Outside of scattered thunderstorms on Saturday, it should be a warm and beautiful fall weekend in Ottawa. Get out there and enjoy one (or more!) of the many fantastic events happening around the city this weekend:
CityFolk
The Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park plays host to this year’s CityFolk Festival, which started on Wednesday night and continues through the weekend. Tonight’s performances on the Telus Stage include eclectic Canadian singer and pianist Patrick Watson, roots band Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers, and folk icon Van Morrison. The incredible music continues on Saturday, with performances on the main stage by Montreal folk quartet The Barr Brothers, Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, Saskatoon boogie rock band The Sheepdogs, and Icelandic indie pop band Of Monsters and Men. The festival wraps up on Sunday with performances by singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov, indie pop band Lucuis, folk legend Lucinda Williams, British singer-songwriter Passenger, and alt-country icons Wilco.
Richmond Fair
The 171st Richmond Fair takes place this weekend in the charming town of Richmond. Did you know that the city of Ottawa (which includes agricultural communities like Richmond) has the largest agricultural economy and land base in Canada? Richmond Fair is all about promoting and celebrating the importance of agriculture in Ottawa. Oh, and it’s about demolition derbies, horse shows, horse pulls, antique sales, midway rides, a petting zoo, Kiddyland, live music, and tasty fair food. Admission is $10 for 13+ visitors, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under.
Taste of Wellington West
Wellington West, which includes the neighbourhoods of Hintonburg and Wellington Village, is hosting Taste of Wellington West between 11 am and 5 pm on Saturday. This free event is a celebration of the wonderful local shops and restaurants that make Wellington West such a happy place to be. Delectable food, art galleries, live music, a kids zone, and even a community Scrabble game – “Spelling Out the Neighbourhood.” Come tour familiar haunts, or visit this happening neighbourhood for the first time.
Winners – Sparks Street
The new Winners on Spark Street has officially opened. They stock high-end designer brands for unbeatable price. Brands include Kate Spade, St. Laurent Paris, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Stila Makeup, Calvin Klein, Coach and much more!
The Mystical Event
The Mystical Event takes place at the EY Centre this weekend. An annual event in promotion of holistic health, this well-being event is all about connecting mind, body, and soul. Everyone is welcome to explore the benefits of holistic therapists such as yoga, meditation, massage, reflexology, Reiki, and hypnotherapy. Other activities include tarot readings, aura readings, life coaching, and more. With seminars and workshops offered in both official languages on topics such as elemental awakening and the power of essential oils, there’s a lot to learn at this varied event. The Mystical Event is open from 12-9 on Friday and Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for youth, and free for children 12 and under.
Ottawa Burlesque Festival
The 2015 Ottawa Burlesque Festival is a celebration of art, creativity, sensuality and diversity within the performing arts. Acceptance and creative expression are the core values of this fun and lively festival, so don’t miss it! Festival events happen all around the Ottawa-Gatineau region, so check the festival website to see the exact schedule. Tickets range from $20-30 each and the festival is presented in both English and French.
Ottawa Pinball & Gameroom Show
The 5th annual Ottawa Pinball & Gameroom Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Maker Space North. Admission is $10 and includes free play of the pinball and video game machines at the event. There will also be games, parts, and swag for sale for pinball lovers, and House of TARG chefs will be cooking up fresh perogies and hot dogs for the crowd. Finally, don’t miss your chance to be crowned the 2015 Ottawa Pinball Champion and win great prizes in the IFPA-sanction “O-Town Throw-Down 2015” competition.
