DEMOLITION DERBY
If this is indeed the last day of the last SuperEx at Lansdowne, you’ve got to be here. And if you’ve got to be here, you’ve got to see the last demolition demolition derby. As the promo says “Come to Ottawa SuperEx and hit another car without having to call your insurance company!” Categories include mini smash and pro-modified class. Grab a poutine, head for the stands and cheer on your favourite wrecks. Aug. 29. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $7-$12. Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS (FREE!)
Round up the family and hop on your bikes (or rollerblades) during the last few days of summer for some traffic-free riding. On Sunday mornings until Sept. 5, more than 50 kilometres of road are closed to cars, including Colonel By Drive from Laurier Bridge to Hogs Back Falls along the canal. The kids might protest getting up early for a ride, but they’ll thank you when they’re older. See website for road locations and closure times. 613-239-5000. www.canadascapital.gc.ca
HILOTRONS
Wakefield seems to up its cool quotient on a weekly basis. As summer draws to a close, it’s all about Wakefest, which swings into action with four days of music and dance. A highlight on the bill are the ultra-cool popsters known as the Hilotrons. Aug. 28. 8:30 p.m. $10 (earlybird); $12 at the door. 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield, 819-459-3228. www.theblacksheepinn.com or www.wakefest.org
THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF KITTY BOWLAND (FREE!)
Even the name of this event sparks curiosity. Here’s the deal: Kitty Bowland (sister of master framer Patrick Gordon) has been collecting art since the mid-seventies but, like many of us, needs a little cold hard cash right now. (Unlike many of us, it’s partly because she is a participant on local reality TV show All for Nothing.) She has decided to part with a few, and while the full line-up has yet to be confirmed, there will be work by at least 15 artists, ranging from realism pieces by Walter Campbell to impressionist work by Bruce Heggtveit. Vernissage Aug. 27. 7–10 p.m. Exhibit runs to Sept. 4. Patrick Gordon Framing, 160 Elm St. www.patrickgordonframing.ca
LES ATELIERS BIRTHDAY BASH (FREE!)
If you’re a crafty type and you haven’t heard of Les Ateliers, this event is a great opportunity to get to know the crew. They’re a fun-loving group of resourceful DIYers who get together every month or so to learn something new. Anyone can come to any of their events, and with topics that range from soap-making to small business strategies, there is a good chance that Les Ats is doing something that you’re interested in. There will be sweet treats, party games, music, crafts, and more. Aug. 29. 4 – 8 p.m. Montgomery Legion Hall, 330 Kent St. http://tinyurl.com/23a8wxf
LOWERTOWN SUMMER FESTIVAL (FREE!)
The Lowertown Community Association sure knows how to throw a party. This fun shindig celebrates a cool ’hood with a day of food, music, activities for the kiddies, Bollywood dancing, and live mural painting. Be sure to check out wares from the street sale, which includes items from chic boutiques like Green Light District, Workshop, and Milk. Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Rain date Aug. 29). Dalhousie Street between Guigues Avenue and St. Patrick Street. www.lowertownsummerfestival.com