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Home > What to See Ottawa

What to See Ottawa

Ottawa Weekend Calendar for May 24 to 26

 

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Friday, May 24

Wrap up your week with the larger than life, award-winning bassist and composer Paul Rushka as he plays at the popular GigSpace. Rushka has been featured in recordings with musicians such as James Danderfer and Chad Makela, as well as having accompanied jazz greats such as John Taylor and Joe La Barbera.

Jazz not your thing? Well how about swing, instead? Misses Satchmo is playing at Cabaret La Basoche just across the bridge in Gatineau. Comprised of two musicians and a number of spectacular dancers, Misses Satchmo’s eclectic music is filled with clarinet and trumpet solos, and a touch of banjo to get your night into full swing.

The Centerpointe Theater presents The Fiddler on The Roof. Set in 1905 Tsarist Russia, this classic story portrays the life of Tevye as he attempts to keep his family’s Jewish traditions free of outside influences.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Suturday, May 25

The third annual Ottawa Foodie Challenge kicks off at 9 a.m. at The Domicile Developments Sales Centre located at 222 Beechwood Avenue, with a breakfast provided by Art is in Bakery. After a quick bite the Foodie Challenge Cards will be given out to each team and they will have until 5 p.m. to perform as many of the tasks as possible. The closing ceremony will be at Urban Element at 424 Parkdale Avenue where the winning team will be crowned the Foodie Challenge winner. All proceeds go to The Ottawa Food Bank in an effort to help fight hunger.

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Residents of Ottawa hunt for treasure this weekend at the Great Glebe Garage Sale

The Great Glebe Garage Sale is here. This is one of Ottawa’s favourite spring events since 1986. People from all across the city set up booths and tables throughout the Glebe to sell gently used items at bargain prices. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. allowing for everyone, early riser or not, to have a shot at snagging a couple of gems. Organizers encourage all vendors to donate a minimum of 10 percent of their proceeds to The Ottawa Food Ban; shoppers are free to make donations as well.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Sunday, May 26

Run, walk, or simply watch, it’s time to get out and get active – Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is back. Rated as one of the top 101 races to do before you die by runabroad.com, Ottawa Race Weekend has something for everyone. Canada’s largest marathon draws in over 40,000 runners and spans two full days. Saturday includes a five- and 10-kilometre race, as well as a two-kilometre family race. Sunday is Marathon day. Designated a Silver Label by The International Amateur Athletic Federation, the race begins at 7 a.m. with plenty of spectator locations set up along the course.

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Bet Your Ass It’s Bluegrass with The Dusty Drifters

Want a fun way to wrap up the weekend? Every Sunday night for the past three years Irene’s Pub, located at 885 Bank Street, has played host to The Dust Drifters for the You Bet Your Ass It’s Bluegrass night. An evening filled with the harmonious sound of banjos, harmonicas, and a little bit of twang has become a Sunday night staple for many people of Ottawa. If you’ve never had a chance to check it out, this Sunday will be your last chance. The Dusty Drifters will be kicking things off at 9 p.m.

Experience Sakahàn: International Indigenous Art at the National Gallery of Canada

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Sakahàn: International Indigenous Art at the National Gallery of Canada features stunning works including Kärsämäki by Marja Helander Photo: © Marja Helander

Considered one of the National Gallery of Canada’s “most ambitious contemporary art exhibitions to date,” Sakahàn: International Indigenous Art features over 150 works by more than 75 international artists. Sakahàn, which means “to light [a fire]” in the language of the Algonquin, is the National Gallery’s largest survey of recent Indigenous art, which addresses cultural, political, and social issues. Many of these works were created specifically for this exhibit, including a number of impressive installations. Here we take a look at some of the impressive pieces in Sakahàn that are on view at the National Gallery of Canada until September 2.

