UNISONG CANADIAN CHOIR FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Bringing together performers from all provinces and of all ages, Unisong celebrates the diversity of Canadians while unifying them with song. At least one choir from each province, from grade schoolers to retirees, will perform music from a variety of time periods this weekend. Thursday, June 28, to Monday, July 2. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., and the Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St., and other venues, www.ottawafestivals.ca/festival/music/unisong-choir-festival.
MASHABLE SOCIAL MEDIA DAY MEETUP (FREE!)
If you still don’t know how to use a hashtag, you’d better register for this event. Ottawa’s Third Annual Mashable Social Media Day Meetup is being held this Friday at Carleton University. Those who already know the basics will have something to learn as well though, with talks about how to leverage Google+, Twitter, and Facebook for business purposes like branding and marketing. Friday, June 29, 10 a.m. Azrieli Pavilion Room 132 at Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., www.smdayottawa.eventbrite.ca.
FLAUNT
Whoever invented the term “Canadian tuxedo” had never been to this event. Flaunt celebrates Canada Day weekend in the most stylish way possible — with a chic party on the roof of the National Arts Centre. Get your hair and makeup done, browse through items by independent Canadian designers, and groove to music by not one, but two DJs. Ticket price includes a cocktail, manicure, hair and makeup touch-up, sweets, and a swag bag. Friday, June 29, 7 p.m. $30 in advance, $40 at the door. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.flauntottawa.com.
SKYDIGGERS
After 20 years and more than 10 albums, Skydiggers has solidified its spot on the Ontario music scene. The band, which originally formed in Toronto in the 1980s, has worked with producers like John Oliveira and other musicians like Sarah Harmer. Their Saturday show has already sold out, so get your tickets for Friday soon! Friday, June 29, 8:30 p.m. $23. The Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield, www.theblacksheepinn.com.
ESCAPADE MUSIC FESTIVAL
This festival was huge last year, and is promising to be even “bigger, better, and louder” this time around. Its new location, Ottawa Stadium, and impressive line-up (including Swedish sensation Avicii, whose single “LE7ELS” is a club favourite right now) ensure that promise will be kept. Grab a drink and dance your heart out. Saturday, June 30, and Sunday, July 1, noon to midnight. $99-$219 for festival passes. Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., www.escapademusicfestival.com.
SMALL BOOK PRESS FAIR (FREE!)
Celebrate good reads and independent business at this year’s Ottawa Small Book Press Fair. Browse through all kinds of publications — including poetry, fiction, and magazines. Not all the words are written on pages though. Apparently at previous events, writers have showcased their texts on media such as scrap paper, gumball machines, and two-by-fours. Saturday, June 30, noon to 5 p.m. Jack Purcell Community Centre, 320 Jack Purcell Lane, www.smallpressbookfair.blogspot.ca/2012/01/ottawa-small-press-book-fair-spring.html
CANADA DAY (FREE!)
Bust out your red and white gear and head downtown for the best Canada Day celebrations in the capital. Between all the different events, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Along with family activities at the museums, a summer skating rink, and a barbecue, you can also take in musical performances, outdoor movie screenings, and of course, the fireworks display over Parliament. This year’s show will be as spectacular as ever, with 1,026 firework items — including 58 of the largest shells legal in Canada. Sunday, July 1. Parliament Hill, Jacques-Cartier Park, Major’s Hill Park, and Confederation Park, www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/canada-day.