Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Watch for it here on Fridays around midday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this weekend, May 18 - 20, 2012.

PARTIES

Salon Noir--The Medieval Masquerade
Join Lula Lounge for an enchanting evening presented by Salon Noir. The Medieval Masquerade will feature musical guests ThOrN, magic by Zoltan the Adequate, fashion shows by Ceridwen's Cauldron, and readings by Suzanne Karima. Dinner reservations will guarantee you a table, and there's a dress code in effect--it'll be worth it to don your best threads, as there's prizes for the best dressed.
Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas West), May 20, doors at 7pm, show starts at 8:30pm. Tickets are $35, or $30 in advance.

Friday Night Live at the ROM: OUT
The ROM's themed party aimed at adults continues this week for after-hours museum exploration--complete with local food, drinks, and DJs. This week is presented in partnership with the Inside Out Film Festival, and you'll get a chance to see some sneak peeks of this year's films. The c5 lounge will also host a cabaret performance by Christian Jeffries, while the DJ set will be by DJ Ella D vs. Augustas of Young Empires.
The ROM (100 Queen's Park), May 18, 6pm-11pm, tickets are $9.

Torture Garden Toronto "Kick Off Party!"
You think you're freaky? Join Torture Garden founder Allen TG, The Swarovsky Piercings, and DJ Paul Savage as Europe's largest fetish club takes the Toronto stage this May 24th long-weekend. Expect a liberating celebration of sexuality, diversity, and creativity, featuring fashion, music and performance art. For more exact dates and times, visit here.
Pacha Lounge (1305 Dundas St. West), May 18, 10:00pm-2:00am.

Rock the Boat ft. DJ Bowza
The Water Vipers Dragonboat team present the ultimate party to kick start summer aboard the aboard the Yankee Lady IV! Enjoy Toronto's skyline and listen to live mixes by DJ Bowza onboard an elegant yacht while cruising the Toronto Harbour. Cash bar, and unlimited burgers after 12:30 am. Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks will also be available.
Yankee Lady IV (539 Queens Quay), May 19, 9:30pm-2:00am. Tickets are $45, and must be purchased in advance.

VISIONS ft. Shlohmo, Ryan Hemsworth, Deebs, & Zodiac
Come celebrate Mansion's 3 year anniversary--that's three years of throwing unconventional parties and experimental music events. With projected visuals, interactive art, and music by 4 different DJs, this night will be filled with electronic music, hip-hop, and obscure samples. Along with the main room, you'll get to experience The Cave, a curated art installation, while enjoying food catered by Fidel Gastro and cakes designed by Phat N' Phull. Check out his Soundcloud for a sample of what to expect at this party by Shlohmo.
The Gallery (99 Sudbury Street), May 18, 8pm, tickets are $10 at the door or in advance.

FOOD

Summer Lüving Day at Bier Markt
As summer approaches, so does our fascination with summer love. To celebrate the unofficial birth of summer, guests will receive one complimentary (and aphrodisiac) oyster, and a sample of Bier Markt Radler--(a bier cocktail). In celebration of Bier Markt's annual Shellfish Feastivϋl, expect all-day live entertainment, and a selection of seafood and Belgian-inspired cuisine.
All three Toronto BierMarkt locations, May 20, 12:00pm-5:00pm, No tickets necessary, brunch purchase is encouraged.

Withrow Park Farmers' Market's New Season
Withrow Park Farmers' Market will offer a community-based, fun-filled afternoon featuring organically farmed produce and foods. Enjoy a day of live music and fresh grub, with the opportunity to buy directly from and engage with local farmers and food entrepreneurs.
Withrow Park (between Logan and Carlaw, just south of Danforth), May 18, 9:00am-1:00pm.

For more food events, check out our This Week in Food post.