• National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., 613-990-1985, gallery.ca
• Map and Reviews

Start our slideshow of Sakahàn: International Indigenous Art »

Ottawa Music Guide: Top 12 Ottawa Venues For Live Music

By MATÍAS MUÑOZ

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Ottawa Music Venues: Rich Aucoin gets up close with the crowd at Café Dekcuf (Photo: Ming Wu)

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Babylon Nightclub
This Ottawa music venue in the city’s Centretown neighbourhood is home to artists of all kinds, showcasing hip hop groups one night and indie rockers the next. There’s plenty of room for dancing, but also lots of comfy seating for those who enjoy catching up with friends. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St., 613-594-0003, babylonclub.ca
• Map and Reviews

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: The Black Sheep Inn
Nestled in the beautiful town of Wakefield, Quebec just a 25-minute drive from Ottawa, this historic music venue is a must-visit. Some of Canada’s best musicians have graced The Black Sheep’s stage, making it a prime stop for many notable bands passing through Quebec and Eastern Ontario. It has become legend in Canada’s music folklore history. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• The Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Dr., 819-459-3228, theblacksheepinn.com
• Map and Reviews

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Bronson Centre
As one of Ottawa’s few mid-sized venues, the Bronson’s unlikely conversion of a community centre into a music hall actually makes a lot of sense. Although there is seating and a more dated layout, the size of the venue attracts many notable musicians. While shows are not as frequent here as they are in dedicated music venues, the Bronson Centre books wisely and normally attracts a strong crowd. See what’s on this month by clicking here.
• Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave., 613-237-5550, bronsoncentre.ca
• Map and Reviews

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Ottawa Music Venues: Diamond Rings plays Ritual Nightclub in downtown Ottawa (Photo: Ming Wu)

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Café Dekcuf
Located directly above Mavericks (see below), this music venue is known for profiling local bands, making it a great place to take some local culture. With a capacity of around 150, it is a small space filled with energy. It is not uncommon to see bands come off the stage and play songs amongst the crowd. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• Café Dekcuf, 221 Rideau St., 613-244-5000, cafedekcuf.com
• Map and Reviews

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: The Daily Grind
If you like intimate surroundings, then this is your place. Being the smallest venue on this list, one might not think much goes on there. However, depending on the evening, there can be anyone from a peaceful singer-songwriter to a hard-rock band that has filled the café to capacity. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• The Daily Grind, 601 Somerset St. W., 613-233-2233, thedailygrindartcafe.com
• Map and Reviews

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Mavericks Bar
This venue is a staple in Ottawa’s music scene, providing a good mix of smaller, local acts and more well-known ones. Located just down the street from the Rideau Centre, it is accessible and provides a little more space for patrons than other places around the city. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• Mavericks Bar, 221 Rideau St., 613-562-3941, mavericksbar.com
• Map and Reviews

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Ottawa Music Venues: Landon A.R. Coleman plays Raw Sugar Café (Photo: Ming Wu)

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Mercury Lounge
The lounge-style ambiance here makes for a more mature, relaxed vibe. Dim lighting and smooth live music make this Ottawa venue an ideal hangout for adults of all ages. Mercury Lounge is the middle of the ByWard Market, close to other fine restaurants and nightlife spots. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• Mercury Lounge, 56 ByWard Market Square., 613-789-5324, mercurylounge.com
• Map and Reviews

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: National Arts Centre
This beautiful, multi-purpose arts facility sits along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa’s downtown core. With several stages of varying size, this arts venue is capable of holding larger crowds with rowed seating in Southam Hall, or more intimate concerts at the Theatre, Studio or Fourth Stage.
• National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., 613-947-7000, nac-cna.ca
• Map and Reviews

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Pressed
This quiet gourmet sandwich bar on Gladstone is bursting with all kinds of events. There is an aura of creativity that resonates from this place—and is showcased by the variety of acts that perform, from poets to live bands. This Ottawa venue uses its spaces to its full potential. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• Pressed, 750 Gladstone Ave., 613-680-9294, pressed-ottawa.com
• Map and Reviews

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The Rolling Stones shooting their music video for “Streets of Love” at Zaphod Beeblebrox in Ottawa’s ByWard Market

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Raw Sugar Café
This quaint little café at the edge of Ottawa’s Chinatown is the definition of independent. Some of the best indie bands from Ottawa and around the country love the comfy living room-style atmosphere, which almost feels like a house show at times. There is a sense of warmth to this venue like no other in Ottawa. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• Raw Sugar Café, 692 Somerset St. W., 613-216-2850, rawsugarcafe.com
• Map and Reviews

