WESTFEST (FREE!)
This annual festival of music, art, and life in the heart of Ottawa’s trendy Westboro Village celebrates it’s tenth anniversary this year. Enjoy “on the street” programming and activities until about 5 p.m. and then head on over to the main stage for a fun night of Canadian talent. A variety of dancers, poets, and singers will hit the stage during this four-day event. Richmond Road, between McRea and Berkley Avenues. All performances take place on in front of the LCBO. Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9. See website for schedule and other details. www.westfest.ca
ÉTIENNE GÉLINAS AT ST. LAURENT + HILL (FREE!)
Étienne Gélinas is known for his unique paintings and sculptures that aim to combine his fascination with pictorial and scientific worlds. His paintings display an interesting combination of such unique images as sewing patterns, architecture plans, and anatomy drawings to emphasize the notion of space. Gélinas’ most recent works can be found at Galerie St-Laurent + Hill, 293 Dalhousie St. Thursday, June 6 to Wednesday, June 19. www.galeriestlaurentplushill.com
CALYPSO OPENS!
With over 35 water slides and 100 water games, Canada’s “biggest and best” theme waterpark is ready to re-open for the summer season. Calypso is also home to the country’s largest wave pool and North America’s highest free-standing waterslide tower. Open rain or shine. 2015 Calypso St. Thursday, June 6 to Monday, September 2. Daily parking rate of $8 (cash only). See website for general admission, rules, and hours of operation. www.calypsopark.com
ITALIAN WEEK (FREE!)
Now in its 39th year, this cultural event has become a vital community tradition. Italian Week showcases Italian art, sport, music, and cuisine. Highlights from the week include the Opening Ceremony and Parade, the annual Gala event, St. Anthony’s Feast Day, a number of eating contests and taste tests, fireworks, musical performances, and the thrilling Preston Street Bike Race — a full day, sanctioned racing event that showcases some of the top professional cyclists in the region. Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 16. See website for event listings and locations. www.italianweekottawa.org
MEN’S TRUNK SALE & POP-UP SHOP (FREE!)
For 8 days only, Flock Boutique – a retail shop carrying Canadian-made and independently designed clothes and accessories – is turning its basement classroom space into a special men’s clothing pop-up sale. Stylish items from the men’s collections from three Canadian designers – Blank, Voyou, and Atelier B – will be available for purchase. Shopping for Father’s Day just got easier. Flock Boutique, 1275 Wellington St. W. Saturday, June 8 to Sunday, June 16. www.workshopandflock.com
CELEBRATING THE BEST IN ISRAELI CINEMA
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Israeli Film Festival. The first film to premiere is the Israeli box office hit, Haolam Mats’hik (The World is Funny) – a captivating ‘dramedy’. Auditorium of 395 Wellington St. (Library and Archives Building). Screenings at 7 p.m. General admission $12 and $8 for seniors, students and CFI members. English sub-titles included. Select dates from Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 16. www.cfi-icf.ca
~ Jessica Nasrallah