Vampires are all the rage these days, but let’s not forget other denizens of the dark. Opening October 9 at the Ontario Science Centre, Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids includes “life-sized” models of mythical creatures, including a five-metre-long dragon with a wingspan of over six metres. 416 696 1000 or www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

There’s more scariness afoot. Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz returns to the Canon Theatre. The Tony-winning musical portrays an imaginative faceoff between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, both of Wizard of Oz fame. But leave the under-eights at home. The production isn’t recommended for the little ones. Begins October 20. 416 872 1212 or www.wickedthemusical.com

After all that spooky stuff, you just might need a drink. Luckily we have just the thing. On Friday, October 22, the Metro Convention Centre hosts Whisky Live, where you can sample hundreds of varieties of Scotch whisky and learn to pair different foods with Scotch. 416 585 8000 or www.whiskylive.com

Is reality any less frightening? The Planet in Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival is in its 11th year, this time offering 90 features, documentaries and short films from around the world. It takes place October 13 to 17 at various locations around the GTA. Advance tickets at Reitman Square, 350 King Street West (Bell Lightbox building) or at 416 968 3456 or online at www.planetinfocus.org. Tickets are also available at festival venues one hour prior to screening.

Summer’s over, but neighbourhood events are in full swing this fall. Here’s what they have to offer:

The Cabbagetown Tour of Homes, September 19 from 1 to 5 pm, will set you back $30. But it’s for a good cause. And what a tour! Peek inside the nineteenth-century workers’ homes, Victorian mini-mansions, and cozy Arts and Crafts cottages that make up Cabbagetown’s streetscapes and you’ll find magazine-perfect modern interiors with lofty master suites, open-concept ground floors and exposed brick galore. www.cabbagetownpa.ca
416 921 0857.

Looking for a fun, free event? What about the 8^th annual Queen West Art Crawl from September 16 to 19 on Queen West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles? Here you can stroll by works of 500+ artists, displayed on the street, in galleries and studios as well as in cafes and bistros along the Queen St. strip. 416 516 8301. www.parkdaleliberty.com

Visual artists, performing artists, music, dance and a celebration of the spoken word – this is Art Walk: the sixth annual St. Clair Arts Festival and Studio Tour on the weekend of September 25 and 26. This huge festival has tons of free fun for all, including the kids. www.stclair-artwalk.org

There’s more neighbourhood fun at the Junction Arts Festival, held from September 8 to 12 on Dundas St. West from Indian Grove to St. Johns Rd. Internationally recognized poet Lillian Allen has curated this year’s literary/multimedia events, which include music, visual arts, outdoor sculpture, great food and free family activities. www.junctionartsfest.com

Summer in the City

Warm breezes, great people-watching, music, and of course, the tantalizing aroma of food on the barbie.

This summer enjoy Tasty Thursdays in Nathan Phillips Square, every Thursday from July 15 to August 26. Hours are 11am to 2pm. Concerts start at noon. See www.toronto.ca/special_events/thursdays.

Fringe On!

This year’s Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival runs from June 30 to July 11 at locations around the GTA. Toronto’s largest theatre festival offers large- and small-scale productions.

Among others, this year’s event offers a sequel to the hilarious 2009 festival hit with 2-Man No-Show-2 by Ken Hall and Isaac Kessler. Presented by Toronto’s ZeekTech Productions, the show begins July 3. It’s not to be missed, but sensitive playgoers should be forewarned: you may find the language a bit raw. For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.fringetoronto.com or call 416 966 1062.

Celebration of Summer

Drivers may not be too thrilled, but the rest of us won’t care. The New Bloor Festival is all about fun and the celebration of summer. The Bloordale BIA presents a community festival on July 24, from 1 pm to 9 pm.

Hey, so they close Bloor Street between Dufferin and Lansdowne – this free festival has something for all ages, with a focus on the arts and culture of the Bloordale neighbourhood. For information, call 416 645 0295 or visit www.newbloorfestival.com.

