NAVAN FAIR
Launched in 1945, this rural celebration has all the countrified events one would expect – a midway, a demolition derby, lots of live music, agricultural displays, livestock competitions, an antique machinery and tractor display, and plenty of edible treats. Some musical highlights: Canadian rocker Kim Mitchell will hit the stage at this year’s event, as will David Wilcox, and other musicians. Thursday, Aug. 9, to Sunday, Aug. 12. $10, children four to 12 $3, children under three free. Extra fees apply for midway rides and evening entertainment. Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Rd., Navan, www.navanfair.com.
FROM THE GROUND UP (FREE!)
Attaching an expensive camera to a kite must be risky business, but three photographers, whose works are being displayed in a new exhibition, did just that in the name of their art. Orange Art Gallery presents “From the Ground Up,” a new exhibition of large-scale photography. Louis Helbig, Rob Huntley, and Glenn Upton took the photos by airplane, kite, and on foot. The three artists offer the viewer an unusually large-scale perspective of urban and rural landscapes. Vernissage on Thursday, Aug. 9, at 6 p.m. Exhibition on until Sunday, Aug. 19. Orange Art Gallery, 233 Armstrong St., www.orangeartgallery.ca.
SOUTH ASIAN FESTIVAL (FREE!)
A two-day celebration of Ottawa’s vibrant South Asian community will showcase the food, music, and art of multiple countries. Bring the whole family for free fun on a boat cruise Friday night, and outdoor performances Saturday. Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11. Confederation Park, Elgin Street at Slater Street, www.southasianfest.net.
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS III (FREE!)
Ottawa group The Lost Dominion Screening Collective is taking it to the country this weekend, with camping and two free outdoor screenings at Raven’s Knoll in Eganville. On Friday, see vintage cartoons like Trolls of Norway and The Legend of the Owl and the Raven, then on Saturday catch The Dark Crystal, a film made by The Muppets’ Jim Hensen and Sesame Street’s Frank Oz. Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11, at dusk. Raven’s Knoll, 10441 Highway 60 RR6, Eganville, www.lostdominion.blogspot.ca.
ICE CREAM FESTIVAL
It turns out there’s more to ice cream than just cones and sundaes. There’s actually quite a process behind this summer staple, which is ready to be discovered this weekend at the Canada Agriculture Museum. The festival will take you from “cow to cone,” with milking demonstrations, ice cream making, and plenty of tasting opportunities! Saturday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. $9, children $6, seniors and students $7. Canada Agriculture Museum, 861 Prince of Wales Dr., www.agriculture.technomuses.ca.
PUPPETS UP!
Puppets Up! is a two-day international festival devoted to the art of puppetry and fun. Family-friendly professional puppet troupes travel from around the globe to entertain the thousands of visitors who attend the festival each year. The theme for 2012 is “It’s Magic” as the festival focuses on tricks and illusions. Performances take place along the banks of the Mississippi River in tented and storefront theatres. In addition to the puppet shows, daily parades, street entertainment, and musicians keep the kids entertained all day long. Saturday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug. 12. $20, children three to 12 $10, children under three free. Almonte Fairgrounds, Water Street, Almonte, www.puppetsup.ca.
PERTH GARLIC FESTIVAL
Come out and celebrate the “stinking rose”! This annual event was created in 1997 to promote Ontario-grown garlic. The proceeds of the festival are distributed to community initiatives supported by the Lions Club of Perth. With over 50 vendors, events, and activities to choose from you won’t run out of ways to appreciate the aromatic herb. The best part? There won’t be vampire-crazed Twihard in sight! Saturday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug. 12. $5, children under 12 free. Perth Fairgrounds, Country Rd. 10, Perth, www.perthgarlicfestival.com.