DALHOUSIE STREET SHOPPING PARTY (FREE!)
Remember, ’tis the season for the weekend to start early. This Thursday, the hipster stores on Dalhousie Street host the first of two discount-filled December shopping nights. Participating shops are offering specials, discounts, food, drinks, raffles, and other treats to celebrate the season. Who’s on Dalhousie, you ask? A few of our faves include A Guy A Girl 2 Dogs and a Cat (pet stuff, obviously), Green Light District Design (gorgeous furniture and accessories), Victoire (great clothes!), Workshop Studio (cute jewellery and lots more), and Nest (Euro kids toys). Thursday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
THEY FIGHT LIKE SOLDIERS, THEY DIE LIKE CHILDREN
Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire, the man known for bringing attention to the Rwandan genocide, is now turning his attention to the plight of child soldiers. Now retired and serving on the senate, Dallaire has penned a new book that sheds light on the current situation and provides concrete solutions to eradicate it. Get involved in the discussion and hear the ideas of a man who once faced child soldiers on the battlefield — and decided to do something about this troubling phenomenon. Thursday, Dec. 2. 7 p.m. $15, $10 students and seniors. Tickets available at the door. Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St. www.writersfestival.org
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
That got your attention, didn’t it? This year’s sin is “wrath” and 101 Frames (Gallery 101’s largest fundraiser of the year) has commissioned dozens of artists to create picture frames based on the “wrath” theme. Party, bid, buy, and raise funds for Gallery 101’s programs. Saturday, Dec. 4. 7 p.m. $15. 240 Bank St., 613-230-2799.
BAZART HOLIDAY EVENT (FREE!)
The Shenkman Arts Centre holds its first annual holiday celebration and sale and it looks like a doozy. This juried show and sale has great gifts from artists, potters, jewellers, and the like. There will also be musical entertainment, a puppet show or two, stories, and a pottery demos. Prepare to make an afternoon of it. Sunday, Dec. 5. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. 245 Centrum Blvd., 613-580-2787. www.shenkmanarts.ca
SANTA PAWS IS COMING TO TOWN
Shhhhh. Your friends with kids won’t understand, but fellow pet owners will. Santa Claus is in town and waiting to host your pet on his knee for that classic holiday portrait. All proceeds go to the Ottawa Humane Society. Saturday, Dec. 4. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. $15. Elmvale Mall, 1910 St. Laurent Blvd. www.ottawahumane.ca
INTERNATIONAL OPEN DATA HACKFEST (FREE!)
It’s not just for techies anymore. No, the masses are catching on the fact that raw data — made approachable by apps and cool software — holds the key to fun, fame, fortune, and catching the bus. Ottawa’s 2nd annual hackfest has gone international, so you can chat with Jean-Patrick Ehouman in Bangkok, Robert Harm in Vienna, and Renan Mendes Carvalho in Brasilia via Chatroulette. Saturday, Dec. 4. 1 – 4 p.m. City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. www.opendataday.org/wiki/Ottawa
SANTA VS. THE SNOWMAN 3D
Santa squares off against the snowman in IMAX’s first ever 3D holiday animated feature film. Your kids will be blown away by the technology — 3D images are projected on huge screens (3975 square feet, to be exact) – and immersed in this heartwarming funky new spin on the old Christmas tale. The story details the feud between the jolly man in red and a lonely Snowman, who thinks Santa is monopolizing the global gift-giving franchise. Made by the team behind the hit Jimmy Neutron, it has both English and French showings and producers hope it will join ranks with the favourite Christmastime classics. Dec 1 – 17. See website for showtimes. $38 Family, $8 Child (3 – 12). Museum of Civilization IMAX theatre, 100 Laurier Street. 819 776-7010. www.civilization.ca/imax