Weekend events in Toronto will let us give our space heaters a welcome break - who knows, if you don't turn the dial down to go out to watch a drag battle, shop at a pop up market at a soon-to-open DIY venue, or catch some burgeoning NYC hip hop, the whole block could go up in smoke by Monday.

Here are my picks for the top events happening in Toronto February 27 - March 1, 2015.

Ru Paul's Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons (February 27, The Danforth Music Hall)
The glitz of Ru Paul's touring battle will land in Toronto during somber times for the city and the queer community. Nothing can stop Michelle Visage, Alaksa 5000, Jiggly Caliente, Ivy Winters, Jinx Monsoon, Pandora Boxx, Bendelacreme, and Darienne Lake. Check out our review from last year here.

PARTY & MUSIC

Young Paris (February 27, Rivoli)
Rap N' Roll is putting on the most exciting show of the weekend with NYC's Young Paris, plus performances from Bonjay, Bakers Club, Junia T & Juice Money Collective, Phoenix Pagliacci, DJ 8AM811, and more - you'll have to be there fo find out. Watch below.

Punks Is Covers Vol. 6 (February 28, Coalition)
If you've been wondering what will go into Bike Pirates' old Bloor Street location, the answer is exciting: new Toronto venue and cafe D-Beatstro will be carrying on the DIY bike shop's punk spirit in Bloordale Village. This edition of Punks is Covers is a fundraiser concert to help them open their doors. See info about their weekend Pop Up Market below.

ART

Basquiat Idea Bar: Justice (February 27, AGO)
Included with your admission to the AGO, the Idea Bar early Friday evening will feature Noa Mendelsohn Aviv (Canadian Civil Liberties Association) speaking about the racial and social justice issues raised in Basquiat's artwork.

SHOPPING & LIFESTYLE

Toronto Men's Fashion Week (Until March 3, 444 Yonge)
Toronto Men's Fashion Week is giving it another go until March 3. Could be drama, but I predict beards. Watch for our lumbercurious picks from the shows next week.

4 Day Pop Up Market at D-Beatstro (Feb 26 - March 1, D-Beatstro)
From Thursday February 26th - Sunday March 1st you can check out D-Beatstro (mentioned above), a new DIY venue and vegan cafe opening soon in the old Bike Pirates space, at this pop up market for local artisans. Read more here.

FILM

Free movies at TIFF (February 27-28, TIFF)
TIFF can be your cozy hideout this weekend. On Friday, see the world premiere of Patricia Rozema's Women Who Act, and on Saturday see Canadian Screen Awards faves Mommy and Maps to the Stars.

The Room (February 28, Carlton Cinema)
Every last Saturday of the month, the Carlton shows the so-awful-its-good cult classic The Room. It's a particularly worthwhile outing in February because the Rocky Horror Picture Show- like style interactive crowd enthusiasm (for the uninitiated: bring plastic spoons) is just the perfect cure for winter doldrums. AH

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE

The Wild Party (Feb 20 - March 8, Berkeley Street Theatre)
This musical will transport you to Manhattan in the roaring '20s where the gin and jazz are flowing. You'll be in the front seats watching as the reckless relationship between a Vaudevillian clown and dancer spirals out of control. The Tony-nominated musical is produced in association with Obsidian Theatre Company who are known for their award-winning work featuring the black voice. SSZ

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.

Contributions by Alexander Huls, Sima Sahar Zerehi

Battle of the Season 2014 photo by Alejandro Santiago, Basquiat photo by Andrew Williamson