Seems like the nicer the weather gets, the more there are events happening in Ottawa-Gatineau, and of course, that’s a good thing. Not sure what’s going on in the next few days? Check out the below events to get an idea of what’s popping in the national capital this week.
If you’re into loud and heavy music, House of Targ is the place to be this Tuesday night for BC metal band Iron Kingdom, Ottawa thrash newcomers Exo-Vedate and Ottawa heavy speed metal group Dark Ministry.
This Wednesday, May 25, AXENÉO7 presents the first major solo exhibition of internationally-acclaimed artist Caroline Monnet. A self-taught multidisciplinary artist from the Outaouais region, Monnet uses cinema, painting, sculpture and installation to demonstrate a keen interest in communicating complex ideas around Indigenous identity and bi-cultural living through the examination of cultural histories. The exhibition, presented until August 3, will be launched this Wednesday with a free vernissage that’ll include music, catering a cash bar and a retrospective outdoor screening and talk by Caroline Monnet.
The Tropical Wednesdays are making a comeback at the Bistro CoqLicorne in the Hull sector of Gatineau. Every Wednesday night, weather-permitting, enjoy tropical music and exotic sounds outdoors courtesy of DJ Grumpy B. The free event will also include BBQ eats and the poster alone is a winner.
Toronto existential psych pop band Delta Will are playing the intimate Pressed Cafe this Thursday, May 26. The early show, which starts at 8 p.m., will also feature live sets by Ottawa alternative folk rock singer-songwriter Claude Munson and Ottawa folk musician John Aaron Cockburn.
Beer lovers take note: the Gatineau Summer Beer Fest, better known as the Festibière, is just around the corner and will be held from May 26 to 28. New this year, the event is happening at the Canadian Museum of History, outside as well as in the Grand Hall. On the menu: lots of craft brews to try out from all over the country, workshops, tasty eats and live shows featuring Claude Bégin, Galaxie and Classified.
As part of this year’s Ottawa Race Weekend, there will be a free concert series May 27-May 29 at the Ottawa City Hall Festival Plaza. On Friday night, the lineup includes Jim Bryson, Amos The Transparent and By The Lights. The performing artists and bands include Michel Pagliaro, Hollerado, Still Winter Hills, Lost To The River, Amanda Lowe, The Jivewires and more. Gotta love free outdoor shows!
Rape jokes are everywhere. But who are the people telling them? Are they ever OK, let alone funny? What if the people telling rape jokes were survivors? Rape is Real and Everywhere is what happens when comedians who have survived rape share their experience and joke about it. After three sold out shows in Vancouver, Rape is Real is hitting the road and stopping in Ottawa this Friday, May 27.Prepare yourself for hilarity, cathartic honesty and old-fashioned vulnerability.
Syracuse folk-rock musician Martin Sexton will be performing live at Zaphods this Friday, May 27. For the occasion the KTR/Redeye Recs artist will be sharing the stage with Jonathan Chandler of Ottawa’s Amos The Transparent.
At Flapjack’s this Friday, eat pancakes and check out live punk rock music including Missisauga punk rockers Bike Thiefs, Ottawa alt rock band Bull Domino and Ottawa post punks The Young Offenders.
Peterborough metal band Mokomokai will be back at House of Targ this Friday night to give a live show alongside Ottawa/Pembroke doom punks Flying Fortress and Ottawa thrash band World War 4. Don’t forget earplugs, fair warning?
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Roxy & The Underground Soul Sound will be playing live at the Rainbow Bistro this Friday night. The Halifax-based soul, funk and r&b 6-piece group will be sharing the stage with jazz/blues powerhouse Renée Landry.
Double Barrel, one of Ottawa’s funnest monthly dance parties, is going down inside Mercury Lounge this Friday night. Resident DJ Magnificent will be gracing the 1s and 2s as he does best and this time around he’ll be joined by special guest DJ Jas Nasty. An all-vinyl funk, soul, Motown and vintage reggae dance party you don’t want to miss!
Los Angeles DJ/Producer Dack Janiels is going to be giving a live set inside Ritual this Friday night. The artist, who’s sound is a blend of crushing basses and hiphop inspired bounce, will be playing alongside Slander, 50 Carrot, FuntCase and a few others.
The Great Glebe Garage Sale is taking place this Saturday, May 28 in the Glebe neighbourhood. The annual community event, which rises in popularity year after year, is happening between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Pro tip: if you’re hoping to get your hands on a hot-ticket item like a bike or a vintage piece of furniture, you want to be there bright and early at the crack of dawn. Happy shopping!
The Capital Pop Up! Handmade Show is happening this Saturday, May 28 between 11 am and 4 pm at Makerspace North. From handmade food items, body products and clothing to toys, home decorations and vintage goods, there’s bound to be something for everyone. What’s cool too is that part of the proceeds from the show always go to a local charity, and this time around it’s the Ottawa Humane Society.
The 40th Annual Odawa Pow Wow is happening May 28 and 29 at 200 Moodie Drive this year. The annual traditional pow wow, which includes exhibitors, vendors, yummy eats and a variety of dance performances in regalia, is free to attend.
This Saturday night at Origin Studio 57, the new event series called 1NIGHT that brings together, art, community and entertainment is back and this time around it’ll feature DJ/Producer Memetic live in the studio. The event is a live talk show that aims to highlight the work of performance-based artists from across Canada and it’s an artistic platform at which every special guest engages the audience with their thoughts on their discipline, experience and passion for creativity.
If you’re in the mood for a laid back night of local folk rock, you should check out Pressed this Saturday night. There, you can catch an intimate night of live music with musicians Brock Zeman, James Leclaire and Cody Allen, three talented guys from the area.
Boston indie rock band Bay Faction will be making a stop in Ottawa this Saturday night to play live at Club SAW. The American group will be sharing the stage with local indie rockers Nebraska, indie artist Cameron McGetrick, rock n’roll musician Josh Charbot and Hugh Harrington + The Dudes.
Are you a fan of ska, reggae and rocksteady? If so, be sure to make your way over to House of Targ on Saturday night for Voice Of The People. This fun monthly will feature music selections courtesy of DJs Longshot and Magnificent as well as a live performance by Ottawa’s own The Sentries and Montreal roots rockers Sweaty Palms.
An entire night dedicated to the 6 God? Yes Drake fans, you read correct. The fifth edition of this popular dance party, at which you can expect to hear nothing but Drizzy jams and tracks from OVO affiliates, is going down this Saturday night inside Babylon.
This Sunday, May 29, the Ravenswing Art & Music Fair is celebrating 10 years in Minto Park. The annual DIY event which celebrates creativity in Centretown will feature live music by Moonfruits, Final Fall, Pony Girl, Adam Saikaley, Kae Rose and more along with food trucks, a variety of free workshops and over 70 vendors selling handmade jewelry, clothing, toys, soaps, art, bakes goods, cards and more.
Attention Ottawa-Gatineau air heads: the Ottawa Air Guitar Championships are going down at House of Targ this Saturday, June 4. The competition will feature a headlining performance by Ottawa rockers Suns of Stone and thamp will receive prizes, mad street cred and then go on to the National Championships in Toronto for their chance to be crowned the Canadian Champ. For more info and to sign-up to compete, just click below. 
