OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: August 1-7, 2013

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Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. This list is published every Wednesday night on this blog. You can bookmark this link for easy access: http://ottawastart.com/weekly .

** See also: ** What’s open and closed on Monday, August 5 for Colonel By Day

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** ** Thursday, August 1: Spin N' Motion ** What happens when you bring filmmakers and DJs together? Spin N’ Motion that’s what. The event will feature the original work of 4 DJs who’s music will play while 4 matching 16mm short films created by filmmakers who were inspired by said music will be shown. The live and unique event will be held at the Mercury Lounge this Thursday, August 1 and it is completely free! An afterparty will follow with headlining artist pH and opening visuals and set by Sasha Vreca & Phil Beauch respectively. You don’t want to miss Ottawa’s most exciting event this week!

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Eliane Laberge _

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** ** Friday, August 2-Monday, August 5: Ottawa Busker Festival **

Acrobats, unicycles, trampolines, wild costumes, hula hoops, improv and humorous banter—the Ottawa Busker Festival has it all. Very talented local and international performers come to the Sparks Street Mall to thrill the crowds at this annual festival. It’s free, but of course the performers will pass the hat for well-deserved contributions.

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Denise Deby _

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** ** Fridays & Saturdays in August: Centretown Movies **

Centretown Movies shows popular, family friendly movies in an open-air, walk-in theatre in Dundonald Park. What better way to spend a summer evening? Check their schedule for upcoming films!

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Laura Gauthier _

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** ** Saturday, August 3: Centretown Movies **

It’s a slow week for live music, so head out to Centretown Movies on Saturday to catch Uncle Buck. Centretown Movies show films in Dundonald Park during the summer. Bring your lawn chair and pay what you can. It’s an urban take on the drive-in; no cars allowed! Movies start at 9 p.m. And who doesn’t like Uncle Buck ? **

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Ryan Bresee _

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** ** Saturday, August 3: PostScripts to Darkness' Midsummer Night’s Screams **

Features readers Kate Heartfield, Lydia Peever and Matt Moore sharing their stories of the uncanny; Black Squirrel Books & Tea, 508 Bank Street - prizes, refreshments & gory tales. Starts at 7pm. **

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Amanda Earl _

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** ** Saturday, August 3: Jayme Stone: The Other Side of the Air at St. Brigid’s **

When you listen to Jayme Stone, you quickly realize that the banjo has many more possibilities than bluegrass. His performance this Saturday at Chamberfringe – a part of his release tour for his new CD, The Other Side of the Air – includes some of the best jazz musicians in Toronto, many of whom he’s played with live for more than a decade. One of the pieces will be a concerto by cellist Andrew Downing combining banjo with chamber instruments in a many-featured, complex piece.

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Alayne McGregor _

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** ** Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4: Blood & Beasts: DIY Horror Filmmaking Workshop **

If you’re into filmmaking and horror, and want to try your hand at making a scary movie, then you definitely want to attend the Blood & Beasts: DIY Horror Filmmaking Workshop organized by SAW Video. This interactive 2-day workshop will give you a solid foundation into the world of making independent horror films. ** [

](https://www.facebook.com/events/585368774847717/) ** _

Eliane Laberge _

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** ** Sunday, August 4 and Sunday, August 25: Talk to the Animals at the Museum of Nature **

Wild and tamed, native and exotic, we’ve got a marvellous medley of creatures visiting us this summer every Sunday in July and August. From precocious parrots to rockin’ reptiles, these amazing members of the animal world are waiting to meet you. **

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Sara-Lynne Levine _

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** ** Sunday, August 4: Occupy Me at the Ottawa Lumière Festival **

This is theatre with a twist: a real-life yoga instructor (and theatre artist) plays a fictional yoga instructor teaching a class that’s played by the real theatre audience. The character, Sarah Lotus Blossom, does some soul-searching about life and the movement along with her yoga poses. Fresh from the Ottawa and Hamilton Fringe Festivals, this well-received play is a fundraiser for the New Edinburgh Community and Arts Centre, which runs the Ottawa Lumière Festival.

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Denise Deby _

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** ** Throughout the summer: Wading Pools and More **

A sure sign of summer–most wading pools will be open by this weekend, as will splash pads and beaches, weather and water quality permitting, and of course pools. Check ahead with the city (or use the handy Waterkeeper Swim Guide app for beaches) to find out what’s open.

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Denise Deby _

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** ** Until Saturday, August 24: Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill **

A Canadian tradition at its most colourful! The Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Forces brings stirring military drill and music to Parliament Hill. Come at 9:45 am to learn more about the ceremony.

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Sara-Lynne Levine _

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** ** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

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