CLASS AXE GUITARS CALABOGIE BLUES & RIBFEST
Can’t get enough of the blues? Well, the first annual Calabogie Blues & Ribfest has you covered. Presented by DAWG FM and Calabogie Peaks, the fest includes Johnny Max Band, MonkeyJunk, Kelly Prescott, Al Wood and the Woodsmen, Wild T & the Spirit, and many more. Along with the music, there are ribs, a beer tent, and even a kids’ zone. There are even — ooh, aah — fireworks. On-site accommodation and camping available. Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14. Day passes $10 (Friday, music starts at 7 p.m.) and $20 (Saturday and Sunday, music starts at noon). See website for ticket details. Calabogie Peaks Resort,
30 Barrett Chute Rd.,
Calabogie, 613-752-2720, www.calabogieblues.com.
CENTRETOWN MOVIES OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL
Give date night a lift by grabbing snacks and laying out a blanket on the grass of Dundonald Park for this outdoor film fest. On Friday night, follow Harry and the gang in the second last installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. On Saturday night the magic continues with awkward goofball Michael Cera in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, about a teenager who must win the heart of a girl by defeating her seven evil exes. This is the final scheduled two-night showing of the festival, with Aug. 19 as a make-up date for any rained out films and Aug. 20 either a make-up date or a surprise film. 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13. Pay-what-you-can. Dundonald Park, Somerset Street West.
FREE! 8th INDIAN FILM FEST
Oh the hype! When Indian superstars descended on Toronto in June for the International Indian Film Academy Awards and festival the tickets were gone in minutes. Well, no matter. The stars may not be out in Ottawa, but you can see some of their best movies for free! A collaboration between the Indian High Commission and the Canadian Film Institute, the fest features over 20 movies, including a dozen contemporary blockbusters and six starring Bollywood creator and heartthrob Raj Kapoor, whose movies launch the opening weekend of the ongoing festival. Thursday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 15. All movies at the Library and Archives auditorium. Check the website for detailed schedule.
CAMPFIRE & STORYTELLING
Snuggle up ‘round the fire and let your imagination run wild at this weekly event. The Ottawa Storytellers host an evening of oratory for both young and old. These artists continue the age-old old tradition of storytelling, no book or paper in sight. Enjoy tales for adults and separate stories and songs for children, as well as plenty of marshmallows to roast. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 12. $6, $10 per couple, $16 per family. Billings Estate National Historic Site. 2100 Cabot St., 613-322-8336.
HOTBOX
SAW Video kicks off its 30th anniversary celebrations with HOTBOX, a dance party/social/fundraiser/foodie gathering. An integral part of the local arts scene, this artist-run centre supports ground-breaking independent video and media art. See the fruits of their labour in sound/visual presentations by VJ Bear Witness, Holy Cobras, DJ Adam Saikaley, DJ Chris International, and VJ Daisy. Lots of great food will be available from popular restos like Murray Street, The Manx, Black Cat Bistro, and Pascale’s Ice Cream. There will also be a raffle, with prizes from Top of the World, Lush, Mud Oven, NAC English Theatre, ByTowne Cinema, and GCTC, among others. Thursday, Aug. 11. 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. Pay what you can; $3 gets you a raffle ticket. SAW Courtyard, 67 Nicholas St. www.sawvideo.com
EDIBLE OTTAWA TOUR
Explore the local food scene with Chef Andrée Rifou of C’est Bon Cooking. The tour will visit popular restaurants, ethnic food shops, and gourmet food boutiques, giving participants a chance to chat with chefs, producers, and other passionate foodies. And of course, there will lots to sample along the way. Tour goes ahead rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather — and wear comfy shoes. Thursday, Aug. 11. 10:30 a.m. $45. Tour meets outside Metropolitan Brasserie, 700 Sussex Dr. www.cestboncooking.ca