The top weekend events in Toronto are highlighted by the arrival of the CNE. Get ready to indulge in some outrageous foods to a few rounds of blackjack at the casino. If you'd rather avoid the hordes that head to The Ex on its inaugural weekend, there are plenty of other festivals around town: Cityfest, Importfest, BIG on Bloor, and more.

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

FESTIVALS

CNE (August 21-September 7)
The CNE rolls into town and will run until September 7th. Expect the regular roster of midway games, rides, exhibitions, fair foods and about a million ways to spend your hard earned money.

Musical Works Festival (20-23)
Kicking off on Thursday, this four-day event celebrates everything new in musical theatre. Aside from the main performances, there will be talks and interviews. Check out the line up and schedule here.

Tirgan Fest (August 20-23)
The Harbourfront Centre is hosting Tirgan Fest, the world's largest celebration of Iranian art and culture. Look forward to live music, films, theatre and more when the festival kicks off at the end of August.

CultureShock Community Arts Festival (August 21-22)
Little Avenue Memorial Park will be filled with local artists, free activities, and live entertainment this weekend. The main event is Friday, but if you can't make it, there's a free outdoor movie and BBQ on Saturday at UrbanArts.

Cityfest (August 22)
Cityfest is a one-day-only event at Canoe Landing Park. Expect all the usual festival shenanigans: a beer garden, live music, food vendors and more. The best part? You don't have to drop a dime for entry.

Importfest Toronto (August 22)
Importfest is back and is celebrating its 15th anniversary at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. You'll be able to scope out the hottest wheels in the world, watch a DJ battle, and more on Saturday.

Suburban Steam (August 22)
Are you a fan of all things steampunk? Well you'e in luck. This Saturday, the Zion Schoolhouse is hosting a fest celebrating all things steampunk. There will be vendors, buskers, food, and more. Cosplay is strongly encouraged.

Tommy Thompson Butterfly Festival (August 22)
This event is ideal if you want a more family-friendly option. In celebration of the Monarch butterfly migration, Tommy Thompson is hosting a fest filled with nature hikes and educational displays. You'll be able to check out over 55 species of butterflies and moths while you roam the park grounds. A huge bonus, it's 100% free.

BIG on Bloor (August 22-23)
Look forward to two days of shopping and entertainment when BIG on Bloor closes the street off to cars between Dufferin and Lansdowne. The event boasts a lengthy list of vendors, entertainers, and more.

Chinatown Festival (August 22-23)
This neighbourhood is always alive with Chinese culture, but with this festival, the sheer volume of street foods on offer is astounding. You can also catch a dragon winding its way through the area, with lion dances at night.

Scarborough Afro-Caribbean Festival (August 22-23)
The Afro-Caribbean is taking over the Scarborough Civic Centre for its fourth year. There will be 40 vendors, dancing, music, art, and plenty of food to indulge in. Entry is free, so you can save your money for a little shopping.

MexFEST 2015 (August 23)
Head to Dundas Square for MexFEST 2015 this Sunday. Celebrate Mexican art, music, culture, and cuisine all day long with tons of musicians, vendors, artists and food.

Paws in the Park (August 23)
Poochella may have been cancelled in June, but have no fear - your pet can still have it's time in the limelight this summer. Paws in the Park is taking over Woodbine Park at the end of August and bringing along plenty of pet-themed fun for all you canine-enthusiasts. Expect to find a photo booth, groomers offering up mini makeovers, and precious pups like these guys.

FOOD & DRINK

Taste of Manila (August 22-23)
Taste of Manila is an annual celebration that takes over Bathurst and Wilson with food from the Philippines. Expect to find the streets filled with hungry festival-goers snacking on everything from dumplings to deep fried bananas. Check out what went down last year here.

Pintxos Toronto (August 23)
Back for its second year, Pintxos Toronto is bringing Spanish bar snacks to the Royal Bank Plaza on August 23rd. This year's event, presented by Estrella Damm, is bigger and better than ever, featuring some top local talent and exciting out-of-town guests.

6th Annual Wild Blueberry Festival (August 23)
Wild Blueberry Fest will take place at the Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave.) on Sunday, August 23 from 10am to 3:30pm. The family friendly event will feature a blueberry pie bake-off, panels on growing, eating, and cooking blueberries, kombucha and canning workshops, and a limited edition blueberry cask ale brewed by Bar Volo.

Canada's Coconut Festival and Marketplace (August 23)
Toronto is hosting the Coconut Festival and Marketplace at David Pecaut Square (215 King St. West) on Sunday, August 23 between 11am and 7pm. The event is free to attend and will highlight food vendors, purveyors of natural products, health and wellness lecturers, children's games, coconut bowling contests, hula contests, free yoga, and cultural performers.

Leslieville Beer Fest (August 23)
The Leslieville Beer Fest will get you your weekend fill of brews. Participating breweries include Liberty Village Brewing Company, Junction Craft Brewing, and more. There will also be a BBQ, so you won't be drinking on an empty stomach.

MOVIES

Sail-In Cinema (August 20-22)
Head to Sugar Beach for a little something different. Sail-In Cinema features a floating screen, so you can enjoy the 80's movie marathon with the breeze from Lake Ontario.

MUSIC

KOTD Presents: World Domination 5 (August 21-23)
The Mod Club is hosting a Rap Battle this weekend. Head over to watch Toronto league members freestyle.

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 from Liora Ipsum