NEPEAN CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE
Now I know what you’re thinking: Halloween was only a few days ago and I’ll be damned if I go Christmas shopping the first week of November. But think how happy you’ll be to beat the Christmas rush! And, with 140 artists and artisans (including Ottawa Magazine contributor Becca Wallace, whose work is shown here and as the feature image) showing their stuff, you could be done in one easy trip. The sale begins on Wednesday, Nov. 2 and continues to Sunday, Nov. 6. Hours: Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $7, seniors $3.50, children free. Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave.
INDIE FILMMAKER SERIES (FREE!)
Looking to catch some quick flicks this weekend? Mercury Lounge has something for you! The Independent Filmmakers Cooperative of Ottawa presents the Indie Filmmaker Series, featuring Montreal based filmmaker Mike Rollo, whose films have been shown across the globe. Head to the Byward Market on Friday, Nov. 4 to see six of Rollo’s experimental short films. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the screening begins at 7:30. Located in the basement of the Mercury Lounge, 56 Byward Market. http://www.ifco.ca/indi.html
HEY OCEAN! POSTPONED – due to vocalist suffering throat injury on Thursday night.
If you’re on the hunt for some new beats, Hey Ocean! just might be the find of the week. The up-and-coming Vancouver trio perform their pop ballads across Canada while simultaneously recording their first album, to be released by the end of the year. Opening act: Whale Tooth. Saturday, Nov. 5. Tickets are $13, and are available online or at Vertigo Records (193 Rideau St.) and The Record Shaap (209 Gilmour St.). Licensed 19+. Ritual Nightclub, 137 Besserer St.
JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL
If the last film you saw that was set in Japan was Lost in Translation, maybe it’s time to get up to speed on true Japanese culture via the Japan Film Festival. Presented by the Canadian Film Institute and the Embassy of Japan, the featured Japanese flicks are Sunset on Third Street 2 at 7 p.m., and Shindo at 9 p.m. Film screenings will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the auditorium of Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St.
AUTHOR SERIES: IAN HAMILTON (FREE!)
Ian Hamilton, author of the Ava Lee mystery novels reads from his three most recent books, The Water Rat of Wanchai, The Disciple of Las Vegas, and The Wild Beasts of Wuhan. Hamilton started off as a journalist, and has written for numerous magazines and newspapers across Canada and the U.S, including Macleans and the Calgary Herald. He has worked internationally as a diplomat and businessman, and wrote his first non-fiction book, The Children’s Crusade, in 1968. Don’t miss your chance to hear the author behind the words. Saturday, Nov. 5. 2 p.m. Registration required. www.biblioottawalibrary.ca
OTTAWA TEA FESTIVAL
Everyone loves a hot cup of tea, especially as the weather gets nastier. So good timing on the city’s First Annual Tea Festival, whether you want to simply try a new blend, or learn more about the language of tea and tea ceremonies. Proceeds raised go towards orphaned children of the tsunami and earthquake. Saturday Nov. 5, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Ave. W.). Tickets: $15 at the door, or available at Singing Pebbles Bookstore (220-a Main St.).