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Ritual Nightclub
Known to throw some wild events, Ritual is the natural home for electronic, hip hop and DJ sets. With big sound and a long bar, this venue is a favourite amongst experienced partygoers. It is also conveniently located adjacent to the Rideau Centre in downtown Ottawa. See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• Ritual Nightclub, 137 Besserer St., 613-680-7661, Facebook page
• Map and Reviews

OTTAWA MUSIC VENUES: Zaphod Beeblebrox
Located in the heart of the Ottawa’s ByWard Market, Zaphod Beeblebrox—simply known as Zaphod’s to locals—is a prime stop for touring musicians and is probably the most well-known in Ottawa. The Rolling Stones shot their 2005 video for “Streets of Love” here! See what’s on this week by clicking here.
• Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York St., 613-652-1010, zaphods.ca
• Map and Reviews

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Canadian Tulip Festival Begins This Weekend in Ottawa

By KAREN LADOUCEUR

Canadian Tulip Festival: Friday May 3

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The Canadian Tulip Festival begins this weekend in Ottawa

The 61st Canadian Tulip Festival begin today!

The festival will start this morning with the Commemorative Cavalcade of Classics. This procession of vintage vehicles runs from Dows Lake and continues all the way to Tulip Plaza at City Hall on Laurier Street. This time-honoured tradition was founded as a way to welcome soldiers home from the Second World War, as well as mark the beginning of the very first Tulip Festival.

The Cavalcade will be greeted by the boisterous sounds of jazz and swing music as the seven-piece band The Jivewires kick-off this 18-day festival. For those who jump and jive, or even for those who just want to sit and listen, this free show is sure to have you toe-tapping in no time.

In the evening Ottawa’s very own Hollerado hits the stage at Tulip Plaza. This young band, originally from Manotick, Ontario, a small town just outside of Ottawa, has exploded onto the music scene over the past couple of years. The show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with opening acts Hotel Morphée and Pandaléon. This will be a monumental kick-off for the 61st Canadian Tulip Festival.

Canadian Tulip Festival: Saturday May 4

The BULB, or Big Urban Living Boutique, is scheduled to be at the Tulip Plaza beginning at 10:00 a.m. The BULB gathers over 20 artists to showcase everything from arts, crafts and handmade soaps to photography, fashion, and jewellery.

Canadian Tulip Festival: Sunday May 5

Something new to the Tulip Festival this year is the addition of the Tulip Route Bike Ride, in partnership with Capital Vélo Fest. Choose to ride with friends and family, or participate in a guided tour. Both are free of charge and conducted by festival volunteers.

This 16-kilometre tour begins on Preston Street in the Little Italy section of the Tulip Festival and loops around Ottawa and Gatineau.

 

 

Ottawa Weekend Calendar for April 19 to 21

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: The Caverners capture the essence of The Beatles.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Friday, April 19

Once you’ve thrown in the towel on the workweek, head over to the Ottawa St. Anthony Italia Soccer Club and watch opponents go toe-to-toe at Beaver Boxing’s Big Fight Night in Little Italy. Fighters will be bobbing and weaving for a good cause, as proceeds go right back into the organization’s Beaver Boxing Club Youth Boxing Program. Come find out who will go the distance!

Return to Yesterday and get the total Beatles experience with The Caverners. From the Liverpudlian accents, to the hair, clothing, and classic Ludwig Ringo drum kit, Canada’s premier Beatle’s tribute band offers a Ticket to Ride back in time and experience The Beatles in concert once again. Grab your friends and Come Together for this sentimental show at the Centrepointe Theatre this weekend.

An interactive learning experience for adults, Arctic Armchair Adventures are offered by the Museum of Nature to help you explore and understand the Arctic without having to buy a new winter jacket. Tonight only, check out breathtaking imagery and footage as you embark on a virtual expedition led by several Students on Ice alumni.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Saturday, April 20

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Pick up a one of a kind present for Mother’s Day at the OVCC show.

