The artistic side of Toronto revs into full gear when September rolls around — theatre, music, art, literature, it all kicks off in the fall. Herewith, our guide to the best cultural events the city has to offer.

Sept 23 and 24: Check out killer Montreal band Plants and Animals in Toronto’s favourite dank basement bar: The Dakota Tavern. Sure to sell out.

Sept. 24 and 25: We know, we know, JFL 42 is all about bringing the hot, new comedians to town for big shows. But, give us a night of laughs courtesy of the unique and hilarious Gilbert Gottfried and we're happy. Of course, there are like dozens of other shows from which to choose, so really you can't go wrong. The festival runs until Oct. 3.

Sept. 25: Get your fright one early this year by attending Séance at Theatre Passe Muraille, running until Oct. 11. Magician Nick Wallace hosts a live séance right on stage.

Sept. 25: Bianca Del Rio’s Rolodex of Hate. The winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race in town for a one-man comedy special of a decidedly adult nature. You have been warned.

Sept. 25: One of the city'’s loudest and proudest band The Constantines are enjoying a bit of a resurgence as a lot, and they return to the comfortable confines of Lee’s Palace this month.

Sept. 27: One of the most endearing musical success stories in recent memory, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club says “Adiós” to world stages with their 2015 farewell tour featuring Omara Portuondo and company, and stopping at Koerner Hall.

Sept. 27: Literary types and lit-curious folk alike hit Queen’s Park for the 26th annual Word on the Street festival. This year, author Patrick DeWitt is one of many featured at the event.

Oct. 1: The next installment of the Art Gallery of Ontario’s popular First Thursday series features a preview of Nuit Blanche (slated for Oct. 3), internationally acclaimed artist JR as well as a DJ set by iconic Toronto musician K-OS.

Oct. 2: One of our favourite new albums of the fall is the latest by the inestimable Ben Caplan and the Casual Smokers. He checks into the Mod Club for a much-anticipated show.

Oct. 4: Check out Upside Downton, a satirical one-man tribute to that ridiculously popular TV series. It runs at the Panasonic Theatre until Oct. 11 but on this night there will be a Fancy Dress Party. Sweet.

Oct. 5: There are music fans, and then there are those who look for something a bit more than just your average band. For these folks, there is A Place To Bury Strangers, and they’re at the Horseshoe Tavern this month.

Oct. 9: Head to the Comedy Bar for a live performance of amazing comedian Sean Cullen’s popular podcast The Seanpod.

Oct. 9: Proving that his musical range extends beyond the guttural howls he employed in grunge band Soundgarden, Chris Cornell gets all warm and fuzzy with an acoustic show at Massey Hall.

Oct. 14 and 15: There will be laughs aplenty when beloved Scottish comedian Billy Connolly takes the stage at Massey Hall for a rare stand-up show. 

Oct. 14: He might play the banjo and live on the land in Nova Scotia, but Old Man Luedecke is a Toronto native, and much appreciated for his talents as a musician. He plays at Harbourfront Centre.

Oct. 14: If you still need something tonight on this night, head down to one of the city’s live music venues, Burdock, where the very talented and seriously entertaining musician John Southworth will hold court.

Oct. 15: One of the city’s favourite comedic couples Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus get their own much-deserved big show at Theatre Passe Muraille until Nov. 1.

Oct. 18: Currently, the last chance to catch the cabaret-meets-circus hit Empire, running at Toronto’s Harbourfront under the Spiegeltent.

Oct. 19: Some upstart Brit band called The Who hit the Air Canada Centre with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts scheduled to open the show. Might be good.

Oct. 20: The wild child of North York Merrill Nisker, a.k.a. Peaches, brings her bold live show to The Phoenix.

Oct. 22: The massive International Festival of Authors brings the world's best writers to the city for a couple weeks of readings and other events celebrating the written word. Highlights include Richard B. Wright and Guy Vanderhaeghe.

Oct. 23: Neo-soul songster Leon Bridges is one of the hottest musicians going, check him out while you can in the comfy confines of the Danforth Music Hall. 

Oct. 23: Comedy in a giant arena isn't always the best experience, but when you have a lineup like The Comedy Get Down Tour featuring Cedric The Entertainer, we’ll make an exception.

Oct. 25: Yes, we love Kurt Vile and we’d go to this show at the Phoenix regardless, but the addition of opening act Waxahatchee seals the deal on a very pleasurable musical evening.

Oct 26 and 27: Welcome To Night Vale, a live performance of popular podcast presented as a radio show from a fictional town with special musical guest Eliza Rickman

Oct. 27: The former Mr. Courtney Cox, now just David Arquette, hits the stage at the Mirvish Theatre for a starring role in Sherlock Holmes. We are intrigued. 

Oct. 29: One of our fave bands Ought hit the Horseshoe Tavern. If you’re a fan of early Talking Heads (And who isn’t?), you will dig it. 

Oct. 31: A screen of Alfred Hitchcock’s creepy classic film Psycho with a live orchestra courtesy of Toronto Symphony Orchestra? Umm, yes please.

Nov. 1: The Coal Mine Theatre, a great addition to the local theatre scene, kicks off its second season with The River written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Ted Dykstra. It runs until Nov. 22.

Nov. 3 and 5: Everyone’s favourite new artist The Weeknd has finally hit it big and plays the Air Canada Centre in support of his new bestselling album, Beauty Behind the Madness.

Nov. 5: Soulpepper is a beloved Toronto theatre company, and no show was more popular than the incredible Spoon River, which won a 2015 Dora Award for Outstanding New Musical. It’s back, so don’t miss it.

Nov. 14: Musician Beirut returns to Toronto in support of his very cool new album No No No.

Nov. 14: The National Ballet of Canada opens their new season with The Winter’s Tale, a story of loss and redemption with choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.

Nov. 15: John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten) and his Public Image Ltd. (PiL) hit the Opera House for what is sure to be a blistering night of music.

Nov. 17: Bombay Black opens at the Factory Theatre penned by outstanding writer Anosh Irani, nominated for a Governor General’s Award.

Nov. 17: Dee Snider Rock & Roll Christmas Tale at the Winter Garden Theatre. Come on, you know you’re curious to find out what the Twister Sister frontman has in store for the yuletide season.

Nov. 19: The opening night of Domesticated starring whizbang couple Paul Gross and Martha Burns for Canadian Stage. It runs at the ever-charming Berkeley Street Theatre.

Nov. 27: One of the finest holiday traditions this city has to offer, the annual Ross Petty holiday pantomime gets underway on this very night. Petty’s unique take on Peter Pan is featured in this, the 20th anniversary of the show. Sadly, this will be Petty’s last season as part of the production, so be sure not to miss it.

Nov. 27: The incredible Afie Jurvanen, a.k.a. Bahamas performs as part of the Massey Hall Live series with the lovely Weather Station opening. 

Dec 11 and 12: Furious and fun indie rockers Alvvays hit the  Danforth Music Hall for two nights.

Dec. 12: The annual National Ballet of Canada production of The Nutcracker is one of the best in the world. A feast for the senses.