Photo Credit: NCC/CCN

A flurry of fun in Canada’s Capital Region!

Come to Winterlude, where three fun-filled weekends of excitement and activity await the whole family! From glittering ice carvings and majestic snow sculptures to a gigantic snow playground and explosive shows under the winter sky, Winterlude is a great way to celebrate and enjoy the winter season. Experience the Rideau Canal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest skating rink. All this and much more await you during Winterlude, the Capital’s winter celebration.

Festival Information:

General information:613-239-5000 ● 1-800-465-1867● 613-239-5090 (TTY) ● 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY)

General information email: info@ncc-ccn.ca

Location: Rideau Canal Skateway, Crystal Garden Confederation Park, Snowflake Kingdom Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau

On the Web:

Website:  Winterlude

YouTube: CCN/NCC

Map:

[mappress]

Downtown Rideau CHILL FACTOR — Ottawa’s Fashion, Arts & Theatre District presents a “cool” collection of high fashion, cuisine and culture that takes the edge off winter and puts it centre stage. Highlights include ‘Get iced’ film screening by 15 Ottawa filmmakers, ‘On the Rocks’ party and visual art exhibit at the Ottawa Art Gallery, ‘Borealis Northern Lights’ live theatre at Arts Court Theatre, ‘translations’ live theatre at Ottawa Little theatre, Last meal Dining Experience and Crimes & Punishment Tour at the historic Ottawa Jail, digital media outdoor projection and mobile audio tour, and ultimate party and music show by SAW Video at Club SAW — plus much more.

Event Highlights

• Theatre
• Film
• Children’s Crafts
• Music
• Art Exhibit
• Comedy

Event Information

General Information: 613.241.6211
General Information: info@downtownrideau.com

Locations — various locations in Downtown Rideau:

• Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue
• Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue
• Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive
• Avant-Garde Bar & Gift Shop, 135 Besserer Street
• National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin Street
• Government Conference Centre, 2 Rideau Street
• ByTowne Theatre, 325 Rideau Street

On the Web

Website: www.downtownrideau.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/downtownrideaubia
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/DowntownRideau

Ottawa Fashion Week is a platform for National and international designers to showcase their work and talent. OFW has become an avenue of expression, creativity, and innovation and it is also a means of uniting the community in their appreciation of the latest trends in design and art. Showcasing an array of unique designers, their creations will be displayed through individual runway shows taking place on February 16^th, 17^th, & 18^th from 5pm to 9pm, with about 7 designers per night. The city of Ottawa is filled with style conscious individuals who continually seek innovative ways to experience fashion. Each season, designers taking part in OFW meet this demand by presenting designs that combine sophistication with creativity. In between shows, the front stage lounge is the place to be! This complimentary area, which is open to the public, includes everything from live entertainment, to local jewelry and clothing designers, to beauty touch-ups, and a number of photo booths. Tickets are available for purchase at the cost of $45 for a day pass and $90 for all three days, through our website at www.ottawafashionweek.ca.

La Semaine de la Mode d’Ottawa est un évènement biannuel qui a pour but de rassembler et de concentrer les expositions mode des designers Canadiens et Internationaux. L’évènement offre aussi aux individus intéressés par l’industrie de la mode, une exposition magnifique sur la créativité et le talent des designers. Saison après saison, la Semaine de la Mode d’Ottawa perpétue l’art la créativité à travers la communauté en présentant les conceptions qui combinent sophistication avec innovation. Pendant les entractes des shows, le « lounge OFW » est l’endroit où il faut absolument être! L’espace, qui est ouvert au public, inclut des spectacles musicaux, l’exposition des bijoux d’artistes locaux, des retouches pour cheveux et maquillage et plusieurs photomatons. Les shows se déroulent le 16, 17, et 18 Février au coût de $45 pour une journée ou $90 pour les trois jours. Les billets peuvent être achetés sur notre site web : www.ottawafashionweek.ca.

