Streatery, Buster Sea Cove and ME.N.U are already on the bill. Admission costs only $2 or a donation to the Food Bank.

Food Truck Frenzy at CNE
As if there weren't already an overwhelming array of indulgent eats at the Ex, this food truck rally taking place the weekend of August 22 to 24 will see at least a dozen of Toronto's top trucks parked on Princes' Boulevard in front of the Allstream Centre and Direct Energy Centre. Expect to find Fidel Gastro and Hogtown Smoke among the roster of participating trucks.

Awestruck 2014
Capping off the season, this food truck rally and awards ceremony is hoping for clear skies (unlike last year) when it goes down at Celebration Square in Mississauga on Saturday, September 6th. Admission will be free and while the line-up is still yet to be announced, expect gourmet street eats like tacos, BBQ, and poutine from 40 or so trucks from Toronto and beyond.

For more food truck events, keep an eye on torontofoodtrucks.ca or download the Toronto Food trucks app for iPhone or Android.

The Silver Dollar is one of the few remaining traces of Toronto's early days of rock'n'roll and rhythm & blues. While its future is still up in the air, it may end up being one of the first bars that City Council tries to save rather than close down. City staff are recommending heritage protection, and council have rejected the proposed student housing high rise that was slated to replace it, pushing the matter off to the OMB to decide. Even if it does end up getting demolished, the developers plan on rebuilding some version of the club in its place, which means it's possible that the Silver Dollar could continue hosting blues and rock shows for another 50 years.

The first buildings erected at the site were a few small cottages that were part of a market garden owned by Robert Milligan, which were demolished in 1882 to make way for a three floor YMCA. In 1900, John J. Powell opened the Waverley Hotel (the second "e" would be dropped from the sign in the 80s for unexplained reasons), and for the next 50 years it would be run by his family. Over the years the hotel was expanded a few times, but it wasn't until 1958 that the Silver Dollar was constructed as a lounge for the hotel, which was no longer operated by the Powell family by that point.

Opening on January 1, 1958, the Silver Dollar was also known as the Buck, and originally featured Tommy Danton and the Echoes as the house band. By the mid-sixties, the hotel and bar had become much seedier than the upscale establishment it had started life as. Martin Luther King Jr's killer James Earl Ray is believed to have stayed at the hotel and frequented the bar while on the run from the law, although he later claimed he'd never heard of the place.

Other reports of violence and crime associated with the place litter the newspaper reports of the time, and the Silver Dollar began operating as a strip club. However, live musicians still provided the tunes, and it was a key incubator for the city's emerging jazz and blues musicians. Sax players like Jim Heineman, Bobby Brough, and Glenn McDonald would often socialise and jam there, and performing musicians were given special discounts on rooms.

By the 70s, the cheap rents and downtown location attracted artists and writers, including the "People's Poet" Milton Acorn. Acorn lived at the hotel from 1970 until 1977, and even kept a writing room there until 1981. He is said to have frequently changed rooms while I lived there, as he was paranoid that the RCMP were surveilling him. A plaque commemorating his stay still exists.

The rest of the 70s and 80s saw the hotel and bar continue to struggle through rough times. Authorities raided the place and laid 233 charges in 1978 for selling liquor to intoxicated patrons, and another bust in 1987 led to 16 people arrested for prostitution-related offenses.

The opening paragraph of Elmore Leonard's 1989 novel Killshot immortalized seedy allure of the bar, which was also featured in the movie version:

"Try to come along Spadina Avenue, see that goddam Silver Dollar sign, hundreds of light bulbs in your face, and not be drawn in there."

That iconic sign was briefly covered up in 1992, when new operators changed the name to Jonny Vegas, but that didn't last long. The interior murals were redone in 1994, which is also around the point when Downchild Blues Band bassist Gary Kendall took over-booking. Kendall's talent buying helped the club maintain and solidify its status as a key blues venue in the city, and he continued in that role until parting ways with the club in 2010.

While it's best known for blues, over years the Silver Dollar also began hosting rock, bluegrass and even punk shows. Long-running indie showcase institution Elvis Monday took up residence there for a while, and garage rock bands like the Deadly Snakes played there regularly.

The basement of the hotel was turned into an after hours dance club, which was initially called Buzz, but later turned into the Comfort Zone. The Zone's all-day Sunday parties are infamously debauched, and can feel like a time capsule of the original rave era. In some periods it has also hosted live music, but it's primarily known for DJ music and marathon parties.

The rock'n'roll side of the bar began to be even more of the focus in 2003, when legendarily colourful booker Dan Burke began throwing shows there, mixing his nights in with the bluegrass and blues shows throughout the week. Over the years he's become the primary booker, and has turned the Silver Dollar into key venue for the garage rock scene. For bigger events and festivals, the Comfort Zone is sometimes used as an auxiliary space, and there's a staircase connecting the two venues.

