Classic Theatre Festival:
Perth, Aug. 5 to 28
This comedy chronicles a couple’s joys and challenges throughout a 35-year marriage. The play follows them from the nervous wedding night through to childbirth and parenting to the inevitable mid-life crisis and the final realities of aging. It is one of those rare plays that combine charm, depth of character, dramatic tension, and comic relief in a manner that makes audiences feel good about the promises of love. $30, people under 30 $21. Mason Theatre, 13 Victoria St., Perth, 877-283-1283, www.classictheatre.ca.
Williamstown Fair
Williamstown, Aug. 5 to 7
This rural event is described as “Canada’s Oldest Annual Fair” and is celebrating its 200th year. With a myriad of activities each day, must-sees (and dos) include hot-air balloon rides, beach volleyball, bingo, artisan displays, antique machinery, tug-of-war, foot races, midway games and rides, agricultural shows, and live performances. Day pass $8, weekend pass $15. Williamstown Fairgrounds, Williamstown, 613-347-2841, www.williamstownfair.com.
Thousand Islands Playhouse: Billy Bishop Goes to War
Gananoque, Aug. 5 to Sept. 3
One of the most famous and widely produced plays in Canadian theatre, this musical recounts the life of 20-year-old misfit and flying ace Billy Bishop. Played by Jacob James, Billy Bishop evolves from a mischievous ne’er-do-well to the nation’s most decorated pilot. $36.16, seniors $33.90, students and children $18.08. Firehall Theatre, 185 South St., Gananoque, 613-382-7020, 866-382-7020, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com .
Puppets Up! International Festival
Almonte, Aug. 6 and 7
Puppets Up! is a two-day international festival devoted to the art of puppetry and fun. Family-friendly professional puppet troupes travel from around the globe to entertain the thousands of visitors who attend the festival each year. The theme for 2011 is All Creatures Great and Small as the festival celebrates our natural world. Performances take place along the banks of the Mississippi River in tented and storefront theatres. Along with the puppet shows, there is a daily parade, street entertainment, and musicians. See website for performance and ticket information. Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge St., Almonte, www.puppetsup.ca.
Naismith 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Almonte, Aug. 6
Almost 100 teams participate in this basketball festival that takes over the streets of Almonte, making it the largest 3-on-3 tournament in eastern Ontario. Teams compete in men’s, women’s, elementary school, and high school competitions. Sign up a team of your own, or cheer on the athletes from the sidelines. Between games, take advantage of Almonte’s parks and stores. Almonte, 613-256-0492, www.naismithmuseum.com, www.mississippimills.ca
Pakenham Fall Fair
Pakenham, Aug. 13
In its 100th year, this fair offers exciting changes, including a new theme called Village Green. The traditional activities include horticultural exhibits, horse shows, dairy and beef shows, log skidding, craft shows, antique tractors and cars, and spinning and weaving demonstrations. Stewart Community Centre, 112 MacFarland St., and Fred Millar Community Park, Pakenham, 613-256-1077 ext. 22, www.mississippimills.ca.