NATIONAL CAPITAL CRAFT BEER WEEK
The week-long celebration of the region’s brews ends this weekend with a two-day outdoor culinary and craft beer festival. Ottawa’s top restaurants and craft breweries will be showcased while international brewing experts and food writers speak. In addition to the beer, some home-brewed (haha) musical talent will also be offered up. Come see what Ontario’s got on tap! Until Saturday, August 18, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. $15 per day. Marion Dewar Plaza, 110 Laurier Ave. W., www.nationalcapitalbeerweek.com.
OTTAWA GREEKFEST (FREE!)
Raise a glass of restina, dig into some moussaka (there’s a ton of food on offer), then try your talents at traditional Greek dance. The culture of the Hellenic islands is celebrated at this annual fest, which also has cooking and language lessons, an arts and crafts display, a souvenir shop, activities for children, and live music nightly. Wednesday, August 15, to Sunday, August 26. Hellenic Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Dr., www.ottawagreekfest.com.
CAPITAL PRIDE
Ottawa’s annual celebration of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community attracts thousands of revelers for a 10-day-long event. There are scads of events at this colourful fest, ranging from high-energy fetes all the way to family-friendly happenings. It all culminates with the highly anticipated Pride Parade. Friday, August 17, to Sunday, August 26. Many events are free. Various venues, www.capitalpride.ca.
CARIVIBE PARADE (FREE!)
The second installment of this summer’s Carivibe Festival is this weekend. Following the successful beach festival in June, there will be a parade and block party this Saturday at Petrie Island. Follow Caribbean masqueraders dancing to tropical tunes along St. Joseph Boulevard until they reach the party at Centrum Boulevard and the Shenkman Arts Centre. On the bill: Caribbean cuisine, a licenced tent, children’s play area, DJS, arts and crafts, and more. Saturday, August 18. St. Joseph Blvd., Petrie Island, www.carivibe.com.
OTTAWA LUMIÈRE FESTIVAL
Magic is in the air at this outdoor celebration of light. Explore the dream-like park and check out exciting live performances. Encourage your youngsters to dress up in costume and catch plenty of kid-friendly activities. As the sun goes down, glowing handcrafted lanterns light up the park. Lantern workshops are offered in the lead up to the Evening of Light Celebration on Saturday, August 18. Entry by donation, lantern workshops have additional fees. New Edinburgh Park, Stanley Avenue at Queen Victoria Street, and additional locations for workshops, www.lumiereottawa.com.
IRENE TORRES & THE SUGAR DEVILS
Toronto’s fusion jazz and blues collective, Irene Torres & the Sugar Devils is bringing its eclectic sound to the capital for the first time. Peruvian singer Irene Torres, who sings in three languages, fronts the band, which is made up of experienced musicians from all genres. Sunday, August 19, 9 p.m. $10. The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St., www.thesugardevils.com.
POP-UP PARK
If you’re cruising around the ByWard Market on Sunday, you might notice this temporary display that’s set up by the Ontario Tire Stewardship. Here, you can learn about eco-friendly products made from recycled tire rubber, as well as see how these tire-derived products can be implemented in community projects such as playgrounds, parks, recreational centres, landscaping projects, home renos, and more. Plus, you can get practical info on where to recycle those tires that have been piling up in the garage. It’s meant to be an interactive space that pedestrians can check out and ask questions if needed. Sunday, August 19, from noon to 8 p.m. and Monday, August 20, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ByWard Market www.greenmytires.ca.