SPORTS

Bike Lane Appreciation Day
Speakeasy Tattoo and Sam James Coffee Bar are teaming up to bring you an afternoon of cyclist-lovin'. Peddle your way to Speakeasy and Sam James Coffee Bar for a sidewalk BBQ, Toronto style. If you and your bike snap a photo together, you'll receive a ticket for a free coffee. Afterwards, hop on your bike and celebrate the Harbord Bike Lane that extends between Ossington and Queen's Park. Let's ride!
Sam James Coffee Bar (297 Harbord Street), May 20, throughout the day.

Womens' Arm Wrestling for Charity
Step up to the arm wrestling ring, or put your dolla' bills on the girl you believe shall reign victorious. Wrestlers with names like Scarlett O'Terror, Faye Tality, Pussy Galore, and The Marvelous Madgeisco will duke it out it out to the tune of their own theme songs. It's open registration, ladies, so choose your own entrance music, fake name and costume. Compete for the Championship Belt, best wrestling name and best costume, with all proceeds benefitting the Because I Am a Girl foundation.
751 (751 Queen Street West), May 19, 9:30pm-2:30am. A $5 entry fee for on-lookers applies.

MUSIC

Loving in the Name Of
Come out to the Great Hall on Friday for a night of crazy dancing to the greatest songs of all time. The Best will headline an evening of local Toronto bands, and they'll be playing hits from several genres and decades, so get ready to move to your favourite classic tunes. Following the live set, enjoy the DJ talents of Shit La Merde.
The Great Hall (Queen and Dovercourt), May 18, 10:30pm.

Joel Plaskett Emergency w/ Frank Turner
One of Canada's best musicians, east-coaster Joel Plaskett is coming to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre this Friday and Saturday. A notable figure in Canada's indie and folk-rock scene, Joel Plaskett will be showcasing his newest album, Scrappy Happiness. If there is one reason to stay in town this long weekend, it would be to see this show.
The Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes' Boulevard), May 18 and 19, tickets are $29.50 in advance and $32.50 at the door.

Daft Punk Tribute at Lee's Palace
Since emerging from Toronto's esteemed Humber College Jazz Program in 2008, DPT has been liquifying dance floors at the most prestigious clubs and concert halls across Eastern Canada. This 9-piece jazz ensemble will re-interpret the world's most popular electronic dance music by incorporating a horn section, rhythm section, vocals, synths and electronics. All Toronto DPT shows have sold-out in the past, so snag a ticket in advance for $16.
Lee's Palace (529 Bloor Street West), May 19, 10:00pm.

For more music events, check out our Hot Ticket post.

COMEDY

Grindhouse Comedy Act: Headliner Tyler Morrison
This Saturday, headliner Tyler Morrison for a summer "kick-start" of comedy. Other acts will include Nick Carter, Hunter Collins, Adrian Sawyer, Matt O'Brien and more to be announced. A night of beers, burgers, and laughs--all for a good cause, with part of the evenings' proceeds going towards Because I Am A Girl. Pay what you can.
Grindhouse Burger Bar (365 King St. West), May 19, 9pm.

For more comedy events, check out our This Week in Comedy post.

FILM

Toronto Underground Cinema's 2 Free Screenings
Toronto Underground Cinema celebrates its second birthday with two free 35 mm screenings of cult classics Clue (7pm)--incidentally, the first film screened at the TUC--and The Fifth Element (9:15). The evening promises prizes, a screening of vintage trailers for both films, and some "surprises."
Toronto Underground Cinema (186 Spadina Avenue), May 18, beginning at 7pm.

For more film news, check out This Week in Rep Cinema and our curated list of what to watch at this year's Inside Out Film Festival.

FASHION

Artisans at the Distillery Show
Held in Toronto's Distillery District, producer Lory Macdonald will be featuring a free outdoor show of over 75 artists from all across Canada. Artisans at the Distillery showcases a wide range of jewellery, pottery and body care spa products, paintings and photography, handmade cards, funky hats, clothing and handbags. Toronto fashion and design collectors, you'll want to add this to your itinerary.
Historic Distillery District (55 Mill Street), May 19-21, 11:00am-6:00pm.

For more fashion events, check out our This Week in Fashion post.

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

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Lead photo by Christian Bobak, Daft Punk Tribute photo by Roger Cullman