GLAMOUR IN THE GLEBE
Just in time for Mother’s Day, this jewellery show will showcase pieces by more than 30 designers. Grab that last-minute gift for Mom (you’re welcome for the reminder), or just browse through all the different bling made by local artists for that unique piece to add to your wardrobe. Opening night on Friday will include a fashion show and refreshments. $6 on Friday, May 11, 6:30 p.m. Free on Saturday, May 12. Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave., www.gnag.ca.
FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
No, not that kind of benefits. FWB is a silent auction and dance party aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Bid on some great packages, including hotel stays, golf equipment, and spa treatments, to benefit the Jennie James Depression Research Fund, while sharing stories of depression. Then lighten the mood by dancing your socks off to DJs Zattar, Memetic, and Eric Roberts. $20. Friday, May 11, 8 p.m. Elmdale Tavern, 1084 Wellington St. W., www.werfriendswithbenefits.wordpress.com.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
The final night of the “Jack’s Picks” series will showcase two movies from the National Film Board (Jack Horwitz, former NFB Executive Producer, picks his personal favourites from this internationally acclaimed agency). Teens will love the first one, following the rise of Ottawa-native Paul Anka to teenage stardom (tell them he’s the Justin Bieber of their parents’ day). The second film, which was banned in the U.S., takes a serious look at acid rain, its origins, and its consequences. $10 families, $8 individuals, $5 students and seniors. Friday, May 11, 6:30 p.m. Crichton Cultural Community Centre, Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Rd., www.crichtonccc.ca.
TAKE A SIP FOR FAIR TRADE
Fair never tasted so good! Take a Sip, which promises to be the “fair trade event of the season,” will showcase the area’s best food and drink. Locally produced cheese and beer (good combination) will be served alongside fair trade chocolate and wine (an even better combination). Also take in guest speakers such as Engineers Without Borders CEO George Roter and Fairtrade Canada’s director of communications, Michael Zelmer. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; includes one fair trade cocktail. Saturday, May 12, 7 p.m. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St. W., www.fairtradeottawa.ca.
CHINATOWN REMIXED (FREE!)
This month-long art event kicks off Saturday to show the city that Chinatown has more to offer than just awesome Asian food (though it has that too). Over 40 local artists will feature their work in surprising venues, like laundromats and corner stores, along Somerset Street West. Exhibitions will be on display until June 12, but the real action is this weekend. Check out chalk artwork, take a walking tour of the neighbourhood, and enjoy JUNO-nominated DJ Rise Ashen spinning tunes, along with other cultural entertainment. Saturday, May 12, 1:30 p.m. Somerset St. W. between Bay St. and Preston St., www.chinatownremixed.ca.
OUTDOOR CHEMISTRY MAGIC SHOW (FREE!)
Gather your budding chemists for this exciting show that takes place on Saturday night as part of Science Rendezvous, a national day that celebrates science in Canada. The Carleton University Chemistry Department wants to showcase the fun — and dare we say, cool? — side of science with this one-hour show that features explosions, the inner workings of fireworks, spontaneous combustion, things that glow in the dark, and more (that is cool!). There will also be hands-on activities before the presentation. Ideal for kids eight and up. Saturday, May 12, activities start at 7:30 p.m., chemistry magic show starts at 8:30 p.m. Carleton University, Amphitheatre between Southam and Paterson Halls (in case of inclement weather: Theatre B, Southam Hall). Hands-on activities take place adjacent to the Amphitheatre (or Theatre B), www.carleton.ca/chemistrymagicshow.
LOCAVORE ARTISAN FOOD FAIR (FREE!)
Who knew so many delectable treats could be made with ingredients grown within 100 miles of Ottawa? Everything from perogies to pizza to pies will be available from more than 20 local vendors. A silent auction will also benefit the Ottawa Network for Education’s school breakfast program, which benefits 11,000 children every day. Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. Crichton Cultural Community Centre, Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Rd., www.ottawalaff.ca.
OTTAWA COMICCON
Calling all fantasy nerds, comic book enthusiasts, and trekkies! Don your best costume, because for the first time ever, Comiccon is landing in the capital and bringing legends from TV shows, movies, and comics with it. On board are Sir Patrick Stewart of Star Trek, Lou Ferrigno of The Incredible Hulk, and Adam Baldwin of The X-Files and Transformers fame. There will also be shopping, drawing workshops, photo ops, panels, and a replica of The DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future. But don’t get too distracted by all the glitzy celebrities — there will also be many local artists to appreciate as well. $25. Saturday, May 12. $20 Sunday, May 13. CE Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., www.ottawacomiccon.com.