Weekend events in Toronto are the perfect way to get back into the holiday spirit after returning to work post-Canada Day. Food events Taste of Toronto and Taste of Lawrence will whet your appetite with dishes from Toronto's top restaurants. If you're more interested in kicking back and watching a movie, both the Beaches and Christie Pits are kicking off their film festivals this weekend.

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

FESTIVALS

Taste of Toronto (July 2-5)
Now in its sophomore year, this internationally acclaimed food festival takes place at Fort York from July 2 to 5. Look forward to a lineup of 30+ chefs dishing out delicacies, a vendor marketplace, a WayHome preview stage, guided tastings, master classes, and more. Admission is $19 to $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Corso Italia Mercato (July 3-4)
This street fest is a celebration of Italian culture that shuts down St. Clair between Westmount and Lansdowne. Expect to find buskers, art, shopping, live music and, of course, food vendors serving up your favourite Italian comfort foods.

Taste of Lawrence (July 3-5)
The Taste of Lawrence is a three-day food and cultural fest in Scarborough. It showcases foods from a number of different cultures. There will also be midway rides and live music, as well as dancing in the streets and fun for kids.

Salsa on St. Clair (July 4-5)
Salsa on St. Clair is one of the festivals most fraught with steamy summer possibilities. Put on your dancing shoes and get to know the St. Clair West community through dance. There will also be Latin food vendors on the streets, in case you need an energy boost.

Afrofest (July 4-5)
Look forward to a weekend of drumming and dancing when this event kicks off. Afrofest, the largest annual African music fest in the country, takes over Woodbine park with music, dance, interactive workshops, theatre, poetry, food and more.

PAN AM GAMES

Pan Am Torch relay and Luminous Veil illumination (July 4)
It's been a long time coming, but over a decade after it was first installed, the so-called luminous veil on the Prince Edward Viaduct will light up the night July 4th for the torch relay of the Pan Am Games. 10pm.

MUSIC

Death Grips (July 3)
Death Grips are heading to the Danforth Music Hall this Friday. Prepare for a night of experimental hip hop and good times.

2night We Are...Jack White (July 4)
Are you a fan of The Raconteurs,The White Stripes, The Dead Weather or Jack White's solo ventures? Sadly, the singer himself will not be in the GTA, but you can hear all his greatest works performed by Blue Sky Miners this Saturday at The Silver Dollar.

FOOD

Thrill of the Grill (July 4)
If you're in the mood for some good old-fashioned BBQ, head to the Bloor Viaduct to sample ribs from seven of the Danforth's top eateries. Allen's, The Combine Eatery, Factory Girl, and more will be on the scene. Stick around for the lighting of the Luminous Veil.

Bastid's BBQ (July 4)
Head to Richmond Street West this Saturday for a day of food and live music. World class DJ's will be providing the entertainment while La Carnita serves up top notch Mexican fare.

MOVIES

Dirty Dancing Quote-Along (July 3)
Head to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema to have the time of your life this Friday. Subtitles will be up on the screen, so you don't have to fear flubbing a line or butchering an important song lyric.

Toronto Beaches Film Festival (July 4)
TBFF is kicking off its fourth year of films this Saturday at the Fox. Head there for a day of back-to-back movies. See the full schedule here.

Christie Pits Film Festival (July 5)
This Sunday marks the beginning of the Christie Pits Film Festival that will be an ongoing event this summer (every Sunday until August 23rd). This weekend's film is classic horror flick Nosferatu. Del Bel will be performing an original score live at the screening to keep things interesting.

ENTERTAINMENT

DJ Deep Fried Fridays (July 3)
This is the first of many DJ Deep Fried Fridays events this summer (they'll be happening every Friday until September 4th). If you like food, dancing and music, this will be right up your alley. Hosted by the Harbourfront Centre, each Friday will feature a unique mix of dishes and DJs.

Hold Tight (July 3)
Want to cut loose and boogie this Friday night? Wear your finest flashback duds and head to Adelaide hall for an evening of 60's and 70's soul, funk, and rock music.

SHOPPING

Really Really Free Market (July 4)
Everything is up for grabs at the Really Really Free Market; no strings attached. Do some summer cleaning of your own and donate all your excess bits and bobs.

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.

Contributions from Liora Ipsum

Photo of Taste of Lawrence