Weekend events in Toronto offer a chance to get out there and enjoy the first signs of spring. Sugar Beach is transforming into a Quebec-style sugar shack, the New Ideas Festival is taking over the Alumnae Theatre and Tortoise is taking to the stage at Lee's Palace. If none of those strike your fancy, you can always kick off your St. Paddy's celebrations early at the annual parade.

For more events this weekend click on over to our events section.

MUSIC

New Creations Festival (March 5-12)
In the market for something more high brow than an indie show at the Horseshoe? The New Creations Festival will help you get in touch with your more sophisticated side with its roster of avant-garde contemporary music shows. With everything from trumpet concertos to DJ performances on tap, you've got plenty of options.

BADBADNOTGOOD (March 12)
Ghostface is sadly not in tow this time, but Canada's coolest (or only cool?) free jazz band -- recently expanded to a four-piece with saxophonist Leland Whitty -- are set to play as they wind down off of a Polaris/Juno nominated album cycle.

Tortoise (March 12)
Across town that night, fellow jazz-tinged instrumental genre-hoppers Tortoise have just ended a seven-year drought with new LP The Catastrophist, which features a variety of new sounds including (gasp!) vocalists.

GoldLink (March 12)
The recently reopened Velvet Underground is bringing out DC rapper GoldLink for one of its first shows back in action. This is his only stop in Toronto, so if you're jonesing to see him get your hands on some tickets ASAP.

FILM

Outsiders on Screen: Grey Gardens introduced by scholar Tess Takahashi (March 10)
In the mood for a movie more endearing than your average blockbuster? Watch Big Edie and Little Edie on the big screen at the AGO this Friday. York film professor Tess Takahashi will be introducing the film.

ENTERTAINMENT

New Ideas Festival (March 9-27)
Alumnae Theatre's juried festival of new writing, works-in-progress and experimental drama returns on March 9th. Catch one of the matinees for $15 or wait until Saturday to attend a PWYC staged reading.

Bey Bey Vs Rih Rih (March 11)
Get your freakum dress on and head to Studio Bar to shake it 'til the moon becomes the sun. The venue will be playing all of Yonce and Rihanna's greatest hits, so expect to see members of both the Rihanna Navy and BeyHive.

Super Wonder Fashion Wars (March 11)
Super Wonder Gallery is hosting the ultimate catwalk throwdown this Saturday. The event will showcase the works of six designers who have been working tirelessly to creative wild and inventive outfits. The night will continue on after the show with a dance party, so wear comfortable shoes.

Spice Girls vs Everybody (March 12)
Want to spice up your life this Saturday? If you were into chupa chups, platform shoes and girl power in the 90's you'll want to be at the Gladstone on the 12th. The hotel is playing all the necessary hits by the Spice Girls plus a ton of other pre-2000s jams.

Sugar Beach Sugar Shack (March 12-13)
Sugar Beach is being transformed into a Québec-style sugar shack for the second weekend of March. There will be events like maple syrup tasting, performances by Stef Paquette, Mélanie Brulée, Amélies et les Singes Blues, and a Choir!Choir!Choir! sing-a-long. If you need a break from sugary treats, you can grab some savoury fare at one of the local food trucks on site.

Seinfeld Trivia (March 13)
Know your Costanza from your Kramer jokes? Head to Dundas Video this Sunday to show your stuff. Grab your drink of choice from the bar and prepare to flaunt your knowledge of all things Seinfeld. Once the game wraps the bar will be screening an episode of everyone's favourite sitcom.

SHOPPING

Spring Vintage Fashion Flea Market (March 13)
If your wardrobe is littered with pieces from H&M, TOPSHOP and the like, it may be time to infuse it with a blast from the past. Head to The Garrison on Sunday to rifle through preloved clothing, shoes, accessories and more. Feel free to stop by the bar for a pick me up.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

St. Paddy's Day Bash 2016 (March 12)
On March 12th join Steam Whistle to celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland with live entertainment and (of course) plenty of pilsner. The night will feature eats by the Irish Embassy, live music by Brogue and Scantily Plaid and a show by the Woodgate-Shamrock Irish Dancers.

St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 13)
St. Patrick's Day falls on the 17th, but you can start celebrating a few days early with the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Got a longboard in your possession? Join the Sk8 Patrick's Parade of Longboarders - it kicks off just before the floats start moving.

For more events this weekend click on over to our events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

With contributions by Shazia Khan.

Photo via Steam Whistle's Facebook page.