DIVERSIONS
2015 GOVERNOR GENERAL’S PERFORMING ARTS
AWARDS GALA. May 30. Canada’s top stars in film, music, and dance are recognized for their achievements. Rub elbows with the greats, take in spectacular performances, and taste exceptional Canadian cuisine and wines. See website for ticket information. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., 866-850-2787, nac-cna.ca.
A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR. May 7. In support of the Distress Centre, this gala features a four-course chocolate-infused meal, take-home sweet treats from local companies, a silent auction, chocolate fondue, door prizes, and more. $100. Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., 613-238-1089, dcottawa.on.ca.
BON APPETIT OTTAWA. May 5. At this tasty fundraiser for local charities, you can sample delicacies by dozens of restaurants, bakeries, wineries, and breweries from the Ottawa region. $85. Lansdowne Park, Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St., 613-231-5651, bonappetitottawa.ca.
CIRQUE MECHANICS: PEDAL PUNK. May 2. The circus is reinvented in this energetic steampunk show that blends acrobatics with cycling culture. $50. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., 613-850-2700, centrepointetheatre.ca.
INVESTORS GROUP STARS ON ICE. May 3. The 25th-anniversary tour brings some of Canada’s biggest figure-skating stars, including Kurt Browning, who directs and choreographs the performance. From $25. Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., 613-599-0100, canadiantirecentre.com. FREE KANATA ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR. May 1 to 3. Fifteen Kanata artists open their studio doors to the public in an annual exhibition of wildlife, landscape, and still life paintings. Various locations; see website for map and info.
613-592-0508, kanataartists.com.
MONSTER SPECTACULAR. May 30. See some of the biggest, baddest monster trucks around, along with freestyle motocross, BMX riders, and a professional speed bike stunt show. From $23. Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., 613-599-0100, canadiantirecentre.com.
OTTAWA COMICCON. May 8 to 10. This event, which is geared toward fans of sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture, sees such guests as Billie Piper of Doctor Who, Wil Wheaton and Nichelle Nichols
from Star Trek, and Billy Boyd from the Lord of the Rings trilogy visit the capital. From $20. EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., 888-822-9221, ottawacomiccon.com.
PELEE ISLAND WINEMAKERS DINNER. May 4. Chef John Morris cooks up a five-course menu using locally sourced ingredients and pairs each dish with vintages from Ontario’s oldest wine region. $95. National Arts Centre, Le Café, 53 Elgin St., 866-850-2787, nac-cna.ca.
WWE SMACKDOWN. May 5. Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Daniel Bryan, and other wrestling superstars bring their show live to Ottawa. From $20. Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., 613-599-0100, canadiantirecentre.com.