30 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa – Jan 10-14

The temperatures are expected to be colder than December and while we wait with crossed fingers that the Rideau Canal opens this winter, there are other options for skating in Ottawa! Check out this list of weekend events and share it with your family and friends. Enjoy!!

1.  Rideau Hall skating rink opening

The historic skating rink at Rideau Hall, which dates back 1872, will open to the public this weekend until March 3 (weather permitting). Check out the Winter Pavilion, a restored heritage building where you can warm up and lace up your skates. FREE. When: Opens Saturday Jan 13 at 12pm. Closes at 8:30pm. Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex

2.  Inclusive Latin Dance Preview

Join this warm-up to the winter dance programming, brought by the team of Salsa at City Hall. There will be demos, they will introduce the team, give some info about the upcoming program, and of course, have a dance! Ticket: $5. When: Wednesday Jan 10 at 7pm. Where: Horticulture building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way. Details: At Eventbrite

3.  Senators vs San Jose Sharks

Cheer on the Ottawa Senators against San Jose Sharks. Tickets from $40 When: Saturday Jan 13 at 4pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.

4.  Skating Trails opening

Two popular skating trails are opening this weekend in Ottawa. Riveroak Skating Trail and Icelynd Skating Trail. Enjoy skating on trails through orchards or forest. Check out their websites for details and prices. When: Saturday Jan 13. Where: Riveroak, 2900 York’s Corners Road. Icelynd, 6865 Fernbank Rd, Stittsville.

5. Art Battle Ottawa

Art Battle is a timed, three-round live painting competition. Top artists from Ottawa will compete to be crowned the Art Battle Ottawa Event Winner. Your votes will decide who wins! PAID. Jan 12, 7pm. 2477 Kaladar Ave, Ottawa.

6. Ottawa West Psychic and Crystal Fair

Come on out to our January 2024 Ottawa Psychic & Crystal Fair! Psychics, Mediums, Palm readings, and more! PAID. Jan 12 – 14. Best Western Plus Ottawa Kanata Hotel & Conference Centre, 1876 Robertson Road Ottawa.

7. Mini Pop Kids Live. The Good Vibes Tour

Canada’s #1 music brand for kids is coming to Ottawa! Packed with ‘good vibes and positive energy, Mini Pop Kids Live presents The GOOD VIBES TOUR! PAID. Jan 13. Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean.

8. Ash Ravens and Bidrohi Live in Concert

Multi-lingual artist Ash Ravens comes to Orleans with a night of his English, Bengali and instrumental originals. The Bangladesh-born, award-winning artist takes the Richcraft Theatre stage to entertain the Orleans crowd with an hour of his original songs and melodic instrumentals covering a broad range of genres. FREE. Jan 12. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa.

9. Candlelight Concerts

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Ottawa. PAID. Tribute to Oasis: Thursday Jan 11 at 8:45pm Tribute to Coldplay: Friday Jan 12 at 6:30pm At Knox Church, 120 Lisgar St, Ottawa.

10. Capital Trade Shows presents: Sport Card, comic and collectibles show

There will be over 8,000 square feet of amazing collectibles offered at Ottawa’s longest running monthly collector show, since 1991. FREE. Jan 14, 10am – 3pm. NEPEAN SPORTSPLEX, 1701 Woodroffe Ave. S.

11. Epiphany celebration

Come to celebrate the New Year and the Epiphany, with degustation of the Galette des Rois (King’s cake). Conference on responsible consumption by Valerie Leloup, founder of NU Grocery. Tickets $10, $5 for members. Friday Jan 12 at 6pm at the Alliance Française, 352 MacLaren St. 

12. 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 19Where: Canadian Museum of History, Waterfall court, 100 Laurier St.

13. 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.

14. 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. 

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

Upcoming events

19. PWHL Ottawa vs Minnesota

Cheer on Ottawa’s professional women hockey team against Minnesota on Wednesday Jan 17 at 7pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St. Tickets from 20 dollars.

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