Over the years the Silver Dollar has played host to an impressive range of talent, especially considering how small the room is. Blues legends like Bobby Bland and Curley Bridges have played there (the latter recording a live album), but it was where indie bands like Death From Above 1979 played many of their early shows. International stars like Bob Dylan and Levon Helm have graced its stage, as well as Canadian icons like the Barenaked Ladies and Blue Radio.

For at least 15 years the club has been owned by David and Elsa Yarmus, and the building itself has been owned by the Wynn Group since the mid-80s. The Wynn family hopes to demolish both the hotel and the bar to build a 20 floor privately run student housing complex, which has predictably come up against neighbourhood opposition from residents concerned about the height, as well as being worried about the impact of a large concentration of low cost non-permanent housing.

Councillor Adam Vaughan has described the proposed development as "effectively a high-rise rooming house", and Toronto city council agreed, rejecting the proposal. The Wynn's are appealing to the OMB though, so the Silver Dollar and Hotel Waverly may still be facing demolition in the future. In the meantime, attempts are being made to recognize the Silver Dollar's historical importance and designate it for heritage protection.

There does not appear to be any similar concern for the hotel itself though, or for the low income long term tenants that currently call it home. It's also unclear how heritage protection could actually ensure that the Silver Dollar continue to operate as a music venue. Nevertheless, the interest council has shown in saving it indicates that politicians are beginning to appreciate the cultural importance of live music venues, even those that are a little rough around the edges.

The enigmatic William Cawthra cuts a mysterious figure. By far the richest man in early Toronto, he spent relatively little of his money, kept few close friends or personal records, and left no will or children, yet his legacy is an important one.

His lost mansion at King and Bay―one of his few indulgences―and the home his wife built on Jarvis Street after his death were conspicuous parts of the city's early streetscape. As a result, there are numerous landmarks that bear the Cawthra name.

Last month, Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam backed renaming the newly renovated Cawthra Square Park, the Church Street green space that houses the Toronto AIDS Memorial, after former mayor Barbara Hall. A lawyer in the 1980s, Hall represented members of Toronto's gay community arrested in the 1981 bathhouse raids. As the city's last pre-amalgamation mayor, she became the first head of council to march in the Pride parade.

"Barbara in many ways led the way for the LGBT community as a very quiet ally, but a very important one," says Wong-Tam. "She stood up for the community at a time when very, very few allies would, especially those who were not LGBT. So for the community to acknowledge someone like Barbara, who has a very deep emotional and spiritual connection to the community, I think is very befitting."

As the city prepares to make the change, a little about the man for whom the park is currently named.

William Cawthra was born to Quaker parents in Yorkshire, England in 1801. His father, Joseph Cawthra, came to Canada in 1803 (possibly 1806,) first settling near the Credit River. In Toronto, he opened a combined apothecary and general store that sold a dizzying array of products, many of them imported from America: Whitechapel needles, forks, scissors, cognac, shoes, and hats, in addition medicinal treatments.

The store was a success―medical supplies were desperately needed by the British Army during the War of 1812―and Joseph invested the profits in an array of local property. William worked in the store and later inherited the business when his father died in 1842.

Rather than continue selling drugs and sundries, William closed down the store, content to collect an ever increasing amount rent from the family land in the heart of Toronto.

Despite a shy and retiring character, Cawthra represented St. Lawrence Ward on Toronto's first city council in 1834, and again in 1836, though it appears he was never comfortable in the spotlight. As historian Stephen Otto notes in a 1981 biography of Cawthra, a stint as a school trustee and commissioner of the provincial lunatic asylum allowed him to serve the public from afar.

Though he didn't invest his fortune in any great public institutions (he briefly considered establishing a public library,) he gave generously to the House of Industry on Elm Street, the Toronto General Hospital, and the Newsboys' Home, a charity that sheltered homeless young men and put them to work delivering newspapers.

In 1849, William Cawthra married Sarah Ellen Crowther, who was 17 years his junior and the sister of a prominent local lawyer. "She was a woman of some assurance and decisiveness, perhaps in matters where her husband was less interested," Otto writes, and it's likely she was the driving force behind Cawthra's only monument, his mansion at the northeast corner of King and Bay.

Designed by young architect Joseph Sheard, a carpenter by trade who Cawthra may have come to know through his work on the House of Industry, the two-storey, off-white Greek Revival building featured an ornate exterior of sculpted Ohio sandstone at a time when much of the city was made of wood or brick.

