TEDD ROBINSON
Are you a country mouse or a city mouse? This weekend, you don’t have to choose between a country excursion and an exciting cultural experience. Pack a lunch and head to the Pontiac barn-turned-studio of choreographer Tedd Robinson, who presents “Dichterliebe — a poet’s love.” The new work is performed by five contemporary dancers, and is accompanied by live music. The setting is surreal, the moves impassioned, and you won’t be met by the club crowd after exiting the theatre. Aug. 6, 7 p.m., 7-8, 4 p.m. $15. La BARN, 69 chem. du Lac Leslie, www.tengatesdancing.ca
CAPITAL HOEDOWN
Dig the cowboy boots out of the back of the cupboard and get down and dirty with the likes of Dwight Yoakam and Alan Jackson. Check out Vince Gill, a 19-time Grammy Award-winner, and get down with Australian country music sensation Jetty Road. Twelve performers descend on the city for this hootenanny — which is shaping up to be another big hit on the local festival scene. Aug. 5 to 7, 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. $65-$225. Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre, 4837 Albion Rd., www.capitalhoedown.com
PUPPETS UP!
International puppet troupes descend on Almonte for this festival that offers 54 different shows. Catch free entertainment on Mill Street with clowns, musicians, face painters, and entertainers, and each day at 1:45 p.m. everyone gathers for a parade. When the lights go down on Saturday night, leave the kids at home and head out to the adults-only cabaret performance called “Puppets… Unstrung!” Remember, what happens at the puppet show, stays at the puppet show… Aug. 7 and 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Day Pass: $15, children (three to 12) $10, children under three free. Weekend pass: $25, children (three to 12) $15. Various venues in Almonte, 613-256-3881. www.puppetsup.ca
BUG HUNT!
Hey, they’re everywhere right now so why not celebrate them? At the Billings Estate, the theme is butterflies and moths. Sure, there will be crafts and games, but the big draw for kids will undoubtedly be big bug hunt. Preregistration required. Aug. 8, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. $6 per child, ages 6+. 2100 Cabot St., 613-247-4830, www.friendsofbillingsestatemuseum.org
ICE CREAM FESTIVAL
It doesn’t get any better than this on a hot day. Take the kids out to the Canada Agriculture Museum for a celebration of summer’s best dessert. Learn about the journey ice cream takes from cow to cone and, while you’re chowing down on your frozen treat, watch The Cowguys perform a zany mix of circus, western, and magic tricks. Aug. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $7, children (three to 14) $4, students and seniors $6, families $16. Canada Agriculture Museum, Prince of Wales Dr., 613-991-3044. www.agriculture.technomuses.ca
THE KARATE KID
Why, you ask? Three reasons. First, it’s a great remake. Second, it’s something both parents and kids can enjoy. Third, Hollywood insiders say tween actor Jaden Smith has that illusive thing they call “true star quality.” A decade from now, you can say you knew he was going places from the moment you saw his performance in, yes, The Karate Kid. Aug.7 (6:45 p.m.) and Aug. 8 (6:30 p.m.). $5 (kids), $7 (seniors), $10 (adults). 1074 Bank St., 613-730-3403. mayfairtheatre.ca