FILM | Julian Schnabel: Carte Blanche
In Toronto to launch his new exhibit at the AGO, Julian Schnabel is probably best known for his films, including The Diving Bell and The Butterfly which gained him an Oscar nomination for Best Director in 2007. He's also a renowned artist known for his plate paintings, where he created large-scale paintings on broken ceramics. For tonight only, Julian Schnabel is closing off the summer season at the TIFF Cinematheque with his Carte Blanche selection. He's starting the night off with Pixote, a film about child criminals in a Brazilian slum at 7, then finishing it with his own Before Night Falls, the film that made Javier Bardem a star. Following each film will be a Q&A with the man himself.
Cinematheque, 317 Dundas St W, $18.75 each, 7pm

COMEDY | Phillips & Crown: Our Lives Work
Katie Crown and Kathleen Phillips are two Toronto comedians that are blowing up. Crown was recently a writer and star on TV's HOTBOX while Phillips has been seen on stages all over North America and the interweb, doing her unique brand of character acting. Back in April they started the Our Lives Work! show, a mini musical extravaganza. Well after a hiatus, it's back for one night only at Double Double Land with guests Life Of A Craphead.
Double Double Land, 209 Augusta Ave, $8, 8pm

MUSIC | Lullabye Arkestra
The two-piece local Garage Rock/Metal outfit Lullabye Arkestra recently signed to the VICE record label and since have been touring all over North American, including a four day stay at SXSW this year. But at the same time, they haven't forgotten about where they came from by still playing a handful of Toronto shows including recently opening for The Dead Weather. Well tonight they're here to help you say farewell to the summer by getting nice and sweaty one more time at The Garrison - one of the hottest (temperature wise) venues in the city. If you've still never seen them live you can check out a free song from them on Facebook but just remember it doesn't compare to hearing it live. Titan and Hot Kid start the night off.
The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $10, 9pm

PARTY | EXCELLENT!
One of the many bummers that comes from summer ending, is the slew of weekly parties that come to a close. Tonight the one saying good by is the not-presumptuously named Excellent! which has been held every Thursday at Margret. To say goodbye in style, they're bringing in the likes of Emcee Rae, Jr Dunn and Newno Green to help you dance your faces off and forget about the impending snow that will inevitably come.
Margret, 2952 Dundas Street West, Free, 8pm

LAUNCH | 3 Day Novel Contest Launch
Are you such an amazing writer, that writing a novel has become no big deal for you? Well put away your smugness for a second and try your hand at the 3 Day Novel Contest. Entrants from all over the world have 72 hours to start a novel from scratch and finish it, no matter what the genre or length - and the prize for the winner is publication. Well its not happening until Labour Day Weekend, but the Toronto Launch Party is tonight to celebrate the release of last years winner Snowmen by Mark Sedore. You'll also have the opportunity to register for this years competition, so if you think you have what it takes now's the time to show it.
The Victory Cafe, 581 Markham St, Free, 7pm

Upcoming/Sponsored Event:

FREE CONCERTS | Lexus Live at the Distillery
This weekend, from August 27th - 29th, the Distillery District will be home to four free live concerts featuring The Stills (Friday 8-9pm), Lily Frost (Saturday 12-1pm), The Midway State (Saturday 5-6pm) and The Paper Lions (Sunday 3-4pm). Complimentary refreshments will be served and Lexus will be there showcasing two prototype vehicles including the Lexus CT 200h hybrid. For complete details check out this event page.

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For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by Greg Vassie, member of the blogTO Flickr group.