Intricate corinthian columns and detailed pediments above the windows and doors led respected architect John Howard (he that gave the city High Park) "one of the best designed buildings in Toronto."

"There it is. That's Joseph Sheard's work, and good work it is," he told a writer for the Toronto Telegram as they examined it from a nearby window in 1888.

Like Cawthra himself, we really only know the home from the outside. No detailed descriptions of the interior have survived, but the tales it spawned live on. It's rumoured Cawthra's butler removed the solid gold exterior door knobs and replaced them with ones made of brass each night.

At the time of Cawthra's death, three days after undergoing surgery in 1880, the family estate was valued at $2.4 million, roughly a billion dollars in today's money, much of it accumulated through interest. Curiously for a man of great wealth, Cawthra died without leaving a will (perhaps he expected to live longer) and he and his wife did not have any children.

A judge decided the money should be split equally between his widow, his two nephews and niece, in doing so launching one of the great moneyed families of early Toronto. A book that recalls the family history of the Cawthras describes William's heirs as the "'Astors' of Upper Canada" for their lavish lifestyle.

Crowther used her portion of the estate to build a new home on Jarvis St., opposite where the park that bears her husband's family name.

The King Street mansion, the city's best link to the mysterious Cawthra, was turned into a bank branch, which is apt considering owner of the great fortune it used to shelter: first Molsons Bank, then Sterling Bank, and later offices for the Bank of Nova Scotia. It was knocked down in 1946 to make way for the latter's new headquarters.

Before the house was pounded into dust, Anthony Adamson, a descendent of the Cawthra family, had several of the columns and exterior sandstone fixtures moved to his Rosedale backyard. They remain there to this day, covered in a thin layer of moss.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: "Mr. William Cawthra," Benoni Irwin, 1868; Cawthra house etching, Stanley Francis Turner, 1922, Toronto Public Library, X 31-3; "Cawthra, William, house, Bay St., n.e. cor. King St," 1897?, Toronto Public Library, E 10-73; "Northeast corner of King and Bay streets," ca. 1926, City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 7098.

Photo by Francis Reyes in the blogTO Flickr pool.

While this Church St. staple has been open for a few years, its brunch-time dishes, like eggs benedict and huevos rancheros, are still worth getting excited over. With a street side patio and a hidden courtyard patio around the corner, this neighbourhood gem has a lot to be proud of.

Read my review of Smith in the restaurants section.

Free events in Toronto this week have us living up to our rep for hiding out all winter and then never, ever leaving the sunshine in the summertime (so fleeting, so steamy!). While a couple of free events will put shade over your head this week, I'd recommend spending some cash on whatever sunscreen is on special. Your penny pinching won't mean much if you lose your health early to the sun's wicked UV rays, right? While Canada Day is going to be a full on party (just go outside and yell or something, America-style - or don't) there's plenty up this week that won't cost your a dime or require patriotism.

Here's how to fake a #richkidsofinstagram life in Toronto this week.

Fireworks
Check out our Canada Day fire works picks here. July 1.

Mandarin Canada Day Free Buffet
Free buffets on Canada at every Ontario Mandarin location. Is this a good use of your time? Probably depends on your lifestyle. Expect line ups. July 1, 12-8:30pm, Mandarin Restaurants.

THE HOUSE OF HAUNT. Free show at the Horseshoe Tavern
Wanna see some music for free at the Horseshoe Tavern (no longer the Bud Lime Tavern of sadness something something Music House something)? House of Haunt, Joyfelt Analog, and Control Room are on the line up. Tuesday, July 1, Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West).

Tell Me Something Good: JULY Sexy Storytelling Slam PRIDE edition
Pride is never over in Toronto, and we're all the more lucky for it. Post parade, you can get sexy literary style at this truth or dare loving celebration of erotica. Wednesday, July 2, 8pm, Gladstone Melody Bar (1214 Queen Street West).

TIFF in the Park
This week's screening is 20 Feet from Stardom. Check out the full line up for July and August here. Wednesday, July 2, David Pecaut Square (215 King St West).

Free Flicks
Need a laugh on the cheap? How about Free Flicks: Funny Girls, showcasing some seriously funny women on screen at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West). Wedneday, July 2, 9pm.

Music in St. James Park
The Wintergarten Orchestra is on this week in St. James Park. The music swinging 20s, playing by an 11-piece band, outdoors. I don't want to be weird or anything but I love you, summer. Thursday July 3, 3pm, St. James Park (120 King Street East)

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
Browse works by the 350-ish artists taking over Nathan Phillips Square this week for free. If you find something that will look just darling over your mantle, you get mad points for supporting the arts. July 4-6, Nathan Phillips Square.

