Cabbagetown Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces
These past few weeks have been more gloom than bloom, but things are now finally beginning to bud. One of our favourite signs of spring is the annual self-guided tour of a Heritage Conservation District's best floral fantasias and greenly decorated backyards. As well as the sights, also offered will be tips on how to deal with pesky critters, whose appreciation for gardens is exhibited annoyingly. June 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $15. 467 Parliament St., cabbagetownpa.ca.
National Ballet of Canada: Cinderella
Glass slippers were not made for dancing, but they're fine for metaphor and the folk-tale saga of an underdog heroine and her charmer of a prince. James Kudelka's art-deco masterpiece from 2004 gets a remount, with original Cinderella dancer Sonja Rodriguez undoubtedly finding that the shoe still fits 10 years later (for four performances, including June 8, 2 p.m.) during this current run. To June 15. $25 to $244. Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W., 416-345-9595 or national.ballet.ca.
Jim Gaffigan
A recent tweet from the likable midwesterner Jim Gaffigan gets to his style of observational comedy: "If you are over 18, it is impossible to eat alone in a food court and not look like a serial killer. 'I'm here to eat and to find my next victim.'" Think of this stand-out stand-up artist as a kinder, gentler Louis C.K., with a worthwhile frustration for food and family. June 7, 7 and 9:30 p.m. $45.89 to $68.14. Sony Centre, 1 Front St. E., ticketmaster.com.
Luminato Festival
You've heard of the Orient Express, but what about the disorientated express? Chef Frederic Morin and the curious turntable auteur Kid Koala join forces for The Lost Train, a mysterious dining adventure involving a secret destination and a surround-sound, train-ambient journey. It is part of a beefed up culinary component to this year's Luminato Festival of intriguing music, dance, theatre, magic and whimsical what have you. All aboard, indeed. To June 15, various venues. The Lost Train : June 10 to 12 (10 trips), $225, departing from Fairmont Royal York Hotel, 100 Front St. W., luminatofestival.com.
The God That Comes
Here comes Hawksley Workman, the charming and undefeatable singer-songwriter who offers an outsized cabaret experience with his one-man, multi-character mini extravaganza. And while his glam-rock piece of theatre involves a brash retelling of the ancient tragedy The Bacchae that is Greek, it all sounds like the Juno-winning Mr. Workman to us. To June 29. $34 to $40. Tarragon Theatre Mainspace, 30 Bridgman Ave., 416-531-1827 or tarragontheatre.com.
Brad Wheeler