Festival Information:

General information: 613.800.5452

General information email: tickets@ottawafashionweek.ca

Location: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive  Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

Tickets: tickets@ottawafashionweek.ca

On the Web:

Website: www.ottawafashionweek.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KeepExploring?sk=app_173542406038616\#!/ottawafashionweek

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/OFW_LIVE

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/liveofw

Flickr: http://twitter.com/#!/OFW_LIVE

Others: http://ottawafashionweek.ca/blog

The Ottawa Irish Festival (formerly Irish Week), organized by The Irish Society of the National Capital Region, is held annually in mid – March to promote our Irish and Irish – Canadian heritage and culture. The Festival celebrates traditional and contemporary Irish culture in the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

Event Highlights:

• St. Patrick’s Parade

Festival Information:

General information: 613.591.9194 (leave voicemail; calls returned within 24 hours)

General information email: Bryan Daly, Chair, Communications bdaly000@sympatico.ca

Ticket information: www.irishsocietyncr.com

Volunteer information: www.irishsocietyncr.com

Main Location:

• March 9 – Erin Luncheon & Auction in support of St. Patrick’s Home, from 11:00a.m. – 3:00p.m., at St. Patrick’s Home, 2865 Riverside Drive, Ottawa (across from Mooney’s Bay).
• March 10-30 annual St. Patrick’s Parade (11:00a.m.-1:00p.am.) and Parade Party (noon – 3:00p.m.). Parade route and Party venue under review due to planned redevelopment of Lansdowne Park
• A number of events will be held at St. Brigid’s Centre, 310 St. Patrick St. (at Cumberland St.), Ottawa, ON K1N 5N5 (Phone: 613.244.7373) (St. Brigid’s Centre is the home of The National Irish Canadian Cultural Centre)

On the Web:

Website: www.irishsocietyncr.com

Map:

[mappress]

(Le français suivra l’anglais)

The Maple Sugar Festival guaranties fun-filled days for the entire family. The day starts with a delicious pancake breakfast, maple syrup and taffy while you enjoy continuous live entertainment. Kids will enjoy all the activities offered such as artistic makeup, storytelling, trolley ride and many others activities to be determined. Free admission to the park.

Event Highlights:

• Saturday and Sunday brunch
• Several activities for adults and children
• Entertainment for adults and children
  

Festival Information:

General information: 613.580.2424 ext. 32001

General information email: info@festivaldessucres.ca

Location: Parc Richelieu, 300 avenue des Peres Blancs, Ottawa, ON

On the Web:

Website:  www.museoparc.ca/festival / www.festivaldessucres.ca

Facebook:

*********************************************************************************************

Le festival des sucres promet des journées d’amusement pour toute la famille.  La journée débute avec un déjeuner de crêpes succulent arrosé de sirop d’érable et de tire sur la neige tout en écoutant des artistes qui se produisent en direct. Les enfants apprécieront les activités telles que du maquillage artistique, des contes, des tours en carriole tirée par des chevaux et plusieurs autres activités qui sont à déterminer.  L’entrée au parc est libre.

Fut Le Moment des Eventements:

• Déjeuner samedi et dimanche matin
• Activités pour les adultes et les enfants
• Divertissements pour les adultes et les enfants (Suzanne Pinel sera une invitée spéciale)

L’Information de Festivale:

L’Information générale: 613.746.4339

Couriel d’Information générale: info@festivalsucres.ca

Location: Parc Richelieu, 300 avenue des Peres Blancs, Ottawa, ON

Sur le Web:

Website:  www.museoparc.ca/festival

The 3i Summit 2011 draws on the life work, dreams and inspiration of dozens of Ottawa’s most dynamic innovators. Just like we did in the inaugural 3i Summit 2009, we will bring together a unique blend of world renowned architects, artists, Olympic athletes, poets, award winning professors, musical prodigies, homeless people, writers, youth activists. Each of them will be sharing, in 15 minute presentations, their passions, struggles and dreams for Ottawa in 2049 and one concrete action that can be taken to achieve that dream.

