Weekend events in Toronto not only begin with TIFF. Sure there are piles of parties and screenings and street closure activities, but there are also a handful of other festivals - food, culture and music related - to blow your mind. If you thought summer was over and your calendar was going to slow down, please think again you crazy person!

There's too much good stuff out there to ignore. Here are my picks for the top weekend events in Toronto.

FESTIVALS

TIFF (Until September 18)
Not only had the Film Festival started and un-officially taken the city prisoner, but there's also the Festival Street closure, these top 5 can't miss events and then these 45 must-see movies. Godspeed.

Manifesto Launch party with Boi-1da (September 9, Mascot Brewery)
The city's most inspiring festival just turned 10 years old and to celebrate they're launching 10 days of events, starting with this Mascot Brewery building takeover and dance bash lead by Boi-1da and a mountain of amazing local talent.

Taste of the Kingsway (September 9-11, Bloor Street West between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Rd)
Probably the final outdoor Taste event of the year, this mega street closure features over 200 exhibitors, two stages of entertainment, midway rides, beer gardens, all that good family fun stuff (or bad stuff depending on how you look at it).

Destination Thailand (September 10, Yonge-Dundas Square)
If you've been lucky enough to travel to Thailand you know how magical this part of the world is, both culturally and culinarily. Thai food, dances, beer and massages. Enough said. Visit the square anytime from 10a.m. - 8p.m. There will also be elegant fruit carvings.

Cabbagetown Festival (September 10-11, Cabbagetown)
This neighbourhood street party turns 40 this year and they're not holding back in celebrating. Art, vendors, food and drink, a nearby park, stages of actually cool entertainment. Head to this one if you have a few hours to stroll, and catch the vibe a neighbourhood outside your bubble.

Ossington Village Alleyway Party (September 11, Alleyway between Foxley and Argyle)
From 2-10pm, head to this street off of Ossington for some live music, folk dancing and general hanging out. It's completely free, nothing is for sale, there are no vendors and you're encouraged to bring your own food and drinks to share. There will be a hat passed around to help pay for the porta-potties.

One More Night Festival (September 11-18, The Commons)
A week of theatre from across Ontario happening at a brand new theatre space called The Commons on Richmond Street. Check out the official website for the full schedule. Lots of fun independent theatre to be had.

MUSIC

Rodriguez (September 11, Massey Hall)
If you don't know Rodriguez is, hurry up and go watch Searching for Sugar Man. You'll be won over instantly by this artist who was too often forgotten or pushed to the side. He's an incredible folk singer and this Massey Hall show will be one for the books.

• Alex Skolnick Trio (September 9, The Garrison)
• Dolly Parton (September 9, Molson Amphitheatre)
• Toronto Bicycle Music Festival (September 10, Evergreen Brickworks)

FOOD

Toronto Veg Food Fest (September 9-11, Harbourfront Centre)
Vegans and Vegetarians come together down by the water for this weekend-long celebration of all things meatless! Along with all the yummy food and drinks there will also be talks, demos, and music.

Junk Food Fest (Septmber 9-11,Toronto Star Building)
On the opposite side of the food spectrum there is this food fest. We can guarantee there is very little vegetarianism happening here. Lots of bacon and grease and creative snacks to make your mouth water and your stomach rumble. Entrance is free and it's brought to you by the Mac and Cheese Fest team.

Revel Food BBQ Pop Up (September 11, The Beaver)
A much more low-key food event compared to others this weekend, the Revel food duo host a pop up BBQ on The Beaver patio. If you've been to this adorable back space, you know it's small and cozy, so get there early and plan to hang out for karaoke later.

ART

Duane Linklater's From Our Hands (September 9-November 5, Mercer Union)
"Working across installation, performance, film, and photography, Duane Linklater excavates histories to unearth folds and knots addressing cultural loss, recovery and sovereignty." Exploring Indigenous imagery inscribed within Canadian identity, this is one not to miss.

2016/17 Xpace Programming Launch feat. bizZarh (September 9, Xspace Cultural Centre)
Free early-fall party and 2016/17 launch bash with BizZarh, and DJs Ben Ong and Amy Wong. Even more exciting is in the main space a think piece from Bonerkill called What would the community think?

SPORT

14th annual Board Meeting (September 9, St Clair and Yonge)
This is an annual event to help stoke the sport, local artist and the longboarding community. Hundreds of people gather at St Clair and Yonge dressed in white shirts and ties to bomb Yonge street - i.e. take it over and ride down it! So fun.

The Hockey Show (September 10-11, Downsview Park)
Hockey lovers, fans and admirers, this two-day puck love-in is for you. A big sporting event showcasing products and services, the newest trends for 2016, product demonstrations and skill enhancement workshops.

DANCING

Beam Me Up: Four Years of Disco (September 10, The Piston)
The city's best disco party turns four this weekend. The Digital Needle duo together with Cyclist have been filling with piston with amazing disco classics, rarities and edits you didn't even know our booty loved. If you just want to set yourself free and dance like noone is watching, this party is the one.

• Soft Stroke (September 9, Bambii's)
• Fuck It (September 9, Clinton's)
• Skank Top (September 9, The Steady)
• Cafe Cubano (September 9, Lula Lounge)
• Art Department (September 9, Maison Mercer)
• Steers and Queers Dolly Parton after party (September 9, Lipstick and Dynamite)
• Dutty Reggae Dancehall with Choppa Chop and Pressure Drop! (September 9, Rivoli)
• John Acquaviva (September 10, Bambi's)
• Jukebox meltdown - 60's soul party (September 10, Swan Dive)
• Business Woman's Special: Hello Dolly! (September 10, Round)
• IRemember
  (September 10, Miss Thing's)
• Pop Machine: 6 year anniversary (September 10, WAYLA)
• Ghost Emoji Presents: Lockah (September 10, Double Double Land)
• Trust x Summerdaze Season Closing (September 11, Steamwhistle Brewery)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section and have a great weekend!

Photo of TIFF Festival Street by dtstuff from the blogTO Flickr pool.