FASHION TRENDS
Let the weekend begin early! Condo developer Urban Capital has launched a five-part speaker series geared toward the city’s hipster urbanites (i.e. downtown condo owners and would-be owners). Over the next few months, five guest speakers will talk design trends in city building, architecture, fashion, interior design and industrial design. First up: Lara Ceroni, online editor of Elle Canada, talks the talk, while models walk the walk in a fashion show that highlights the hottest fall fashions from Schad. Just go to Urban Capital’s website and click on the “Trends in Design” logo at the top of the page to buy a ticket. Sept. 16. 6:30 p.m. $20. Schad, 521 Sussex Dr., 613-860-6800. www.urbancapital.ca
OLD OTTAWA SOUTH ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Seems the hot neighbourhoods are battling it out for festival supremacy in 2010. That means more fun for you. The Old Ottawa South Art and Music Festival takes it to Glebe and Westboro with its own two-day art, author, and music fest featuring well over 100 artists and authors. Sunday will showcase the musicians in a more intimate space — unplugged and among the artists. Sept. 18 and 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Windsor Park (accessible from Riverdale Ave.). www.oosartandmusicfestival.ca
VHSUNDAYS
Back before there was Blu-ray and DVD, there was a little thing called the VHS (and before that there was Betamax, but that’s another story). The Mayfair Theatre pays homage to a time when the VHS reigned supreme, by prying open the vault for movies that only exist on videotape and putting them back on the big screen. What’s on tap this weekend? You’ll have to show up to find out. Sept. 19 (9:15 p.m.). $10, seniors $7, children $5. 1074 Bank St., 613-730-3403. www.mayfairtheatre.ca
POP LIFE
Last chance to take in the National Gallery of Canada’s blockbuster Pop Life, a dizzying look at the relationship between contemporary art, commerce, marketing, and the mass media. With a reproduction of Keith Haring’s Pop Shop (complete with merch for sale) and a room documenting Cosey Fanni Tutti’s year exploring the life of a pornographic model, this is no ordinary art show. And if you’re looking to catch your breath after viewing all that controversial art, take in afternoon tea at Café l’Entrée. The service, available 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., includes a selection of sweet and savoury treats, and tea ($22-$29). Until Sept. 19. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thurs. to 8 p.m.). $15, seniors and students $12, $7 youth. National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex. Dr., 613-990-1985. www.gallery.ca
THE LIST
The Great Canadian Theatre Company opens its season with a moving play about responsibility — and culpability — in friendship. The world premiere of the English translation, The List received the Governor General’s Literary Award for French Drama in 2008. A powerful and poetic show, the play examines how one woman comes to term with her role in the death of a neighbour. Sept. 16 to Oct. 3. Weeknights 8 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $45, seniors and students $34.21, matinees $35.30. 1233 Wellington St. W., 613-236-5196. www.gctc.ca
YO GABBA GABBA LIVE
Tots go gaga over the kooky characters in the Yo Gabba Gabba universe. With a critically acclaimed, chart-topping album, and appearances at both The White House and Coachella, this isn’t your ordinary kid fare. The live performance features music, singing, dancing, animation, and a beat box segment with hip hop legend Biz Markie. Even more interesting, past guests have included celebs with street cred such as Erykah Badu, Sarah Silverman, and Snoop Dogg. Sept. 19 (2 p.m. and 5 p.m.). $20.50-$40.50. Scotiabank Place, 1000 Palladium Dr., 613-599-3267. www.canadiantirecentre.com