Going Out & Live Entertainment

Bank Street is the commercial hub of Old Ottawa South and the shops and restaurants which reside there add to the "walkability" and "livability" of our neighbourhood. Over the years Bank Street has been home to Irish pubs, coffee shops (too many to mention), bakeries, clothing shops, used book stores, and of course the venerable antique shops. Bank Street is also the address of our beloved Mayfair Theatre where residents have been entertained since 1932!

Old Ottawa South Porch Sale

One of the many defining qualities that make Old Ottawa South a special place is the ubiquitous front porch. Every year, on the first Saturday in September, our community holds its annual "porch" sale. The event enjoys a high degree of community participation. Over the years, this event has gained widespread popularity and garage "salers" from all over the region travel to the neighbourhood in search of that special treasure. It is also a popular event with the local University population, many of whom are furnishing their first apartments.

Residents are encouraged to donate 10% of their sales to OSCA to help with advertising and various community initiatives.

2012 Porch Sale: Saturday, September 8, rain or shine.

Spring & Fall Perennial Plant Exchange

Twice a year in Brewer Park, OSCA and the Old Ottawa South Garden Club hold the Spring and Fall perennial plant exchange. All participants are requested to label plants clearly for identification.

The exchange works as follows:

• People drop off plants in exchange for tickets.
• The plant exchange takes place with tickets being exchanged for plants.
• There is a final plant sale - $1.00 per plant (if there is anything left!).

The Plant exchanges are held in the Spring and Fall. For specific dates and times please check the Events Calendar.

Hopewell Avenue Public School Ski & Skate Sale

The Ski and Skate Sale is held annually in December. It is a wonderful service for the Old Ottawa South Community. People bring in their used winter sports equipment to the school where it is priced and sold at the sale. The school receives 20% of the sale price and the seller receives 80%. The money that the school raises from the event is donated to a breakfast program at a beacon school.

For more information please visit the Hopewell Avenue Public School Council Website.

www.hopewellschoolcouncil.com

Tulip Festival

Each year in May parks throughout Ottawa come alive with the colour of 3 million Tulip blooms. In Commissioners Park on Dow's lake there are over 300,000 tulips alone! In the parkland, west along Colonel By Drive, in the heart of Old Ottawa South, there are a number of beautiful large tulip beds. Take a walk along the Canal to enjoy the view.

As part of the festival there is a boat flotilla made up of over 90 decorated and animated boats which journey from Dow's Lake at 1:00 pm arriving at the NAC at about 3:00 pm. It is well worth the walk down to the Canal to watch.

www.tulipfestival.ca

Fall Fest

Every autumn, OSCA throws a party to celebrate the season at Windsor Park. There are pumpkins for sale, games to play, live music, a BBQ, raffle prizes, hayrides, and contests for best pie, jam, pickles, relish, and soup. A mysterious game called Goat Bingo is also played: Come to the next Fall Fest to find out what that's all about!

Great Glebe Garage Sale

The Great Glebe Garage Sale is an annual event sponsored by our neighbours to the north, the Glebe Community Association. Over the years this event has become wildly popular attracting thousands of bargain hunters from all over the City. Plan to arrive early and if at all possible leave your car at home! Parking and driving in the Glebe during this massive garage sale can pose a serious challenge.

The Great Glebe Garage Sale takes place every spring. For more information please visit the Glebe Community Association website at: www.glebeca.ca

Winter Carnival

Each year the Ottawa South Community Association holds a Winter Carnival in one of the neighbourhood parks. This is one of several family oriented events put on by the community association and is always well attended. A wide variety of activities and games are held. In past years these have included: free Sleigh Rides, Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, frozen “Turkey Toss”, Chili/Soup making contests, games and much much more! Come out and enjoy a fun filled day with neighbours, family and friends, and don’t forget to bring your skates!

OSCA Board Barbecue & Concert at Brewer Park

This is our annual community picnic. Each year The Ottawa South Community Association holds a Summer BBQ in one of the neighbourhood parks. This is one of several family oriented events put on by the community association and is always well attended. A wide variety of activities and games are held. In past years these have included: “Bouncy Castle”, Live Concerts, BBQ’d Hot Dogs and Burgers (Veggie too), Face Painting, Games and Activities for children of all ages and much much more!

Winterlude

Every February, Canada’s Capital Region is host to Winterlude, Canada's winter celebration. Three fun-filled weekends of excitement and activity await the whole family! From spectacular ice carvings to an amazing playground made of snow, Winterlude is a great way to take in the best of our Canadian winter.

Skate on the world’s largest skating rink — right in the heart of Old Ottawa South! Marvel at majestic snow sculptures and glittering ice sculptures or groove to energetic rhythms at the Snowbowl. Our mascots, the Ice Hog Family, are waiting for you in Canada’s Capital Region!

www.canadascapital.gc.ca