Les 7 doigts de la main. Photo credit: Christian Tremblay.
Friday, Aug. 19
There’s no big tent, but Loft by Les 7 doigts de la main is an edgy, modern show that pulls from the best of the circus. Following the story of seven friends who take up residence in a loft to escape from the outside world, members of this collective use acrobatics, juggling, clown acts, aerial performances, poetry, and song to entertain themselves and their roommates. Music by a DJ is the backbone of the performance, with tunes that range from swing to rap to tango. On at the Casino du Lac-Leamy this Thursday and Friday and Aug. 24 to 27.
File this under “things that are really cool to watch but too scary to try” when the World Championships of Slalom Skateboarding comes to town. Slalom skateboarding involves racing down a hill on a skateboard while maneuvering between tightly placed cones. The world championships of this fast-paced sport are being held in Ottawa this year — the first time since Expo ’86 that they’re taking place on Canadian soil. More than 70 racers from 12 countries and three continents will convene in the capital to vie for the top spot in men, women, juniors, and masters classes — the latter category being for racers over 45. The event is partnered with, and will be making a donation to, United Way Ottawa. Takes place all weekend.
Make the most of the quickly dwindling summer evenings with a visit to the Ottawa Night Market. The only one of its kind in the city (this is its inaugural year, too), the market aims to promote multiculturalism by exposing visitors to the best that local businesses have to offer. Bring your appetite, as plenty of food vendors — Thai Flame, Taste of India, and My Sweet Tea, among others — will be on hand to tempt your taste buds. Visitors can also pick up some one-of-a-kind crafty creations, or just stroll along Somerset Street West, listen to some tunes, and take in the atmosphere. Takes place Friday starting at 6pm and Saturday starting at noon, with both nights running until 1am.
Saturday, Aug. 20
Adore Japanese culture? (And who doesn’t? This is, after all, the culture that brought us sushi). Then head on over to the seventh annual Japanese Summer Festival at Vincent Massey Park. The annual celebration showcases martial arts, flower arranging sessions, traditional dances, tasty food (like a hot dog with Japanese toppings!), a children’s tent with face painting, origami, and games, and a performance by Japanese pop star Blaise Plant of Monkey Majik. The pièce de résistance? It’s all free! (more…)
Stay, Dine, Do
