These events listings appear in the Summer edition of Ottawa Magazine. For more local events and July and August roadtrips, buy the magazine on newsstands or order your online edition.
Art in the Garden. With over 30 artists exhibiting in Kiwi Gardens, this showcase of art and crafts draws more than 3,000 visitors every year. Displays are set up among the beautiful perennial beds and include items such as garden sculptures, obelisks, blown glass, outdoor furniture, pottery, and other unique garden art. Stay to enjoy the gardens, live music, and food. June 16 and 17. $5. Kiwi Gardens, 687 Harper Rd., Perth, 613-267-7384, www.kiwigardens.ca.
Festival L’Outaouais en fête. This four-day revelry highlights francophone culture, language, and arts through outdoor activities and events. Catch dance and vocal performances by well-known francophone artists, as well as fireworks, a parade, daily children’s entertainment, amusement rides, displays by local artisans, and a bonfire. June 22 to 25. Free until 5 p.m., $13 for evening. Parc des Cèdres, Raoul-Roy Road, Gatineau (Aylmer sector), 819-684-8460, www.festivaloutaouaisenfete.com.
Fort Henry Military Tattoo. Two hundred years has passed since the War of 1812, and to celebrate, Fort Henry is holding 1812-themed events for visitors to see what the days of the war were like, with some action thrown in as well. During the day, Fort Henry sets up an 1812 encampment and allows visitors to participate in daily activities. For those who buy a combo ticket to the event, a small naval re-enactment will be held, followed by a musical performance featuring over 50 Highland performers. The evening’s spectacular finish sees 200 musicians playing beneath a sky exploding with fireworks. June 30. $29.60, seniors and youth $24.80, children five and under free. Fort Henry, 1 Fort Henry Dr., Kingston, 613-542-3054, www.forthenry.com.
Lambs Down Park Festival. The Wool Growers Co-operative grades and markets close to three million pounds of raw wool each year, making Carleton Place the largest distribution centre for lambs’ wool in Canada. In honour of the wool industry, the town’s Business Improvement Association hosts this festival. The daylong event features hands-on demonstrations of sheep herding (using working sheep dogs), as well as sheep shearing and wool spinning. Visitors can tour the Wool Growers’ facilities, meet the lambs and sheep at the petting zoo, and try lamb dishes at local restaurants. June 16. Canadian Wool Growers Co-operative, 142 Franktown Rd., Carleton Place, 613-257-8049, www.downtowncarletonplace.com.
Medieval Festival. A colourful cast of medieval re-enactors, musicians, buskers, artisans, falconers, archers, and merchants goes back in time to bring the magic and grit from the 10th century to the 21st. Watch as knights joust and battle for the princess and, more importantly, the cheers of the crowd. The royal court, including the king and queen and their entourage, are in attendance at a number of events throughout the festival. Children can try their hand at games, including Jacob’s Ladder, a maze, a catapult game, and more. June 9 to 11. $20, seniors $17, and those 12 and under $14. 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, 800-437-2233, www.uppercanadavillage.com.
Thousand Islands Playhouse: NUNSENSE II. The sequel to one of the longest-running off-Broadway musicals sees the same inept nuns preparing another musical performance. But in Nunsense II, the clerical bunch are thoroughly stage-struck and the discovery of a talent scout in the audience throws the show into chaos. Bingo games will return in Nunsense II, and even more mayhem is on the way. Until June 16. $36.16, seniors $33.90, students and children $18.80. 690 Charles St. S., Gananoque, 613-382-7020, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.
Thousand Islands Playhouse: AMELIA: THE GIRL WHO WANTS TO FLY. Amelia Earhart had a spirit that couldn’t be contained. This new musical re-imagines her iconic life and the fame that came with being a pioneer female pilot. Inspiring, insightful, and entertaining, this play captures the essence of Amelia’s soaring spirit and the difficulties of her fame. June 28 to July 28. $36.16, seniors $33.90, students and children $18.80. 185 South St., Gananoque, 613-382-7020, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.
Thousand Islands Playhouse: SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA. From the creator of popular comedies like Till It Hurts and Rope’s End, this play tells of hilarious misadventures in the Scottish Highlands. A newly retired librarian escapes her husband to go on a food and wine tour overseas, but nothing goes as expected. June 22 to July 21. $36.16, seniors $33.90, students and children $18.80. 690 Charles St. S., Gananoque, 613-382-7020, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.
Thousand Islands Wine & Food Festival. Gourmands revel in the joys of some of the province’s finest wine, beer, and food. Guests are invited to sample drinks from different regions, along with locally produced foods, while enjoying the fun and relaxing ambience. A complimentary shuttle service is offered for local hotel guests during festival hours. June 22 and 23. $10. Brockville Memorial Centre, Magedoma Drive, Brockville, 888-251-7676, www.brockvilletourism.com.
Upper Canada Rodeo. A taste of the west saddles up in Lombardy thanks to the Upper Canada Rodeo Group Foundation. This weekend offers the complete rodeo experience with steer wrestling, roping events, barrel racing, saddle bronc busting, and of course bull riding, with all participants competing to win! Live music will be playing all weekend long on the main stage and The Cowboy Church will hold services on Sunday. June 23 and 24. $25. Lombardy Agricultural Hall and Fairgrounds, Highway 15, Lombardy, www.uppercanadarodeofoundation.com.