NXNE, Taste of Little Italy and other festivals hit Toronto this week

Toronto Comic Arts Festival

Mattamy Athletic Center, 50 Carlton St.

(Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.)

This year’s edition of the entirely free TCAF features creator spotlights, workshops and panel discussions that run the gamut, tackling zines, AI, the environment, graphic novels, political cartooning, web comics, autobiography and more. Guests include such comics luminaries as Chester Brown, Kate Beaton, Seth and Richard Comely, creator of Captain Canuck.

Do West Fest

Dundas Street West

(Sat., 11 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.)

Little Portugal’s annual community celebration takes place along 16 blocks of downtown Toronto, from Shaw Street to Lansdowne Avenue. Along with shopping and food, there’s loads of entertainment. This year’s highlights include an eclectic Saturday concert bill featuring F—ked Up, Shiv & the Carvers and Tijuana Bibles.

NXNE

Various venues

(Weds. through Sun., various times)

The long-running music conference, now in its 30th year, takes over the city with performances by the Beaches, Khalid, Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Cardin and dozens of new artists. Venues include the Drake Underground, Bovine Sex Club, Horseshoe Tavern and Mod Club.

DeRo T.O. Street Soccer Festival

Nathan Phillips Square

(Fri., 9 a.m.)

In anticipation of Toronto hosting the World Cup in 2026, Nathan Phillips Square will host VIPs and community leaders discussing the impact the games will have on the city. Also on tap: entertainment, food vendors and music. It’s organized by the DeRo Foundation, founded by Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario, which helps young people develop skills and confidence through soccer.

Toronto Beaches Rib & Beer Fest

Woodbine Park

(Fri., 4 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 12 p.m.)

A $2 donation (to support the Toronto Beaches Lions Club) gets you in to indulge in the eponymous food and drink and enjoy the entertainment, including Pearl Jam and AC/DC cover bands. Free admission for children under five.

Taste of Little Italy

College Street

(Fri., 6 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m.)

All along College Street, from Bathurst to Shaw, there’ll be lots of food on offer, as well as live music, DJs, cooking demonstrations and a pasta-eating competition. Mangia!