Fall is starting to manifest in all its glory! It’s the perfect time to be outside enjoying the many events happening in Ottawa. Check out this list of things to do this weekend and share it with your friends!
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16 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
- Fall Rhapsody
It’s the third weekend of October and fall at Gatineau Park is starting to reach its peak! Take the free NCC shuttle to visit the most popular places. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from Ottawa to Gatineau only on the weekends. FREE. Only service dogs are allowed on the shuttle. When: Oct 5-27 from 9:10am. Where: Boarding point is Pindigen Park on Wellington St with Booth St. Details: ncc-cnn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park-shuttle
2. Signatures Handmade Market
Shop from over 130 artists, makers, artisans and designers. Browse through thousands of expertly curated Canadian handmade products consciously made. Tickets: $4-$8. When: Oct 17-20. Thursday-Fri 10am-9pm. Sat 10am-6pm. Sun 10am-5pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way. Details: IG @signaturesottawa
3. Ottawa Parent & Child Expo
Play, activity, and learning zones, 75 local parenting exhibitors – free mainstage entertainment, meet & greets, animal presentations, video game zone and more! Tickets: Family passes for 2,3,4 and 5 people from $17.70. When: Oct 19-20 from 10am. Where: Nepean Sportsplex, (Entrance 4), 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean. Details: parentandchildexpo.ca
4. Ottawa National Women’s Show
Experience the Fashion, Food and Fun. Exclusive products, workshops, cooking demos, wine and food samples, shows on the main stage. Tickets: $12.75. When: Oct 19-20. Sat 10am-6pm. Sun 10am-5pm. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive. Details: nationalwomenshow.com
5. One World Bazaar
Celebrate Latin American Culture at the Bazaar this weekend! From musicians, vendors, dancers and more. Shop for one-of-a-kind products. Every weekend there is something different. FREE admission. When: Oct 18-20, 10am-5pm. Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd, Manotick. Details: oneworldbazaar.ca
6. Atletico Ottawa vs Vancouver FC
Cheer on Ottawa’s professional soccer team in their battle against Vancouver FC. This is the last home game of the regular season. Beer cans will cost $5 and there will be deals in their entire merch store. Tickets: $20. When: Saturday Oct 19 at 4pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
7. Latin American Heritage Month Celebration
Immerse yourself in the rich and lively culture of Latin America. Experience art, dance, music, and traditional cuisine. FREE admission. When: Saturday Oct 19, 10am-4pm. Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W.
8. Ottawa Senators vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Cheer on the Senators when the team clashes against Tampa Bay Lightning. Tickets from $50. When: Saturday Oct 19 at 1pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.
9. The Firefighter Calendar Party
Get ready for the HOT IN HERE party: DJ, talent show, firefighters, and firebreather! Tickets from $33.31 When: Friday Oct 18, 8pm. Where: Bronson Centre Theatre, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa Details: IG @ottfireincendie
10. 67’s vs Barrie Colts
Feel the excitement as the Ottawa 67’s face off against the Barrie Colts in Ontario Hockey League action! Tickets from $25. When: Sunday Oct 20, 2pm. Where: TD Place, Ottawa. Details: https://tdplace.ca/event/ottawa-67s-vs-barrie/
11. The Original Navan Market
Support local vendors at the Original Navan Market: produce, crafts, breads, cheese, honey, and more! FREE. When: Sunday Oct 20, 10am-3pm. Where: 1279 Colonial Road, Navan, Ottawa. Details: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalNavanMarket/
12. Metcalfe Farmers Market
Enjoy the final Metcalfe Farmers Market of the season with fresh produce, crafts, and Sunflower Café! FREE When: Saturday Oct 19, 9am-1pm. Where: 2821 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe, Ottawa. Details: https://www.metcalfefm.com/
13. Aroha Fest
Experience vibrant dances, arts, henna, yoga, and music at an unforgettable cultural celebration! FREE. When: Friday Oct 18, 6pm; Saturday Oct 19, 10:30am. Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street Ottawa. Details: https://arohafest.ca/
14. Ottawa Ski, Snowboard and Travel Show
Discover top ski and snowboard retailers, manufacturers, and resorts in Ottawa for one weekend only! FREE. When: Saturday Oct 19, 9am-5pm; Sun, Oct 20, 10am-4pm. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa. Details: https://ottawaskishow.com/
15. Fly Market
Discover an incredible selection brought to you by a talented lineup of multi-vendors who handpicked collections of unique fashion, accessories, and one-of-a-kind treasures in the next Fly Market whether you’re a vintage lover, a fashionista, or simply looking for something special. FREE Admission. Sunday, Oct 20, from 12pm to 5 pm. At 955A Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON.
