Just because the long weekend has passed doesn’t mean there isn’t a ton to do! Check out this packed list and let us know what you get up to! Something outdoors? Supporting local? Foodie-related? There’s something for everyone!
All weekend
Parks Canada’s Learn-to-Paddle program is back this summer and available every day. You’ll be introduced to the techniques of paddling and then have the chance to paddle with a trained staff person in a canoe to test out your new skills. Free to register!
The Kanata Ribfest and Poutine takes place Friday to Sunday at the Community Hub on March Road with plenty of delicious options.
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre will be holding its 44th annual traditional Pow Wow on Saturday and Sunday with many activities throughout both days.
The European Union Short Film Festival (EUSFF) returns to the Ottawa Art Gallery for its 10th edition on May 26 and 27, featuring 22 short films from 22 European Union (EU) member states, grouped into three thematic programs. The event also includes Tastes of Europe, a chance to sample complimentary drinks and snacks from across the EU. Admission to all screenings and the Tastes of Europe event is free! The three programs screen at 7 pm on May 26, and 4 pm and 7 pm on May 27, with Tastes of Europe receptions taking place for half an hour before each screening. The 4 pm screening on May 27 is appropriate for all ages. Tickets can be ordered in advance but are not required. Each program runs approximately 70-80 minutes. All films include English subtitles for any non-English dialogue.
Saucette en Showssettes is a brand-new outdoor music and culture festival taking place over the next four days in downtown Gatineau, on the pedestrian section of Laval St. All events are free to attend! The festival kicks off Thursday with a 5 à 7 where attendees can discover and learn about the many summer events planned for the Outaouais from organizers who will be present on-site, accompanied by tunes spun by DJ Glory Hull. That’s followed by a solo show by guitarist Michel Pagliaro starting at 7 pm. Friday night’s main stage will open at 6 pm with a show by drag queen Pétula Claque (from TV’s La Drag en Moi) followed by outdoor karaoke hosted by Matelot Max. Saturday night offers a rare opportunity to see Polaris Prize-winner Pierre Kwenders live onstage! His music encompasses elements of electronica, pop, and rumba using instruments that include the guitar, saxophone, cello, trumpet, violin and a Mbira (a Zimbabwean string instrument). The night wraps up with a set from award-winning singer-songwriter Hubert Lenoir. Sunday is a family afternoon with bouncy castles, face painting, street art, and a show from children’s performer Ari Cui Cui. Did we mention this is all free? Come out and support this fun new festival!
Friday
Ottawa Prog Vibes in partnership with City at Night presents Nick Warren. Enjoy his extensive discography of electronic music and see what makes him a global icon in the genre.
Local charity Helping With Furniture (HWF) hosts its 15th annual Gala on May 26 at St. Elias Centre. HWF volunteers help refugees, recent immigrants, people relocating from shelters, leaving abusive situations, struggling with mental illness or at risk of homelessness by providing gently used furniture, household goods, refurbished bicycles and laptops. The gala includes live and silent auctions, an inspirational keynote speaker, dinner and entertainment. All proceeds go directly towards supporting their free, volunteer-run programs. So far they’ve helped furnish nearly 3,500 Ottawa households, including more than 1,000 during the pandemic.
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Saturday
Alliançe Française Ottawa presents a play for young audiences called The Ruffled Forest at the Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins. There will be two performances, one at 11am in English and one at 3pm in French. The Ruffled Forest is the story of Racine, a little boy who runs away from home after a forest grows on his head.
The Société Philharmonique du Nouveau Monde will be performing Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, featuring an orchestra, 150 choristers, and four soloists.
Saturday evening you’ll find a neighbourhood arts market at Somerset Square in Wellington West with Little Jo Berry’s, Hello Dolly Pastries, Momo Spot and local artists and makers with all their wares!
The Great Glebe Garage Sale is back! Go early, be prepared with bags or a little wagon, and if you’re driving be prepared for blocked streets, traffic, and finding a spot and walking. The Ottawa Race Weekend is also on, as is an Atlético Ottawa soccer game at Lansdowne, so plan accordingly!
And speaking of which… The Atlético Ottawa team is facing off against their rivals from last season’s final, Hamilton Forge, in Saturday’s match. On top of some great soccer, there’s the annual wiener dog race taking place at halftime. See the above note about planning your route there/parking etc.
Sunday
Zumba on the Hill returns every Sunday through September for a free dance party with certified Zumba instructors.
Calling all artists—join the Artawa: OAG Artist Meetup for a casual hang out. Meet with other artists, sketch or paint or whatever your heart desires.
There’s hip-hop and poetry at The Origin Arts & Community Center. Philadelphia duo Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise, with Apollo the Child’s spoken word poetry. 7pm, all ages, pay what you can.
Hit up Little Italy for the Parking Lot Pop-Up for local, vintage, art and makers—more than 25 vendors!
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