Luminato

Culture vultures are in their element during Luminato, celebrated this year from June 11-20. From art to theatre, dance to authors’ readings, local artists, playwrights, dancers and authors are joined by their well-known international counterparts to make Toronto a showcase of culture over the 10-day period. Hours are from 11 am to 9 pm, weekdays; Friday and Saturday, 1 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. www.luminato.com/2010/

Beer & Cocktail Show

Fancy a Salty Chihuahua or a Pink Lady? Head to the Beer & Cocktail Show, June 4-6 at Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd., North York. Featuring live music, bartending tips and demos, the event will set you back $25. It’s on Friday and Saturday, 6 pm to 1 am, and Sunday, 4 pm to 10 pm. Tickets at the door or through www.ticketbreak.com, where you can buy early-bird tickets and save $5. It goes without saying not to bring the kids; this is a 19+ event. 1-866-943-8849. www.thebeerandcocktailshow.com

Waterfront Blues Festival

For the best in blues take in a series of awesome live concerts for free at Woodbine Park (Lakeshore and Coxwell). In its sixth season, the Waterfront Blues Festival welcomes Juno and Blues Music Award winners plus Brooklyn, N.Y., native Alexis P. Suter and her band. Times are June 4 from 6 pm to 10 pm; June 5 from 12 pm to 10 pm and June 6 from noon to 6 pm. www.waterfrontblues.ca. 416-698-2152

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to dust off your bicycle and head outdoors. Pump up the tires and oil the gears because Toronto is hiding a wealth of paths and trails to explore on two wheels. Here are a few ideas to help get your wheels turning.

For cycling enthusiasts or those just looking for a leisurely bike ride, Toronto has many trails to explore. The Toronto Islands are one popular summertime destination that is accessible to riders of all ages and skill levels. Bike paths on the islands, which are connected to one another, are paved and flat. Bikes can be carried on the island ferry or rented on Centre Island.

If you’re looking for an off-road bike experience, try the Humber Valley trails and the Don River Valley trails. Both path systems, whose combination of gently sloped landscapes and more steep terrain appeal to all skill levels, lead users through a series of parks and ravines.

Enjoy the breeze off the lake as you cycle along Toronto’s waterfront. The waterfront trail stretches from Scarborough to Etobicoke and is a combination of off-road and on-road paths. The trail has many access points with parking, including Ontario Place and Ashbridge’s Bay Park.

The City of Toronto has put together a comprehensive guide to cycling in the city. The guide, available at www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/index.htm, features a map outlining the city’s designated bike lanes, popular routes, parks, and trails. For more information about biking throughout Ontario, visit www.biketrain.ca

See the Avro Arrow

Remember the Avro Arrow – arguably Canada’s biggest missed opportunity? Well now’s your chance to see a full-size replica of the incredibly well-engineered aircraft. The CF-105 Avro Arrow is scheduled to appear at the Wings & Wheels Heritage Festival, May 29 and 30, at Downsview Park. Bring the kids – there’s a Kids Zone in the museum, featuring interactive workshops and entertainment. Parking is free. 1-35 Carl Hall Road, Toronto. 416 499 4647. www.wingsandwheelsfestival.com

See Toronto’s Secrets

That harbinger of summer, Doors Open Toronto, is celebrating its 10th anniversary the weekend of May 29-30. This year more than 150 buildings of architectural, cultural or historic significance will open their doors to visitors. The price is right: Free! Tel.: 416 338 0628. www.toronto.ca/doorsopen

See the Best in Photography

The Contact Toronto Photography Festival takes place at more than 200 locations throughout the GTA during the month of May. Through this year’s theme – Pervasive Influence – the Festival explores the personal and social consequences of photography. More than 1,000 artists will exhibit their work. Venues include 918 Bathurst Culture, Arts, Media and Education Centre; Arts Etobicoke Gallery, and Beaux Arts Brampton and the Toronto subway system , to name just a few. Of special note are the Ryerson University School of Image Arts students who are exhibiting at the historic and funky Gladstone Hotel on the second floor. 416 539 9595. www.scotiabankcontactphoto.com