WEEKENDER: Chinatown Remixed, International Museums Day, Star Wars, and four more ways to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday

CHINATOWN REMIXED (FREE!)
The fifth annual arts festival on Somerset Street West, aka Chinatown Remixed, launches this weekend. This unique month-long event includes exhibits of visual and performance art of all kinds located in various establishments from restaurants to hair salons. Take a stroll through Ottawa’s vibrant Chinatown to experience over 40 artists’ works in unconventional locations. One of many displays is Christine Mockett’s The Machine Project, a video installation presented at Tang Coin Laundry. Live music, workshops, and local foods are all part of this one-of-a-kind celebration. Takes place on Somerset Street between Bay and Preston streets. Grand opening and vernissage from 1:30-5:30, May 18. Exhibits continue until June 18th. www.chinatownremixed.ca

Get to know Star Wars on a whole new level at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum.

STAR WARS™ IDENTITIES
See the characters of Star Wars like you’ve never seen them before at the traveling exhibition currently at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. This weekend, discover how Luke and Anakin turned out to be such different people, view the vast collection of over 200 iconic props, and engage in a multi-media identity quest to see what you would look like as a Star Wars character. $24, teens and senior $20, children (3-12) $13.25. Friday, May 10 to Monday, September 2. See website for hours of operation. Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Pkwy. www.aviation.technomuses.ca

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WEEKENDER: The Best Man, a Dallaire documentary, Megan D’Arcy, plus more things to do and see

THE BEST MAN AT THE GCTC
This humorous Broadway favorite tackles morality and party politics in the race for a place on the ballot. The winner of the 15th annual Lawyer Play fundraiser, members of the city’s legal community volunteer to perform in the play. Plus, The Best Man features cameo appearances by real-life politicians Katherine Hobbs, Sheila Copps, Yasir Naqvi, and Mark Taylor. Since 1999, the Lawyer Play has raised money for GCCTC’s productions and, this year, for the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa. $100 (includes $50 tax receipt), preview May 8 $35. Wednesday, May 8 to Saturday, May 11. 7:30 p.m. Great Canadian Theatre Company.  www.gctc.ca

FIGHT LIKE SOLDIERS, DIE LIKE CHILDREN AT THE MAYFAIR
The Ottawa premiere of a chilling documentary that follows General Roméo Dallaire as he returns to Africa on a mission to stop the use of child soldiers. Dallaire is widely known for his efforts during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and for his continued work to educate and mobilize people against mass atrocities. The documentary, which is based on Dallaire’s book, was an official selection at Toronto’s Hot Docs festival this year. $10, members $6, seniors $7. Friday, May 10 to Wednesday, May 15. See website for show times. Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St. www.mayfairtheatre.ca

OTTAWA FARMERS’ MARKET (FREE!)
This favourite market officially opened its Brewer Park location earlier this month — but now that spring has really sprung it’s on the top of our list for things to do. Stock up on kale, arugula, rhubarb, asparagus, and herbs. While most people were likely complaining about the lingering snow, Andy Terauds of Acorn Creek (and the vice President of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market Association) says, “winter was excellent with a continuous blanket of snow to protect crops like strawberries, rhubarb, garlic, and asparagus from the colder temperatures above.” Now it’s time to reap the rewards! Brewer Park location: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Centrum Plaza location: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Westboro location to open May 18).  www.ottawafarmersmarket.ca

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WEEKENDER: Musical throwbacks, art battles, birthday parties, plus Verdi, Elvis, and four more gigs to kick off May

BAY CITY ROLLERS
Les McKeown is rolling into town, bringing the music of Scotland’s international super group the Bay City Rollers along with him! Take a trip down memory lane and come sing along to hits such as “Saturday Night” and “Money Honey” as McKeown returns to Canada after a sold out tour in 2011. Although it’s been 47 years since the group’s formation, nostalgia has only made these classic songs better with time. $32. Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. Babylon, 317 Bank St., www.babylonclub.ca

