Things to do in Toronto this week: August 16–22

Sunday is your golden window this week—overcast but dry, warming to 25°C by afternoon—and you should use it. Kehlani, the American singer-songwriter whose neo-soul and R&B have built a devoted following, plays the RBC Amphitheatre at 6:30 p.m., and a waterfront show on a clear evening is exactly the kind of night that defines an August in Toronto. The Jays are also hosting the Yankees at Rogers Centre at 1:37 p.m., a proper baseball event if you want to stay downtown all day.

If you're leaning live music instead, there are solid options across the week. Rhett Miller, the lead singer of the alternative country-rock band Old 97's and a solo artist in his own right, plays the Horseshoe Tavern at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Dean Johnson, a jazz bassist, takes Drake Underground at 6:00 p.m. the same night for $36. By Tuesday, Eagles of Death Metal—the American rock band anchored by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme—rolls through the Danforth Music Hall at 7:00 p.m. That's the night drizzle is forecast, so the indoor venue works perfectly.

Nate Bargatze, the American stand-up comedian known for his deadpan delivery and clean material, performs at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. if you want comedy over music. Toronto Tempo takes on Indiana Fever in women's basketball at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., a growing rivalry worth catching.

Beyond the marquee, this is the week to eat thoughtfully and move with the weather. Gemini Pretzel, a new pop-up on the city, has just opened with Toronto-style soft pretzels—thick snappy crusts, pillowy insides, topped with dips sourced from local grocers representing four continents. It's exactly the kind of hyper-local food story that defines the 6ix right now. Head there Sunday or Monday while the weather stays clear. For a proper sit-down before or after Kehlani, El Catrin, the Mexican spot, is a natural choice near the waterfront and sits well with an evening that calls for something warm and flavourful. If Tuesday's drizzle keeps you indoors, Fox on John, the gastropub, is built for a midweek night when you want to settle in somewhere solid.

The Brick Room café on Bay Street reopened this past Saturday after a break-in, with regulars lining up from 7 a.m. It's the kind of small victory that matters in this city—community showing up for a neighbourhood spot. If you're anywhere near Bay and want coffee that comes with that story, go.

One last note: Curryish Tavern on West Queen West is running a spicy curry challenge—finish a Ghost Pepper and Carolina Reaper curry in ten minutes, no water, and you win $100 and a free meal. Only one staff member has managed it. If you want to test yourself over the week, that's the ting.

If I had one night, it's Sunday at the RBC Amphitheatre—good weather, Kehlani, waterfront, and the whole week still ahead of you.