Cultura Festival
Why do anything indoors? (I say this to my boss in a whiny voice - uneffective.) Cultura Fest is at Mel Lastman Square July 4, 11, 18, and 25. Performers, art installs, and film screenings are all free. Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street).

Taste of Lawrence
IFrom July 4-6 this street festival's sights and sounds will prove that Lawrence Ave is worth that arduous bike ride. Explore Toronto - unless this is your hood (then you've got it easy for once). July 4-6, Lawrence Ave E. from Warden Ave. to Birchmount Rd.

AFROFEST 2014
Stop by Woodbine Park for Afrofest, Toronto's celebration of African culture. Music, art, food, workshops and a marketplace and more await you in the east end. Woodbine Park (1695 Queen Street East), July 5-6.

A Public Conversation on Diverse Media Exhibition & Open Screening
Deep talks about film/video and media state of affairs and relationships going down at Cinecycle this weekend. Saturday, June 5, 5-11pm, Cinecycle (129 Spadina).

Geek Swap & Sale
Swap your geek stuff! Everything from VHS tapes to toys will be on offer here. While financial transactions are not discouraged, swapping is cheaper. Saturday, July 5, 12-7pm, Back Space Toronto (587A College Street).

Earl Bales Arts & Music Festival
If you live at Sheppard and Bathurst or haven't explored the north end of the city enough (you haven't), here's a free community fest to stroll through until you start to feel the sun's fierce death glare burning deep within your internal organs. Earl Bales Park Sunday, July 6, 11am-6pm, (4169 Bathurst Street).

Queen's Plate
What is the Hats & Horseshoes Party? It's free, there will be a red carpet, and this racetrack event has promised that you can "sample delicious food." Bukowski approved? No, doubt it. Sunday, July 6, Woodbine Racetrack (555 Rexdale Blvd).

Norwood to East Lynn Park Tree Tour
Hug a tree for free. Or several! Don't get strung by a wasp. Sunday, July 6, 10am, Norwood Park (16 Norwood Road).

Video Vengeance #8 - Robo Vampire - Free VHS Screening!
I don't know what Robo Vampire is about but I'm picturing Spike from Buffy wearing a really cyberpunk outfit. So I've gotta run - have fun at the screening. Sunday, July 6, 8pm, KITCH (229 Geary Ave).

• Elvis Mondays at the Drake
• Foosball Battle Royale, Monday, Disgraceland
• Art Gallery of Ontario free evening, Wednesday, 6-8:30pm.
• IFOA Weekly, free for supporters, students, & youth under 26, Wednesday, Harbourfront Centre
• Skin of My Nuts Comedy Show, Thursday, Sonic Espresso Bar
• Canadian Opera Company's Free Concerts series
• While nearly all art galleries in the city are free to enter, it's worth noting The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is always PWYC.
• The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) offers discounted tickets on Fridays ($10).

Do you want everyone to know about your kinda random free or pay-what-you-can event? Submit it to our event section. (You can also submit your for-money events here, greedy-pants.)

Photo: Music in St. James Park

The top concerts in Toronto in July will give you plenty of opportunities to sweat it out on grassy fields and darkened clubs. From Gaga and Beyonce playing TO on the same date (omg what if they wear the same outfit) to percussion jams in east end factories, this month has every music fan set up. Don't forget the Edgefest Concert Series will kinda rock out July 1, July 18, and August 6, and the Beaches International Jazz Festival runs in Woodbine Park from July 18-27. If you need to dance right away, Electric Island is July 1.

But what about love? Toronto music missed connections in June, include, of course, a Skrillex incident: you, the "super cute" Ray Ban wearing security guard at VIP, do you remember what that girl you checked out was wearing? Everyone was drunk out of their minds in June - this Arctic Monkeys fan isn't clear on who was too drunk to stay at the show, and at Lauryn Hill your huge hands, swollen from drinking (is that even a thing?) weren't enough to turn off Nikki.

The lone NXNE missed connection is from a guy who glanced at you for a moment during St. Vincent's Yonge-Dundas set. He knows the colour of your eyes somehow - though he might be confusing them with St V's hair. J is looking for A from Cherry Beach on June 4, but I'm not going to link you to what J has on offer.

Here are the top concerts to pine over equally drunk strangers at in Toronto this July.

SSION - July 3 - AGO
Why should WorldPride end with a parade? Better to end it with brilliant, John Waters inspired gutter pop / video art icon Cody Critcheloe (NY/Kansas), aka SSION. From art punk all the way to electronic cult star, SSION has evolving from one shade of greatness to another over the years - and most importantly, puts on a great show. First Thursday at the Art Gallery of Ontario are kinda weird, but this is worth it. Check out my favourite videos: "Clown" (that soundstage); "Earthquake" (that art direction!); "My Love Grows in the Dark" (ditto); Street Jizz (oldie); Psy-chic (puppy!).

