CANADIAN QUIDDITCH CUP (FREE!)
The final movie has come and gone, but it’s still possible to get your Potter fix. While they won’t be flying around on Nimbus 2000s, Carleton University plays host to more than 100 muggles for the first-ever Canadian Quidditch Cup. The non-flight version of Quidditch, which still involves broomsticks, is a modified version of the sport that mixes rugby, dodge ball, and tag. Eight teams will battle it out to decide who gets to go to the Quidditch World Cup tournament in New York City in November. Come cheer for Carleton, ranked second behind McGill. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check it out on campus at the Ravens’ Road Field. Map of campus can be found here.
ASK GOOGLE
A rising star on the international scene, Mexican artist Emilio Chapela brings his first solo art show to Canada at the Saw Gallery. Using Google as the star of his show, he presents a series of eye-opening (and mind-blowing) image- and text-based works generated from search engines. Up for discussion: race, language, and translation. Until Nov. 12. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 67 Nicholas St., 613-236-6181, www.galeriesawgallery.com.
THE CREEPY QUEER COMEDY SHOW
Start your Halloween off with a laugh at this fundraiser for Pink Triangle Services, a local organization that serves the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and queer communities of Ottawa. Featuring the comedic talents of Darcy Michael and Trevor Boris, as well as the only transgendered comic in North America, Ms. Alison Grillo, the event is being billed as a Night of Undead Laughs. Thursday, Oct. 27. 8 p.m. $25, $30 at the door. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave.
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Do the time-warp again at the annual screening of rock musical TRHPS, the longest-running theatrical release in movie history. This cult classic encourages audience partipation — check out this Virgin’s Guide on the official fan site for tips on what to bring, wear, expect, etc. With special guests the Absent Friends. Friday, Oct. 28, Saturday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 31. See website for showtimes. $10 members, $15 non-members. Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St. www.mayfairtheatre.ca
WHISPERING PINES (AND PINTS!)
It’s a world premiere! In the divided city of Berlin in 1987, live Renate and Bruno, artists who want to make a new world. When Thomas, a Canadian academic, arrives on their doorstep bearing gifts from the West and dreams of life beyond the Wall, their lives are turned upside down. Years later, in a peaceful cabin on the shores of Lake Superior, the three come together one last time to confront the betrayal that tore them apart. Politics, intrigue, and the cold war. Sounds like the makings for a great play. And, bonus!, on the opening night (Friday, Oct. 28), the German Embassy has partnered with GCTC for Whispering Pints (geddit?). Stop by after the show (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) for German beer, food, and music. Cover charge is $5. The play runs Friday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $45 (adult) and $34 (students and seniors). 1227 Wellington St. W., 613-236-5196, www.gctc.ca.
HAUNTED WALKS
What better way to celebrate Halloween than by scaring yourself silly with true tales of ghostly happenings? Sign up for a tour that will take you through some of the city’s creepiest locales. The Ottawa Jail Hostel? Check. The site of the last working gallows? Check. Haunted buildings? Check. Our pick is the adults-only tour of the Canadian Museum of Nature on Friday night. Once the doors close to the public you can enjoy wine and cheese and see for yourself where ghostly encounters have taken place. If you dare… Halloween edition tours are offered nightly until Oct. 31, see website for schedule. $17.75, students $16.75, children (six to 12) $10.75. 613-232-0344. www.hauntedwalk.com
DARK CARNIVAL
This party rages on for not one, but two nights of sinfully good weekday fun. On Halloween, the arts and music fest features German musicians En Esch, Gunter Schulz, and vocalist Mona Mur, as well as Ontario’s own Promonium Jesters playing “psychedelic industrial thrash music.” The second night is jam-packed with Canadian electronic-industrial acts and dancing by Poi Sin from the Sin Sisters (dancing with her glow-in-the-dark poi spinning), a plethora of burlesque shows, modern and traditional belly dancing, live art, interactive body painting demos, a showcase of local artists, and (unbelievably) much more. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 8 p.m. One night $20, both nights $30. Must be 19 and older. Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York St. www.deathdisco.ca