Join the Ottawa Valley Craft and Collectibles Show where 70 local artists, artisans, and crafters are selling their wares at Library and Archives Canada. The show’s strong commitment to “thinking local” extends to the Ottawa Humane Society, the charity of choice which will receive all the proceeds of the silent auction. Peruse the crafts market, antiques and collectibles, explore the art exhibition, and grab a bite from the OVCC Café when you’ve struck up an appetite.

The Meeples Republic brings people together for the sole purpose of enjoying each others company! Join friends and strangers at the Shopify Lounge to partake in an evening of fun that everyone can agree on: party games, Kichesippi beer, and snacks from local producers. If mingling with good people isn’t prize enough for you, there are door prizes to be won from Emulsify, Games for All, and the Comic Book Shoppe.

Pop-rock and ballet combine in a flash of sequins for the Alberta Ballet‘s production of Love Lies Bleeding. Set to 14 classic songs sung by Sir Elton John, this extravagant show at the NAC explores the inevitable hardships that go hand-in-hand with super stardom.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Sunday, April 21

Got the Sunday blues? A pair of talented Canadian singer-songwriters at the Black Sheep Inn will almost certainly lift your spirits. Offering a variety of pop and rock with folk influences, Toronto singer-songwriter Matthew Barber has seven albums worth of material to choose from for his lineup. Joining him is 18-year-old Nova Scotian Molly Thomason, who herself already has two albums of hook-laden songs under her belt.

You’ll be transfixed by arabesques and axels as national champion figure skaters take Scotiabank Place by storm. This year’s Stars on Ice tour brings household names such as Kurt Browning, Patrick Chan, and Joannie Rochette to Ottawa for a spectacular show.

Star Wars Identities Comes to Ottawa: A Sneak Peek of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum Exhibit

 

Star Wars Identities Ottawa

Darth Vader in Star Wars Identities (Photo: © 2012 Lucasfilms Ltd. & TM)

Star Wars is coming to Ottawa!

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum presents the blockbuster exhibition Star Wars Identities. From Yoda to Han Solo, this special exhibit explores the world of Star Wars with over 200 costumes, props, and models. The exhibition also looks at the identities of all your favourite Star Wars characters, and allows you to create your own Star Wars hero.

Star Wars Identities opens in Ottawa on May 10 and runs until September 2 at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Here we take a sneak peek at some of the incredible sights that are part of this exhibition!

Start our slideshow of Star Wars Identities»

 

Ottawa Weekend Calendar for April 12 to 14

By KAILA MOREAU

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: The company from Peggy Baker Dance Projects performs Piano/Quartet

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Friday, April 12

At the end of a long week, allow music and dancing to sweep you away. This weekend, an outstanding group of dancers from Peggy Baker Dance Projects take the stage at the NAC to showcase their new major work Piano/Quartet. Accompanied by celebrated pianist John Kameel Farah, this exquisite show showcases the transcendent qualities of contemporary dance and live music.

Have you ever wanted to completely recreate yourself? Chamber Theatre Hintonburg’s presentation of Edmond may convince you to think again. Written by David Mamet in the 1980s, the play tells the tale of the unhappy, mild-mannered Edmond Burke as he embarks on a journey to create himself anew. The results are ruinous. Don’t miss this thought-provoking production at The Carleton Tavern.

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Ottawa’s Hollerado opens for Billy Talent at Scotiabank Place

Rock rumbles into town this weekend as groups Billy Talent, Hollerado, Sum 41, and Indian Handcrafts play at Scotiabank Place. The boys are slowly winding down their cross-Canada tour, which kicked-off on the west coast in mid-March.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Saturday, April 13

Bring the whole clan and discover the buzz of spring on the farm. The Canada Agriculture Museum has all kinds of fun daily activities lined up this month. Kids can learn to cook with chocolate, how to milk a cow, and how to make butter. There are also plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with furry, fluffy, and feathery friends.

Roots, soul, and rock n’ roll can be found at the Black Sheep Inn this Saturday. On tour promoting their new album Ghosts of your Charms, Toronto based New Country Rehab is joined by special guests Jack Pine and The Fire. The groups complement one another well, each putting their own unique twist on the sounds of folk and alt-country.