Festival Information:

General information: 613.601.6997

Contact information email:  info@leadershipottawa.org

Location: Great Canadian Theatre Company

1233 Wellington St. W. (at Holland)

On the Web:

Website: 3isummit.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/#/3iSummit?ref=ts

Map:

[mappress]

Founded in 1997, the Writers Festival celebrates the world’s best writing from home and abroad with a diverse program that presents interactions with leaders in the worlds of science, history, poetry, politics, spoken word, economics, drama, fiction, biography, music and more. Since 2004 the Festival has consisted of two annual Editions, Spring and Fall.

Festival Information:

General information: 613.562.1243

General information email: info@writersfestival.org

Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar Street(at Elgin)

Ticket:  http://writersfestival.org.tickets.html

Volunteers: http://www.writersfestival.org/about/volunteers

On the Web:

Website: http://writersfestival.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ottawa.writersfest

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/oiwf/pool

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWritersFestival

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Writersfest

Others: http://vimeo.com/ottawawritersfest

Map:

[mappress]

In December 2001, the Senate of Canada proclaimed May as Asian Heritage Month (AHM).  Since July 2004, the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society (OAHMS) has been organizing and coordinating local AHM activities. Each May, there are dozens of events covering dance, sports, music, films, exhibitions, literary readings, seminars, cooking demonstrations and much, much, more!  AHM is a time to experience many unique aspects of Asian culture and to learn about the history and contributions of Asian Canadians through activities for all ages.

Asian Heritage Month Official Launch

Parliamentarians, government officials, community leaders and the general public are invited to celebrate the start of AHM. The evening includes welcoming remarks, several cultural performances and a reception. Learn about AHM and network with other guests. Hosted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the OAHMS.

Era 21 Networking Breakfast for Young Canadians

Honorary Patron Senator Vivienne Poy hosts a May 3, 2012 breakfast panel in the Parliamentary restaurant for a diverse group of students selected from various Ottawa high schools.  The students will meet Parliamentarians and community leaders and learn about leadership and cultural fluency in Canada’s multicultural reality. A joint initiative of the OAHMS and the J’Nikira Dinqinesh Education Centre.

Gala Concert

East meets West in a cultural fusion of the traditional and the contemporary – featuring many exceptional Asian-Canadian performers. The Gala Concert showcases the artistic talents of ten acts from across the pan-Asian spectrum.  This 10^th Anniversary Gala Concert is to be held on June 2, 2012 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.  (Presented by OAHMS in partnership with the Canadian Museum of Civilization)

Locations:

• Ottawa Main Library, 120 Metcalfe St. Ottawa
• Library and Archives Canada (LAC), 395 Wellington St., Ottawa
• Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa
• Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau

Festival Information:

General information: mwu@rogers.com

On the Web:

Website: www.AsianHeritageMonth.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ottawa-Asian-Heritage-Month-Society/169117216443050

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsNov00dZ04&feature=email

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ottawaahm

*********************************************************************************************

En décembre 2001, le Sénat du Canada a désigné le mois de mai le « Mois du patrimoine asiatique (MPA) ». Depuis juillet 2004, la Société du mois du patrimoine asiatique d’Ottawa (OAHMS) organise des activités à Ottawa pour célébrer le MPA. Chaque année en mai, plusieurs évènements tels des activités sportives, de la danse, de la musique, des projections de films, des rencontres littéraires, des séminaires et des cours culinaires sont organisés pour permettre à tous d’explorer les différentes cultures asiatiques et d’apprendre l’histoire ainsi que les contributions des Canadiens et Canadiennes asiatiques.

Lancement officiel du Mois du patrimoine asiatique

Les Parlementaires, les représentants du gouvernement, les chefs de file communautaires ainsi que le grand public sont invités à célébrer le lancement du MPA. L’ordre du jour de la soirée comprend le mot de bienvenue et plusieurs spectacles culturels suivis d’une réception. Renseignez-vous sur le MPA tout en faisant du réseautage avec d’autres invités. Courtoisie de Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada et le OAHMS.

Petit-déjeuner réseautage Ère 21 pour les jeunes
La présidente honorifique, la sénatrice Vivienne Poy, organise le 3 mai 2012 un petit-déjeuner réseautage au restaurant parlementaire pour un groupe diversifié d’étudiants de diverses écoles secondaires d’Ottawa. Les élèves rencontreront des parlementaires et des dirigeants communautaires et apprendront l’influence du leadership et de la culture sur la réalité multiculturelle du Canada. Présenté par l’OAHMS en collaboration avec le J’Nikira Dinqinesh Education Centre.

