TAKE THE PLUNGE
Get ready, get set, jump! Dock-jumping dogs and their owners will descend on Carlington Park for a special competition that includes other agility and fetching sports. Take the Plunge is an action-packed, family friendly fundraiser supporting four community rescues. Local vendors, a silent auction, demonstrations, and a simple appreciation for the canine friend are just a few of the reasons that attract some of Ottawa’s most generous dog lovers to this event. Pets welcome on leashes. Carlington Park, 941 Clyde Ave. Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5. www.taketheplungeottawa.ca
OTTAWA DANCE DIRECTIVE TAKES OFF
The new Ottawa Dance Directive (ODD) is partnering with the annual Canadian Dance Festival this weekend in a number of “pop-up” events, bringing live music and contemporary dance to “under-danced” areas of the city on Thursday, June 13 to Sunday, June 16. If you’re near Hog’s Back, Carleton University, or National Gallery of Canada, check out the schedule — the series includes ticketed and free performances. And that’s not all – the ODD will take to the stage with some provocative and passionate late-night acts in ODD is OFF. 2 Daly Ave. Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 at 9 p.m. $25 adult, $20 student. www.odd-cdc.org
MAIN EVENT OF OLD OTTAWA EAST (FREE!)
It doesn’t matter if you’re from the neighbourhood of Old Ottawa East — everyone is welcome to celebrate community spirit at the ninth annual Main Event hosted by the Activities Group of Old Ottawa East. Curl up under the stars for an Outdoor Movie Night; rise and shine the next morning for the Main Event Garage Sale; mingle with friends and neighbours at the community party that includes live music by Stan Clark’s Capital Swing Band, a BBQ, rides, and much more. Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15. See website for event details. www.ottawaeastcag.ca/events
SMALL PRESS BOOK FAIR (FREE!)
Add some local books to your summer reading list. Join other local book worms at this weekend’s Small Press Book Fair, which encourages and supports local writers and artists. At this fair you can find a wide variety of genres to satisfy your inner nerd. Poetry, comics, novels, posters, magazines, and cookbooks are just a few items of what you can expect. Stock up now, sit back, and relax in the summer sun with your new reads. Room 203 of the Jack Purcell Community Centre, 320 Jack Purcell Lane. Saturday, June 15. Noon to 5 p.m. www.smallpressbookfair.blogspot.ca
EXPLORER ROSE WORKSHOP (FREE!)
Take part in the Heritage Rose Garden workshop to learn about Explorer Roses. A special type of roses developed to survive in our climate, Explorer Roses creep and climb — and each variety is named for a famous explorer! Workshop topics include maintenance and pest prevention. Following the workshop participants will be given a survey on the different roses found at the garden; challenge yourself to find all types listed, and snap a photo to remember the afternoon. Master Gardener, Edythe Falconer, will educate and assist. Bring a folding chair. Ornamental Gardens, southwest of the Prince of Wales roundabout. Saturday, June 15. 1 p.m. to 3p.m. Free parking. Donations accepted. www.friendsofthefarm.ca
FESTIVAL FRANCO-ONTARIEN
This year’s Festival Franco-Ontarien is sure to be a memorable one for the whole family. The organizers of the festival have prepared a special celebration to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Francophone presence in Ontario with a highlight on Samuel de Champlain’s passage along the river in 1613. Major’s Hill Park and Byward Market. Thursday, June 13, to Saturday, June 15. Event pass for 3 days $25, event pass for 1 day $15, children 12 and under free. www.ffo.ca
~ Jessica Nasrallah