16. Japanese Film Night
The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation will be streaming ‘Itomichi’ as part of Japanese Film Night. The movie is about a high schooler who lives in the northern prefecture of Aomori. Despite her great talent for playing Tsugaru Shamisen, she struggles to make friends due to her shy personality. FREE Admission but make sure to get your tickets from their website. Wednesday, Oct 16, at 6:30 pm. At ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
17. BOLERO X + Silent Tides + Chamber
In this remarkable triple bill program, the NAC Orchestra accompanies Chamber, one of artistic director Medhi Walerski’s most acclaimed and elegant ballets, and BOLERO X, a masterful reading of Maurice Ravel’s Bolero. Admission: $31-89. Thursday, October 17-18 at 8pm. At Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
18. Crackup Comedy Festival
Crackup is returning to Ottawa! Comedy night in Ottawa will be an evening of comedy with some of Canada’s best comedians – featuring performances by Evan Carter, Ava Val, Kamar Babar, Ryan Zeitz, Simone Holder and Trevor Thompson. Ticket price $33. Thursday October 17 at 7pm. Algonquin Commons Theatre – 1385 Woodroffe Ave.
19. Ottawa New Musical Festival
ONMC is committed to showcasing the very best in new music, with a focus on Canadian and Ottawa-based artists. The 2024 edition features the world premiere of one Ottawa based work (by Michelle Gott), the world premiere of Ottawa-born (and Toronto-based) Frank Horvat’s “Almost Homeless”. Ticket price $20-$50. October 17 & 28 at 7pm. At Alma Duncan Salon, Ottawa Art Gallery – 10 Daly Avenue.
20. Creepy Doll Museum
Halloween is approaching, and you can start getting into the spooky spirit with the Creepy Doll Museum, as they are coming to Ottawa! The museum was founded in 2019 in Peterborough by Kathryn Bahun and Ben Hatcher. It all started with a curious discovery: the unsettling sight of abandoned dolls at garage sales. Tickets at $11.98. Friday, Oct 18 and Saturday, Oct 19, from 6 to 9 pm. At House of Common Studio. 11b Fairmont Ave, Ottawa.
21. Boy Band Story – The Ultimate Boy Band Experience
Montreal group Boy Band Story is a must see show! Why choose one boy band when you can hear them all in one place. Get ready to sing and dance along to all of your favorite songs from bands like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, NKOTB, Hanson & many more. General Admission – $31.59. Friday October 18 at 8 pm. The Join at Rideau Carleton Casino – 4837 Albion Rd., ON. Must be 19+
22. Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween classics
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before. Enjoy Halloween classics like Thriller, Beetlejuice, Stranger Things, The Adams Family, and others. Admission: $44-79.50. Friday, Oct 18 and 19 at 8:45pm. At Knox Church, 120 Lisgar St, Ottawa.
23. Toronto Comedy All Stars
Boasting dozens of appearances on TV, radio and comedy festivals worldwide (and one working laptop between them), Toronto’s best standup comedians bring their A game to Ottawa for an unforgettable evening of comedy. Admission: $33. Friday, October 18 at 8pm. At Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
Saturday
24. Sculpture Expo
Enjoy the Sculpture this weekend and experience the captivating world of 3D art! Unlike paintings, sculptures bring real depth to their surroundings, engaging you from every angle. FREE Admission. Saturday, Oct 19, from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, Oct 20, from 10am to 4pm. At Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Avenue Ottawa, ON.
25. Red Trillium Studio Tour
Visit the Artists Studios, and have lunch at local restaurants while driving amidst the beautiful countryside & enjoying the Fall Colours of Rural West Ottawa. Admission: FREE. Saturday, October 19 and 20 from 10am-4pm. At West Carleton, Ottawa.