The National Women’s Show is celebrating women at the Ottawa Convention Centre this weekend. Whatever being a woman means to you, something’s bound to tickle your fancy at this two-day extravaganza. Watch fashion shows! Enjoy food and wine! Seek home renovation advice! With so much to do, and so little time, you’ll want to show up early. A limited number of gift bags is further incentive to get an early start.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Sunday, April 14

Learn how to spruce up your summer retreat with all the bells and whistles at The Cottage and Backyard Show at the Ernst and Young Centre. Learn about building and renovating, and shop for new toys as you prepare for grilling season. By the time summer comes around, all you’ll have left to do is relax.

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Get your outdoor space ready for summer at The Cottage and Backyard Show

While Dad browses The Cottage and Backyard Show, bring the kids over to Kidsfest: The 12th Annual Capital Parent and Kids Show! The show is packed with fun for everyone with shows, exhibits, and educational demonstrations. Parents can peruse summer camp exhibits and save on great family products and services. Also, Diego and his friend Dora the Explorer will be there. They’re kind of a big deal!

Ottawa Weekend Calendar for April 5 to 7

By KAILA MOREAU

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Madison Violet plays the Black Sheep Inn on April 5.

Whether it’s fine arts, tunes, or athletics you’re into, The Ottawa Weekend Calendar has hand-picked the hippest happenings around town!

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Friday, April 5

Feeling artsy? Head down to the National Gallery of Canada and celebrate the seven newest recipients of the prestigious 2013 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts. Organized by the National Gallery in collaboration with the Canada Council for the Arts and the Governor General, the exhibit features a vast spectrum of art including pottery, paintings, sculpture, film, and sound from this year’s winners.

A fateful meeting of musical minds in the late 1990s brought Canadian singers and songwriters Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac together. Shortly after meeting, the two women formed folk-group Madison Violet. This dynamic duo has been busy making music ever since, performing for sold-out audiences across North America, Australia, the UK, and Europe. Get a load of these talented ladies when they stop off at The Black Sheep Inn.

Go treasure hunting at the Carleton University Field House! Since it’s inception in 1995, the Ottawa Antique Show has been bringing new life to old gems. Over fifty private vendors are bringing their vintage accessories and timeless furnishings to one place for you to choose from. A $10 admission fee allows you unlimited access to the show for its three-day run.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Saturday, April 6

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: International women’s hockey teams face off for the gold.

The IIHF World Women’s Championship returns to Ottawa this year, where it began over twenty years ago in 1990. Eight teams will face-off at the Scotiabank Place, as Canada tries to defend last year’s title as the number one women’s hockey team in the world. This will be the final world championship prior to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Catch the quarter-finals today!

With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day looming in the not-so-distant future, the Ottawa Spring Craft Show may be your saving grace. Boasting 180 vendors offering handmade clothing, home and garden décor, and accessories, you’re sure to find an original gift for mom or dad. (You may not be able to resist buying a thing or two for yourself!) Brides-to-be take note, Saturday features dress designers and wedding planners.

If you’re hungry for harmony, there’s a lot on the menu tonight at Zaphod Beeblebrox in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Kicking things off is Ottawa singer/songwriter Pia Ashley. From there, the show rolls out an eclectic combination of pop and rock. Ottawa foursome Arms of the Girl bring a fluid blend of alt-country, folk-rock, and Southern blues to the mix, which Toronto’s Paint will contrast with their energetic brand of rock.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Sunday, April 7

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet graces the National Arts Centre.

In need of a getaway? Go no further than the National Arts Centre and allow The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s performance of The Sleeping Beauty to sweep you away. The moving musical score of Tchaikovsky, breathtaking costumes, and stunning choreography will invite you right into this magical kingdom where good triumphs over evil.

If your musical minions want to know all the secrets of a symphony, bring the whole family to Inside the Music at NAC‘s Southam Hall. Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and OrKidstra have arranged this free event to give kids a behind the scenes peek at the instruments and direction that contribute to the Orchestra’s impeccable sound. The kids will have the opportunity to meet the musicians, and even direct a small ensemble.

 

Ottawa Weekend Calendar for March 22 to 24

By KAILA MOREAU

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Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Prepare for spring at the Home & Garden show.


