HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR
ARS Nova is kicking off its fall season with a rousing performance by the Harlem Gospel Choir. The choir, which has been touring the world for 26 years, features top singers and musicians from the churches of Harlem in New York City. Incorporating their motto “Bringing people and nations together and giving something back” into each performance, the group serenades audiences with songs of love and hope while also raising money for various children’s charities. Friday, September 14, 7:30 p.m. Reserved seating $45, general seating $35, senior $30, students $20. Dominion Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper St., Ottawa, www.arsnova.ca.

HOLLY MCNARLAND
Back in May, Manitoban singer-songwriter Holly McNarland released her first album since parting ways with her old record label. Run Body Run, which blends McNarland’s country roots with modern rock influences, was the result of five years spent writing, re-working, and recording. You can catch the Juno Award-winner this Saturday when she brings her Run Body Run tour to Mavericks. Saturday, September 15. $17, Mavericks, 221 Rideau St., www.mavericksbar.com.

CAPITAL VÉLO RALLY
Capital Vélo Fest will be launching the Capital Vélo Rally this Saturday! Working in partnership with 8 Locks’ Flat Restaurant, the event offers participants the opportunity to explore the city by bike. Focusing on low-traffic streets and bike paths, riders will travel 20km in total, collecting clues and competing in cycling competitions along the way. Register your team of 3-6 people online – or sign up as a solo rider and be added to an existing team. Saturday, September 15. $20/person, 8 Locks’ Flat Restaurant, 191 Colonel By, www.capitalvelofest.ca.

TASTE OF WELLINGTON WEST (FREE!)
Taste of Wellington West returns this Saturday with a jam-packed day of music, shopping, and food! Check out what’s cooking in the ‘hood (literally) with this fun street fest that sees people from around town head west. Performing this year are Reverb Syndicate, Crown Vic, Still Dangerous, and Tall Trees, as well as children’s performers, Hey Buster!. You can also treat your taste buds to a plethora of free food samples, with Hintonburger, Bridgehead, and SuzyQ Doughnuts offering up some goodies. Saturday, September 15. Wellington Street, from Somerset Bridge to Island Park, Ottawa, www.wellingtonwest.ca.

DEBI GOODWIN AT CARLETON UNIVERSITY (FREE!)
Carleton University will welcome author and journalist Debi Goodwin this Saturday to discuss her latest book, Citizens of Nowhere: From Refugee Camp to Canadian Campus, which chronicles a year in the life of 11 Kenyan refugee students who have received scholarships from Canadian universities. Presented by The Sahan Literary Forum and the Institute of African Studies, the event is sure to be an eye-opening experience. Saturday, September 15. 2017 Dunton Tower, Carleton University, http://newsroom.carleton.ca/?p=13104.

FARM AID OTTAWA
Ottawa music promoter DNA Presents is organizing a country music benefit concert in support of farmers affected by this summer’s drought. Farm Aid Ottawa will feature performances by Michelle Wright, Paul Brandt, and Emerson Drive, along with local up-and-comer Jason Blaine, who just this week was awarded Single of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards. Y101 will be hosting the event, with Wayne Rostad helping out as guest MC. Sunday, September 16. $61.50, field pass $91.50. Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, www.farmaidottawa.com.

AWESOME ARCTIC
This weekend marks the last day of the Awesome Arctic exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature. For years, museum researchers have been travelling to the Arctic to study the rapidly changing landscape. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the stunning collection of over 50 photographs – consisting mostly of field photos and scientific visuals – which have been taken over the last few decades. Runs until Sunday, September 16. $12, students $10, seniors $10, children $8. Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, www.nature.ca.