ELECTRIC FIELDS
In the mood for something different this weekend? Check out Electric Fields, the cutting-edge electronic music and art festival that boasts a variety of audio-visual performances. In its fifth edition, the festival aims to bring new ideas and artwork to the Ottawa area. The festival will feature a series of presentations and conversations exploring the relationship between sound and space, along with VJ performances, installations of sound art, and a Mini-Maker Faire that celebrates arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, sustainability, and science. The heart of the conference involves discussions led by local and international artists and researchers. Wednesday, October 10, to Sunday, October 14. Most events free, some events $10-$15. See website for locations, www.electricfields.ca.
ONE WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
The 23rd annual One World Film Festival opens this Thursday with the Canadian premiere of U.S. filmmaker Windy Borman’s Eyes of Thailand. One World’s goal is to engage in a dialogue about human rights and the environment. Audiences have the opportunity to view 14 new thought-provoking documentaries from around the globe, meet international and Canadian directors attending the festival, and participate in Q&As with guest speakers after the showings. The theme this year is “Uncommon Journeys,” and films tell stories of people going beyond personal and societal boundaries. See website for full schedule. Thursday, October 11, to Sunday, October 14. Festival pass $40, individual ticekts $12. Library and Archives Auditorium, 395 Wellington St., www.oneworldarts.ca.
RENDEZ-VOUS DES SAVEURS
Some of the region’s top restaurants and culinary delights are all together under one roof. Enjoy nibbles from the casino’s own restaurants, plus the Chelsea Pub, Le Tartuffe Restaurant, and many more. Culinary demos, chocolate sampling, wine and beer tastings, and a mini-academy for children are sure to satisfy all tastebuds. Friday, October 12, to Sunday, October 14. $10-15. Casino Lac-Leamy, 1, Casino Blvd., www.rendezvousdessaveurs.com.
OTTAWA FASHION WEEK
If you’ve been eagerly waiting to secure a spot at the semi-annual Ottawa Fashion Week, now’s your chance! Local and international designers will showcase their Spring/Summer 2013 collections this weekend at the Sala San Marco Ballroom, in the heart of Little Italy. There will be live music by local talent before and after the shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On the bill: Yanis Khasmi, Erin Saoirse Adair, Justice R.F., Zoo Legacy, Renee Landry, and more. The not-to-miss UNICEF show on Sunday features one look from each designer, and local celebrities from CTV and Majic 100 can be seen strutting their stuff on the catwalk. $10 from each Sunday ticket sale goes to UNICEF. Friday, October 12, to Sunday, October 14. $45-$55. Sala San Marco, 215 Preston St., www.ottawafashionweek.ca.
HAUNTED HISTORIC VILLAGE
Enter, but only if you dare! Grab your friends for a goose-bump filled, toe curling experience! The charming Cumberland Village Museum depicts rural life in the early 1900s, and some even say it’s haunted. During the darkest of nights, the former residents creep the grounds of this little rural village. For the rest of October, you’re invited to be scared silly while exploring the old buildings. Adults must accompany children under 14. Friday, October 12, and Saturday, October 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $7, seniors and students $5. Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd., www.ottawa.ca/museums.
THE LITTLE PRINCE
Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s The Little Prince takes stage at the NAC for two concerts this Saturday. The production by L’Arsenal à musique features music by Canadian composers Denis Gougeon and Yves Daoust. Winner of an Opus award for best production for a young audience, the musical follows a pilot with engine trouble that lands his aircraft in the middle of the desert and is awakened by a child who regales him with stories about his travels to different planets. The concert marks the first appearance by Alain Trudel as the NAC Orchestra’s new Principal Youth and Family Conductor. Before the show, enjoy free activities in the lobby, many of them aviation-themed. Saturday, October 13, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. $22, kids $14, family of four $58. NAC, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.
AUNTIE LOO’S BIRTHDAY BASH (FREE!)
It’s Auntie Loo’s 3rd birthday, and holy vegan cow, they know how to host a party. Stop by for a vegan BBQ and giveaways by Lush Cosmetics and Pascale’s All Natural Ice Cream. Auntie Loo’s will also be giving away three cakes in their “find the cake” contest, there will be a photo-op with a giant coupcake, and girls from Ottawa’s roller derby teams will be skating around giving free samples to guests. Stop by and show some love to the bakery, which is one of the businesses that has been affected by the Bronson Street construction. Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 507 Bronson Ave., www.auntieloostreats.ca, or see the Facebook event here.
SCIENCE FUNFEST (FREE!)
National Science and Technology Week raises awareness about the importance of science and technology in today’s world. Come celebrate Canada’s historic and ongoing role as a leader in innovation with FunFest at Natural Resources Canada. NRCan offers educational open houses where families are invited to experience hands-on exhibits and free activities, all in the name of science. Activities include exploring energy-efficient cars, a chocolate chip cookie mining expedition, examining rocks and fossils for identification, and much more. Sunday, October 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Natural Resources Canada, Booth Street Complex, (corner of Booth Street and Carling Avenue), www.science.gc.ca/nstw.
TERRA² IN OTTAWA (FREE!)
This weekend is your last chance to catch Cube Gallery’s exhibition featuring works by Marc Brzustowski and Mark Seabrook. As seen at this year’s Festival X, the two painters from Manitoulin Island are fellow travellers and colleagues. A painter of landscapes, Brzustowski sets up his easel in the streets and on the rocks the way the Group of Seven did. Seabrook is an Ojibwe artist, poet, writer, performer, and playwright. Cube Gallery, 1285 Wellington Street West, www.cubegallery.ca.