Not sure what to do this weekend? The Ottawa Weekend Calendar has got you covered.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Friday, March 22
Get lost in Don McCullin’s first solo exhibit in Canada at the National Gallery of Canada, featuring 134 striking black and white photos. From violent scenes of war to serene landscapes, Don McCullin: A Retrospective highlights the wide variety of images this British photojournalist has captured. A screening of his feature documentary McCullin will air Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m.

Sick of the cold and snow? A trip to the Ottawa Home and Garden Show at the Ernst and Young Centre this weekend will ease that winter angst. Get excited about spring as you browse discounted products and learn from guest experts, such as HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler who’s presentation (1 p.m., Saturday, March 23) is all about home renovations.

Raise your glass for A Toast to the Ladies! Hosted by the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa, this gala features a photography exhibit, raffle prizes, wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, and live music from Bluesfest favourite The Love Machine. All proceeds are going to Ottawa’s Youville Centre to help young mothers and children.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Saturday, March 23

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: See flowers in full bloom at the Museum of Nature.

Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet are creating sparks together as Whitehorse. Married since 2006, the duo have come together professionally, putting their successful solo careers aside. They play the National Arts Centre with Daniel Romano, who previously fronted beloved band Attack In Black.

What’s better than Easter chocolate? Easter chocolate a week early! Guylaine from L’Artisan du Dessert will be leading young chefs through the process of making and decorating chocolate eggs. In preparation for the holiday, bring your little chocolatiers over to the Museum of Civilization for this creative children’s workshop!

Spring is in full bloom at the Museum of Nature. Ikebana: Horizon, exhibited annually at the Museum, showcases the disciplined art form of Japanese floral design, which emphasizes shape, line, and form. Join in demonstrations to learn the styles of the Sogetsu and Ohara schools of Ikebana.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Sunday, March 24

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: The Maple Sugar Festival wraps up March 24.

A great way to wind down after a hectic weekend, Music for a Sunday Afternoon begins at 2 p.m. at the National Art Gallery. Guest musicians perform a number of classical pieces by Schubert, Chopin, and George Crumb on the flute, cello, and piano.

The Maple Sugar Festival at the Sugar Shack draws to a close today with activities for the whole family. Bring your appetite for brunch and Maple Sugar desserts. Feeling lucky? Try your hand at Bingo. For the adrenaline junkies, The Maple Race and the Strongmen Show will leave you short of breath!

 

Ottawa Weekend Calendar for March 15 to 17

By KAILA MOREAU

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Absurd Person Singular runs until March 23rd at The Gladstone.

Wondering what to get up to this weekend in Ottawa? Let our Ottawa Weekend Calendar be your guide.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Friday, March 15

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Ottawa VERSeFest has enlisted Irish poets Matthew Sweeney (of County Donegal) and Rita Ann Higgins (of County Galway) to engage you with their prose. Join them at Knox Presbyterian Church as they rhyme off readings from their collections.

Christmas is quickly becoming a distant memory, but Absurd Person Singular, a 1972 play by Alan Ayckbourn, takes you on a journey to Christmases past. Documenting the changing fortunes of three married couples over three consecutive Christmas parties, this play reminds us what a difference a year makes. On stage at The Gladstone.

Has the drab snow and dirt got you down? You may benefit from an artistic pick me up! Until March 28th, the Galerie Old Chelsea is playing host to John Hiscock’s new series Sublime Light. Viewing this bold series of landscape watercolours is sure to remind you of nature’s beauty.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Saturday, March 16

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will have Ottawa seeing green. Kicking off at 11 a.m., the parade will wind its way through city streets via Laurier, Bank, and Wellington. And the party won’t stop there. Following the parade, the 2013 Parade Party at St. Brigid’s Centre offers food and drink.

A prominent young front-runner in the contemporary jazz community, Laila Biali is bringing her talent to the National Arts Centre. Biali borrows from multiple styles, ranging from pop to classical, weaving them into her own unique arrangements.

Did you know that the sun has sunspots? Canada Science and Technology Museum‘s solar telescopes make solar observing a reality. Leave your sunglasses at home and head to the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory to safely observe the sun to see for yourself!

