Extremely Short New Play Festival
What can you do in less than 10 minutes? Floss? Boil an egg? Wash the dishes? The folks at New Theatre of Ottawa say that in less than 10 minutes you can follow the arc of a story — you can laugh, cry, and ultimately be entertained. This small theatre company will hold its annual festival featuring a series of juried plays under 10 minutes in length, produced by both emerging and established playwrights. Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 10. See website for times. $30 for adults, $25 for students/seniors. Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave.
Looking for an alternative to the ‘alternative’?
In its fourth year running, the Free Thinking Film Festival brings exciting and challenging documentaries to the capital for a weekend of discussions surrounding liberty, freedom, and democracy. This year’s festival focuses in particular on freedom of speech, and will host several panel discussions, two book launches, and over 20 films. See the trailer for one of the featured documentaries, Power of God: The Children’s Aid Society here. Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 3. See website for ticket and event info. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St.
Zombie Strippers Halloween Show
If you’re looking for something to spice up your Halloween plans, Rockalily Burlesque has the perfect evening of tantalizing entertainment for you. The Ottawa-based burlesque dance troupe is back for another thrilling Halloween show — a mixed bag of burlesque, vaudeville, and pole dancing, followed by an epic costume dance party with music by FEVERS. Thursday, October 31. 9 p.m. $10. Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St.
The Big Picture
Travel through the world of the surreally real, fashioned by Ottawa-bred author, Andrew J. Simpson, in his fantastical and highly creative debut collection of short stories, The Big Picture. Simpson will launch his new work in Ottawa with an evening of stories, drinks and music. Friday, November 1. 7 p.m. Pressed Café, 750 Gladstone.
My Umbrella is a Balloon!
Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre, Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival, and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia are pleased to present the award winning Fru-Fru Puppet Theatre from Slovenia. This beloved Slovene story is about a little girl who hides under a yellow umbrella and, with it, flies to a magical land. Sunday, November 3. 1:30 p.m. at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans and 7 p.m. at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Free of charge.
Turkish Delight
Not so much the chewy dessert, but nonetheless a treat from Anatolia! The world-renowned Turkish dance troupe, Fire of Anatolia, will bring its award-winning show to Canada for the first time ever. Based on Anatolian culture and mythology, the show combines traditional dance and music with modern dance and ballet. With over 60 dancers, stunning sets, and imaginative costumes, this show will surely capture your heart. Sunday, November 3. 8 p.m. From $65. Casino Lac Leamy, 1 Casino Boulevard, Gatineau. www.fireofanatolia.be/home.php?lg=en
The Ottawa Wine & Food Festival
Take a tour of the world with your taste buds as the 28th season of Ottawa’s biggest annual consumer and trade show kicks off this week. Sip your way through the world’s vineyards at one of the ever-popular Tasting Alleys, or sample culinary creations at a ‘marché’ style event put on by the Canadian Culinary Federation. Wednesday, October 30 to Sunday, November 3. See website for ticket and event details. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr.