RENFREW FAIR
For over 150 years, the Renfrew Fair has dubbed itself “the greatest fair in the Ottawa Valley.” The five-day event is packed full of activities, including livestock shows, beef and dairy shows, art exhibits, needlework, grandstand musical performances, rides, and pretty much all the country fun you could imagine. And who doesn’t love that fair food? On the menu are bacon on a bun, candy apples, popcorn, and fresh fudge. Wednesday, September 5, to Sunday, September 9. $9, children seven to 16 $4, children six and under free. Renfrew Fairgrounds, Fairview Cres., Arnprior, www.renfrewfair.com.
OTTAWA FOLK FESTIVAL
Think festival season ends in August? Not anymore! Folk Fest has moved into September and continues to celebrate music, dance, visual arts, and the community during this five-day event that features five daytime and two evening stages. Friday’s lineup includes artists The Kingmakers, Kathleen Edwards, and Lindsey Buckingham, among others. Festival-goers will enjoy local food from vendors onsite, as well as artisan and craft vendors selling everything from clothing to jewellery. Thursday, September 6, to Monday, September 10. Day passes $30-$42. Hog’s Back Park, 102 Greenview Ave., www.ottawafolk.com.
DIMENSIONS
Dimensions is a display of artwork from 33 local sculptors presented by the National Capital Network of Sculptors. The exhibition will feature an array of designs inspired by a variety of subject matters. Opening vernissage is Thursday, September 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Exhibit ends Sunday, September 15. St Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 Saint Patrick Street (Cumberland entrance), www.sculptureottawa.ca.
9TH ANNUAL INDIA FILM FESTIVAL (FREE!)
A mix of 10 rare contemporary and classic films will be screened during the 9th annual India Film Festival. As part of a celebration marking “100 Years of Indian Cinema,” the Canadian Film Institute is working in collaboration with the High Commission of India for this event. Not fluent in Hindi or Bengali? Don’t worry; all movies will include English subtitles. Thursday, September 6, to Saturday, September 29. Auditorium, Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., www.cfi-icf.ca.
BIG TIME RUSH
Nickelodeon stars and recording artists Big Time Rush will take the stage for their Big Time Summer Tour this Friday night. Joining the group at the Ottawa stop are special guests Cody Simpson, Victoria Duffield, and Canadian pop singer Tyler Medeiros, who most recently toured with Flo Rida and Pitbull. Tweens will go gaga for hits from BTR’s latest album Elevate, which includes “Music Sounds Better With U” and “All Over Again.” And if the name Big Time Rush sounds familiar, you might know them from a video that went viral earlier this year that featured Big Time Rush, Ashley Tisdale, Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez goofing around to Carly Rae Jepsen’s earworm “Call Me Maybe.” Friday, September 7, 7 p.m. $29.50-$64.50. Scotiabank Place, 1000 Palladium Dr., www.capitaltickets.ca.
FOUND MAGAZINE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Davy Rothbart – the man behind FOUND Magazine – is hitting the road with his musician brother Peter to tour 79 cities in celebration of the written word. They bring their quirky show to Ottawa this weekend. For those who don’t know FOUND, it’s a compilation of collected stuff that’s been “found” over the years; items range from love letters to birthday cards to to-do lists to poetry, and anything in between that highlights the human condition. Submissions pour in each month from readers around the world wanting to share the funny, sad, sweet, and puzzling items that they’ve stumbled across. At each show, Davy shares the latest finds that have ended up in his mailbox and Peter will perform songs based on FOUND notes. Saturday, September 8, 7 p.m. Pressed, 750 Gladstone Ave., 613-680-9294, https://www.facebook.com/events/174810979310252/.
LEWIS BLACK
Stand-up comedian, actor, and author Lewis Black promises to entertain audiences during his two-day stop at the NAC. A Just For Laughs Festival favourite, Black is known for his angry, but hilarious, onstage rants. Black has sold out shows all over the U.S., and has current TV gigs appearing on The Daily Show and The Root of All Evil. Saturday, September 8, and Sunday, September 9. $67.25. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.
IAMS WIGGLE WAGGLE WALKATHON
The 24th annual Iams Wiggle Waggle Walkathon will see man, and his best friend, journey through Bruce Pit dog park in Ottawa’s west end. Walkers and their dogs will choose from a 2km or 3.5km route to participate either individually or as a team. Special events throughout the day include a dog wash station, a family fun zone, a Pet Pavilion Marketplace, and many more animal friendly activities. Proceeds go to the Ottawa Humane Society to help fund programs and services for animals in need. See website for registration information. Sunday, September 9. Registration at 8:30 a.m., walk at 10 a.m. Bruce Pit (Cedarview Rd., off West Hunt Club Rd.), www.ottawahumane.ca.