Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Watch for it here on Fridays around midday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this weekend, March 16-18, 2012

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Because St. Patrick's Day events dominate this weekend in Toronto, we've dedicated a separate post to them. Keep it clean, and keep it green.

EXHIBITIONS

Motorcycle Spring Show
With the expected weather this weekend, motorcyclist will be happy not only to take their bike out of storage but to also check out the Motorcycle Spring Show happening both Saturday and Sunday. There will be new bikes for show goers to drool over, and information about classes for those interested in learning how to ride a motorcycle. Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road)

Sustainable Energy Fair
The Sustainable Energy Fair is happening today until 4:30. Through a discussion panel and interactive workshops, this fair will showcase ideas for the future of sustainable energy in the city. Happening at the Bahen Centre for Information Technology (40 St. George St.) from 10:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

Toronto Sportsmen's Show
Outdoor enthusiast have until Monday to check out the Sportsmen's Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. There will be over 450 exhibitors showcasing new outdoor and travel products, anything to do with boating, fishing and camping. Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults, $13 for juniors (ages 6 - 15) and seniors (ages 60+) and children under 6 are free.

MUSIC

Monthly Live Jazz: Makeshift Island
How about some soothing jazz music to cure your St. Patrick's Day hangover? If you can pull yourself out of bed before 1 p.m. check out the sexy stylings of Makeshift Island at this monthly live jazz series. Opticianado, 2919 Dundas Street West, March 18, FREE

FWB Presents: Songs for Change - An Indie Rock Benefit Show
There's a benefit show this Saturday to support UforChange, an organization that helps low-income youth from around the St. James area. Since Saturday is St. Patrick's Day, it's the perfect time to have some drinks and support a good cause at the same time. The Rivoli, 332 Queen Street West, March 17, 7 p.m., $10

For more concert listings check our weekly Hot Ticket post.

LIT

Annual Clearance Book Sale
This event started yesterday but it's happening until Saturday so you might so be able to get your hands on good book deals. Over 5,000 used books from the Toronto Reference Library are on sale at 50 cents or three for a dollar. Friday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday March 17 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 789 Yonge St.

ART

Tagging Along
Art lovers, there is no better way to spend your Saturday afternoon then enjoying the sunny weather with an outdoor tour of Toronto artworks. Part of AGO's Toronto Now series, local artists Sean Martindale and Pascal Paquette will lead this tour starting at the Young Gallery, rain or shine. Saturday, March 17, 2 - 4 p.m. Free.

Road Shots
O'Born Contemporary art gallery will be hosting Public Work's Road Shots, a series of conceptual photographs tracing the political landscape of Israel/Palestine. Each photograph is engraved with lines "that take their cue from Islamic architectural ornamentation". The opening reception is Saturday afternoon from 11 - 6 p.m. The gallery will stay open until April 21. RSVP is requested for this event: info@oborncontemporary.com.

Queen West Gallery Tour
For those up to taking a more high-brow (read: sober) approach to St. Patrick's Day, there's a tour of the many galleries that line a vibrant stretch of Queen Street West hosted by Betty Ann Jordan. Let's hope the weather stays beautiful! The Drake Hotel Lobby, 1150 Queen Street West, March 17, 11:45 a.m., $25 per person/$45 for two.

PARTIES

Beats & Pieces Artshow & DJ Party
I think it might be the first time I've ever heard of clubbing and art combined into one event, but anything is possible right? Work from local artists will be displayed in a silent auction and artists will be available to chat with. If art isn't your thing, you can just dance and drink your face off. Devil's Martini Nightclub, 473 Adelaide Street West, March 16, $10.

More parties on our radar:

• The Zodiacs Present: Pisces
• Pie & Mash DJs - Indie/Alternative Music Party

FAMILY

Springfest 2012
Dust off those cruel-looking child leashes because today is the last chance to check out the 3rd annual Springfest. Either drag or be dragged by the children in the family to the event that includes rides, shows and games.
Studio 3 - Downsview Park, 40 Carl Hall Road, March 16, Ticket prices vary.

Canada Blooms and National Home Show
Need some ideas for your house, inside or out? You're in luck, because two of the best events in this field (pun intended? I don't even know any more) are kicking off today. Acres of gardens from Canada Blooms will be accompanied by innovative design ideas from the National Home Show. Tickets for one event get you access to both. Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Boulevard, March 16-25, $20.

DISCUSSION

In conversation: Margaret Atwood
Award winning author, Margaret Atwood will talk about the feature documentary based on her bestselling book Payback on Sunday at the Indigo Manulife Centre. Starts at 3 p.m. and admission is free. 55 Bloor St. West.

From Fukushima to Toronto: A Town Hall
It's been a year since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan and making sense of it still proves difficult. There will be speakers from Greenpeace Canada and Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, and others, as well as discussions and workshops.
918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education, 918 Bathurst Street, March 18, PWYC

FASHION

Dare to Wear Love
The third annual Dare to Wear Love Toronto Fashion Week "party" is happening on Friday. The event will showcase the works of 25 Canadian fashion designers using 6 yards of African cloth. The event raises resources and awareness for The Stephen Lewis Foundation. 7:30, David Pecaut Square (at Roy Thompson Hall),55 John Street, $75.00.

See our This week in Fashion post for more events from the local fashion scene.

FOOD

Gradsmarket
Instead of lining up at Costco this Saturday for free samples, head to St. Lawrence Market where the upcoming culinary artists of Toronto will be competing and sampling foods, using locally sourced ingredients. St. Lawrence Market, 93 Front Street East, March 17, 9 a.m.

For other food events take a look at This Week in Food.

FILM

Toronto Nepali Film Festival
Filmmakers from all over the world will be taking part in TNFF 2012, a festival that showcases films about Nepal. Along with films there will be a food stall selling traditional Nepali cuisine and performances from local artists. Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, March 17, Ticket prices vary.

For more film events take a look at This week in Film.

Writing by Roxanne Hathway-Baxter, Mariam Matti and Erin Jones.

Photo by L. Lew and Lionel Caines