This chilly week is almost over. Now that Friday’s here, we’re set for another great weekend in Ottawa. Here are some of the exciting events happening this winter weekend in Ottawa:
Winterlude
Winterlude kicks into high gear every weekend in February, and this one is no exception. Head on down to Confederation Park, Jacques Cartier Park, or simply skate along the Rideau Canal Skateway to take part in the many Winterlude festivities planned for this weekend. Visit the Government of Canada’s Winterlude resource for a calendar of events. While there are special events planned for each day of Winterlude, no matter when you go you can always check out the ice sculptures, go for a skate, and indulge in a beavertail – or two.
TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival
The Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival runs this weekend and next at the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage and Dominion-Chalmers United Church downtown. Featuring “a remarkable array of Canadian and international jazz heavyweights,” Friday night features shows at the NAC by Megan Jerome, the Nancy Walker Quintet, and the Charlie Hunter Trio. Saturday has performances by FET.NAT., the Jean-Michel Pilc Trio, and the Matt Wilson Quarter. The first weekend of the festival wraps up on Sunday with a performance by African musican giant Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits.
Sexapalooza
This weekend the Shaw Centre plays host to Sexapalooza, an adult consumer expo in its seventh year. Both entertaining and educational, with advise from sex experts and featuring great deals and discounts, this expo is perfectly timed in preparation for Valentine’s Day. The Ottawa event features a special guest appearance by adult film star Tori Black. Tickets cost $25 for this 19+ show and the event runs all weekend.
Bright Nights: the Baltic-Nordic Film Festival
The Baltic-Nordic Film Festival, presented by the Canadian Film Institute in association with Winterlude, is back for its 5th year. Films will be screened at Carleton University and tickets are just $13 for the general public, and $9 for seniors and students. Friday night features Latvia’s The Lesson, about a teacher and her conflicted relationship with a student. Norway’s Academy Award-nominated I am Yours and Swedish documentary Trespassing Bergman will be shown on Saturday. The first weekend of the festival wraps up with the Lithuanian film the Excursionist, based on a true story of a young girl who escapes the yoke of Stalinism and embarks on a 6,000 mile trek home.
Governor General’s Foot Guards Band Concert
For a family-friendly capper to the weekend, the annual Foot Guards band concert at the Canadian War Museum is a great option. The performance by the Regimental Band of Canada’s senior Reserve Infantry unit will feature a mix of traditional, military, and concert band music. The concert is a great way to spend an afternoon with the family and introduce children to the magical world of live music. In celebration of the festivities, children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite Frozen character. Little Elsas and Annas will be invited to sing along in a children’s choir as the band performs musical adaptations from the film. Following the Frozen events, children are invited to learn basic military drill and marching patterns so they can participate in the concert’s finale. To the strains of the classic “Colonel Bogey March,” children can show off their marching skills as the audience and proud parents look on. These interactive elements will provide kids with lasting memories. Check out our featured article on the concert!
Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
