crafts

Weekend roundup: Events and things to do in Ottawa!

Written

on Thursday, August 26, 2010

Photo courtesy -Marlith- on Flickr.

It’s about time we had a sunny, sunny weekend - good thing there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep us all occupied in the great outdoors for the duration of this one!

First off, it’s the grand old WakeFest all weekend long - and this festival isn’t like the other summer celebrations. Rather than focusing on just one specialty, they’ve got it all: music, film, visual arts, theatre and literature. The best part? Many of these events will take place on their infamous covered bridge - including the Great Granny Concert and Fundraiser.

The Market will also see a few good festivals happening: the i(heart)music festival will be hosted at Mavericks, while the Lowertown Summer Festival kicks off its inaugural street party this Saturday. The sunshine will especially bode well for Capital Pride Week, as they’ve got tons of events scheduled:

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Weekend roundup: Events and things to do in Ottawa!

Written

Karen

on Thursday, August 19, 2010

Photo detail of Meaghan Haughian's latest display courtesy the artist.

Weather-wise, this weekend looks like it could mirror last weekend (with hopefully less thunder and lightning). Event-wise, however, we’ve got an entirely different set of options.

Fest, fest, fest: Anyone have ideas for an alternate ending to name large-ish summer gatherings? I suppose Greek-o-rama doesn’t have the same ring… Regardless, GreekFest is on this weekend, as is Reggae Fest (with Sean Paul) and the Ottawa International Film Festival.

Friday marks the kick-off of Capital Pride Week - and despite a bit of a controversy, an abundance of events are set to last until next Sunday.

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Discovering Greek Fest

Written

Khoi

on Wednesday, August 18, 2010

All photos courtesy of Khoioi on flickr

Post by Khoi.

As a newly minted Ottawan, I am always happy to check out local festivities. The latest is Greek Fest, located at 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, next to the Greek Orthodox Church. You cannot miss the line up for food, lack of street parking, and folkloric music. Admission is free, but be ready to pay festival prices for food and drinks. I must say that it’s pretty well organized for an event run by 450+ volunteers over a period of 10 days.

The festival site is relatively small with most of the space dedicated to selling food and eating it. Indoors, at the adjacent community center, is where Greek artists showcase their arts and crafts, and Celebrity Greek Chef Maria Loi holds her cooking seminars. Outdoors, there is a drinks area, a main course area, a lamb roasting area, and of course, a dessert area with lots of ouzo flowing. Under the dining tent, there was a nice communal feel, and although it’s Greek Fest (clearly stated with the white and blue tablecloths), a multicultural mix of people congregated over good food.

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Urban Art @ Minto Park this Weekend

Written

diane

on Friday, July 23, 2010

Post by Diane Bond

C’mon out and support local artists on Saturday! The 5th Annual Urban Art @ Minto Park is showcasing the work of more than 60 established and emerging artists. From painting, photography, puppets and printmaking to textiles, glass work, sculpture and jewelry - all for your viewing pleasure… And for purchase!

While you’re there, why not take part in the Ottawa Post-It Secret Project? It’s a chance to write down your thoughts, divulge your deepest and darkest secrets, and, ultimately, express yourself. Anonymously.

The 2010 Urban Art Show @ Minto Park (Elgin at Gilmour) gets underway at 10 am on Saturday, July 24th and runs until 5pm. Rain or shine.

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Spins & Needles best in show party!

Written

Karen

on Wednesday, July 21, 2010

It’s not hard to be inspired by the Pop Life exhibition over at the National Gallery. The Spins and Needles folk, it appears, have decided to act on their inspiration based on Jeff Koons’ stainless steel rabbit, and are holding a Best in Show party this Friday.

From creating your own critter to making a blue ribbon for your special pet, crafting will abound at the Legion (330 Kent St). For a cover of only $8, you too can collage or work on a plush balloon animal (not quite sure what that would look like, but creativity knows no bounds!). Funky, old-school beats will be provided courtesy of DJs Jason Pelletier + Meterman.

It’s all getting underway this Friday, July 23 at 8pm. UPDATE: The show seems to have been postponed until September - thanks for the tip, Stephan! We’ll all just have to hold off on our critter crafting until then…

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Ottawa Lebanese Festival

Written

Katie

on Wednesday, July 14, 2010

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urbanfête: A Paper Party!

