Things to do in Ottawa this week: September 6–12

This week splits cleanly: a wet midweek stretch gives way to clearing skies by Friday, which means planning matters. The biggest single draw is The Great Gatsby touring production at the National Arts Centre, running September 8 to 12 with six performances. If you haven't caught a major touring play this season, this is the one to move on—it's the kind of evening that justifies a reservation and a proper dinner beforehand.

Thursday September 10 is live-music night. Talib Kweli, the Brooklyn rapper and half of the hip-hop duo Black Star, plays the Bronson Centre at 7:30 PM. On the same night, Satanic Surfers, a Swedish punk rock band, takes The 27 Club at 7:30 PM from $35. Two entirely different rooms, two entirely different crowds, but both worth the trip if those lanes speak to you. Wednesday September 9 brings KALEO, the Icelandic blues rock band that formed in 2012, to History Ottawa at 7:00 PM—a more intimate setting for a band with real blues backbone.

Friday September 11 is the standout night. Sun Kil Moon, the American folk rock act from San Francisco built around Mark Kozelek's songwriting, plays the Bronson Centre at 8:00 PM from $45. This is the rare show where you linger after—the kind of performance that stays with you. If you're going, eat beforehand: Arlo on Somerset, which has evolved from a pandemic wine bar into a serious restaurant over six years, sits a short walk away and does local ingredients and natural wines right. Co-owners Alex McMahon and Jamie Stunt have built something worth the reservation.

Sunday September 6 opens clear and warm—high of 22°C, almost no rain—which is ideal for Ottawa Rapid FC hosting Roses de Montréal FC at TD Place Stadium at noon. It's a solid way to spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors before the week's wet spell closes in.

Ruby's, Adrian Vezina's upscale newcomer in the ByWard Market on York Street, just opened with elegant small plates and an ambitious wine focus. The space sat empty since Oz Kafe closed; Chef Jakob Van Regan's polished approach brings the Belmont formula into a heritage room. If you're in the Market this week, it's worth a stop. Wednesday September 9 is the rainiest day of the week—78% chance—so plan indoor. That Gatsby matinee works perfectly; so does settling into Speakeasy Tapas Lounge for an afternoon of small plates and wine while the weather turns outside.

Saturday September 12 stays overcast but clears toward afternoon, high of 25°C, so outdoor time is back on the table. Comedian Jordan Jensen plays The ByTowne Cinema at 6:30 PM if you want to stay indoors.

If I had one night out this week, it's Friday at the Bronson for Sun Kil Moon—that's the show that justifies the whole week.