Participants at last year's Art Battle prepare to paint —

ART BATTLE 5
On your mark, get set, paint! Working furiously behind back-to-back easels, some of Ottawa’s star painters make art look easy at this live painting competition. This dynamic event features 12 artists who are given 20 minutes to paint their best work on a given subject and vye for audience votes. The winner will advance to the championship event in Toronto. Once the frantic competition wraps up, the pieces will be available for silent auction. $15, students and advance tickets $10. Sunday, May 5, 7 p.m. Arts Court Studio and Theatre, 2 Daly Ave., www.artbattle.ca

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WEEKENDER: Big Mama Thornton, Bourbon & Spice, Living Green, plus theatre, music and more Northern Scene

BIG MAMA: THE WILLIE MAE THORTON STORY
Feel the unmistakable energy of a 70s blues club as the memory of Big Mama Thornton rocks on with the same old soulful songs and commanding stage presence. If the play leaves you wanting more, don’t miss a free talk on Saturday, April 27 at 12:45 in the NAC Fountain Room with Director John Cooper to discuss the creation of the play and the history and influence of the Blues.  $30. Wednesday, April 24, to Saturday, May 11, see website for show times. NAC Theatre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca

Lynda Brown © Ottawa Inuit Children's Centre

SPIRIT OF THE DRUMS (FREE!)
Shake your way into a new week! Delve deeper into the culture of First Nations and Inuit people of the North along to spirited dancing and the driving rhythm of the drums. This fifty-minute performance will help you to connect with Northern Scene, and discover first hand why drum dancing is such a beloved and vital art form. Sunday, April 28, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. NAC, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca

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WEEKENDER: A return to the Ice Age, Stiff Quickies, a sequined celebration of Elton John, and five other ways to keep this weekend interesting

ARIANE MOFFAT WITH SPECIAL GUEST FANNY BLOOM
Singer-songwriter Ariane Moffatt has said that her goal as a musician is to “master the essence of each kind of groove.” Her live performances realize this goal, showcasing her seemingly effortless combination of electro, pop, soul, and rock. Featuring fellow Québécois singer-songwriter Fanny Bloom, this musical evening of French and English songs will enchant all audiences. From $25. Thursday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. National Arts Centre, NAC Theatre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

Love Lies Bleeding, presented by The Alberta Ballet Company, is loosely based on the life of Sir Elton John. Photo by J.J. Thompson

ALBERTA BALLET: LOVE LIES BLEEDING
Explore the trials, victories, and sacrifices of achieving super stardom set to 14 classic songs from the man who has been called “The Liberace of Rock ’n’ Roll.” This ballet-sequined spectacle from The Alberta Ballet, loosely based on the life of Sir Elton John, celebrates the fact that he’s still standing despite the hardships of the industry. From $45. Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, 8 p.m. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

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WEEKENDER: The Edward Curtis Project, the great outdoors, and a girls’ day out — plus 6 more events that offer something for everyone

Todd Duckwork, Quelemia Sparrow, and Kevin Loring perform in The Edward Curtis Project.

THE EDWARD CURTIS PROJECT
More than 80 years after photographer Edward Curtis documented the First Nations, which he called a “vanishing people,” Métis/Dené playwright Marie Clements and photojournalist Rita Leistner embarked on a journey to re-contextualize his findings. The result is a phenomenal multi-disciplinary theatre production contrasting Curtis’ findings and the contemporary landscapes and people encountered by these two women. Directed by Clements, The Great Canadian Theatre Company provides an insightful glimpse into modern First Nations communities throughout North America. From $36. Until Sunday, April 21. See website for show times. Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, 1233 Wellington St. W., www.gctc.ca.

