OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: 18 great event ideas for this week, starting with a blizzard

[

](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/weekly-event-roundup250.gif) **

**

And now, without further ado, our contributors pick the best events in Ottawa this week.  (Add your picks in the comments below.)

** Max Keeping ** ** , CTV Ottawa’s Community Ambassador:

AN AUGUST BLIZZARD:

** Thursday, August 11, is ** Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day ** across North America. The proceeds of all Blizzard treats sold that day are donated to local Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals - in our region, that means a sizable donation to CHEO. I always buy Blizzards for the folks who work in my bank - helps with my Fantasy Finances.  Is there someone special in your life you could suprize?

**

**

** Don from foodieprints : **

** HAPPY BIRTHDAY ** :

Dubbed a multi-disciplinary “summer social” and fundraiser, ** Hot Box ** is the first in a string of events ** SAW Video ** intends to hold to celebrate its 30th anniversary. For Hot Box, which will be held in the SAW Courtyard (67 Nicholas Street) on Thursday, August 11, 2011 from 6-11 pm, SAW Video will be bringing together some of the city’s best VJs, DJs, restaurants, and bands. Food wise, the roster includes The Manx (vegetarian and pulled chicken tacos), Black Cat Bistro (Corn on the cob with various toppings), Murray’s Market (house-made hot dogs), Jak’s Kitchen (back bacon on a bun), Pascale’s (Ice cream and Ice cream sandwiches), Strata Pizza (Wood fired pizza), and Kichesippi Beer.

**

**

** Tanya Snook, aka Spydergrrl :

OPA!:

** For this week, my pick is ** Greekfest ** (until August 21). I remember going with my parents when we first moved to Ottawa. We’ve been bringing the Dude since he was a little dancing toddler. We love it for the food, the art, the food, the dancing and of course, the food. But I’m not sure whose eyes get bigger watching the lambs on the spits: hubby or the Dude :)

** Juliette Giannesini , aka Zhu, photographer:

FUNNY FILM:

** It’s going to be a rainy week folks, so do yourself a favour and head out to the ** Greekfest ** for a cool Mediterranean feel. On August 11, I’m planning to the Ottawa premiere of comedian ** Angelo Tsarouchas' film " Fred & Vinnie " ** followed by Q & A with Angelo (entry $10). That will be a welcome change from Hollywood’s conventional formula! **

**

** Andrew Snowdon , writer:

FRINGE REDUX:

** If you missed it at the Ottawa Fringe Festival, you’re in luck: you have three more chances to see ** Nancy Kenny ** in her critically acclaimed, crowd favourite, homegrown comedy ** Roller Derby Saved My Soul ** . $12, August 11, 12, and 13 at 8pm at Arts Court Theatre .

**

**

** Josee from Frugal Fun Ottawa :

POMP & CEREMONY:

** ** Fortissimo ** is my family’s favourite free event of the year, and it’s taking place this week on August 11, 12, and 13 at 7 pm on ** Parliament Hill. ** Massed pipe bands, military demos…cannons! What’s not to love? We can’t wait!

**

**

** Denise Deby, who writes for Green Living Ottawa :

** **

HISTORY & WINE:

** It might look like just another 151-year old working grist and flour mill, but ** Watson’s Mill ** ** in Manotick ** is more than just a heritage site, thanks to some clever and eclectic programming. You can certainly visit the historic limestone building on the Rideau River, and take in the milling demonstrations on Sunday afternoon. But you can also check out the annual ** Used Book Sale ** (all week) or attend a ** Wine Tasting ** on Friday, August 12 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Registration recommended.

** Ross Brown , blogger/writer/author/photog: **

**

HARRY POTTER, OUTDOORS:

** Are you looking to see _ ** Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 ** _ but need a refresher of Part 1? ** Centretown Movies ** will be screening _ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 _ on Friday, August 12, as part of their outdoor film festival. The best part is that it’s free! The show starts at dusk, at Dundonald Park (512 Somerset Street West, between Bay and Lyon). The show is presented by Ottawa Public Health. See you there!

