OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: Winter Beerfest, Nature Nocturne, The Acorn, Blue Hawaii, more...

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

** Thursday-Saturday, January 24-26: Gatineau Winter Beerfest / Festibière d’hiver

** Beer lovers will want to head over to the Festibière d’hiver (less commonly known as the Winter’Ales) of Gatineau. The second winter edition of the Gatineau Beerfest, which was inaugurated two years ago, will be held at the Château Cartier in the Aylmer sector. The festival will feature over 60 varieties of artisanal beers from around the country. For those looking to eat and be entertained, there will be gourmet food along with activities such a dog sledding, ice skating and musical shows.

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** ** Thursday, January 24, 7:30pm: Ottawater 9 launch presented by the Factory Reading Series **

Upstairs at the Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong. Tthe 9th year of this annual online magazine curated by Rob Mclennan & begun to celebrate Ottawa’s 150th. A chance to rub elbows with living Ottawa poets, drink beer & eat good grub.

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_ ** Friday, January 25: Nature Nocturne **

The Canadian Museum of Nature is trying something new with its Nature Nocturne series. The idea behind Nature Nocturne is to attract the young and hip of the National Capital Region and create an out-of-the-ordinary after-hours dance party that will allow guests to enjoy a night of dancing while visiting the Museum. The party will take place across four galleries and feature DJ TDot, multimedia exhibits and art installations. The first Nature Nocturne soirée will take place this Friday after which a monthly edition should follow if the event proves to be successful.

** Friday, January 25: The Acorn **

As I write this, there are only a few tickets left for The Acorn’s show at the Black Sheep Inn on Friday. Acorn shows have been few and far between lately, so this will be a special night. If you aren’t familiar with their music, here’s a taste: http://youtu.be/T0fA9mmXh5w

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** ** Friday, January 25: _ Blue Hawaii _ at the Ottawa Family Cinema ** Ottawa’s cold weather getting you down? Escape to Elvis Presley’s _ Blue Hawaii _ , showing at 7 p.m. at the Ottawa Family Cinema, 710 Broadview Avenue (Notre Dame Auditorium). Along with the movie, there’ll be a live performance by Elvis impersonator Paul Warren. The audience is invited to dress up 1960’s style, and the evening’s proceeds will support the Ottawa Showtime Chorus. Tickets $8 advance, $10 door.

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** ** Saturday, January 26: Winter Celebration **

The Governor General and his wife are hosting an afternoon of winter delights at Rideau Hall in partnership with the embassies of Finland, the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and also the National Capital Commission. Among the activities are skating on the outdoor rink, kick sledding, bandy (field hockey on ice), dog sledding and tours of the Residence. Everything is free of charge, so come out to Rideau Hall (1 Sussex Drive) this Saturday. You can park for free off-site at the National Research Council (100 Sussex Drive) and on the streets in the neighbourhood.

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** ** Saturday, January 26: 9th Annual Comedy Night for Parkinson’s **

Here’s an event combining comedy with a good cause. Very funny comedians Mike MacDonald, Judy Croon, Dylan Mandlsohn and Graham Chittenden will be raising funds for Parkinson Society Ottawa at Tudor Hall (3750 North Bowesville Rd.) at 7 p.m. Tickets $40. It’ll be a special treat to see Mike MacDonald, who’s been ill with hepatitis C since 2011.

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** ** Sunday, January 27: Family Literacy Day Celebration **

Children’s entertainer Tante Carolinewill perform at the Nepean Centrepointe branch as part of the Ottawa Public Library’s Family Literacy Day celebration. The event, which will feature songs, puppets and stories, is free, bilingual and open to all. 2pm-3pm.

_ – Sara-Lynne Levine, Ottawa Capital Region Macaroni Kid _

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** ** Monday, January 28: Trivia Night: Books-to-Movies **

This year’s theme is books-to-movies! In this fundraiser for Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks (ALSO) - a great little literacy group here in town - you will be testing your knowledge on books that have been adapted into movies. It’s a family-friendly event (ages 10 and up), covering themes that include children’s stories, Canadian content, thrillers, science fiction, comedy, magic, biographies, history, and more.

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** ** Wednesday, January 30: Florquestra Brasil CD Release at Cabaret La Basoche **

Florquestra Brasil plays Brazilian music with verve and feeling. We have seen their music warm up audiences on even the coldest local winter days. Their first album, Flortografia, will be launched at a free concert on January 30 at Cabaret La Basoche in Aylmer. There’s only one catch: you have to reserve your seats by Friday, January 25, at noon.

_ – Alayne McGregor, OttawaJazzScene.ca _

** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Guide

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