WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL
In this one-day-only film festival, you get the chance to catch an eclectic mix of films tied to the theme of water protection and conservation. The Ottawa Riverkeeper hosts and all proceeds go to protecting the Ottawa River. The river won’t be the only thing winning: in addition to the compelling films being shown, there will be a silent auction and raffle. Thursday, February 21, $12, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., www.ottawariverkeeper.ca/events.
BUST A MOVE AND TEAM TITTY TARTS’ BOOBIE BALL
The event’s name might be silly, but the cause is anything but. Come out to Lobby Nightclub for a fun evening benefitting the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and “help save second base.” The evening kicks off with a VIP reception. 19+. Friday, February 22, 9 p.m. $30. Lobby Nightclub, 158 ½ Rideau St., www.ottawacancer.ca.
CARTE BLANCHE: 3 O’CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON
Choreographer Ina Christel Johannessen brings Norway’s National Company of Contemporary Dance to Ottawa for the first time, directing 12 dancers in an event combining the visual arts, theatre, poetry, and movement. From $38. Friday, February 22, and Saturday, February 23, 7:30 p.m. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.
BALL & CHAIN AND SWAMPERELLA
Mardi Gras is over, but its spirit lives on with Louisiana-style bands Ball and Chain and Swamperella. The evening opens with a free dance lesson and there will be authentic Cajun food served at the break. $12. Saturday, February 23, 8:30 p.m. Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank St., www.irenespub.ca.
MEDIA AND CELEBRITY PHOTO CONTEST AUCTION (FREE!)
Ottawa’s media and celebrity personalities come together through photography to show us why they love this city. Get the chance to meet a few of the celebrity participants, vote for your favourite, and take part in a silent auction benefitting the Ottawa Food Bank. Saturday, February 23, 12 p.m. to 8:83 p.m. Ottawa Studio Works, 160 Preston Street, www.ottawastudioworks.com.
TREEPOT MEDIA INDIE DOUBLE BILL
There’s no talent like local talent. Come see what two of Ottawa’s up-and-coming filmmakers have to offer in Algebra, directed by Treepot Media founder Jith Paul, and Thirteen Downs, directed by Karim Ayari. Algebra won the award for best technical quality in the invited category at the 2012 Digi60 Filmmaker’s Festival, and Thirteen Downs premiered at the 2012 Ottawa Film Festival. $10. Saturday, February 23, 7 p.m. Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., www.treepotmedia.com.
CHEMISTRY MAGIC SHOW (FREE!)
Carleton University’s Chemistry Department invites you and your family to peek into the magic of science. You won’t believe what’s happening before your eyes as mysterious substances explode, change colour, and even glow in the dark. There’s a hands-on component too, so young scientists can make their own Olympic medals, create slime, and more. In place of an entrance fee, guests are encouraged to donate a non-perishable item for the Food Bank. Saturday, February 23, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Theatre B, Southam Hall, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., www.carleton.ca/~jmanthor.
DIANA KRALL
The talented and Grammy Award winning Diana Krall arrives in Ottawa for two shows. The tour follows the release of Krall’s latest album, Glad Rag Doll, her 21st century take on the music of the ’20s and ’30s. What’s old is new again as Krall takes on the treasures she found in the LP collection in her family home. From $85. Saturday, February 23, and Sunday, February 24, 8 p.m. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.
DANNY HUSSEY AT THE CUBE GALLERY (FREE!)
Excellent news for art lovers: not only is Canadian artist Danny Hussey’s work on display at Cube Gallery, but the artist himself will be on hand for an evening vernissage and to discuss his projects, which combine plywood, paint, printing, and photography. This is Hussey’s first time at Cube, and you can expect to see a selection of his past work as well as newer installations. Artist’s Talk and Vernissage, Sunday, February 24, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; exhibit runs now until Sunday, March 3. Cube Gallery, 1285 Wellington St. W., www.cubegallery.ca.
MAYFAIR THEATRE LIVE OSCARS TELECAST
Who needs the Dolby (formally know as Kodak) Theatre when you’ve got the Mayfair? Ottawa’s beloved independent movie theatre presents the 85th Annual Academy Awards in a live telecast. Plus it’s free for members and licensed for alcohol. If you’re not a member, the entrance fee includes membership: reduced-price admissions for the year, because if you’re watching the Oscars you must be a movie buff, amiright? $10. Sunday, February 24, 8 p.m. The Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St., www.bank.mayfairtheatre.ca.