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Sunday, March 17

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Bring your sweet tooth to the Ottawa Maple Sugar Fest

The nine-day annual Ottawa Maple Sugar Fest gets underway today with brunch hosted by the Knights of Columbus. The week has a number of activities in store including sleigh rides, a petting zoo, soup cook-offs, and a lumberjack challenge. Bring your sweet tooth and your appetite for what’s sure to be a tasty time.

It’s the final day of Barnyard Break! at the Canada Agriculture Museum. Ease your kids back into school with this day of fun and learning. There will be reading and crafts, cooking classes, and visits with barnyard animals.

Arbor Vitae At Ottawa’s City Hall Art Gallery

 

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Arbor Vitae on display at Ottawa’s City Hall Art Gallery

Lorraine Gilbert and Christopher Varady-Szabo collaborate in their new exhibit Arbor Vitae at Ottawa’s City Hall Art Gallery. Varady-Szabo, originally from Australia, now spends most of his time between Gaspé and Gatineau, and is currently studying for his M.F.A at the University of Ottawa. Gilbert has been producing photographic works since 1980, which can be seen across the world — from the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa to the Polaroid collection in Amsterdam. Together, the two artists share their photographs and photo-drawings of trees, majestic plants that act as a medium for the flow of visible and hidden energies, in Arbor Vitae. The exhibit runs until April 7 at the City Hall Art Gallery.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar for March 1 to 3

BY ADELLE FARRELLY

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Disney On Ice: Rockin’ Ever After this weekend at Scotiabank Place.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Friday, March 1
Love great food? How about awesome music?  Wend your way to the Wellington End neighbourhood this weekend for the Wellington End Music & Food Festival, featuring seven great venues and 45 bands. You get to be a festival judge, too: with your ticket, you’ll receive a ballot so you can vote for your favourite food and craft beer pairing. Arrive hungry, because the more you try, the more chances you’ll have at winning great prizes.

Head over to the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO)’s Red Wall Gallery to get a glimpse of “The Seats,” the photographic exhibit by SPAO Artist-In-Residence Mitchell Burton. Burton forces the viewer to consider the spaces and venues where public gatherings take place, whether that means the seats in a theatre or those at a political event.

Give your kids a March treat this year by bringing them to Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After. They’ll be on the edge of their seats as they take in the sight of their favourite Disney characters, now including Merida from Brave, and you’ll enjoy the dizzying feats of the performers as you create lasting family memories.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Saturday, March 2

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Jarvis Church’s Soul Station comes into town this weekend.

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Gerald Eaton, front man for the groundbreaking Philosopher Kings, wonder no more. In addition to writing and producing for artists such as K’Naan, Eaton has transformed himself into Jarvis Church, and he’s breezing into town with his much-anticipated concert, “Soul Train.”

Here’s an event for the avid readers and writers among you: The Ottawa International Writers Festival kicks off this weekend with “Twisting Reality: Hidden in Plain Sight”, featuring award-winning local author Charles de Lint, Gary Blackwood, and Cheryl Rainfield. The trio explains the magic of young adult fiction, and on Sunday, de Lint leads a two-hour writing workshop for participants ages 12 to 24.

Say goodbye to winter and celebrate the coming spring (or longer days, at least) with Barnyard Break at the Canada Agriculture Museum. Get up close and personal with all the farm work that goes into baking a cake: milking cows, gathering eggs, grinding grains, and tapping maple. Plus the kids just might make a fluffy new friend.

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Sunday, March 3

Ottawa Weekend Calendar: Get active this weekend in Ottawa’s Power of Movement yoga event

Join the fight against arthritis by participating in Ottawa’s Power of Movement yoga event, just one of the many yoga classes taking place across the country on the same day. No matter your skill level or familiarity (really!), you are warmly invited to take part. Empower ME Yoga teachers lead the Ottawa group at the Glebe Community Centre.

Ottawa Chamberfest presents Fujii Percussion and Voices, a concert by the Fujii family of Japan, Mutsuko, Haruka, and Rika, as they perform selections by both Japanese and Canadian composers. Joining them are the Toronto Children’s Chorus and the Ottawa Children’s Choir. You’ll hear music performed on rarely played instruments, including the sanukite stone, an instrument made from volcanic rock.

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