CIRQUE BIZARRE
Ottawa Jail Hostel is transforming into a vintage 1930s-style carnival for the last few days of Pride Week. The first event of its kind in Ottawa, it’ll include circus entertainers, burlesque dancers, and DJs including DJ Miss Honey Dijon. The four-day “festival within a festival” is modeled after the over-the-top Pride parties that take place annually in cities like Toronto and Montreal. Wednesday, August 22, until Saturday, August 25. $10 advance tickets for each event. Ottawa Jail Hostel, 75 Nicholas St., www.houseofsas.ca.
DANCE DANCE (OFFICE) REVOLUTION (FREE!)
Great music has been coming out of Sweden lately (Robyn and The Tallest Man on Earth are a far cry from ABBA) so it’s only natural that the Scandinavian country would have great dance and party trends to offer too. One in particular, the lunchtime dance party, is coming to Ottawa for the first time this week. The idea is simple – instead of eating a sandwich in your sad cubicle, get some air, a free popsicle, and have fun dancing! Thursday, August 23, at lunchtime. Sparks St. between O’Connor St. and Bank St., www.awesomeottawa.ca/2012/07/dance-dance-office-revolution-lunchtime-dance-party/.
WAKEFEST
This annual all-arts festival celebrates the best in local art, music, fashion, and literature. Wakefest aims to inspire a supportive arts community by giving musicians, artists, filmmakers, writers, and performance artists the chance to engage the local community with the Gatineau River as their backdrop. Attendees are given tons of opportunities to get involved – walk in a fashion show on Thursday, silk screen your own T-shirt on Friday, then learn how to hula hoop on Saturday! Thursday, August 23, to Sunday, August 26. Prices vary for events. Various locations in Wakefield, Quebec, www.wakefest.org.
OTTAWA DJ FEST
This year’s Ottawa DJ Fest will bring international DJs from places like Mexico, Bosnia, and Tuscany together with local Ottawa and Gatineau DJs. Rock out to scratch and club DJs, and DJ producers of all ages. Saturday, August 25. $35. CE Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., www.ottawadjfest.com.
ART IN THE CITY (FREE!)
Artists from across the country will display their work in a juried show this weekend. Stroll through the park and get a taste of the variety Canadian artisans have to offer –paintings, pottery, jewellery, food, and home decor items will be available. Friday, August 24, to Sunday, August 26. Confederation Park, Elgin St. and Laurier Ave. W., www.artinthecityottawa.com.
STORIES AT SEA
Take advantage of the last days of summer and indulge your inner child’s imagination. Two local companies, Pirate Adventures and the Ottawa StoryTellers, are uniting for one special night. Climb aboard a 50-foot pirate ship for great story telling and unforgettable adventure while the sun sets. Saturday, August 25, cruises leaving at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. $20. Call 613-859-5199 for reservation. Mooney’s Bay, 588 Hog’s Back Rd., www.pirateadventures.ca.
HOLLYWOOD BABBLE-ON WITH KEVIN SMITH
The actor/writer/director behind cult favourites Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and last year’s Red State, is coming to Ottawa for a night of comedy. For their podcast, Hollywood Babble-On, Kevin Smith and comedian Ralph Garman will be making their live Ottawa debut this Saturday night. Saturday, August 25, at 8 p.m. $65.75. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., www.centrepointetheatre.ca.