If you're going to the NAC this weekend, here's what you need to know

If you have a ticket to a National Arts Centre show this weekend, staff have some advice on navigating the influx of motorcycles expected to descend on the city as part of the “Rolling Thunder” rally.

The weekend's main event at the NAC is the run of Calpurnia, a contemporary play by Winnipeg 's Audrey Dwyer inspired by the maid character in the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. It was to open at 8 p.m. Friday and has two performances on Saturday. There was also a Fourth Stage concert on Friday evening featuring Senegalese-Canadian musician Zal Sissokho.

The first tip for ticket holders is to give yourself plenty of time to negotiate the anticipated police presence in the downtown core. Although vehicles involved in the rally are not permitted into the exclusion zone, which encompasses Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, normal business and residential traffic will be allowed, along with pedestrians.

Both the building and parking garage of the NAC will be accessible, though all entrances will be staffed by security guards to restrict entry to ticket holders and invited guests only.

No longer on the schedule is a five-course dinner with this month's resident chef, Sabrina Lemay. It was cancelled, but her menu will be available in the 1 Elgin restaurant until the end of June.

Finally, if you're unwilling to brave the weekend hoopla, the NAC is offering free exchanges on Calpurnia tickets. Contact the box office at 1-844-985-2787 to swap your weekend show ticket for one later in the week. The play continues May 4-7.