TALL TALES TO TELL
If your kids loved Night at the Museum, then the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum and Vintage Stock Theatre have just the event for them. Twice a month in July and August, visitors will be able to wander through the museum’s buildings and listen to stories of adventure told by the theatre’s interpreters. Unfortunately, Ben Stiller will not be in attendance. Every other Thursday at 6 p.m., beginning Thursday, July 12. $7, seniors and students $5, families $18. Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd., Cumberland, www.ottawa.ca.
RED/WHITE/BLUE: NEW AMERICAN FRINGE FILM AND VIDEO (FREE!)
The latest at SAW Video: a six-part American film showcase that includes screenings, artist talks, and a masterclass, all free of charge. The films are diverse (drama, animation, documentary, experimental) but all speak from the margins of society and promote independence. Keep an eye out for the names of the young artists showcased — they’re bound to become innovators in American cinema. Friday, July 13, to Saturday, July 21. SAW Courtyard, 67 Nicholas St., www.sawvideo.com.
PERTH CLASSIC THEATRE FESTIVAL
The Perth Classic Theatre Festival is back for another season, opening with a quirky romantic comedy. Two for the Seesaw is a Tony award-winning play that hilariously tells a love story set in 1950s New York City. Fun fact: Henry Fonda and Anne Bancroft starred in the original version. Previews on Friday, July 13 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 14 at 2 p.m. Opening Saturday, July 14 at 8 p.m. $24 previews, $30 regular season, $21 youth. Mason Theatre, 13 Victoria St., Perth, www.classictheatre.ca.
HOPE VOLLEYBALL SUMMERFEST
For 30 years now, H.O.P.E. has been bringing local volleyball players, Canadian musicians, and philanthropists of all stripes together for one huge event every summer. This year’s tournament will see thousands of players compete on 80 courts to raise money for seven local charities. If live entertainment by Mother Mother, illScarlett, and Treble Charger is just a bonus, it’s a pretty exciting one. Saturday, July 14. Registration for teams is closed, but get in on the fun by watching teams duke it out and rocking out in your down time. $20 advance ticket or $25 at the door. Mooney’s Bay Beach, Riverside Dr. and Hog’s Back Rd., www.hopehelps.com.
OTTAWA FISHING FESTIVAL
Perfect for outdoorsy types, the Ottawa Fishing Festival is a two-day celebration with contests, games, and entertainment during the Ontario licence-free family fishing week. Seasoned anglers have a shot at winning a Princecraft boat worth $15,000, and there are plenty of other prizes for amateurs and kids. Not a big fisher? Stay landlocked and take in a magic show, cooking demos, and a line-up of local music and dance. Saturday, July 14, and Sunday, July 15, at 10 a.m. Registration $15, children $10, families $45. Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way, www.ottawafishingfestival.ca.
SAVOURING SUNDAY
Foodies, history buffs, and anyone sick of paying $6 for a beer (um, everyone?) will love this event. A full day of workshops at Billings Estate will teach visitors how to pickle cucumbers and beans, make apple jelly and candy flowers, and brew beer at home! Who hasn’t dreamed of having a personal microbrewery in their basement? Sunday, July 15, 10 a.m. $6, seniors $5, children $3.50, families $15. Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St., www.ottawa.ca.