It’s hard to believe that June has come and gone already and that summer is finally here. With July starting this weekend, it means Bluesfest is just around the corner, along with a slew of other events that are worth checking out. To help you choose where to go and what to attend this week, take a look at Eventful Capital’s weekly picks.
The first Annihilator Canadian Tour in over two decades is making a stop in Ottawa this Monday, June 26. For the occasion, the veteran heavy metal band originally from Canada’s capital will be playing live at the Brass Monkey with Mutank and other special guests.
British punk band Extreme Noise Terror have embarked on a Canadian Tour and they’ll be stopping in Ottawa this Wednesday, June 28 to play House of Targ with Napalm Raid, Asile and Fragment.
The artist-run centre AXENÉO7, in collaboration with Canada Scene, DAÏMÔN, SAW Gallery, Galerie UQO and Théâtre du Trillium, presents Endless Landscape, a major visual arts event in Gatineau’s historic La Fonderie building taking place during the entire Summer of 2017. Endless Landscape is a commissioning project premiering all new work by 12 leading Canadian and Indigenous visual artists. From whimsical to political, the installations presented from June 28 to August 30 are as surprising as they are illuminating.
Those of you who enjoy visual arts should check out the Ottawa Art Battle Regional Finals this Thursday evening at Arts Court. The regional finals will crown the Ottawa champion who’ll go on to represent the Nation’s capital at the annual National Championship going down later this summer to crown the top Canadian painter of 2017.
New Jersey indie band Gates will be playing live at House of Targ this Thursday, June 29. As part of the show, they’ll be sharing the stage with New Jersey instrumental rockers Vasudeva, Buffalo rockers Head North and Ottawa indie dream rock group Nighttime in Kansas.
Starting June 30, and for the next 107 days, Jacques-Cartier Park in the Vieux-Hull will host the biggest horticultural event in Canada: MosaïCanada. The theme of the Gatineau exhibit will reflect 150 years of history, values, culture and arts in Canada, represented by some 40 different arrangements. Check it out until October 15. It’s free and all are welcome!
Oshawa death rockers Black Cat Attack are playing live at House of Targ this Friday, June 30. This time round, the five-piece will be rocking out alongside Ottawa rock band Hellbros and Toronto grunge punks The Anti-Queens. It’s bound to be loud.
This Friday, June 30, Kinki Lounge brings you a pre-Canada Day party as part of Kinki After Dark. For the occasion, Toronto heavyweights Thugli will be giving a live set alongside DJs EZ El Dee, Iggy Smalls and Mace. The trap duo always delivers solid sets packed with straight bangers, so this promises to be one for the books.
Over at good old Irene’s Pub this Friday, June 30, you can catch a laid-back show featuring live music by locals Claude Munson and Shadowhand.
Up for something different? How about partying on a boat? That’s what Soca Boat 150 is all about. This Friday, June 30, get on board and start your Canada Day weekend the right way.
The Canadian Museum of History is the place to be on July 1st this year. Not only will the country’s biggest and most visited museum unveil its highly-anticipated Canadian History Hall, as an official site for Canada Day celebrations, it will also offer a bunch of family-friendly activities and entertainment, both inside and out. Bonus: it’s free and you get the best view for the must-see Canada Day fireworks!
This Saturday at the Agriculture Museum, there’s going to be a Canada Day party dubbed Dominion Day brought to you by the Dominion City Brewing Co. You guessed it: there will be lots of local beer, plenty of tasty food, and music by The Adam Saikaley Trio, Amos the Transparent, Kathleen Edwards and more. Sounds like a great time!
Starting at 2 p.m. on Canada Day, the KINKI Patio will be open for celebrations and will be equipped with sound & light to keep the festivities rocking through the night. The party, which is free to attend, will feature a lineup of DJs including Trevor Walker, Ryan Labelle, Ali Harb and Paulo Cardoso, among others.
On July 1st, the Rainbow Bistro is hosting a fundraiser for the Diabetes Association of Canada. It’ll take the form of a beard and moustache championship, and will feature live music by Old Time Honey. Have fun while supporting a good cause!
If you’re a fan of ska, reggae and rocksteady and are willing to brave the July 1st crowds, be sure to make your way over to House of Targ this Saturday night for the Voice Of The People Ska Night Skanada Day edition. This fun party will feature music selections courtesy of DJs Snappy and Longshot as well as a live performances by Montreal ska band Danny Rebel & the KGB, Ottawa ska/rockstready nine-piece The Sentries and Montreal reggae trio Foolish.
If you’re into reggaeton and dancehall and are looking for a dance party to hit up on July 1st, City at Night has got you covered. DJs Mendez and Dani Zamora will take care of the beats while you enjoy the vibes.
Local indie folk band Maggie’s March is turning to the community for support to help fundraise their debut album. As a result, the guys are inviting the public to join them at the Minotaure this Sunday, July 2 for a live performance with special guest musician Van Hoan Le.
The Ca$tro vs. Fiji Tour is rolling through Ottawa this Sunday night. Presented by the CMDWN Collective, the all-ages show is happening at the Bourbon Room and will feature Toronto underground hip hop artists Ca$tro and Fiji live.