OTTAWA ANTIQUE SHOW
Spend a weekend trolling for treasure at this sale that runs the gamut from the traditional (furniture, fine china) to the extraordinary (“wearable art” designed for Karl Lagerfeld, retro handbags). There are 70 boutique vendors to choose from, but our vote for coolest wares goes to Artophile, which sells rare original Hollywood art by Silvano “Nano” Campeggi. Take home an illustration of leading lady Marilyn Monroe or film posters from classics like Casablanca. $10, under 18 free. Oct. 22 to 24. Carleton University Field House, 613-521-1970. www.asinter.com
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL
This jam-packed festival brings the best writers from around the world to various Ottawa venues for author talks, readings, performances, and other fun events — like brunch! This is your chance to ask that favourite writer about that weird plot twist, tell the famous poet how much you love their work, and meet other local bookworms. A few event suggestions: Capital Xtra’s Transgress always makes for a great, R-rated time (Fri., Oct. 22); Tarek Fatah’s conversation with Lucy van Oldenbarneveld is bound to raise some controversial issues; and a trio of authors, including Giller Prize winner David Bergen, will explore family relationships as they play out in fiction (Sun., Oct. 24). See website for full schedule. $15, students and seniors $10, free for Carleton University students. Oct. 20 to 26. Various venues. 613-562-1243. www.writersfestival.org
SHAWNA CASPI AND ANDREA SIMMS-KARP
It’s become a semi-annual event, Shawna and Andrea’s Raw Sugar gig. Two old friends get together at an intimate stage for a show that becomes a reunion … and we all know the magic that happens when the chemistry of friendship unfolds on stage. What’s more, both folk darlings seem poised to pour out their hearts: Shawna has just commenced her Simmering Stew Fall tour; Andrea recently announced plans to record a new album. (Unlike other best-laid-plans, this one includes a concrete goal and a callout for fan support through an innovative tool called Kapipal). $6. Oct. 22. Raw Sugar Café, 692 Somerset St. W. 613-216-2850. www.andreasimmskarp.com, www.shawnacaspi.com
SIGNATURES OTTAWA CHRISTMAS SHOW
Remember when you were a kid, and your parents asked for homemade gifts for Christmas? It’s because homemade gifts are special — they radiate an intimacy and intention that make them stand out from the commercialism associated with holidays. And this weekend, you can pick up some outstanding, unique items at the annual Signatures Ottawa Christmas Show, such as wearable felt art from Marilou Prieur, Honeysuckle Cottage tea cozies, and beautiful hand-blown glass creations from Catherine Benoit. Because your folks didn’t say the gifts had to be made by you! $7, seniors and students $4, children 12 and under free. Oct. 21 to 24. Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St., 613-241-5777. www.signaturesottawa.ca
THE INAPPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN SHOW
With a title like that, it’s got to be fun. Part of the Ottawa International Animation Festival, this movie collection features a slew of cartoons that were originally meant for kids but are cringe-worthy even in the adult realm. Expect some freaky animation that would never make it onto TV in this day and age. Cross-dressing? Check. Lots of smoking? Check. Drinking? Of course. Unhinged animation at its best. $12. Screenings at Arts Court Theatre (2 Daly Ave.) on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 22 at 11:30 p.m. Screening on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. at Empire Theatres Rideau Centre. www.animationfestival.ca
CULTURE SHOCK CANADA
Feel the beat at this hip-hop extravaganza. On Saturday night, more than 15 dance troupes from Canada and the USA will bring their moves from the street to the stage for the 2010 Choreographers’ Showcase. The performance will be hosted by Culture Shock Canada, a non-profit hip-hop organization with the goal of promoting dance to youths as a tool for fitness, creativity, and leadership. (Oct. 23 at 7 p.m., tickets are $30). On Sunday, those who are feeling inspired can bust a move at the full-day hip-hop workshops. (Oct. 24, tickets are $60 in advance, $90 at the door). See website for locations. www.cultureshockcanada.com
ST. NICHOLAS
Just in time for the haunting season. They’re in vogue, they’re sexy, and they’re the stars of this play by Tony Award winning Irish playwright Conor McPherson. Vampires. This compelling one-man show/Irish ghost story is performed at Cube Gallery by John Koensgen, who portrays a jaded, skirt-chasing Irish theatre critic who falls hopelessly in love with a beautiful young performer from Dublin. He follows her to London, where he is drawn into a world of big city vampires — elegant, sophisticated, and soulless. $30, students $20. Thursday and Friday Oct. 21 and 22. Continues Tuesday to Saturday (Oct. 26 to 30 and Nov. 2 to 6). Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; curtain at 8 p.m. 1285 Wellington St. W., 613-728-1750. www.cubegallery.ca