POTTERY SALE AND EXHIBITION (FREE!)
Fifty Ottawa ceramic artists and potters have been wedging, trimming, glazing, and firing up a storm in preparation for the annual Ottawa Guild of Potters Spring Sale and Juried Exhibition. The Ottawa Guild of Potters celebrates their 40th anniversary this year, and will kick off the weekend with a vernissage at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Come browse the creations of local potters, and find a uniquely hand crafted pot or sculpture to call your own! Thursday, April 11, to Sunday, April 14. See website for exhibition hours. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., www.shenkmanarts.ca.

THE COTTAGE AND BACKYARD SHOW
There might be a snowstorm in the forecast, but that won’t stop us from picturing days spent at the lake or dinners on the patio. The Cottage and Backyard Show rolls into town to get your outdoor space equipped for some fun in the sun. Join in seminars on gardening, grilling, and landscaping with resident experts to brush up on your knowledge of the season. And don’t miss out on this weekend of prizes, contests, and exhibitors to renew your holiday haven. $12, $10 online, children 17 and under free. Friday, April 12 to Sunday, April 14. See website for show hours. Ernst and Young Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., www.caneastshows.ca/Cottage-Home.

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WEEKENDER: The Beatles Experience, a cool art party, and an orchestra outing for families are on the bill this April weekend

Relieve the magic that was the Beatles with Day Tripper: The Beatles Experience on Thursday night.

DAY TRIPPER: THE BEATLES EXPERIENCE
Though it’s been almost 45 years since The Beatles last played together publicly on a London rooftop, you’ll feel as though it was only “Yesterday” as you behold The Beatles Experience. Four accomplished Montreal musicians take the stage as John, Paul, George, and Ringo, reviving the nuances, mannerisms, and musicianship of the band that forever changed the world. From Beatlemania to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to Abbey Road, this concert will have you twisting and shouting for more. $51. Thursday, April 4, 8 p.m. Salle Odysée, 855 boule. de la Gappe., Gatineau, www.beatlesexperience.com.

EXTRAORDINARY ARCTIC FESTIVAL
As the weather (hopefully) warms up in the city, things are cooling off at the Canadian Museum of Nature. The Extraordinary Arctic Festival kicks off this weekend, featuring films, storytelling, performing arts, games, and activities. Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition (a scientific expedition in the Arctic Circle), the Festival’s feature exhibit, Flora of the Canadian Arctic, contrasts flora specimens from 1912 and 2012. Get out and discover the remarkable heritage of Canada’s far north! $12, students and seniors $10, children $8, children three and under free. Thursday, April 4, to Sunday, April 28, Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., www.nature.ca.

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WEEKENDER: Rubber chickens, rockin’ shows, and oh so much more to make this Easter weekend egg-ceed your egg-spectations! (Ha ha)

FALSE ASSUMPTIONS
Mystery! History! Drama! Romance! Ottawa native Lawrence Aronovitch applied his background in science and tremendous talent as a playwright to this must-see play about women’s contributions to science. Highlighting the hardships, heartbreaks, and hard-won achievements of female scientists, The Ottawa Theatre School and Plosive Productions bring science and sisterhood to the stage in the world premiere of False Assumptions. $20. Tuesday, March 26 to Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m. The Gladstone, 910 Gladstone Ave., www.thegladstone.ca.

The coveted Rubber Chicken Award is up for grabs at this year's Ottawa Theatre Challenge.

13th OTTAWA THEATRE CHALLENGE
Want to be entertained? Put all your eggs in one basket and head over to the NAC’s Fourth Stage. Watch as Ottawa’s theatre companies duke it out in the hopes of taking home the coveted grand prize: The Rubber Chicken Award. The catch? Each theatre group must write, rehearse, and produce a brand new piece of theatre from objects of inspiration provided to them by the other competitors — oh, and they only have 48 hours. Some feathers may be ruffled, but everyone leaves feeling good knowing that all proceeds go to the ALS Society of Canada. From $20. Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.fools.ca.

