A celebration of Japanese culture starts this week’s activities at City Hall

This summer, the City of Ottawa will be hosting free programs and special events at City Hall for every taste and interest. ** Reminder: ** ** Friday, July 17 ** ** Concert ** – ** Sherri Harding and The Heat ** Noon to 1 p.m.

Marion Dewar Plaza

An intense blend of talented musicians and songwriters whose collective experiences have placed them in front of audiences all over the world. ** Here are the events that are scheduled for the upcoming week: ** ** Sunday, July 19 ** ** Japanese Cultural Fair ** 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine)

Marion Dewar Plaza

Celebrate Ottawa’s 11

th

annual Japanese summer festival! Enjoy traditional and contemporary Japanese-Canadian food, craft displays, performances and demonstrations. The event is for all ages, and includes a children’s tent, balloon animals and face painting. ** Tuesday, July 21 ** ** Salsa Babies ** ** ™ and Picnic ** 10 a.m. to noon

Jean Pigott Place

Salsa Babies™ is a great opportunity to workout and socialize, while introducing your child to music and movement. Bring snacks or a lunch and enjoy a picnic after the class. Families with children of any age are welcome. ** Hatha Yoga – Rama Lotus Yoga Centre ** Noon to 1 p.m.

Marion Dewar Plaza (in the event of rain, the class will be held in Jean Pigott Place)

The instructors from Rama Lotus Yoga Centre will lead the class, which is open to all levels. Some yoga mats will be available, however, bring your own, if possible. ** ** ** Circus Jam ** 7 to 9 p.m.

Marion Dewar Plaza

Presented by the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group and Ottawa Circus School, Circus Jam is open to all who are interested in the flow arts (bring your poi, hooping, juggling, slack line, partner-acro and fire dancing, to name a few). Children are welcome, but they must be supervised. ** Wednesday, July 22 ** ** Tai Chi – Taoist® Tai Chi ** Noon to 1 p.m.

Marion Dewar Plaza (in the event of rain, the class will be held in Jean Pigott Place)

The regular practice of the Taoist Tai Chi® arts promotes health and relieves stress. Join us for free beginner classes. ** Salsa @ City Hall ** 6 to 11 p.m.

Marion Dewar Plaza (in the event of rain, the lesson may be held in Jean Pigott Place)

This event is sponsored by Azucar! Latin Dance Company and Salsa Force, and is suited for people of all ages. Start the evening off with an hour-long dance lesson before dancing the night away under the stars. All skill levels welcome. ** Thursday, July 23 ** ** Lunchtime Volleyball ** Noon to 1 p.m.

Lisgar Field

Everyone is encouraged to come to City Hall this summer to play recreational pick-up grass volleyball. For more information, contact cws-psm@ottawa.ca . ** Saturday, July 25 ** ** Milonga – Tango Soirée at City Hall ** 6 to 11 p.m.

Councillor’s Lounge

Join the Ottawa tango community for tango dancing. All you need to bring are shoes with smooth, flexible soles, and the desire to dance to beautiful tango music. ** Lansdowne Park ** Lansdowne Park is also presenting free summer activities, including:

 * 
The
**
 Ottawa Asian Fest
**
runs from July 17 to 19, bringing Asian culture and cuisine to Lansdowne Park.

 * 
**
 Momentum Fridays
**
run until September 4 from noon to 1 p.m., featuring various workouts, such as dance and yoga.

 * 
**
 Summer Art Series
**
– Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. throughout July and August for free arts performances in the park. Bring a picnic, buy an ice cream treat from a local vendor, relax and enjoy the talented local performers.

 * 
**
 Full Moon Yoga
**
offers evenings of relaxation on July 31 and August 29.

For the full line-up of City Hall and Lansdowne Park summer activities and all of the attractions, festivals and events happening across the city and in your community, visit the Summer in the City listings on ottawa.ca . It’s your guide to family fun.