By Anne Joyce

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.

Cyclists taking part in Critical Mass make their way to last year’s Blackout Anniversary Party; photo by Martin Reis.

PARTY: Fridges were emptied of beer, pounds of meat were hauled out of freezers to be barbecued and shared among friends and strangers, babies were conceived. I lost my wallet. (Hey, it was dark!) It seems everyone has at least one fond memory of Toronto’s 2003 blackout. An evening that started off annoying—leaving folks stranded downtown or stuck in traffic—soon turned into a night to remember, as communities came together and we all realized there’s more to the summer in our city than holing up in our air-conditioned homes watching TV. This weekend marks the sixth anniversary of that dark and silly night, and what better way to reminisce than with throngs of people reliving the event. This year’s magic takes place on the popular Ossington strip, where twenty-eight businesses will come unplugged—no mikes, no amps, no lights—for a night of good food, drink, and conversation. Some venues will feature acoustic performances by acts such as The Beauties and the Kensington Horns, while others will pass around instruments so you can play along. Party-goers are encouraged to fill up parking meters so spots normally hogged by cars can be used for games, entertainment, or anything else you can think of that doesn’t require electricity (within limits, of course!). Ossington Avenue (between Dundas and Queen), 8 p.m.–2 a.m., FREE or PWYC.
ARCHITECTURE: If you were one of the unlucky to be turned away from the Don Jail during Doors Open, keep reading. Having just announced that it will not become an event venue as previously planned, the famous Don is offering a select number of historic tours inside its walls, beginning today. Designed by architect William Thomas (who also designed St. Michael’s Cathedral and St. Lawrence Hall), the jail is one of the few pre-Confederation buildings that remain intact in the city and was the site of thirty-four hangings before capital punishment was outlawed in Canada. The Don Jail (550 Gerrard Street East), 10 a.m.–6 p.m., tickets purchased through Slingshot will be honoured for the Bridgepoint-run tours and a limited number of tickets are still available for purchase.
FILM: Now in its fourth year, the Toronto After Dark Film Festival promises film lovers the best in new horror, sci-fi, fantasy, action, animated, and cult films from around the world. Eight nights of cinematic indulgence begin tonight at the legendary Bloor Cinema. Treats in this year’s lineup include the Canadian premiere of the Sundance Film Festival hit Black Dynamite; the world premiere of Strigoi, an eccentric new vampire movie from Romania; and Jet Li’s award-winning performance in China’s The Warlords. Dress as the undead on Zombie Appreciation Night and see two movies for half price. An added bonus: DJ Suckapunch (aka Scott Sanders, director of Black Dynamite) will be hosting the festival’s opening gala. Festival: Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor Street West), go online for tickets and showtimes. Gala: Annex Wreckroom (794 Bathurst Street), doors at 9 p.m., $10 at the door.
MULTIMEDIA: Running for ten days and spanning two weekends, the Planet IndigenUs festival launches today at Harbourfront. With its unique focus on honouring art in Indigenous life from around the world, the festival is the largest of its kind and offers a wide range of multi-disciplinary talent from often-marginalized cultures. Highlights of this evening’s opening ceremonies include Natives on a Daily Basis, an interactive installation by youths from across the city; the world premiere of the Planet IndigenUs Festival Orchestra, helmed by Maestro John Kim Bell; and the Songwriters’ Circle, comprising Maritime vocals, Arctic rock, and stringed instruments played by an Ecuadorian musician. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay), 6 p.m., FREE.