Thursday, Aug. 4
There’s another lure party at the Museum of Nature on Thursday.
There’s more Pokémon GO lure parties on today, back at the Museum of Nature from 6 to 8 p.m., with free wi-fi, access to the permanent galleries (but not the Ultimate Dinosaur exhibit) and charging stations, 6 to 8 p.m., 240 McLeod St. nature.ca (There’s another on Saturday at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum from noon to 5 p.m., free for those with the app on their phone. They’ll also be cooking up Poke-cookies in the kitchen.)
Before TV and way before Netflix binges, the Japanese had Kamibashi, a popular form of street theatre that will come alive again, with stories suitable for children aged 8 years and up, including ‘The ‘Flower Blossoming Old Man’ and ‘A Spouse for a Mouse,’ in English and Japanese. There will also be origami crafts for children, Japanese toys and singing, 10 a.m. to noon, Embassy of Japan, 255 Sussex Dr.Cost: Free, but register at http://bit.ly/2a5I0i3.
It’s archeology month at several museums, and today there is is a hands-on chance to try the tools used by archeologists to explore the wreckage of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, last seen by Europeans in 1845, 2 to 7 p.m. There will also be a talk by a member of the Parks Canada Underwater Archeology team (5:30 p.m. in French, 7 p.m. in English), Museum of History. historymuseum.ca
Nothing, a sort of misanthropic, hardcore-shoegaze band, have given 90s grunge a reboot and suitable homage with their innovative, and not-so-predictable tunes off their latest album, Tired of Tomorrow. See the band, who are dark but not that dark, at Zaphod’s with PINE and Wild Love, 7:30 p.m., 27 York St. Tickets: $15. spectrasonic.com
Related
Gigs this week: Hot tix, new albums galore and much metal
Art this week: Strathcona Park and 9 other shows
Friday, Aug. 5
The Olympics start today.
The Summer Olympics start today and some enterprising sorts have planned a pub crawl in celebration, where participants dress to represent a country, and compete for pub crawl gold (we’re not sure what’s involved — but can guess). Events begin at 7 p.m., Liquor Sore Party Bar, 126 York St. Tickets: $20. http://bit.ly/2avvwBT
Fully-loaded potatoes are good for carb-loading for athletic feats, or watching them, and they’ll be served up at Potato Fest in time for lunch in the Market, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 55 ByWard Market Sq. Cost: $5, with proceeds going to the Ottawa Mission.
Marshmallows included.
This campfire storytelling session comes with marshmallows, but without the need to sleep in a tent, 7 p.m. at Pinhey Point Historic Site, 270 Pinhey Point Rd., Dunrobin. Stories will includes lore of the area, from tales of the First Nations, early explorers and settlers, suitable for the entire family. Cost: $6.15, $10.20/pair, $16.25/family.
The organizers of a peace concert tonight calling for an end to racial inequalities and violence, will honour the contributions of black people to the world with live music, poetry and food from Caribbean and African vendors. All proceeds will be donated to the family of Abdiraham Abdi, who died after an incident involving police. DJ Black Jack is hosting. All are welcome, 7 to 11 p.m., LIVE on Elgin, 220 Elgin St. Tickets: $5 donation in advance, $8 at the door.
Blues innovator Jordan John opens the Festival of India this weekend.
So-cool blues guitarist Jordan John headlines the Festival of India’s opening night show, starting first with some colourful dancing from Rajasthan at 6 p.m., some indo-jazz from Ragasphere by Ameya, and more exotic dancing, at City Hall’s Marion Dewar Plaza. Be sure to enjoy the food, oh the food, all weekend. Tickets: 10.62/day, $17.70/weekend. festivalofindiaottawa.org
Missing out on The Tragically Hip tickets? Tribute band LittleBones are putting on a show so we can all enjoy the epic band’s songs, with benefits to The Gord Downie fund at Sunnybrook Hospital. Opening act is Johnny Cash tribute band, Tennessee Cree, 7 p.m., The Cross, 360 Elgin St. Tickets: $12. www.hipheads.ca
I’m going to keep talking about this band until everyone adores them as much as I do: Local cello and voice ‘sacred’-minimalist/gypsy duo The Visit are at the Black Sheep Inn. The headliner, though, is Toronto’s chamber indie-rock group Places Erupt who have just, as in July 26, released an eight-song album, 8:30 p.m., 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield. Tickets: $10. theblacksheepinn.com
The Gatineau Country Festival is on all weekend, but tonight’s headliner is Alberta’s own Brett Kissel, alongside Yoan Garneau, Peter Gibs and others, Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Casino Blvd. (Smart people will go see the show tomorrow so they can also catch the splendid fireworks show on at the Museum of History grounds.) Tickets: $30-$35. countrygatineau.com
Utterly different, American black metal group Skeletonwitch headline a show with their brand new singer, and lyricist, Adam Clemans of Wolvhammer. They parted ways with longtime member Chance Garnette last year, who later revealed substance abuse may have led to his firing and the band continuing their tour as an instrumental outfit.
