Submit your Ottawa-based event to listings@embassymag.ca or fax to 613-232-9055 by Friday at 5 p.m.


WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

Peru celebrates its Independence Day. It gained independence from Spain in 1821. For information on any celebrations, please call the embassy at 613-238-1777.

National Youth Orchestra of Canada—The 94-member National Youth Centre Orchestra of Canada performs works by Strauss and others. Conducted by Jacques Lacombe. 7:30 p.m. Free. Southam Hall, NAC, 53 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ont. 613-947-7000 or www.nac-cna.ca


THURSDAY, JULY 29

They All Do It—Odyssey Theatre presents Theatre Under the Stars. They All Do It is a contemporary comedy based on Mozart's opera Cosi Fan Tutti. Tues. through Sun. 8 p.m., ($19- $24) Sun. mat. 3 p.m. (pay-what-you-can), Wed. youth mat. ($5). Runs until Aug. 29. Strathcona Park, Laurier Ave. E. at Range Rd. www.odysseytheatre.ca


FRIDAY, JULY 30

Vanuatu celebrates its Independence Day. It gained independence from the UK and France in 1980.

African Festival 2010—Head to Victoria Island for African Festival 2010 and enjoy three days of African food, music and culture. Artists include The Mighty Popo and the Burundi Drummers. July 30-Aug. 1. Passes $20-$50. Victoria Island. 613-794-4487 or www.africanfestival.org

Rideau Canal Festival—Looking for something to do this August long weekend? Look no further than the Rideau Canal Festival. Take a stroll through the Bytown Museum and the Rideau Heritage Village or follow the Rideau Canal Flotilla and Parade of Lights. Also check out the Aim-for-Zero Footprint Celebration with free family activities including the Energy Ottawa Ecosphere Environmental Fair. Until Aug. 2. www.rideaucanalfestival.ca


SATURDAY, JULY 31

UK Day Garden Party and Tea—The Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind hosts its annual UK Day Garden Party and Tea. Ticket includes high tea and live entertainment. 1-4 p.m. $13-$15. Canadian Guide Dogs For the Blind, 4120 Rideau Valley Dr. Tickets available at 613-692-7777.

10^th Annual Muslim Summer Festival—The Muslim Summer Festival features traditional cuisine, a bazaar, exhibitions and more. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Britannia Park, Carling Ave. at Pinecrest Rd. www.muslimsummerfestival.com

Latin Fiesta—Join in the fun with the Sarandonga Tropical Band and more. Presented by Sporting Peru SC and the Embassy of Peru. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. $12-$15. Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1000 Byron Ave. Tickets available at several locations including Little Latin America, 613-235-4970. www.sportingperu.com


SUNDAY, AUGUST 1

Benin celebrates its Independence Day. It gained independence from France in 1991. For information on any celebrations, please call the embassy at 613-233-4429.

Switzerland celebrates its National Day. In 1291, Switzerland formed an alliance against the Holy Roman Empire. For information on any celebrations, please call the embassy at 613-235-1837.


MONDAY, AUGUST 2

Colonel By Day—Celebrate Ottawa's history and heritage on Colonel By Day. Activities include the Opening Ceremony, and the Celtic Cross Ceremony. Also see heritage cookery demonstrations, lace making, linen weaving, costumed characters and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bytown Museum/Ottawa Locks, Ottawa, Ont. www.rideaucanalfestival.ca


TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

Screening: Ajami—Ajami follows the lives of several people living in Ajami, an area of Jaffa where Arabs, Palestinians, Jews and Christians try and lie together in a rather volatile atmosphere. Directors, Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani. Israel, 2009. In Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles. 4:15 p.m. Runs until Aug. 5. Check schedule for times. Bytowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St. 613-789-3456 or www.bytowne.ca


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4

Isabelle Faust & Alexander Melkinov—The Embassy of France and ChamberFest 2010 present violinist Isabelle Faust and pianist Alexander Melkinov in concert. 7 p.m. Dominion Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper St. www.chamberfest.com