This last weekend of October will be filled with Halloween vibes and other cultural events like the Day of the Dead! There’s a lot going on this weekend in Ottawa! Share this post with your family and friends asap so they can start planning an awesome weekend!
1. Day of the Dead Festival
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the ByWard Market which will be decorated with colourful exhibitions & artistic expressions showcasing Mexican culture. There will workshops, concerts, dance competitions, cooking classes, mariachis, outdoor exhibitions and much more! FREE.
When: Oct 27-29. Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 11am-8:30pm, Sunday 11am-4pm.
Where: Byward Market
Details: dayofthedeadfestival.ca
2. Day of the Dead at Gatineau
This Mexican tradition commemorates dead friends and family members through colourful offerings. Come visit the Altar of the Day of the Dead at the Gatineau City Hall. There will be workshops, face painting for kids, dances. FREE.
When: Oct 28 to Nov 2
Where: Maison du Citoyen, 25 Laurier St, Gatineau.
Details: canada.unam.mx/es/cultura/
3. Trick or Treat with the Mayor
Come to Ottawa’s City Hall for a day of spooky Halloween fun. Meet a cast of costumed characters in the “Weird and Wonderful” Heritage Building, collect special treats, and brace yourself for a meeting with the Tooth Fairy. Admission is a nonperishable item or cash donation for the Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Basic Program.
When: Saturday Oct 28 from 5pm to 8pm.
Where: 110 Laurier Street West. Enter at the Lisgar Street entrance of the Heritage Building.
Details: https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/city-news/newsroom/get-spooky-trick-or-treat-mayor
4. Ottawa Redblacks vs Toronto Argonauts
Cheer on Ottawa`s football team in its battle against Toronto Argonauts. Tickets from $25.
When: Saturday Oct 28 at 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
5. Lansdowne Park Pumpkin Derby
Designed pumpkin race cars will compete for prizes such as the best decorated pumpkin, the fastest pumpkin, the best dressed race car “drivers”, and the most spectacular pumpkin crash. There will also be glitter tattoos, inflatables, play zone and much more! FREE.
When: Sunday Oct 29 from 9am to 4pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/798359815372969
6. One World Bazaar
Shop from artisans from around the world. From exquisite jewelry to beautiful woven textiles, these unique creations showcase the creativity and skill of amazing artisans. Indigenous vendors and artisans will be on focus this weekend. FREE.
When: Oct 20-22 and subsequent weekends until Nov 19.
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick.
Details: oneworldbazaar.ca
7. Hallowheel Roller Party
Join this all-ages costumed roller party with lights and spooky tunes! From 5pm to 7:30pm. Tickets: $15, $25. Party for adults only from 8:30pm to 11pm.
When: Friday Oct 27
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park
Details: At Eventbrite.
8. Trunk-or-Treat for Dreams
Trick-or-treat around stations set up by local businesses, law enforcement and first responders, all in support of Dreams Take Flight Ottawa. Bring your kids over for treats, face paint, hot dogs, and lots of fun! Entry by donation.
When: Sunday Oct 29 from 10am to 3pm
Where:Giant Tiger, 2480 Walkley Rd.
Details: @dreamsottawa
9. Imjin Hockey Classic 2023
During the Korean War, there was a hockey
championship match between two Canadian regiments on the frozen Imjin River in South Korea. To re-enact the historic hockey games played in the winters of 1952 and 1953, this event will include a rematch of that legendary game between the Royal 22e Régiment (R22eR) and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Additionally, there will be a friendly match with the CAF General Officers, Defence Attaché and Parliamentarian teams. FREE. Friday Oct 27 at 2:30pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
10. Ottawa International Writers Festival
Canada’s Festival of Ideas presents entertaining and passionate discussions with the world’s leading thinkers. Some events are free. Oct 25 – Oct 30. 414 Sparks St., Ottawa.
11. Rocktoberfest
The first annual Rocktoberfest is a festival that combines the electrifying energy of rock music with the festive atmosphere of Halloween featuring some of Ontario and Quebec’s best local bands. Tickets from $22.63. Oct 26-28 at 7pm at The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St.
12. Ottawa Wedding Show
A wide range of Ottawa’s leading wedding professionals. Incredible feature areas, presentations, tastings, and samples. Oct 28-29 from 11am to 4pm. Tickets: $17, $20. Parking: $10. At EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive.
13. Halloween Pub Crawl
There’s four venues included, Elgin Beer Project, The Standard, Happy Fish, and Big Daddys Bourbon Bistro. Prices will be $70 for early bird tickets and $80 for regular priced. The ticket includes 4 drinks, snack food, cover and entry into a costume contest with prizes. The event is open to anyone 19+. Saturday Oct 28 starting at 6pm. At Elgin St.
14. Circularity Fair
A day dedicated to connecting Ottawa organizations who are working toward a sustainable city, and Ottawa residents! Shop sustainably at our market, try Circular Cider from Arlington 5, enjoy live music by Wild Remedy, learn about local sustainable initiatives, and so much more! Saturday October 28, 10am-2pm. At 404 McArthur Ave.
15. Halloween Pet Costume Contest and Fundraiser
Bring your pet in their costumes for a chance to win the contest. $10 admission. Sat, Oct from 10am to 3pm. Healthy Pets HQ, 420 Bank St.
16. Films at the Fieldhouse: Frankenstein & Bride of Frankenstein (CCC)
Movie night at the Fieldhouse. FREE. Sat Oct 28th at 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm. New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse.
17. Kids Market at Lansdowne
Make, bake, or grow their own products. Ages 6-15 years and have an adult chaperone. FREE. Sun Oct 29th. Located at Lansdowne park.
18. Halloween Corgi Parade
A Halloween parade exclusively for Corgis. FREE. Sat Oct 28th from 2pm-4pm. Start of the walk at Lansdowne park.
19. Parliament Immersive Experience
Explore the main Parliament Building, also called the Centre Block, in this innovative experience that includes an exhibition and a 360° multimedia show. FREE. Oct – Dec, 8:30am – 4:30pm. 211 Sparks Street.
20. Wickedly Westboro
Simple, Spooky, and Safe! Celebrate Halloween in Westboro Village with an easy scavenger hunt for friends and family! FREE. Oct 13 – 31. Westboro Village, Ottawa.
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