We’ve made it to the May Long Weekend! You may not have even realized it, but here we are, May 2-4 again and turning a corner weather-wise right on time.
As more businesses in the province are opening up, some vestiges of our past lives are coming back together and that is definitely reason to celebrate. Sure, we’re not having beers at the cottage with a few dozen friends, and we’re certainly not using the Queen as an excuse to spend the weekend in the market on patios. This year, the long weekend hits different, but honestly, are we surprised? Whether it’s a real long weekend for you, or if it’s just another collection of days beginning at 10am and ending on the couch, take some time to celebrate spring, and tulips and… the monarchy I guess?
No matter what kind of wild times you get into this long weekend, stay hydrated, stay rested and wash your hands.
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The Tulip Festival is in full swing this weekend, and has been officially since last week. The entire festival has moved online this year, which means you can enjoy music, stories, and virtual tours no matter the weather or your distance from the flowers themselves. If it’s safe to do so, consider enjoying the tulips without the annual deluge of tourists that usually follow their arrival, and take so many unobstructed photos!
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Party On
May 2-4 is all about the parties, no matter what means to you personally. So why not keep the party going this weekend?
Ottawa Trivia League is still going strong, and if you haven’t jumped on that bandwagon yet, now is the time. Hundreds of people are flexing their brains online now with trivia happening twice a week. Sundays are at 2pm (but join the Facebook page for last minute updates and instructions).
The Ottawa Dance Directive is holding a pay-what-you-can fundraiser dance this Saturday from 2-5pm via Zoom. The ODD online dance classes are for people of all abilities and will give you a great opportunity to learn some real dance moves from the pros, and get all your wiggles out from a long week of sitting around!
Friday night you can catch the second instalment of Pierre Brault as Will Somers live from the empty Gladstone Theatre! Will Somers 2 From Isolation promises to be just as clever, insightful and witty as the first edition in April! The event is free to view, but online tipping is welcome!
https://www.facebook.com/pierrebraultottawa/photos/gm.2852100038160582/3838389382901031/?type=3&theater
Take the party outside with a structured purpose to your quarantine walk! Ecology Ottawa is encouraging us to get outside for their May Bioblitz. A bioblitz is a specific time-frame to head out into nature and document the biodiversity around you. With the nice weather this weekend, this is a great way to share the biodiversity in your neighbourhood with other people participating in the project! It runs from Friday to Sunday.
Don’t forget about the now-famous Together Apart Internet dance party, this Saturday from 9:30pm to 12:30am. DJ Sweet Cheeks and DJ Greg Reain will be pumping out a whole evening of jams to get you off the couch and bouncing off the walls! They will also be collecting for the Ottawa Food Bank during the stream.
Chillax to the Max
Have you also finished Netflix? I see you. Luckily for us, the European Union Short Film Festival is taking place online beginning Thursday May 14th. Tickets are free, and the full program includes short films from all over the EU, ranging from 5 to 10 minutes long. Kick back with some wine or an imported beer for a night of culture! Canada’s own Shorts at Home launches this weekend as well, with a focus on independent film. The lineup is live at 6pm on Friday May 15th and they are only available for 24 hours! So that’s definitely Friday night sorted…
For some relaxing dinner tunes on Saturday, tune in at 5pm to local jazz duo Diane Nalini and Adrian Cho as they stream live from Youtube. Diane is also offering an online ukelele workshop on Sunday afternoon, if you’ve been hoping to get started on your uke skills but have just been missing the teacher!
Check out our recent article about folk musician Pat Moore, her music career in Ottawa, and how she is staying creative while in insolation. The bluegrass and country artist has been a mainstay of our music scene in the 613 for 30 years, and there is no better time to put on an album or two, and celebrate local talent.
Make something bright and fun with a Yaymaker online crafting event! This Saturday they are offering DIY Miniature Weaving from 6-8pm. This is a perfect opportunity to use up some of the leftover yarn from the winter knitting projects that somehow didn’t end up completed. How cute would these be as a fun gift for a isolated friend?
https://www.facebook.com/YaymakerOttawaON/photos/gm.3547202205293157/2652861621486845/?type=3&theater
For more of what’s happening in Ottawa, stay tuned to @apt613 on Twitter. Out snapping photos? Tag us on Instagram @apt613 for a chance to be featured on our feed. Be sure to use the hashtag #APT613 so we can share your photos!