TURF (Toronto Urban Roots Festival) - July 4-6 - Garrion Commons (Fort York)
After confounding everyone with their 2013 debut, "what the heck is the Toronto Urban Roots Fest?" can finally be dropped. Put on by some of the most well-respected members of the Toronto music community, TURF has expanded to three days and seven club nights in only its second year. Headlined by Beirut, Sam Roberts Band, and Neutral Milk Hotel, there's a deep lineup behind those three with lots for fans of indie rock to love. MF

Rakim - July 4 - Phoenix
The legendary MC flies solo these days after his split with Eric B in the early 90s. A massive solo career has followed though, and he'll be testing the waters in Toronto this summer. Check him out over on Sherbourne when he lights up The Phoenix. AG

Deltron 3030 - July 5 - Tattoo
This supergroup puts it together well, though not quite with the same brilliance as Del's old Hiero days. Kid Koala and Dan the Automator are nothing to cry about though, and this trio will be stopping by Toronto in the wake of their return from a 13-year album hiatus. AG

Beyonce + Jay Z - July 9 - Rogers Centre
Rumour has it that this '14 Bonnie and Clyde event is the tour of the summer. According to Consequence of Sound, the set spans 42-songs, features outfits upon outfits, and is sure to touch on every-era of their careers. They've been paying tribute to MJ and showcasing choice tracks from both Watch The Throne and Beyonce. Need I say more? Check the intro to the concert series from when they kicked off the tour in Miami. M

Lady Gaga - July 9 - ACC
Since see wants us to think about pop stars and stuff: do you think Gaga, Jay Z, and Beyonce are going to hang out after their gigs and compare notes? Was this a wise move or will it split Toronto's teenie bopper scene in half? I'm frightened.

Basia Bulat + Destroyer - July 10 - Massey Hall
Dan Bejar, on a bill. How about that. This show is part of Massey Hall's fancy new Live at Massey Hall series. Bring Bejar a sandwich.

Future - July 11 - Sound Academy
This 25 year-old Atlanta singer/ rapper has been making moves and collaborating with the best of the best in the biz. Dropping his second album this past April and now headlining his first North American tour, Future is joined on stage by Rico Love and Que. With album guest appearances by Andre 3000, Drake, Kanye, Pharrell, Wiz, Wayne & more, it's hard to say how Future will translate the immensity of each track live, but maybe, just maybe, we'll see a special guest in real life... or maybe Ciara?! Who wouldn't settle for that? Honest. M

Construction Series - July 11 - Smiling Buddha
Construction (the summer answer to Long Winter) is keepin' on this month with Absolutely Free, Doomsquad, and Anamai. AKA a pretty presh bill, Toronto wise. I'd like to buy the Anamai cassette but it's $10. Gotta save up.

So Percussion and Man Forever - July 13 - Jam Factory
Just east of the Don Valley, the must-see show for fans of percussion and experimental jazz will go down at Jam Factory with Man Forever (John Colpitts, aka Kid Millions, Oneida) and So Percussion, the "premiere contemporary percussion ensemble" in the USA (or so they proclaim). Music in the Barns will be there for support. Need more? OOIOO are at Lee's Palace a week later.

Time - July 19 - Garrison Common (Fort York)
TIME is new for 2014, appearing on the Toronto scene to fill a necessary niche: an affordable festival compacted into one convenient day. With alterna-indie heavyweight Grimes headlining, the bill is rounded out with contemporaries like Charli XCX and Magical Cloudz, hip-hop acts Action Bronson and Death Grips, electronic acts Flume and Kaytranada, and more. Let's hope it's better than Grove was last year. MF

Airplane Boys - July 20 - Mod Club
APB are a rising force in Toronto's hip hop scene. In June they released album Egos and Expectations for free - I'm not even sure why we get to be this lucky, but download it before they (or some major) take it down. Expect Drake-style rap/r&b vocals and a Drake-style play between egoist machismo and sweetie pie vibes from this Scarborough repping duo.

Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden - July 27 - Molson Amphitheatre
A pretty specific demographic will be present at this show (and I'm sure that demographic will enjoy it immensely, though their stony faces may not show it). Two huge alternative names from the 90s get together for a double header at the Amphitheatre. AG

See also

• The top 5 dance parties in Toronto July 2014
• The top 15 summer music festivals in Toronto for 2014
• The top 20 concerts in Toronto for summer 2014
• The top 10 metal, punk and hardcore shows in Toronto
• The top 10 all ages shows in Toronto for summer 2014
• The top 5 Latin music concerts in Toronto this summer
• The top 20 folk & roots shows in Toronto for summer 2014

Contributions by Adam Golfetto, Matt Forsythe, Markit. Photo: AP Select

Thousands took to the streets yesterday afternoon for annual Dyke March, one of World Pride's key events on its last busy weekend in Toronto. The ceremonies got underway shortly after noon in Allan Gardens before the march commenced at 2:00pm. Among the high profile attendees, both Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and mayoral candidate Olivia Chow were spotted among the participants. There were roaring motor bikes, hundreds of rainbow flags, some wickedly pointed signs, and an atmosphere that combined protest and celebration. In other words, it was an ideal day for Toronto's dyke community.

Check out all the action from the 2014 Dyke March in our photo gallery.

There were no closures on DineSafe this week, averting what would have been a three-week run of red cards. Yellow cards were handed out to Khao San Road and Triple A Bar, both restaurants perhaps letting things slip a little as they focus on opening new concepts (Dear Jools from Khao San Road, and Mr. Ciao from AAA) elsewhere in the city.

Here are the restaurants this week that managed to rack up DineSafe infractions.

Ghazale (78 Wellesley St. East)
Inspected on: June 24, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Significant: 2, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated. Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4 C (40 F) or colder.

Khao San Road (326 Adelaide St. West)
Inspected on: June 26, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Triple A Bar (138 Adelaide St. East)
Inspected on: June 26, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant:2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4 C (40 F) or colder.

Hugh's Room (2361 Dundas St. West)
Inspected on: June 24, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Mamma's Pizza (808 York Mills Rd.)
Inspected on: June 25, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4 C (40 F) or colder.

Paris Bakery & Pastry (191 Geary Ave.)
Inspected on: June 23, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 10 (Minor: 5, Significant: 5)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Pentagram Bar & Grill (2620 Danforth Ave.)
Inspected on: June 24, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 4)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

If the World Cup has suddenly piqued your interest in all things Brazil, this is a good place to start exploring your curiosity. The newly-opened Latin American snack bar in Parkdale is an ideal spot to discover the finer points of Brazilian cuisine, going way beyond rice, beans and meat.

Read my profile of Mata Petisco Bar is the restaurant section.

The Fringe Festival is set to get underway in Toronto for 2014. And while the World Cup and World Pride have made the city positively electric this summer, it's now time to add to the mix the city's annual independent theatre jam to really blow the roof off.

The Fringe Festival you know and love features 150 shows and a host of exciting sidebar programming. This year the Festival takes leaps forward, offering 100% of tickets online, in advance via smart phone, more underground dance parties, and a new programme called T.E.N.T. to support emerging artists.

Here are my picks for some of the promising shows at the 2014 Toronto Fringe Festival.

52 Pick Up / Tarragon Theatre Extraspace / Page 14
One of the more memorable Fringe success stories in recent memory comes courtesy of T. J. Dawe whose fringe play Cigars and Toothpaste was optioned into a film, The F Word directed by Michael Dowse, featuring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan. In 52 Pick Up, the subject is yet again about love. Over 52 scenes, each inspired by a new card in a regular deck, a shuffle and flip determines the narrative that unfolds. Will the Queen of Hearts be wooed by the King of Spades?

Parallel Play / Tarragon Theatre Extraspace / Page 16
Pop culture maven Elvira Kurt (Spin Off, Cultural Hall of Shame) lends her considerable talents to the Fringe landscape this year. In Parallel Play, she and Megan Fahlenbock consider the variety of roles that women are called upon to play: sister, daughter, wife, friend, and all around domestic and urban survivor. The satirical portrayals are sure to explode stereotypes with a mix of exaggerated and poignant vignettes.

Potosí / Tarragon Theatre Mainspace / Page 12
This year's Best New Play Contest winner is Alexander Offord whose Potosí considers conflicts of gender, greed, and labour deep within the recesses of the earth. Amidst a raging civil war, tensions boil over when a Canadian mining corporation rep digs deeper into reports of sexual violence at the mine. She soon finds herself a participant in the conflict she was sent to observe.

Lwam is Eritrea's Greatest Hockey Player / Tarragon Solo Room / Page 18
Lwam Ghebrehariat found himself at the centre of controversy in 2010 when the SummerWorks show in which he appeared, Homegrown, was accused of glorifying terrorism by the PMO (the performance festival lost its funding the year following). The National Theatre School graduate and lawyer explores the fallout from the play, as well as the complexities of politics in his home country of Eritrea, in this solo offering.

Hugh and I / Randolph Theatre / Page 21
Expect Hugh and I to be one of the breakout hits of this year's Festival. A talented ensemble of musical theatre folk come together to tell the story of infamous Playboy founder, Hugh Hefner -- Daniel Abrahamson (Music & Lyrics), Kevin McGarry (Book), Ari Weinberg (Director), and performers Jackie English, Gabi Epstein, Alessia Lupiano, Maren Sigson, Lana Sugarman and Jennifer Walls. The musical biopic paints a portrait of the sexual icon through a fitting POV, that of the women who have loved him.

Peter N' Chris and the Kinda OK Corral / Randolph Theatre / Page 22
Comedy duos have a strong track record for making a splash on the fringe circuit with bankable, intelligent scripts. This year, Canadian Comedy Award Winning twosome Peter n' Chris are the duo to catch (with no Morro and Jasp on the bill). They bring with them a host of comedy accolades and a show injected with all the western, tex-mex, dude ranch humour you could ever want.

The Common Ground: A Musical Dissertation / Randolph Theatre / Page 22
Give this one full marks for a unique journey -- how many fringe plays begin as a 400-page dissertation? Equal parts heartwarming and intriguing, The Common Ground bills itself as a "musical journey through a research paper" where the subject is a group of teenagers and their queer parents and the thesis is likely that love comes in many shapes and forms. Look for this one to be a feel good Festival pick to carry the spirit of pride throughout the summer.

Three Men in a Boat / Annex Theatre / Page 26
Few troupes are as veteran as Pea Green Theatre Group who arrive at the Fringe with their ninth production. An adaptation of Jerome K. Jerome's 1889 British travel journey, Three Men in a Boat follows fearless explorers Jay, George, and Harris as they coast along the river Thames. Sue Miner directs Victor Pokinko, Scott Garland, and Matt Pilipiak in this charming nautical adventure.

Tikva's Orchestra/ Annex Theatre / Page 26
Comedies and well-made plays tend to rule the roost when it comes to Fringe buzz, but each year there's also beautifully rendered dance and physical theatre on offer. Alisa Walton, Ginette Mohr and Thomas Morgan Jones collaborate on Tikva's Orchestra, a physical theatre piece about a Jewish cellist committed to ensuring her fellow musicians survive the Nazi sweeps. The production features an original score from David Mesiha and a narrative that unfolds via climbing and spinning aerial bungee.

Punch Up / George Ignatieff Theatre / Page 28
Annual Fringe darling Kat Sandler (Help Yourself, Delicacy, We Are the Bomb) must not be getting all that much sleep. The young playwright is churning out an average of two plays a year offering audiences a rigorous diet of dark characters behaving badly. In Punch Up, an ingenious romantic kidnaps his favourite comedian to woo the saddest girl in the universe. Sandler directs Caitlin Driscoll, Colin Munch, and Tim Walker.

Redheaded Stepchild & Amusement / Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse / Page 46
You know you're doing something right when audiences are celebrating your shows after ten years on the circuit. That's business as usual for Morgan Norwich and Johnnie Walker whose company, Nobody's Business Theatre, presents a double bill of the well-travelled Redheaded Stepchild and Amusement. If you're looking for proven entertainment rather than the next big thing, you'll find it here.

Love's Labour's Lost / Victory Cafe / Page 62
In a few short years, Shakespeare BASH'd has established itself as the most formidable Bard troupe on the block with celebrated productions of Much Ado and The Taming of the Shrew. With pints and play aplenty at the Victory Cafe, expect the same energy and panache in their adaptation of Love's Labour's Lost. A king and his three gentlemen swear off women for three years -- easier said than done in a modern fraternity setting where red cups abound.

True / Citizenry Cafe / Page 64
Celebrated playwright Rosa Labordé explores the confining qualities of memory in True, about three sisters who must confront the past when their estranged father unexpectedly re-enters their lives. Boasting a talented cast, Layne Coleman, Shannon Taylor, Ingrid Doucet, Sabrina Grdevich and Scott McCord, and some of the city's best designers, Thomas Ryder-Payne, Trevor Schwellnus and Lindsay Walker, expect this one to top most must-see lists.

Summer Spectacular / Frankel Lambert Park / Page 64
What would Fringe be without an outdoor walking tour?! Jacob Zimmer and Small Wooden Shoe traverse the grounds at Frankel Lambert Park with giant puppets to explore myths and the qualities of myth-making with a closer look at Daedalus and Icarus, Robert Oppenheimer and Aaron Swartz, and the promise of a brand new Toronto tale. Let your imagination run wild, through a labyrinth of ideas, under the stars.