Concert

L’est rencontre l’ouest dans une fusion culturelle amalgamant la tradition et le contemporain en mettant en vedette d’exceptionnels artistes Canadiens d’origine asiatique. Le concert comprend dix performances d’artistes venus des quatre coins du continent asiatique. Le dixième anniversaire du concert sera célébré le 2 juin 2012 au Musée canadien des civilisations. Présenté par la Société du mois du patrimoine asiatique d’Ottawa et le Musée canadien des civilisations.

Locations:

• la Bibliothèque publique d’Ottawa
• Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
• Le Musée canadien de la nature
• Musée canadien des civilisation
• (et autre destination)

L’information de Festivale:

L’information générale: mwu@rogers.com

Sur le site web:

Site web:  www.AsianHeritageMonth.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ottawa-Asian-Heritage-Month-Society/169117216443050

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsNov00dZ04&feature=email

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ottawaahm

[Le français suivra l'anglais]

The Canadian Tulip Festival, now in its 60th year, has grown to become the largest Tulip Festival in the world. It preserves the local heritage of Canada’s role in freeing the Dutch during World War II, and the symbolic tulip; a gift in perpetuity to the Canadian people for providing a safe harbour to the Dutch Royal Family at that time.

The festival’s mandate is to preserve this heritage and celebrate the tulip as a symbol of international friendship by engaging local organizers, volunteers, artists, performers, tourists and festival-goers in what has become an annual ritual of spring and one of Canada’s best loved and well-known cultural events.

Please continue to check www.tulipfestival.ca for updates!

Festival Information:

General information: 613.567.5757 /1.800.66.TULIP

General information email: info@tulipfestival.ca

Ticket information: www.tulipfestival.ca

Volunteer information: www.tulipfestival.ca/volunteer

Location: Throughout the National Capital area

On the Web:

Website: www.tulipfestival.ca/www.festivaldestulipes.ca

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1209015588&ref=ts

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/canadiantulipfestival

*************************************************************************************************

Présentement dans sa 60e année, le Festival canadien des tulipes est aujourd’hui le plus important festival de tulipes au monde. Il commémore la participation des troupes canadiennes à la libération des Pays-Bas durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. La tulipe symbolise un don à perpétuité offert au Canada en remerciement du refuge que la famille royale hollandaise en exil avait pu y trouver à cette époque.

Le mandat du Festival est de préserver cet héritage et de reconnaître la tulipe comme un symbole d’amitié internationale en amenant les organisateurs locaux, les bénévoles, les artistes, les touristes et les festivaliers à participer à ce qui est maintenant devenu un rituel annuel du printemps et l’un des événements culturels les plus populaires et les plus aimés au Canada.

L’information de festivale:

L’information generale: 613.567.5757 /1.800.66.TULIP

L’information generale de couriel: info@tulipfestival.ca

L’information de billets: www.tulipfestival.ca

L’information de benevoler: www.tulipfestival.ca/volunteer

Sur le web:

Website: www.tulipfestival.ca/www.festivaldestulipes.ca

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1209015588&ref=ts

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/canadiantulipfestival

Celebrate Victoria Day with us at Queen Juliana Park, at the corner of Carling Avenue and Preston Street. Make a day of it, incorporating Ottawa’s beautiful Tulip Festival, in neighbouring Commissioner’s Park. This is a family event with something for everyone: midway rides; petting zoo; food, drink, and dessert concessions; buskers; children’s activities; and live musical performances. The festival wraps up with a spectacular FIREWORKS display on Monday, May 21.

Best of all, admission to the entire festival is free!

Festival Information:

General information: 613.567.4532

General information email: info@victoriadayfestival.com

Location:  Juliana Park, 882 Carling Avenue (Dow’s Lake)

On the Web:

Website: www.victoriadayfestival.com

Map:

[mappress]