Written

Karen

on Tuesday, July 6, 2010

To some people, this admission will come as no surprise: I love paper. Not your everyday white 90lb 8.5 x11, but paper - printed, patterned, textured paper. I learned this love of all things pulp from a dear friend, who is also one of the best card makers I’ve ever met. She was the one who stumbled across urbanfête, Ottawa’s newest paper store.

Owned by two friends who finally found their paths cross in the same metropolis, urbanfête has it all - beautiful paper, invitation services and - hopefully! - continued crafting events where you can learn to use paper to create, well, whatever you want!

The location is perfect for stumbling across - which, in Apt613 code, means it’s a bit out of the way. But it is absolutely worth the trip to the store at 517 Rideau - the bright store will welcome whomever walks through the door. They’re open from 10am-6pm Tuesday to Friday, and Saturday from 10am-5pm.

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Apartment613 asks: “What are you doing for Canada Day?”

Written

saxby

on Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Photo courtesy of Kaitli from the Apartment613 Flickr pool

Canada Day in the capital is always quite the experience. It seems like the entire city comes out to celebrate and there is always lots to do on or around Parliament Hill. If you can handle anything more than sitting at home twitching with blind nationalism, there’s likely something going on you’ll enjoy.

It’ll also be hard to make it through the rest of your conversations today without someone asking, “What are your plans for Canada Day?” We’re here to help with an answer. With so much going on it might be tough to narrow down your schedule for the day.

Apartment613’s editors tossed together some quick picks that looked interesting to get you started.

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Weekend roundup

Written

Karen

on Thursday, June 17, 2010

Photo courtesy Martha Wainwright's website.

Well, tonight’s the night, and it feels like we’ve been preparing for this forever… the Fringe kicks off with its first plays tonight, and Apt613 will be there all week - check out the full coverage and reviews of all of the performances at fullyfringed.ca.

There’s so much else going on in the city besides this theatre extravaganza - the dragon boats are taking over Mooney’s Bay, and all of you Franco Ontarien fans, your festival is this weekend, too. Italian Week wraps up this weekend - to really get into the spirit, head on over on Sunday at 10am. Italy’s playing New Zealand, and it’s guaranteed that if they win, Preston Street will be one big celebration.

Need to dance away this week’s woes? Head over to Timekode or the No Pants Dance Party, set to rock Babylon for the third year in a row. There will be another happening party at Ritual Saturday night, what with Redman coming to town. For some punk stylings, Mavericks has your show, while Zaphod’s has a bit of a country feel goin’ on. To wrap up your weekend in style, check out Martha Wainwright or the Old Crowns on Sunday - either are sure to please.

To use up some of that creative energy and eat a cupcake or two, Spins and Needles’ birthday bash will be perfect for you.The Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival is also happening this weekend, down at the perfect-for-picnicking Victoria Island.

For you thinkers and audio recorders looking to make a difference, the Podcasters Across Borders conference is all weekend long, and the line up looks great. You can also see Josh Dolgin, subject of the Socalled Movie, at the Mayfair, or talk about the future of our favourite development project.

If you just want to soak up some rays on a patio, by all means, indulge. After this bit of rain this week, get out an enjoy the sunshine!

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Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival

Written

Francois

on Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami presents Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival in honour of National Aboriginal Day, taking place Saturday June 19 and Sunday June 20 at Victoria Island in downtown Ottawa.

The festival features a Children’s Tipi Village which includes First Nations, Métis and Inuit demonstration games and craft workshops.

An artist tent showcases Inuit Art Foundation Exhibit, print making workshops with Simon Brascoupe and Métis Art Workshops with Christi Belcourt.

On June 19th at 11:45am the festival will host the Elders Opening Ceremony. Saturday will showcase performances by Inuit throat-singing and contemporary music, Tumivut; new generation rock band, Bitterly Divine; and Métis Hypnotist, Scott Ward.
The festival will continue throughout the event with a Cultural Showcase Inuit Throat singing, Métis Jigging and First Nations Pow Wow & Hoop dance followed by Aboriginal Canada, “WE GOT TALENT!” competition.

On Sunday June 20, the main stage Concerts presented by APTN Aboriginal Day Live, will showcase Inuit Music Meister, DJ Mad Eskimo; Juno Award winner, Digging Roots; hip hop artist, Plex; and Juno nominated singer/songwriter Kinnie Starr.

For information, go to www.nadottawa.ca

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