Bike tours, travel photography, and the people you meet along the way
Take a virtual tour with David Trattles, an accomplished documentary photographer who advocates “slow photography”. For 25 years, Trattles he has been traveling by bicycle (100 countries and counting!); his work has appeared in Canadian Geographic, Maclean’s, and this magazine (he shot the Kitigan Zibi Powwow for us in 2018).
In this workshop, he’ll talk about the benefits of travelling by bike — and what happens when you do. Trattles reveals the joy of connecting with people and his energy is contagious. Hear his stories about the seemingly ordinary people he’s met along the way (Muslim girl boxers of Calcutta, German cowboys, cheese rollers of Sicily, Tomato throwers of Spain). And he will inspire others to go out into the world on your bicycle and express your own individuality, your own richness – and to engage deeply in the lives and experiences of others.
The Joy of Human Relations, MEC Ottawa, 366 Richmond Rd. Free.
Culture Days
A bunch of free events are happening as part of the tenth-annual Ontario Culture Days happening this weekend across the province. On Saturday (12 to 6 p.m.) at the NAC, Mokshamo hosts an art market with jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sculptures, moccasins and more, all by Métis, Inuit, and First Nations makers. Then on Sunday (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), there will be workshops in dance, music, theatre, and crafts.
And over at the Masonic Centre, the Caribbean community hosts its Caribbean Culture Day, with workshops and displays, drumming performances, Caribbean fare, and crafts for the kids from noon to 8 p.m.
Ottawa International Animation Festival
It’s back! The OAIF is touted as one of the world’s leading animation events — it’s certainly one of the longest-running, now in its 43rd year. The schedule is wide-ranging and includes something for all tastes and ages. This weekend, the family-focused InGenius Jr. Day happens at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Saturday, September 28. Kids get in free! There will be screenings, workshops, and even a visit from True from True and the Rainbow Kingdom. Tickets (required for adults) can be bought online or at the door.
Later that day it’s NightOwl, the interactive party, also at the Ottawa Art Gallery and Arts Court. DJs, live music, dancing, virtual reality, short films, live cosplay models posing for artists to sketch — not your typical Saturday night! Tickets are available online and at the doors.
Then there’s all the screenings of movies you can’t see anywhere else. Notable titles include the much-anticipated Netflix film I Lost My Body, Steven Universe: The Movie, and the family-friendly Marona’s Fantastic Tale. And the Best of OIAF is playing twice Sunday night at the Bytowne — so if you only go to one event, this one is a great way to take in a bunch of amazing, genre-bending films.
animationfestival.ca. Various locations