Chasing Margaret Flatwood / Campbell House / Page 64
Margaret Flatwood? I wouldn't have a clue who she is. From playwright Robert Watson and director Andrew Lamb, comes a comedy described as 1% rich and 99% satire. Vivienne Moore must salvage her social reputation by throwing a gala to win over the hearts and minds of those who matter. But when the honoured guest's attendance is questionable, the whole party threatens to collapse under the weight of unfulfilled promises.

What did I miss? Add your show picks to the comments below.

The Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival runs from July 2-13. Visit the Fringe Festival website for tickets, event times, and additional programming that runs throughout the festival. To claim your own Festival guide, visit one of the locations listed here.

Images courtesy of the Fringe Festival

World Pride 2014 took over Church St. this month, with thousands of revellers packing the streets on Sunday for the biggest Pride Parade in Toronto's history. Festivalgoers let their true colours shine through, from easy sundresses and pro-equality T-shirts to barely-there outfits and fetish gear (plus at least one loincloth).

Check out all the looks in our style section.

Digital Dreams 2014 saw the same rainbow that sparkled over the World Pride Parade beaming over Ontario Place - except this rainbow had a warble to it. Canada's largest EDM festival saw about 80,000 neon clad partiers dance to four stages worth of sets by 102 artists including Tiesto, Justice, Keys N Krates, Danny Tenaglia, Art Department, Nicole Moudaber, Nervo, Guy Gerber, and yes - someone named Bro Safari.

Massive events (don't say raves) like Digital Dreams show EDM (see explanation here) is still the culture of choice for a generation raised on vibrant Nerf-esque colour schemes and more cartoon commercial jingles than any group of humans ever - and honestly, the status quo has likely never looked so fun. If you spent the Canada Day weekend at Pride (or returning to office), here's what you missed, from confetti cannons to free carnival rides.

Check out 50 bass-dropping memories from Digital Dreams 2014 in our photo gallery.

If you're looking for a little country flavour in your Toronto home, 292 Oak Park Avenue might be for you. With a large setback from the road, you can actually enjoy the large windows that open up to the front yard on all three floors. A path snakes up to the front door - giving unique access to the home, though not ideal for moving in or otherwise carrying heavy packages. The backyard is spacious too. This could be a secluded urban paradise if you've got the imagination for it.

Inside, the first floor is open concept. While the kitchen design leaves something to be desired, it's bright and open and airy. The rest of the house feels roomy too - a large master bedroom and rec room being two highlights. If you get past the white walls and the bland staging, this house could has some real character.

SPECS

• Address: 292 Oak Park Avenue
• Price: $799,900
• Lot Size: 25 x 153
• Bedrooms: 3 +1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 1
• Taxes: $2,145.94
• Walk Score: 82
• Notable Features
• Unique curb appeal with windy walk up
• Open concept first floor with easy access to large backyard
• Large windows throughout
• Large master bedroom with built in closets

GOOD FOR

Outdoorsy types. You might not think of East York as an outdoorsman's paradise, but this home has A+ access to parks and trails. Less than 10 minutes and you'll be at Taylor Creek Park and connected to a series of trails that zig-zags across Toronto. Perfect for walkers, dog-walkers, runners, and cyclists. Pick your poison and get outside!

MOVE ON IF

You live for downtown and your feet are your main vehicle of transportation. While this location is quickly urbanizing due to out-pricing from nearby Leslieville and Riverdale, it's not quite there yet. The walk score clocks in at only 82, pretty low by Toronto standards. The home's only a 15 minute walk from Woodbine station, but access to restaurants, grocery stores, and other amenities is limited. Woodbine-Lumsden is a neighbourhood in transition, however, so if you buy now, who knows what the future might hold?

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Read other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.

Writing by Isabel Ritchie

Canada Day in Toronto means Electric Island's massive dance party returns to Olympic Island Park to celebrate. Brewer's Backyard will be serving up craft beer, cider, and snacks at Brick Works, but if you're more serious about grub Steam Whistle is serving lobster - or you can eat for free at the buffet at every Mandarin location from 12-8:30pm. Expect line ups. Get to Queen's Park (111 Wellesley Street West) if you want to meet the princesses from Frozen (after I meet them though - wait in line). For more Canada Day events check out our guide to fireworks in Toronto here, or click on over to our events section.

• Canada Day: 2014 Fireworks guide
• Music/Party: Electric Island (Olympic Island Park, Toronto Islands)
• Beer: Brewer's Backyard: Group of Seven (Evergreen Brick Works)
• Food: Canada Day Lobster Boil (Steam Whistle Brewing)
• Party: CLICK - 12hr C-Day Edition w/ Alixander III (Tota)
• Film: Commonwealth Connections (TIFF)
• Free Buffets: Mandarin Canada Day Free Buffet (Mandarin locations)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Photo by Kim Yokota in the blogTO Flickr pool