DANGER PROJECT
Get your weekend started early with the last chance to check out May Can Theatre’s Danger Project. This is an experimental theatre work incorporating music, storytelling, movement, dance, song, improvisation, and audience interaction. Three performers will add their unique spins to a classic children’s story (one may glean from the logo that it has something to do with Little Red Riding Hood). The venue is cozy and authentically Russian, so order a Baltika3 lager, enjoy the show, and stick around afterward to check out a local band. Thursday, April 21. 7 p.m. $5. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 ½ Bresserer St. www.avantgardebar.ca
IMAX BORN TO BE WILD 3D
The kids are home for four days in a row and the weather looks grim. What to do? What to do? First up, check out all the local museum schedules — there are lots of kids activities in the offing. And if you hit up the Children’s Museum or Museum of Civilization be sure to prebook tickets for the fantastic IMAX Born To Be Wild 3D, a well-done documentary that swings back and forth between Borneo and Kenya, orangutans and elephants, to discuss the perils of environmental degradation and poaching and the positives of two animal rescue and rehab centres that are helping save two species. Three-four English showings daily. Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100, rue Laurier, Gatineau (Hull sector), 819-776-7010. www.civilization.ca
EARTH DAY AT WABI SABI (FREE!)
This destination for all things fibre is hosting a party for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society to celebrate Earth Day. It’s also the last day to check out their Woodland Window Landscape, a beautiful installation featuring conservation-themed contributions by Ottawa knitters. This Hintonburg destination is a great place for mingling, music, refreshments, and fun. And with all the great knitting accessories just an arm’s length away, you may even uncover a passion for weaving. Friday, April 22. 7 p.m. Wabi Sabi, 1078 Wellington St W. www.cpaws-ov-vo.org
EASTER AT THE ESTATE
The Easter Bunny is at Billings Estate and all of his eggs are plain and boring. Use vegetable-based dyes to help him create impressive designs and keep your original Easter egg. And don’t buy cardboard-packaged chocolate this year; make your own at their chocolate-making workshop. While you’re there, explore the grounds and check out the flowers in bloom. Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. $6; $15 for families. Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St., 613-247-4830, www.ottawa.ca
ME! ME! ME! (FREE!)
Take some well deserved me-time to reflect on what a cool individual you are at Luminita Serbanescu’s Me, Me, Me! exhibit. Serbanescu’s paintings reflect the self-centred nature of human beings by combining line drawings with and more realistic portraits, all set againts undefined scenes. Relish in your independence (or realize your alienating ways) at this unique and thoughtful display. Until Monday, April 25. Atrium Gallery, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Dr. www.luminitaserbanescu.com
OTTAWA ECO-EXPO
Go green, eat local, and be healthy at the RA Centre this weekend. Almost 100 local organizations with green products and services are signed up — from taste testing and massage treatments to exclusive product discounts and home reno ideas. Attention cupcake connoisseurs! On Sunday, the Eco-Expo is hosting Ottawa’s First Annual Cupcake Challenge. Judges will award titles in a number of categories, including best gluten-free, vegan, decorated, and overall cupcake. Come out and cheer on your favourite contestant. Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr. www.ottawaecoexpo.com
ROB MCLENNAN (FREE!)
Ottawa’s rob mclennan is back from a whirlwind tour to introduce his poetry collection Glengarry: open field (a postscripted journal) to the capital. He has penned more than 20 books of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction in Canada, the United States, Ireland, Japan and England, and has published work in over 200 journals in 14 countries and three languages. (Glengarry is a return in writing to the landscape of this poet’s youth, so listen for Ottawa references!) Friday, April 22. 7 p.m. Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong St. www.robmclennan.blogspot.com
SEARS STARS ON ICE
Eight of the world’s greatest figure skaters are in Ottawa to show their skills. This one-day event is a great time for the entire family with a gathering of legends past, present, and future. In their 21st season, Stars On Ice promises the ultimate live figure skating experience. Saturday, April 23. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Ottawa Civic Centre, 1015 Bank St. www.starsonice.ca