DOORS OPEN OTTAWA (FREE!)
This weekend you have the chance to explore some of Ottawa’s most interesting architectural hot spots. This year marks the 12th anniversary of Doors Open Ottawa. Over 100 buildings are participating, including a number of heritage sites, embassiess, museums, and churches. Some of the new participants this year include the Mayfair Theatre and the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. See website for list of participating buildings and tour hours. www.ottawa.ca/doorsopen
WHEN IS GRAFFITI MORE THAN JUST GRAFFITI? (FREE!)
Street Fare, a special exhibit of Valerie Burton’s photographic work, is a controversial artistic expression encompassing universal messages of social, political, and religious themes. Her work is unique in that she photographs post-graffiti paintings — from all over the world — with black and white film and then later alters them with paint and other techniques to create a new meaning. Galerie 240, 240 Guigues Ave. Thursday, May 30 to Friday, June 14. Open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. www.guild240.com
OTTAWA’S GOT GAME
Do you play Call of Duty or StarCraft? If so, you’re going to want to be at Ottawa’s Got Game. All proceeds raised at this tournament go to Childs Play, a charitable foundation providing toys and videogames to hospitals around the world. This event is in conjunction with the Ottawa International Gaming Conference. Time to get competitive as the grand prize is worth an estimated $13,000. Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Pkwy. Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m on Sunday, July 2. $60 to register and $13 general admission. www.ottawasgotgame.eventbrite.ca/#
FLETCHER WILDLIFE GARDEN NATIVE PLANT SALE (FREE!)
With hundreds of pretty flowers and plants native to Ottawa it must be tough to determine which ones suit your yard the best. Thankfully, the garden experts at this event can recommend anything from which flowers attract the most butterflies to how to incorporate a backyard pond. Spend a few hours at this plant sale and your garden will be the envy of your neighbourhood. Prince of Wales Drive, opposite Agriculture Museum. Saturday, June 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free parking. www.ofnc.ca/fletcher
CELTIC NORTH AT THE ORLEANS FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Celtic North is a band made up of three local musicians who share a passion for traditional Irish, Scottish, and French tunes. The group came out with their first CD in 2010 and will be performing many of their original songs this weekend at the Orléans Festival, a family-friendly event that kicks off its third edition this weekend. The festival includes a combination of visual, performance and culinary art. Orléans Festival, Shenkman Arts Centre. Celtic North performing Sunday, June 2 on the main stage; 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. www.orleansfestival.ca
THE ART OF PEACE: ARTIFACT SPOTLIGHT
Gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Canada’s involvement and response to different wars and global threats from ancient times to the present through this unique tour. A variety of artworks and artifacts will be on display for Peace – The Exhibition. Trained interpreters will lead the way with a participatory approach to help you uncover the stories and messages hidden behind these moving works of art. Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl. Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 (and all following weekends in June). Museum open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. See website for admission fees and tour departures. www.warmuseum.ca
~ Jessica Nasrallah