Weekend events in Toronto: Oct. 17 - 19

Try your hand at axe throwing or learn how to be a zombie with this weekend's roundup of events.

1. Axe throwing: Like darts, but not

Battle it out for the top spot at the 14th edition of this axe-throwing competition. Winners take home a wood-burned hatchet. Note: Please wear closed-toe shoes.

When: Friday, Oct. 17

Where: 33 Villiers St.

Cost: $40 per person

2. Big City Improv Festival

Billed as Toronto's largest improv showcase, this nine-day laugh fest features some of the best performers from across North America.

When: Friday, Oct. 17 to Saturday, Oct. 25

Where: Various locations

Cost: Details available online

3. Hip-hip karaoke: Def Jam 30th anniversary edition

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Def Jam, the ground-breaking record label that helped launched the careers of some of hip hop's most influential artists. Choose from an extensive catalogue of songs featuring hits from Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Method Man and many more.

When: Friday, Oct. 17

Where: Revival, 783 College St. West

Cost: $10 cover

4. 2014 Canadian Beauty Innovation Awards

Learn about this season's hottest makeup trends and test out new products before they hit the shelves at this three-day beauty extravaganza event.

When: Friday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 19

Where: Heritage Building, 340 King St. East

Cost: Details available online

5. Delicious Food Show

Meet your favourite celebrity chef at this food-lovers event that will feature cooking demos, tastings and hands-on workshops. Headlining this year's event is chef Mario Batali.

When: Friday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 19

Where: Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd.

Cost: Details available online

6. How to be a zombie workshop

Are you planning on dressing up as a zombie this Halloween? Get tips from Toronto Zombie Walk makeup artist Tiffany Mark.

When: Friday, Oct. 17

Where: Bloor-Gladstone Library, 1101 Bloor St. West

Cost: Register in branch, or call 416-393-7674

7. Cineplex Community Day

Watch a free movie at a participating Cineplex theatre this Saturday. Select concession items will be sold for $2, with 100 per cent of the proceeds donated to Free the Children.

When: Saturday, Oct. 18

Where: Details available online

Cost: Free

8. Toronto After Dark Film Festival

The critically acclaimed film festival celebrates new horror, sci-fi, action and cult films from around the world.

When: Thursday, Oct. 16 to Friday, Oct. 24

Where: Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond St. W.

Cost: Single tickets are $13

9. Red Bull Flying Bach

The Flying Bach show combines contemporary breakdance with live classical music in an array of popping and locking, flares, spins and acrobatics.

When: Thursday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 19

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.

Cost: Tickets range from $20 to $70

10. Walking Dead Latenighter

Play six specialty games of Laser Quest through an action-packed, Walking Dead-themed maze.

When: Friday, Oct. 17 to Saturday, Oct. 18

Where: Laser Quest Toronto East, 1980 Eglinton Ave. E.

Cost: Tickets are $25

Did we miss any great events? Share yours in the comments section below.