CHARLIE CHAPLIN FILM FESTIVAL
Comedic icon Charlie Chaplin has stumbled onto the screen at the Mayfair, where he’s keeping audiences in stitches until Jan. 13. Laugh along as The Little Tramp heads to the Klondike, where he makes dinner rolls dance and eats a shoe. Or check out The Kid for a show that promises “a picture with a smile and perhaps a tear.” Perfect for film buffs and families, this is classic comedy at its best. Until Jan. 13. See website for showtimes. $6 members, $10 non-members, $5 children, $7 seniors. Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St., 613-730-6552. www.mayfairtheatre.ca
JON COHEN EXPERIMENTAL
Montreal musician Jon Cohen, who has played with such bands at The Dears and The Social Register, kicks off his Canadian tour at Avant-Garde Bar this Thursday. Cohen and his band of three form the Jon Cohen Experimental, a moody pop-rock band sure to please Ottawa indie lovers. A rich, diverse take on modern alternative music, the JCEX will surely transport listeners to another place — a warm, fantastical place — and stay with you for days. (Plus, the first 20 at the door get a free copy of his new CD!) Concert opens with JF Robitaille and Ottawa’s own Loon Choir. Thursday, Jan. 7. 9 p.m. $8. Avant-Garde Bar and Gift Shop, 135 1/2 Besserer St., 613- 321-8908. www.avantgardebar.ca
STORIES ALIVE (FREE)
If your child is passionate about books, then take them to this event and snuggle up for some local fiction. Featuring staged readings with puppets, music, shadow plays, and masks, this is story time deluxe. The once-a-month shows feature Ottawa storytellers and lasts about 45 minutes. On stage this Sunday, Brian Doyle and Max Keeping, along with actor Paul Rainville. The series is presented by the Orleans Young Players Theatre School, with the Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre. Sunday, Jan. 9. 2 p.m. Shenkman Arts Centre, OYP KTL Performance Studio, 245 Centrum Blvd., 613-580-2764. www.shenkmanarts.ca
ANIMAL TRACKING ON SNOWSHOES (FREE!)
Tap into your inner Hudson Bay trapper this weekend in Animal Tracking on Snowshoes. Following an indoor presentation at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, an experienced naturalist leads you down the trails. The tour lasts approximately two hours. Snowshoes are provided. Call ahead to reserve. Sunday, Jan. 9. 10:30 a.m; French version at 1:30 p.m. Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, 33 Scott Rd., 819-827-2020. http://canadascapital.gc.ca
VINTAGE HOCKEY DAY
Amid old hockey artifacts, aging photos, and treasured memorabilia lies a small town’s plan to be voted Canada’s hockeyville. In addition to the museum-like display of hockey antiques, Vintage Hockey Day will also feature a game between alumni of the Navan Juniors. The arena is about a half hour’s drive from downtown, but if you have a soft spot in your heart for Navan, hockey, or just want to help out, then it’ll be worth it for a full day of hometown hockey pride. Spaghetti dinner will be served 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. Sunday, Jan. 9. 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dinner is $10 adults, $5 children 5-12 yrs, free under 5. Admission to the Alumni game by donation. Navan Memorial Centre, 1295 Colonial Dr. www.navanhockeyville.ca