** Gordon Dewis , blogger:

FIREWORKS:

** Once again this week, my pick is going to be ** Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy ** , with the team from APOGEE Fireworks representing Canada this Saturday. In addition to some of the best fireworks in the world, there are street performers, food and drink at the site and performers on the Tim Horton’s Stage, including Radio Canada which is celebrating 75 years of emotion with _ Audrey DaCosta, Geneviève Roberge and Swing _ . The gates open at 6pm and the fireworks start around 9pm. Stick around afterwards and watch an unforgetable fire show by _ El Diablo _ . The team from Steffes – Ollig will be representing Germany on Wednesday, August 17th.

** Sterling Lynch , editor of the Ottawa Arts Newsletter : **

**

ART MEETS SPOKEN WORD:

** This looks very cool: on August 13, at the National gallery, ** four spoken-word poets perform new work in English and French ** that engages directly with some of the paintings in the ** Caravaggio exhibition ** .

**

**

** Sara-Lynne Levine, Ottawa Capital Region Macaroni Kid : **

**

BUG HUNTING:

** On August 13 it’s ** Art Crawlers in the Garden. ** Have fun exploring night life in the garden. If possible bring a flashlight and a bug catcher. Fun for all 8:00-9:00pm, Children’s Garden, Robert F. Legget Park (Main and Clegg). ,Registration required, Donations appreciated More info: childrensgarden@sustainablelivingottawaeast.ca

** Eugene Haslam , Zaphod’s Owner:

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE:

**

On Saturday, August 13 from 6:00-7:00pm and 7:30-8:30pm, ** Dance Workshops with Shara Weaver and accompanied by Rattling Tro Tro. ** Part of the Lumiere Festival . An energizing dance/musical experience. Learn some movements from Ghana, West Africa to live drumming. Feel the beat….move your feet. No experience necessary. Bare feet, water and comfortable clothing required. At New Edinburgh Park (most frequently known as Stanley Park).

** Ryan Bresee , radio host of CKCU’s Whatever’s Cool With Me : **

**

KARAOKE:

** Saturday night would be the perfect time to head to the ** Shanghai restaurant ** ** for the weekly karaoke night ** hosted by the always fun China-Doll. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have at karaoke!

** Yasir Naqvi , MPP Ottawa Centre:

MULTICULTURAL:

** This week, I’m really looking forward to attending the ** Latin American Heritage Day at City Hall ** ** . ** Celebrations are going on from 11 am to 5 pm, with activities for the whole family, entertainment and tasty Latin fare.

**

**

** ** Laura Nicol , aka @311Laura : **

BEACH VOLLEYBALL:

** Love beach volleyball for a good cause? Sunday, August 14 at Britannia Beach there’s a ** beach volleyball tournament for Kid Sport Ottawa ** ** . ** It runs from 8am-5pm and each team is guaranteed 5 games. There are three divisions to choose from and breakfast on the beach is included!

**

**

** ** Stephan Telka , public engagement consultant by day and avid Ottawa lover by night: **

OUTDOOR THEATRE:

** I’m hoping to hit up a performance of the ** Odyssey Theatre Company’s production of The Fan, ** taking place outdoors in Strathcona Park at 8pm every day except Tuesday. They also have “pay-what-you-can” matinées on Saturday and Sunday at 3. It’s their 25th year playing under the open skies of Ottawa, and a close friend gave the Sunday evening performance a strong “two thumbs up.” They even provide blankets for those sitting on the grass (otherwise there is seating on risers). Catch it before August 21. **

**

** Amanda Earl , poet & publisher: **

**

PHOTOGRAPHY & POEMS:

** From now til Sept 2, School of Photographic Arts Ottaw a, 168 Dalhousie St., ** CITIES OF STONE - PEOPLE OF DUST **

• photos by Leslie Hossack and poems by Pearl Pirie, first of a series of photography exhibits with poetic responses curated by rob mclennan.

** Glen Gower , Editor/Owner of OttawaStart.com : **

**

HISTORY:

** This looks interesting: ** Heritage Ottawa Walking Tour of la Ruisseau de la Brasserie ** . Sunday, August 14 at 2pm, leaving Théâtre de l’Île in Gatineau, with a tour of heritage buildings in what used to be known as Hull. The guide is Michel Prévost, president of the Societé d’histoire de l’Outaouais.

** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

If you liked this post, please consider subscribing to our blog via email, Twitter, Facebook or RSS. Thank you.