Urban Planner: June 14, 2009

Urban Planner is Torontoist's daily guide to what's on in Toronto, published every morning. If you have an event you'd like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you've got any—to events@torontoist.com.

Cirque du Soleil at Luminato. Image courtesy of Flip Publicity.

PARTIES: Well, the Luminato Festival of Arts & Creativity closes out today with a big finale at Harbourfront in celebration of Cirque du Soleil’s twenty-fifth anniversary. Mini performance events will be happening at both Harbourfront and the Toronto Music Garden from 1:30 p.m. onwards, with a free shuttle boat running between the two locations (the last shuttle is at 8 p.m.). The day ends with the grand finale at 9 p.m. Keep in mind that there’ll be plenty of tasty $5 food dishes available at Harbourfront all day, too. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), 1:30–9 p.m., FREE.

WORDS: The new Punchy Writers Series, under the DC Books umbrella, presents two new titles at their Toronto launch party tonight. Gillian Sze reads from her book Fish Bones, and Nick McArthur reads from his Short Accounts of Tragic Occurences. A handful of other talented yet non-Punchy authors contribute readings as well. Punchy editor David McGimpsey hosts the evening. Magpie Café (831 Dundas Street West), 8 p.m., FREE.

KIDS: We’re still in “awww...” about this one. The Toronto Zoo is making its veterinary staff available today to treat the maladies of kids’ stuffed animals. One sick toy for every child under twelve will receive a full check-up, including a weigh-in, an x-ray, and a pass through the new Wild Toy Heart Monitoring Station. The staff at the zoo stress that they will not be treating live animals, so please do not bring them. Toronto Zoo, Africa Picnic Area (361A Old Finch Avenue), 10 a.m.–2 p.m., FREE with Zoo admission ($21 adults, $13 children 4–12, $15 seniors).

ART: The Power Plant Gallery presents an art/science discussion forum this afternoon as part of its current “Universal Code” exhibit. “The Lawful Universe?” puts exhibiting artist Katie Paterson (whose work reflects the universe) together with two physicists from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics to contemplate the nature of time and to discuss its contemporary cultural context. Professional panel moderator Misha Glouberman hosts. Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre (235 Queens Quay West), 3 p.m., $6.

FASHION: 107Shaw hosts a huge vintage clothing sale this weekend. "Take Your Clothes Off—Summer Fun Edition" brings together numerous vintage vendors who will be selling their best wares. The gallery promises that all of the clothing has been “carefully curated by vintage connoisseurs.” 107Shaw Gallery (107 Shaw Street), 11 a.m.–7 p.m., FREE.