Furry festival
Puppy lovers unite! This weekend is Woofstock, the annual doggie love-in which celebrates man's best friend. Now in its ninth year, the St. Lawrence Market event is completely free, and includes a pooch-friendly high tea event at the King Edward Hotel, a Mr. and Mrs. Canine Canada Pageant, and the Running of the Pugs. Warning: a cute puppy overload will no doubt ensue.
Queer kick-off
If you can’t wait for the parties, music, theatre and art that go hand-in-hand with Toronto’s Pride fest, this weekend’s Queer Pride 2012 should tide you over before the official start. Presented by the Buddies in Bad Times theatre, the line-up boasts events and parties for both the queer and straight communities in a Bob Marley, one-love kind of way. It runs until July 1, and includes a strip spelling bee, a drag musical based on Freaks and Geeks, arguably the only teen drama worth watching, and the comedy show Bitch Salad. The party starts Friday night, presented by the iconic — and now defunct — night club, JOY.
Trekkie tales
Captain Kirk and the gang will be at the Ontario Science Centre this weekend. Star Trek Live is an interactive show that — we admit — is meant for kids, but where else can you witness firsthand Vulcans kicking Romulan butt? The show runs all summer, and aims to introduce students to space and science. Rumour has it that Spock and Captain Kirk make appearances, so we strongly caution against donning a red shirt for this one.
Stir crazy
Mixologists will be showing off their brewing skills this weekend at The Drinks Show. The world’s only interactive cocktail event (which means lots of tasty drink samples) will also host a whisky cocktail competition and an onsite taste challenge. With the city’s top bartenders in tow and beats provided by Z103.5, we expect the 99 Sudbury show will be one heck of a party.
Shark talk
Sharkwater director and environmental activist Rob Stewart will be at the Royal Ontario Museum tonight to celebrate World Oceans Day. Stewart will be talking about his award-winning documentary film, which put the spotlight on the dangers threatening sharks, as well as reveal details of his upcoming film, Revolution, slated for release this fall. We wonder if he'll be able to tackle the implications of sharks with frickin’ laser beams attached to their heads.