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Weekend roundup: What to do in Ottawa

By Karen Diepeveen on October 24, 2013

[youtube width=”600″ height=”485″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL3KApukQEs[/youtube]

So October is almost over, and that means the city gets scary. Get a head start on Halloween with some spooky sexy stories, a WonderGeeks night of festivities, some pumpkin carving and, of course, a vampire or two.

Costumes are more than welcome tonight down at the Mercury Lounge, where super-talented NOAH will be putting on a show with the help of a few friends. Thursday evening will also bring the eerie experimental sounds of For Esmé at Raw Sugar, while The Belle Game are out at the Black Sheep. The Babes4Breasts benefit concert is also this evening, showcasing many of the artists featured on their new compilation album.

Tomorrow, you can get all dolled up in your Mad Men gear for Double Barrel, which is marking its fourth anniversary. Good2Go are also playing Friday night with No Kinds of Love, and bbigpigg and THIGHS stop by Pressed for a punk show. Amalgamation, fresh off the launch of a new EP, will be down at Mavericks with Yes Please and Thank You. If you’re looking for some alt folk music, Tilda and The Flats will be out in full force on Saturday. The CKCU fundraiser is also taking place on Saturday, with a special EP release by Saint Clare. Sunday, wrap up your weekend with a hoe down at the Hintonburg Public House.

If you’re big on bikes, and big on plaid, Sunday is your day. The Plaid Parade is back for a second year of cycling fun – it all gets underway Sunday at Art Is In, with the afterparty at the Carleton Tavern.

If you’re looking for some new (yet old!) dresses to spice up your fall wardrobe, you’re in luck – the Victoire/White Elephant epic To The Nines vintage sale is back on Saturday. Get there early!

If old books are more your thing, the Antiquarian Book Fair is back for the 33rd year in a row. There’s also a book sale to benefit the library, or you can clean out your shelves and pass along your old tomes. The Plan 99 reading series continues at the Manx, while local author David O’Meara’s latest work is launched as part of the Ottawa International Writers Festival.

Thursday evening, 15 new and emerging artists will take over the Canada Council for the Arts boardroom to showcase their works. Head over to Gatineau to catch the AXENÉO7 and Galerie SAW Gallery collaboration, or check out the Art Expo at the St Elias Centre. Film and music buffs can see the release of a documentary on the secret world of modular synthesizers in Ottawa on Friday night,

What else is happening this weekend, Ottawa? Let us know below!

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