26. Enriched Bread Artists Annual Open Studio
Contemporary Art Produced in Ottawa. Celebrating its 100th Anniversary, you can visit 21 active artists engaged in critical research and on-going artistic explorations in their studios housed over two floors. You can take part in tours, activities, presentations, or simply enjoy the creative environment of the EBA Studios in their 1920’s era building. FREE ADMISSION. Opening night – Thursday October 17, from 6pm to 9pm. The exhibition continues Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 from 11am to 5 pm. At 951 Gladstone Avenue (1st and 2nd floors), Ottawa.
27. Double O Sound
Double O Sound returns to the National Arts Centre after their last 4 sold out shows! They will be paying tribute to the iconic music of the James Bond movie empire. You can expect to see 20 musicians on stage. Ticket price starts at $56.25. Saturday October 19 at 2:30pm & 7:30pm. Babs Asper Theatre. National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street.
28. Free Family movie night
Bring the whole family for a FREE movie night featuring a timeless Halloween-meets-Christmas adventure that will give you chills and thrills. Get creative during the show with a 10% discount on all pottery and painting. Snacks & Drinks available for purchase. FREE EVENT – Registration required to reserve a seat. Saturday October 19 at 7pm at Art Haven Kanata, 124-150 Katimavik Rd.
29. Wired On Something Art Show
Sip, groove and immerse yourself in the art as this restaurant transform into a gallery-meets-dancefloor experience. Featuring artist Kelly Tetzlaff. DJs Clone604 and Patrick Brainwerx spinning from 5pm to 9pm. FREE admission. Saturday Oct 19 from 5-9pm. At The Alembic Stillhouse, 180 Cooper St.
30. CPA: Ottawa Open Classic
The CPA Ottawa Open Classic has been running in Ottawa for over 40 years and has always been a big show with Ottawa being such a close knit large bodybuilding community. Admission: $35-90. Saturday, October 19 at 9am or 4pm. At Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean.
Sunday
31. TD Tree Days at Gray’s Creek Conservation Area
If you enjoy outdoor activities you cannot miss the TD Tree Days at Gray’s Creek Conservation Area in Cornwall, where you can plant trees and help protect the area’s unique biodiversity. Absolutely no experience necessary! Just bring your enthusiasm and love for nature. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, meet like-minded people, and make a positive impact on the planet! FREE Admission. Sunday, Oct 20, from 1pm to 4pm. At 18045 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County Road 2, South Glenary, ON.
32. Marche du Square
Come to the Terrasse du Square to meet Outaouais artisans: florists and artists, jewellers, gourmet food producers, potters, candle makers and much more. Admission: FREE. Sundays October 20 from 10am-1pm. At Square Old Chelsea, 248, Old Chelsea, Chelsea, Quebec.
33. Capital Sessions
FREE House dance workshop. Learn basic house dance steps soundtracked by DJ Rise Ashen and Tangent. It’s family and beginner-friendly. FREE Event. Sunday October 20 at 1:30pm. Glass Thorsteinson Staircase – 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
Upcoming events
34. Chamberfest Concert Series
A wealth of talent taking the stage: celebrated pianists, superstar violinists, legendary quartets, all-star piano trios, the next generation of Opera and early music, and creative collaborations. Admission: $45-65. October 23: “Le Consort Baroque: From Naples to London”. This young and energetic French foursome makes their long-awaited Chamberfest debut with a program of familiar works alongside exquisite hidden gems. At 7pm. Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa.
Other recurring events in Ottawa
35. Pumpkins After Dark
43. Stittsville Haunted Heritage Tours 2024
Explore the eerie side of Stittsville on this unique heritage tour, blending local history with haunted tales. Discover the town’s spooky past as you walk through its quaint streets. Tickets: $22.59 at Eventbrite. From Sept 27 to Nov 2. Where: 1549 Main Street South, Ottawa.
46. Hintonburg Night Market
You can pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers. Starting May 30, every Thursday night from 5pm to 10pm. 1088 Somerset St. W. Ottawa.