CULTURE DAYS (FREE!)
Culture Days invites the public to celebrate arts and culture throughout Canada. The third annual event will take place this weekend and will feature tons of free, hands-on drop-in classes that invite the public to participate “behind-the-scenes.” Discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, designers, and other creative people in our community. Some top picks: A tango dance party, a photography workshop, an aerial silks tutorial, a performance by Ottawa Dance Directive, and “So you want be a filmmaker?” where participants make their own animated films. Friday, September 28, to Sunday, September 30. See website for schedule and locations, www.culturedays.ca.
HEY OCEAN!
Vancouver indie-pop sensations Hey Ocean! make their return to Ottawa with opening acts Family of the Year and The Zolas. Long time friends David Beckingham and Ashleigh Ball joined forces with David Vertesi in 2005 to create a unique sound consisting of flute, guitar, xylophone, and memorable vocals. If you missed them at Osheaga music festival in Montreal this summer, you can catch them at Ritual Nightclub on Friday, September 28, as part of their Canadian tour. $14. 137 Besserer St., www.loveheyocean.com.
OKTOBERFEST
If you listen very closely, you can almost hear the sounds of Oompah music just over the horizon at this event that’s hosted by Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company. So start airing out your lederhosen and dusting off that green alpine hat because this year is going to be bigger and better than ever! Kicking off Friday night with a keg tapping ceremony, the Bavarian-themed festival food is sure to tempt your taste buds. Along with your favourite Beau’s beers, Ottawa’s HogsBack Brewing Company will be on hand serving up their popular, award winning Vintage Lager along with three new and exclusive limited batch German style beers. Get your tickets fast, Saturday’s already sold out! Friday, September 28, and Sunday, September 30. General admission $18, bus from Ottawa and admission $33, kids $5. Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds, www.beaus.ca/oktoberfest.
VISIONS: ART MUSEUMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY (FREE!)
The National Gallery of Canada, in collaboration with the Embassy of France, presents a series of stimulating discussions on the major transformations in the international museum scene and new challenges that museum directors face today. Paul Lang, chief curator at the National Gallery of Canada, in discussion with Xavier Dectot, director of Louvre-Lens in Lens, and Laurent Salomé, director of the Grand Palais in Paris, get together to talk shop. Their insightful discussions will be conducted in French with simultaneous interpretation. Saturday, September 29, 3p.m. National Gallery of Canada Auditorium, 380 Sussex Dr., www.gallery.ca.
CONTEMPORARY TAIWANESE CINEMA (FREE!)
The Canadian Film Institute, in collaboration with the Taipei Cultural and Economic Office in Canada, presents a series of free events for the general public, highlighting contemporary cinema and art from Taiwan. Experience a full day of art exhibitions, film screenings, and discussions about famous Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao. Known for his exploration of the alienation and loneliness that can plague urban dwellers, Liao’s books and illustrations have inspired cultural discussions, expressions, and films for many years. Saturday, September 29. See website for full program schedule. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., www.cfi-icf.ca.
HAUNTING SEASON AT SAUNDERS FARM
Can you believe it? Haunting season begins September 29 at Saunders Farm and is host to numerous fall activities and live entertainment both day and night. The kids will love the plethora of Halloween-themed activities, such as the haunted hayride, barn of terror, and zombie paintball shooting gallery (there really is something to suit every taste). As a member of Savour Ottawa, Saunders grows much of the food they provide and believes in supporting local farmers. $18 for daytime tickets, $28 for nighttime tickets. 7893 Bleeks Rd., Munster, www.saundersfarm.com.
HARVEST NOIR
A few days before the event, Harvest Noir attendees assemble for a mass shopping flash mob at farmers’ markets to buy the ingredients for their picnic feasts. The event combines an elegant “dress your best in black” harvest celebration with a picnic, plus pop-up parade, and a DJ dance party. The location is undisclosed for now, but will be revealed at the last minute. Sunday, September 30. Limited tickets available, $53. www.harvestnoir.com.
SOUTH OTTAWA RACE DAY
Starting and finishing in the oval at Rideau Carleton Raceway, and winding its way through the picturesque countryside, this inaugural race affords runners the opportunity to see the best that South Ottawa has to offer. South Ottawa Race Day will be filled with a variety of events including a half marathon, half marathon Relay, 10K, 5K, and 2K family fun run/walk. In addition, participants will be treated to a race expo tradeshow, a barbeque, and a kids’ zone, with all proceeds going to brain cancer research. Sunday, September 30. See website for registration information and race start times. 4837 Albion Rd., www.southottawaraceday.ca.