A sizzling series of art events kicks off tonight at SAW Gallery’s outdoor courtyard. The Summer Nights series will feature open-air projections by avant garde filmmakers and live performances by eclectic musicians.

The multiday event commences with a screening of Johan Grimonprez’s Double Take, a genre-defying, mashup film The New York Times calls “the most intellectually agile of this year’s crop of films.” The party will continue after the showing with a performance by Toronto-based collective Lal and cuisine by the Friday Lunch Project.

On the evening of July 28, prolific Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin’s new film, Keyhole, will be screened.

Next weekend, the event moves across the river to Gatineau’s AXENÉ07 and will include showings of the Iranian, iPhone-shot piece This Is Not a Film and !Women Art Revolution, a feminist documentary featuring everyone from Janis Joplin to Sleater-Kinney. Campsite rentals will be available for those seeking an authentic summer experience.

Visit the event’s Facebook page for all the details.

Summer Nights, Cinema and Music Under the Stars

July 27-29, SAW Gallery courtyard, 67 Nicolas St.

Aug 3-5, AXENÉ07, Gatineau, 80 Hanson St.

Single tickets $5, all-access $10, campsite and tent rental $10

Double Take trailer

!Women Art Revolution trailer