34 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa – Jan 5-7

Last weekend of the holiday vacations and the first weekend of the new year! Hope you had great holidays! Check out this list of events in Ottawa and let us know if you know about any other events.
* Disclaimer: the first days or weeks of a new year are usually quieter compared to the rest of the year.

1. Winter lights across Canada

This is the last weekend for going downtown to enjoy the sight of Ottawa’s parks, squares and public spaces, all beautifully decorated with thousands of multicoloured lights. Some of the best places are: National War Memorial, Confederation Park, Mackenzie King Avenue. FREE.
When: Until Jan 7
Where: Downtown

2. Magic of Lights

Last chance to drive your car through a 2km amazing display of colourful lights. You’ll find a special station at the end of the route where people can have Beaver Tails, explore an illuminated forest trail, and take pictures at Instagram-worthy displays.
When: Until Jan 7. Monday to Sunday from 5pm.
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd.

3. Glow Party

Come to the National Gallery of Canada for an all-ages Glow Party. Enjoy art making, glow-inspired face painting for all, and visits to the exhibitions. Come in your winter whites or best neon to experience the full effect. FREE. Drop-in activity. No registration needed.
When: Thursday Jan 4 from 5pm to 8pm.
Where: Scotiabank Grand Hall, 380 Sussex Drive.

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4. 67’s games

Cheer on Ottawa’s junior hockey team this weekend! Tickets from $23.
When: Friday Jan 5 at 7pm against North Bay Battalion
Saturday Jan 6 at 3pm against Kingston Frontenacs
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

5. Iceberg at the Canadian Museum of History

Visit this installation made up of a series of illuminated metal arches that each make a particular sound. Arranged to form a tunnel, the arches beckon you to enter and listen to — and even play — the giant organ. FREE.
When: Until Feb 19
Where: Canadian Museum of History, Waterfall court, 100 Laurier St, Gatineau

6. Ottawa Psychic and Crystal Fair

Some of Canada’s Top Psychics, Mediums, Astrologers, New Frequency Healing, Aura
Photography, Rune Reading, Healers. Tea Leaf and Palm Readers. Lots of beautiful crystals and handmade jewelry. PAID. Jan 4, 2pm – Jan 7, 6pm. Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue Ottawa.

7. Taylor Swift: The Era’s Tour Movie

CALLING ALL SWIFTIES!!!! Grab all your Swiftie friends and come for the Eras Tour (Ottawa
Family Cinema’s Version)! Dress up as your favourite Taylor Era or wear your Travis Kelce jerseys. Last chance to see it on the big screen! PAID. Jan 5, 7pm. Rideau Community Hub Auditorium, 815 St-Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa.

8. Friday Night Karaoke at Orleans Bowling

Karaoke starts @ 9:30 pm every week! Pool Tables available for hourly play. Glow & Bowl available after 10PM. Bar & Kitchen open until 1AM. Over 80,000 Songs To Choose From & Amazing Sound! FREE. Every Friday. Orleans Bowling Centre, 885
Taylor Creek Dr.

9. Preview inclusive Latin Dance Winter programming

Come at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne as you are introduced to the world of Latin dance. Brought to you by the team behind Salsa at City Hall, this event is a warm-up for the winter programming that starts on Jan 24. PAID. Jan 10, 7pm-10pm. Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way Ottawa.

10. WAW Live Concert

Worship, Praise, Prayer and Dancing: Join the Theatre of Ottawa Art Court for an amazing Gospel Concert! FREE. Jan 7, 5:30 – 9:30. Cours des Arts d’Ottawa, 2 Daly Ave.

11. Sleeping Beauty

This is the triumphant return of OttawaMusicals’ annual panto! With a sprinkle of fairytale dust, madcap humor, lively music and a whole lot of heart, this family musical promises to be a magical holiday experience. PAID. Dec 27 – Jan 7. Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa. Details: https://www.thegladstone.ca/sleeping-beauty/

12. Social Rollerskating: Ottawa Quad Session

Ottawa Quad Sessions are all about fun on eight wheels. Any style of skating, all levels, no instruction, lots of watch-and-learn. We quad to tunes. Tickets from $9.31. Friday Jan 5 from 9pm to 10:45pm. At Norm Fenn Gym, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr. Ottawa.

13. Joy of Art Holiday Art Exhibit 

Annual art exhibition, priced for gift-giving. Open everyday except for Mondays, until January 7. Check their website for times. Admission is FREE. Located at Foyer Gallery, Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave. 

14. 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. Jan-May, 8:30am – 4:30pm. 211 Sparks Street.

15. Lansdowne Market

Shop from over 75 vendors offering the finest local produce, baked goods, pantry essentials, crafts, hot meals, and much more. Pets are allowed. Every Sunday from 9am to 3pm. At the Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way.

16. James Cameron into the abyss

Come explore the Deepsea Challenger and dive into the future of ocean conservation. FREE. Until May 1, 2024. Mondays to Fridays from 12pm to **5pm. At Alex Trebek Theatre, 50 Sussex Drive. ***Fall hours may vary due to private event bookings; it is recommended to call ahead prior to visiting to avoid disappointment. 613-745-4629.

17. OAG’s Summer Exhibition 2023

Welcome to “83 ‘til infinity” an exhibition about stories and experiences of hip-hop in the Ottawa–Gatineau region. FREE. Until Feb 18. At the Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Avenue.

18. Arboretum Hill Club Workout

Join the AHC for a workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Fridays at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Lots of free parking. They meet at Fletcher Wildlife Garden parking lot (entrance is 100m south of Prince of Wales roundabout). Big white sign.

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