THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
Odyssey Theatre’s 2012 season of Theatre Under the Stars sees a revival of an ancient favourite. Classic 18th-century comedy The Game of Love and Chance will delight audiences with its wit and physicality. It tells the story of two aristocrats, set up by their parents, who both disguise themselves as servants to size each other up before agreeing to marriage. Thursday, July 26, until Sunday, Aug. 26. $24, students and seniors $19, children $9. Pay-what-you-can matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Strathcona Park, Laurier Ave. at Range Rd., www.odysseytheatre.ca.
RUNWAY FOR HOPE
Celebrate local artists and support a great cause while you’re at it! This annual charity fashion show gives local talent — including designers, models, and makeup artists — a forum to show their work while raising money for a chosen charity (this year’s funds go to supporting the Youth Services Bureau). Check out designs by the likes of Pietro Simono, Bienvi Fe, and Valerie Capiral. Friday, July 27, 7 p.m. $35-$60. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.fashion613.com.
CENTRETOWN MOVIES (FREE!)
Grab your lawn chair or picnic blanket and head out for a fun (and cheap!) date night. For the rest of the summer, enjoy free outdoor film screenings every Friday and Saturday night in Centretown. This weekend’s picks are Emmanuel’s Gift, which tells the inspiring story of a man who rode his bicycle over 600 kilometres across Ghana with only one leg, and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. Every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m., from Friday, July 27, until Saturday, Aug. 25. Dundonald St., 512 Somerset St. W., www.centretownmovies.wordpress.com.
SUMMER NIGHTS
Summer camp gets sophisticated with SAW Gallery and AXENÉO7’s new festival, Summer Nights. Yes, there will be a campfire and marshmallows, but the entertainment will be infinitely better than your camp counsellor singing “kumbaya”. Films by some of the world’s most innovative filmmakers — including a documentary shot on an iPhone and smuggled from Iran to France in a cake – and an eclectic lineup of live music will accompany the s’mores and baked beans. Friday, July 27, to Sunday, Aug. 5, showings at 9 p.m. $5 single entry, or $10 for a festival pass. SAW Gallery, 67 Nicholas St., and AXENÉO7, 80 Hanson St., Gatineau, www.summernightsfestival.org.
GUIDED PADDLE OF RIDEAU RIVER
Celebrate the bicentennial of one of Ottawa’s historic sites by paddling along Ottawa’s historic waterway. Billings Estate National Historic Site is inviting guests to join their historic guided paddle tour of the Rideau River to discover the significance of its namesake, the Billings family. Uncover the impact that this family and others have had on the area for the past 200 years. Please note that equipment is not provided. Saturday, July 28, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. $10 including a picnic. Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St., www.ottawa.ca/museums.
COMMUNITY FAMILY FUN DAY
The weekend’s best event for kids is definitely the Sixth Annual Community Family Fun Day and Kites4Cancer Fundraiser, which promises to be a day full of kite-flying, food, games, and entertainment outdoors. Relax, play, and take advantage of this beautiful weather while giving back. Proceeds from kite sales and pledges raised by participants will go toward The Ottawa Hospital Foundation to assist with cancer research. Sunday, July 29, at 11 a.m. $5. Petrie Island, 727 Trim Rd., www.clubsocca.blogspot.ca.