The group is about to launch and EP with their new-ish sound (Aug. 19), but fans seem to like what they’ve heard, as the CDs have sold out in advance. Play with Ottawa’s A Scar for the Wicked and Ominous Eclipse, 8 p.m., Mavericks, 221 Rideau St. Tickets: $15in advance. www.chordproductions.com
In a similar vein, there is a punk and hardcore show at Club SAW with Lee’s Avenue, Conversation, Fall in a Day, Fractures and Outlines and The Courier on the bill, 10 p.m, 67 Nicholas St. Tickets: $10 at the door.
Saturday, Aug. 6
Aakar Puppet Theatre is an Indian company using 17th century techniques to tell stories suitable for all ages at the Puppets Up! festival this year.
The Puppets Up! festival is back, taking over downtown Almonte with puppets of all sorts and sizes (look out for the dinosaurs!) and from across the world, in shows mostly suitable for all ages, including one of 17th century Indian puppetry at 11:15 a.m. (see them again at the Festival of India this weekend). Passes are required for shows at six different venues from 9:45 a.m. to after 5 p.m., but puppetry on the streets is free, including a parade through the centre of town at 1:45 p.m.
There is parking set up at the Almonte fairgrounds, a three-minute walk to the festivities. Passes: $20/adult, $30/weekend; $10/child, $20/weekend, free for three years and under. puppetsup.ca
Another kind of family-friendly fantasy: Princesses, swimming mermaids and fairies are expected at Dovercourt Recreation Centre, for a princess party, including a tea party with Cinderella, crafts with Rapunzel, storytime with Belle and an enchanted pixie forest, 2 to 4 p.m., 411 Dovercourt Ave. Tickets: $20, $15 for each additional sibling, parents free. ottawaprincessparties.com
The Riverkeeper 4K has added shorter distances this year.
The Riverkeeper 4K encourages swimmers to swim from one province (Ontario) all the way to another (Quebec), in support of the waterways. The swim starts at Lac Descênes Sailing Club this year. ending at Parc de Cedres in Aylmer. (There is also a 1.5K, and 750M swim to accommodate shorter-distance and younger swimmers.) Cost: $25-$60. ottawariverkeeper.ca
A dancer performs at the 3rd annual Festival of India, Aug. 9, 2014.
At the Festival of India, there is much food to enjoy (there’s even a menu on their website) and cooking demos, yoga at 11:30 a.m., crafts and Bollywood workshops for all ages, and live music and performances until late, City Hall. Tickets: $10.62/day, $17.70/weekend. festivalofindiaottawa.org
The first Ottawa Footy Street Festival (that’s soccer to the rest of us) will take over part of the ByWard Market for some good-natured competition, featuring 12-minute games, live art, street dancers, and music, from 11 a.m., George Street between ByWard Square and Sussex Avenue. Register for the round robin, ages 15 and up. Team fee: $100, free to watch. www.facebook.com/events/1617588175218971/
There’s over $10,000 in prizes to be won at the Capital Karting Grand Prix all weekend, including the Ottawa Mayor’s Cup of Wishes that itself raises money for local charities (about $35,000 last year). Events begin with practice sessions at 7 a.m., with the Mayor’s Cup at about 3 p.m., followed by BBQ and fun. Sunday, the timed qualifications starts at 10 a.m., ending with a ceremony at about 3 p.m., Karters’ Korner, 6336 Fallowfield Rd., Stittsvile. Admission: Free to watch, including children’s activities. www.capitalkarting.com
Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light fireworks by Hong Kong (China) as viewed from the Canadian Museum of History along Ottawa River in Gatineau (Quebec), Saturday, August 2, 2014.
