NAKED NAKED NAKED GRAND OPENING (FREE!)
The weekend begins on Thursday! Get ready for a scorcher of a vernissage that features burlesque along with the usual gourmet nibblies and artists to chat with. A sultry show by The Sin Sisters kicks off this group show, which features nearly 30 artists, all exploring the theme of “naked.” The artists delve deeper than simply bare flesh, exploring ideas of truth, spirit, and purity. Naked Naked Naked runs until March 26. Visit Facebook page to add your name to the guest list of the vernissage on Thursday, March 3. 6 p.m. Patrick John Mills Gallery, 286 Hinchey Ave., 613-729-0406. www.patrickjohnmills.ca
A TASTE OF CARNIVAL
As the wildest party on earth starts in Rio this Friday, Ottawa presents its own reasonable facsimile of the great Carnival. A Taste of Brazil features performances by Florquestra Brasil, Samba Ottawa, and DJ Leo Manga. Dress up in your wildest carnival costume, don a mask, and join the party! Tickets available at Planet Coffee, Café Nostalgica, and Prinzo’s. Friday, March 4. 9 p.m. $17 (advance price). Prinzo’s Bar, 85 O’Connor St., 613-565-1328. www.braziliancarnival.ca
THE LIPTONIANS AT AVANT-GARDE BAR
These award-winning Winnipeggers hit the stage at Avant-Garde Bar with their mix of electro-funk grooves and poppy piano capers. The Liptonians’ first album, described as “an earnest little pop-rock gem,” charted on college radio across the country and won Outstanding Pop Recording at the Western Canadian Music Awards. The Wind Up Radio Sessions and Henrietta open. Sunday, March 6. 8 p.m. $5. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/2 Besserer St., 613-321-8908. www.avantgardebar.ca
SEEDY SATURDAY (FREE!)
Spring’s around the corner, and it’s time to get those green thumbs limber. Local experts have tips and workshops on everything from how to plant in an urban setting to the down-low on the delicious Ottawa Tomato, bred especially for our unique climate. Unsure of what will grow in that shady backyard? Never fear, a team of friendly growers will help you with all your gardening questions. On the slate: a seed exchange, great eats, and businesses catering to your gardening needs. Saturday, March 5. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (in Britannia Park), 102 Greenview Ave. www.seeds.ca
GIRLS NIGHT OUT (FREE!)
Pick up your girlfriends and head to the Irving Greenberg Theatre this Friday for Girls Night Out: An Evening Celebrating Women. A night of good company, fine food, and fresh new products, the night is a celebration of local businesses and artisans created by women, for women. Showcasing 16 local businesses. Enjoy a glass of wine and browse the wide variety of hand-made jewellery, designer clothing, skin care products and specialty cookware. Friday, March 4. 7 p.m. Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, 1233 Wellington St. W. 613-852-8103.