Summer is slowly slipping away so before it’s over, make sure you enjoy the rest of the outdoor festivals and events before they’re long gone. If you’re in Ottawa-Gatineau this week and have time to check out some events, there’s no shortage of things to do. Take a look at Eventful Capital’s weekly picks below for ideas on what to do.
Capital Pride, Ottawa’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, is taking place from August 15 to August 21 this year. The 31st edition of this important community celebration will feature live performances by Jade London, Kiki Coe, Deko-ze, Sofonda Cox, Nefe, Eva Darling, Markida Brown, Rae Spoon, the Ottawa Stilt Union and several others. On the program this year, there will be the traditional flag raising ceremony at City Hall, an Alt Queer Art/Fashion Swap, a family picnic, a youth movie night, a human rights vigil, a Queer Con event and of course the pride parade. There’s a slew of other events being held in conjunction, so be sure to check out the full programming by clicking below for complete details.
This Tuesday night at Pressed Cafe, there’s going to be an all-ages show with Pittsburgh’s Brightside and Detroit’s Mover Shaker. Joining them on stage will be local indie/emo band Nighttime in Kansas and Ottawa indie lo-fi rock project Sparklesaurus.
Also on Tuesday night, you can check out one-man blues/rock project Bob Log III who’ll be playing live at House of Targ. This time around, the artist will be sharing the stage with Ottawa lounge lizards Casa Lagarto and tour mates The Kevin Dowling Fitness Hour who promise dancing good times.
The Arboretum Music Festival returns with a bigger and better 5th edition that runs from August 17-21 at various locations across the city. For 2016, Ottawa’s festival of new music and best kept secrets is back in full force with an eclectic programming spread out over 5 days that includes industry events and talks, BBQs, late night parties, and live music by Metz, Sloan, Mykki Blanco, Junglepussy, Hooded Fang, Safia Nolin, Nap Eyes, Evening Hymns and many others. Grab all the details by clicking below and support the local greatness that is Arboretum.
This Wednesday starting at 5 p.m., House of Targ presents the second Wizard Werks Craft Show featuring some of Ottawa’s craftiest vendors selling unique and handmade and repurposed items. Check it and support local craft wizards!
This Thursday, August 18, Queers & Beers is having a glitter hoppy edition at the 3 Brasseurs. For those unfamiliar with the concept, this monthly event is for those who love craft beer but not the sexist & heteronormative culture that sometimes comes with it. It’s for those who like getting together over interesting conversations and meeting new friends in a different atmosphere.
Montreal power pop/rock & roll band Dany Laj & The Looks are making their return to House of Targ this Thursday night and for the occasion they’ll be performing live with Edmonton alt country/rockers Altameda and Ottawa indie power pop/rock band Ornaments.
If you’re into punk and hardcore, you should make your way over to Cafe Deckuf this Friday night to catch Ottawa pop punks Bearings. The guys will be playing alongside Ottawa post hardcore band T-Rex Marathon and Gatineau/Ottawa post hardcore project Fractures & Outlines.
If you’re a fan of fibre, as in the kind that’s spun into yarn, then you’ll want to check out the Twist Festival happening this weekend in Saint-André-Avellin, a municipality located about 45 minutes away from Ottawa-Gatineau. The two-day annual event serves as a showcase for the fibre world and is intended for the general public, fibre enthusiasts, producers, fleece animal breeders, transformers, artists, artisans, professionals and semi-professionals. It’ll feature dozens of workshops, activities, a textile art exhibit with a modern twist and over 80 exhibitors from all trades of the fibre industry.
Barnstorm 2016 is being held this Saturday, August 20 at the usual spot in Finch, Ontario. This year’s edition of the annual music festival will feature live performances by The Jimmy Tri-Tone Band, Julie Corrigan, Harea Band, James Lecaire and Muffler Crunch among others. Free camping is available and encouraged for those who want to get their party on.
Something You Whisper will be making a stop in Ottawa this Saturday night as part of the Scream My Name Tour. The Cambridge post-hardcore band will be performing live at Cafe Dekcuf with Ottawa metal group Vesuvius, Ottawa melodic hardcore formation WKFLD, Ottawa progressive metal outfit Trentia and Ottawa metalcore project Eyes Over Sea.
If you’re into francophone hip hop, head over to the Minotaure in the Hull sector of Gatineau this Saturday night to check out Manu Militari live. The Quebec rapper will be performing live in an effort to promote his latest album Océan and he’ll be sharing the stage with Gatineau hip hop artist L’entracte.
The OhMyJam monthly is having a special pride x anniversary edition this Saturday, August 20. The dance party, which takes place at Babylon, will feature sets by DJs Lissa Monet, Sammy Rawal and D-Luxx Brown + Dae.
This Sunday, Somerset Street will turn into a block party dubbed the Community Love Project. A benefit for Ten Oaks, For Pivots Sake, Nishgonkoz and Around the Rainbow, the event will feature outdoor fun including DJs, a patio, beer, a BBQ, a photobooth, a youth stage, a family area and more.
Apparently, block parties are a hot trend these days, cause there’s another one happening this Sunday, this one on Bank St in the Glebe for which all proceeds will go directly to Interval House of Ottawa, a local women’s shelter. The fundraiser will include a Makers Market, live music, face painting, a BBQ, live art and hair cuts, braids and hair tattoos by donation from Studio B stylists.
This Sunday at Pressed, there’s a sweet lineup if you’re looking for an early all-ages show. There’s going to be live sets by Toronto new wave band Century Palm, Ottawa garage punks Average Times, Calgary garage pop group Feel Alright and Calgary psych project Fever Feel.
