Tag Archives: SAW

Wknd Roundup: Summer Festivals, Footie & Free Fun Reign Down

Here comes the weekend roundup where we never let the rain dampen good times.

It’s summertime down at the Byward Market’s Must Kitchen 41 William St where a custom Mojito features every weekend. Looking for an afterwork cocktail? Head over for the refreshing Peach-Mango Mojito today.

world cupIf you’re as crazy as I for the Footie – and looking for a good venue for viewing – give the Lunenburg Pub a try. They promise to air the games, the surrounds are comfortable, the craft beer selection is extensive while the food and prices are both appetising. Spain against Netherland’s today is sure to be a cracker!  I’m going for outsiders the Black Stars (Go Go Ghana) who are in the killer group and probably won’t last long but that’s okay cuz London was my second home. Go En-grrrrr-laannd! Clearly I’ll be actively following the World Cup to the end – join me!

The NCC Gatineau Beaches open this weekend so consider a dip to mark the occasion.

On Friday evening La Petite Mort hosts a vernissage for “Mexican Masks from the Muayes Ogazon Collection 1940-80” 7PM

Fancy a movie in the park? The Sandy Hill Health Centre is hosting a free screening of “Bend it Like Beckham” for Friday Outdoor Movie night at Springhurst Park, Lees Ave, 8:45PM, Free

On Friday and Saturday evening you get a Pay-What-You-Can dance show in Strathcona Park with Machina Nuptialis, from dance troupe Corpus. Strathcona Park 8PM.

Ottawa Explosion Weekend (OXW) opened Thursday night and keeps the grooves coming at various local venues including SAW Gallery, OAG, Mugshots, Ritual, DeKCuf and Ottawa-South’s home of pinballs & perogies House of Targ. There are more bands and shows than we can keep track of and they’re at a great price and the atmosphere at this new-style fest is tremendous so get out and get in to it.  OXW Schedule

Friday & Saturday the Festival Franco-Ontarien, head-quartered in Major Hill’s Park with artists, musicians and Kid-friendly activities it’s a local festival sure to entertain. We’re looking forward le Pique-Nique Africain Saturday noon-4PM & Pierre Lapointe who takes the main stage Saturday evening at 7PM.

Further afield – but lets face it nothing is more than a bike ride away in Summertime Ottawa – Westfest gets underway in Westboro/WelliWest/Hintonburg. This free music fest is forever a crowd pleaser so grab two-wheels and get your fun on folks.

Weekend RoundUp: Live Local… it’s what we do.

Ok we always strive to live local – it’s why we love our urban hood – and this weekend it is easier than ever thanks to all the great merchants and artists kicking off the good times.

auntieloosThe event of the weekend has got to be Auntie Loo’s Treats Grand Opening – YES she is HERE – this Saturday but first ….

This is the final weekend for the Extremely Short New Play Festival. Ten plays under 10minutes each and they are all really good. Seriously, you should go. Nightly at 8pm til Sunday @ArtsCourt Theatre, 2 Daly Ave.

Thursday head down to SAW Gallery for Cafe Ex the showcase for independent experimental films.  Tonight’s edition features the work of award-winning film-maker and photographer Bridget Farr.  An Ottawa native Farr has screened films and worked all over the world and will be in attendance tonight to introduce & discuss 9 of her films. An outstanding opportunity to meet a local & international gem. Club SAW, 7pm

On Friday we keep it local again with Customer Appreciation Night at A Curious Shop. This wonderful boutique is co-owned by a Sandy Hill creative and is jam-packed with one-off, unique clothes and accessories that you simply will not find anywhere else!  If, like us, you keep it fresh & fun then this is the shop for you. The evening promises tasty treats, fire spinning, discounts, manicures and more. It’s all happening at 159 York St from 5pm.

Looking for a little hip hop to round off your Friday? Check out Rwandan-born Canadian artist Shad headlining at Ritual Nightclub with Vancouver’s We are the City and local Ottawa band Zoo Legacy.  Friday at Ritual Nightclub 137 Besserer st.

Saturday it’s the event of the weekend! Have you heard?  There is a new yummy scrummy bakery and they’re throwing a launch party!

Saturday 11am-4pm head to Auntie Loo’s Treats to discover just how delicious vegan cupcakes, scones, whoopie pies (and more) can be! The event poster cautions us to wear loose pants as there will be plenty of samples to whet your new local addiction. The Rideau Valley Roller girls are putting in an appearance, there is a BBQ and neighbouring businesses are joining in too. See you at Auntie Loo’s Treats 112 Nelson (across from Loblaw’s parking garage entrance) Unit101 C.

Finally on Sunday prep for party season at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show. In keeping with our love of all things unique and inventive we are sure there will be both quirky and glamorous finds for you to discover. Ottawa Convention Centre 10am-5pm.

Event Round-up: Zombies, Food, Gardens, a Remix and more

Got weekend plans? Now you do.  Details & links on Events page.

Arts Court double billThe undeniable pick of the week is Arts Court double-header comedy/horror revival from the 2013 Ottawa Fringe Festival: Bent Springs & Shambling Things.  The two sold-out-during- Fringe plays “Chesterfield” & “Die Zombie Die” are hilarious and macabre. In “Chesterfield” a newly married couple cope with both the trials of their relationship and a carnivorous sofa.  In “Zombie” as the un-dead rampage continues questions arise over who is fighting them and whether it is all a zombie slayer set up. Witty entertainment +there is a cash bar to steady your jangly nerves for $18. Runs Thursday 26-Saturday 28.

Saturday and Sunday look to be hot & sunny making it a spot on weekend to get outside.  Take part in a C’est Bon Cooking Culinary Tour – Saturday morning at 10:30 it’s a tour of Lowertown while Sunday you can have a foodie walkaround the Byward Market.  Yummy.

In the afternoon enjoy the weather while helping out your community. The Sandy Hill Fall Clean-Up is an later day affair, cuz we like a weekend lie-in, that kicks off at Strathcona Park (parking lot) at 1pm Saturday and at Chapel Street Park at 3pm Sunday.

Also on sunny Sunday you can take in a guided tour of the 1.5km of roof gardens atop the Rideau Centre and the NAC with stunning views over Ottawa.

Need another hit of art and culture? Check out Transformer: The Body Remixed at SAW Gallery.  The mixed media exhibit explores the digitally manipulated human form in Western culture. Literally bombarded daily by unrealistic body imagery has led many to dysmorphia, isolation and a growing sense of imperfection. See how SAW tackles these subjects through sculpture, video, photography and more. Continues until November 2nd 2013.