October West in Kanata
Looks like a beautiful day for the second annual October West! Combining the efforts — and beers — of Big Rig Brewery, Calabogie Brewing, and Small Pony Barrel Works, this celebration of local beer is happening behind Big Rig’s Kanata location. With more than 10 local breweries, as well as food from local purveyors, it’s a great way to say auf wiedersehen to the fall festival season … not to mention catch up on the great brews coming out of local breweries. Dogs encouraged to come too!
$10 ticket includes October West glass (while supplies last) and a drink ticket. Additional tickets $3.50. (If you’re not planning to sample, bring a non-perishable item for the Kanata Food Cupboard.)
Saturday, Oct. 19. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
105 Schneider Rd., Kanata

Captive by Christine Fiztgerald at Studio Sixty Six
Local photographer Christine Fitzgerald continues her exploration of human-animal relationships with a series of stunning images of parrots. Motivated by the plight of parrots kept as pets and traded online, Fitzgerald facilitated photo shoots with local sanctuary Parrot Partners, and used 19th-century darkroom methods to create rich images that have a historical look.

“By using these historical photographic printing processes, I allude to the past,
when it was common for travellers to bring back souvenirs from exotic lands,
linking the subject matter to a disturbing present reality.”

Free. Oct. 17 to Nov. 24
858 Bank St., Unit 101

Behind the scenes at Museum of Nature
Indulge your inner naturalist at the annual Canadian Museum of Nature open house. Held at its Gatineau facility, a treasure trove of some 14.6 million plant, animal, mineral, specimens, the event lets visitors get a close look at dinosaur bones, rare pressed plants, animal skeletons, slimy creatures in jars … there’s even a “wet lab” dedicated to reptiles, amphibians, and fish! Free parking, and photos are allowed.
Free. Saturday, Oct. 19. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
1740 Pink Rd., Gatineau