China pays tribute to women in pyrotechnics at the first night of the Casino du Lac-Leamy 21st Sound of Light firework and music competition, with gates opening at 6 p.m. for family activities, and the show starting at about 9:15 p.m., Museum of History. See the Netherlands Aug. 10, Estonia Aug. 13, Australia Aug. 17, Grand Finale Aug. 20. Tickets: $8/adults, $40/pass; $25/reserved seats, free for accompanied children 11 years and under. www.feux.qc.ca/home
Kathleen Edwards
Across the river and for the same price, The Montfort Hospital Foundation is offering seats to watch the fireworks show from Nepean Point again this year, as fundraiser. The soundtrack will be broadcast on site, and tickets are available at the gate.Bring your own blankets and chairs. Tickets: $8/adults, $40/pass; $25/reserved seats, free for accompanied children 11 years and under. montfortfoundation.ca
Local singer-songwriter (and café shop owner) Kathleen Edwards is performing an intimate, house concert shows in Pakenham to benefit two local animal rescues: The Canadian Golden Retriever Association Service and Ottawa Dog Rescue, 5 to 11 p.m., 1942 Blakeney Rd. Reserve tickets in advance, and ticket-holders are welcome to bring small personal watercraft to explore the river at the location. Tickets: $30 by e-transfer to janet@dogdayz.ca. (Edwards’ next official show in Ottawa is at the NAC on November 24.)
Blade Runner, the dystopian 1982 cult classic by Ridley Scott starring Harrison Ford, a truly spooky Rutger Hauer and Daryl Hannah, may or may not fit the family-friendly criteria we mostly see at outdoor movie screenings. But it is on tonight, 8 p.m., Albert Island. Cost: free, but inflatable couches can be rented for $5. No word if it is the director’s cut. (What’s most amusing is it is set in the year 2019; Where are our flying cars?) www.capitalpopupcinema.com
Sunday, Aug. 7
Sunflowers at Kricklewood Farm
The Kricklewood Sunflower festival is on for one day only, an invitation to enjoy the big, blooming flowers, as well as an artisan market, barnyard tours, silent auction, pet and people portraits and BBQ in aid of Mel’s Farm All Animal Rescue, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 421 Kritley Line 8 Rd., Frankville, about an hour south of Ottawa. www.kricklewoodfarm.com
Wear your bonnets to tea at the farm.
Lace gloves and hats time: The Friends of the Farm are hosting their annual Victoria Tea on the lawns of the Arboretum, where a classic tea with cakes and the like will be served, while prizes will be given for best costume, hat and other, 2 to 4 p.m. Cost: only $10. www.friendsofthefarm.ca/events.htm#events
Need more or less vinyl? The House of Targ’s record swap allows for people to give away, sell/buy or trade platters from from 7 p.m. to very late, any genre and age welcome from 7 to 9 p.m, 19+ only after 9 p.m., when DJ KJMAXX and Beerwolf will be on the decks. Admission: free, $5 after 9 p.m. includes freeplay pinball. www.houseoftarg.com
There’s a giant spider web to crawl through (it’s not real) at the Creepy Crawlies event at The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum today, with bug hunting, origami insects and more to do, 10 a.m. to 4 pm., 2940 Old Montreal Rd. ottawa.ca/museums
Share your Beatles trivia and lore at Beatlefest, a one-day outdoor event where enthusiasts can enjoy each others’ company, good music and food.
Ten food trucks will be helping beat cancer with a Street Food Social at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation today, offering everything from greasy to sweet delights, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 1500 Alta Vista Dr. There’s a big lawn so bring a blanket and make a picnic of it. /
Beatlefest is back at the Brylee Farm, with six bands performing the iconic songs, memorabilia to admire or acquire, and fresh-from the garden food including grass-fed meats to enjoy — the strawberry bites and and Let It be beef burgers are tasty, we hear (BYOB and food allowed). On rain or shine, everything moves inside the barn if the weather is inclement, noon to 7 p.m., 524 Route 317, Thurso (about half an hour from Ottawa). Tickets: $25, free for children 12 years and under. www.beatlefestatthebryelee.com