EASTER ON THE FARM
Spring is finally here (sort of), and the Agriculture Museum has come to life! As the barns start stirring with newborn creatures, your little animal lover will be psyched to check out these adorable animals. Visit with these fluffy chicks, furry rabbits, and wooly lambs and learn what make them so special on the farm. When you’re done, wash up and try your hand at making Easter breads. $9, students and seniors $7, children (three to 12) $6, children two and under free. Friday, March 29, to Monday, April 1, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Canada Agriculture Museum, 901 Prince of Wales Dr., www.agriculture.technomuses.ca.

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WEEKENDER: Nature Museum nightlife, a lumberjack showdown, and more in this colourful compilation of weekend events

LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
It’s a birthday of sorts! The Canadian Film Institute is celebrating an impressive 17 years of the annual Latin American Film Festival. All 16 films making their debut in Ottawa demonstrate the richness and diversity of Latin American culture and are by some of Latin America’s finest filmmakers. Films are in their original language with English sub-titles. From March 21 to April 7. $12, students and seniors $8. Library and Archives Canada building (Auditorium), 395 Wellington St., See website for showtimes, www.cfi-icf.ca.

Nature Nocturne takes over the Museum of Nature for its third edition. Photo by Martin Lipman © Canadian Museum of Nature.

NATURE NOCTURNE
A great way to warm up those joints after a long winter, the Nature Nocturne party is beckoning you out of hibernation! Grab your friends and shimmy and shake through the castle’s workshops, galleries, and art installations. You can also meet and greet with the artists to the rhythm of guest DJs. This highly interactive environment promises a titillating (and educational?) time for all those who attend. $20. Friday, March 22, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., www.nature.ca.

GRAND DESSERTS AFFAIR
Tired after a long week at work? Kick off the weekend with some sugar. The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society are hosting the 5th annual Grand Desserts Affair. With prizes to be won, top chefs from across the city sweeten the deal by whipping up cakes, pastries, and other treats at dessert stations. And what you can really feel good about is that proceeds go towards cancer care in Ottawa. $75. Friday, March 22, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ashbury College, 362 Mariposa Ave., www.ohfoundation.ca.

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WEEKENDER: Laila Biali at the NAC! Easter eggs at the Museum of Civilization! An assortment of outings and activities to get you through March Break

SHOSTAKOVICH’S CELLO CONCERTO
Perhaps the rich and melodic sound of the cello will coax spring into arriving a little sooner this year. Superstar German-Canadian cellist Johannes Moser performs pieces from Shostakovich, Haydn, and Brahms. From $22. Thursday, March 14, and Friday, March 15. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

ELEGANT EGGS
Proof that Easter eggs aren’t just for kids, artist Valentyna Galadza-Park of ArtsyEggs.com leads a three-hour workshop in psyanka, eggs decorated in traditional patterns using dyes and wax. All supplies are included, so all you need to bring are your design ideas and willingness to get a little messy. $30. Thursday, March 15, and Sunday, March 17. Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St., www.civilization.ca.

The whole family can learn about our solar system at the Helen Sawyer Hogg observatory.

SOLAR OBSERVING (FREE!)
Get up close and personal with the sun at the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory, where you’ll safely observe solar activity and sunspots. It’s a fun way for the whole family to learn a bit more about our solar system. Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 St Laurent Blvd., www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE (FREE!)
Wear green and show up along the parade route with the whole family for a fun Irish-themed celebration. Bring (non-perishable) food and cash donations too: volunteers will be collecting them along the parade route to benefit the Ottawa Food Bank. Saturday March 16, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. See website for parade route information, www.irishsocietyncr.com.

LIVE ANIMALS FROM THE ST. LAWRENCE VALLEY
Local wildlife takes over the Museum of Nature! Zoologists from the Ecomuseum Zoo are on hand to introduce your family to the amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds from around our region, plus give talks on diversity and conservation. $12, students and seniors $10, children (three to 12) $8, children two and under free. Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., www.nature.ca.

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