TORONTO, Ont. – The 88th annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair opens at Exhibition Place, Friday.

It’s one of many events taking place around the city this weekend.

“(The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair) is going to be happening in and around the CNE grounds, and we know that there’s going to be a lot of people coming down to see that,” Toronto Police Sergeant Tim Burrows told 680News. “On Saturday night, the Leafs will be playing. On Sunday afternoon, the Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Game – both of those taking place at the ACC, and as well as the Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills are playing at the Rogers Centre this weekend.”

And with road closures in effect, once again, it is a good idea to plan ahead if you’re planning on driving downtown.

Here’s a list of some of the events:

• Royal Agricultural Winter Fair:

The annual event returns to Toronto this November with crowd favourites, such as livestock barns, horse shows, giant vegetable competitions, the Superdogs, and new shows and exhibits which include Horse Hockey, celebrity chef competitions, concerts and the Family Fun Stage.

Running from Friday, November 5 to Sunday, November 14, the show has been a favourite among Torontonians since it began in 1922. It remains the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show, which showcases innovations in food and agriculture, thousands of farm animals, and dozens of the world’s top equestrian horses and riders.

Last year, the fair was officially opened by Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

On Friday, the Food Network’s celebrity cake-creator Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes will be on hand to make desserts and judge a pastry competition between well-known chefs. Saturday will see the start of the Horse Hockey show, a combination of polo and hockey. Hockey legends such as Darryl Sittler, Rick Vaive and Brad Marsh are expected to be in attendance.

The fair’s closing variety show on Sunday the 14th will include an all new celebrity cattle herding competition featuring Wendel Clark, and will be hosted by CBC drama Heartland’s Amber Marshall.

Two concerts will add to the fun. Canadian rockers Three Days Grace will take to the stage on Saturday the 6th, and Marianas Trench and illScarlett will perform on Saturday the 13th.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is held at Ricoh Coliseum, at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place.

The doors open Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m., and stay open until 9 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors (60+), $16 for youth, and free for children aged 4 or younger.

For more information on hours, tickets and shows, click here.

• Day of the Dead Festival:

Taking place at Harbourfront Centre, Day of the Dead is a free event celebrating the memory of the departed and the spirit of Mexico. Produced in partnership with the consulate General of Mexico, the festival is filled with music and dance, and celebrates the cultural traditions, history and spiritual aspects associated with the popular Mexican holiday.

For more information, call 416-473-4000 or click here.

• Diwali – Mela:

Presented by the Gerrard India Bazaar, this free festival celebrates the most important festival holiday of the year, Diwali. Often referred to as the Festival of Lights, it is the most glamorous and important occasion in India, which people of every religion embrace and enjoy.

The Gerard India Bazaar will have cultural and music programs on the north side of Ashdale Ave., just off Gerard St. E (between Coxwell and Greenwood), and will be held Saturday and Sunday, from 3 – 9 p.m.

For more information, call 416-465-8513 or click here.

• The 10th Anniversary Road to Asia Festival:

Presented by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the festival is a two-day arts and entertainment event celebrating the richness and diversity of Asian culture.

This year’s shows will feature displays and performances by participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.

Both days will features performances on the main stage, ongoing martial arts demonstrations, community and cultural displays, and a food court displaying different delicacies.

The event will be held at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, which is located at 6 Garamond Court (in the Don Mills and Eglinton area). Prices range from $1 – $9.

For more information, call 416-441-2345 or click here.

For information on other events this weekend, visit the City of Toronto website events calendar.