WELLINGTON WEST MOTHER’S DAY SHOP HOP
Are you going to wake up on May 7 and remember it’s almost Mother’s Day – only to realize you haven’t bought a gift? No need to fret, Wellington Street West (or at least the shops on that hip strip) has your back. The trendy shopping district is hosting a shopping event filled with discounts; it’s also a fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. Saturday, May 7. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wellington Street West (between Holland and Clarendon). 613-421-0089.
DAVID TRATTLES EXHIBITION AND PRINT SALE (FREE!)
Fans of David Trattles’ work have one day to check out his latest photography exhibition. Trattle’s show features out-takes from travels around rural Canada, Germans who live as cowboys in east Germany and a travelogue of panorama prints from a cycle trip in India. The show will also feature a talk and presentation called “The Boxing Ladies,” which is the story behind the photographs of girls in Calcutta, India, who use boxing as a means to escape poverty. Saturday, May 7. View the show from 8 p.m. onwards. Trattles’ talk begins at 9 p.m. Ottawa Studio Works, 160 Preston St. www.ottawastudioworks.com.
SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON
If you’re looking to get inspired on a gloomy Sunday afternoon (or get psyched for Race Weekend) catch the screening of Spirit of the Marathon – the award-winning film that explores the 42-kilometre Chicago Marathon. The movie features six very different runners who prepare for the same challenging event. Spirit of the Marathon was produced by Academy-Award winner Mark Jonathan Harris and directed by Jon Dunham. Proceeds from the screening go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Sunday, May 8. 1 p.m. $10 at the door and three for $25 in advance. Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St. www.mayfairtheatre.ca.
KELP WEEKEND
Local record label Kelp hosts its annual spring festival of music, which means four days of concerts featuring artists like Jim Bryson, The Acorn, and Andrew Vincent. And for the first time this year, the festivities include the Kelp Records Flea and Food Market, a showcase of local foods and collectibles (including, rumour has it, a sale of Fisher-Price toy trucks). Most events take place at Dom Polski, but the kick-off bash will be at the Kichesippi Brewery. Check the website for a full schedule of events and prices. May 5 – 7. www.kelprecords.com
A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF ABORIGINAL CULTURE (FREE!)
Join the singing and dancing in this celebration of aboriginal culture. First Nations dance company Great Plains will be on hand to showcase their moves, while DJ’s Bear Witness, NDN, and Shub take charge of the turntables. Saturday, May 7. 1 p.m. Odawa Native Friendship Centre, 12 Stirling Ave. www.prairiescene.ca.
THE LITTLE COAT
Calling all romance junkies! This weekend, Alan Buick is at the Canadian War Museum reading from The Little Coat, the true-life captivating story of a Canadian soldier, a Dutch woman, and their enduring love story that began during World War II. Saturday, May 7. 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place. www.warmuseum.ca.
SONGS OF A PRAIRIE GIRL
Songs of a Prairie Girl introduces viewers to different facets of Grammy-winning Canadian artist Joni Mitchell. The six snapshots come together to tell the story of the prolific singer-songwriter behind hits like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Help Me.” Directed by Jim Guedo (Dying City, I Licked a Slag’s Deodorant), the play stars Alyssya Billingsly, Jacklyn Green and Leora Joy Godden. Until May 7. 8 p.m. $26. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St. www.nac-cna.ca.
— By Ilan Mester