Hey there! I’m back with the weekend events post! It was the first time in 31 months that I took a break from posting this. Thank you for your understanding! This weekend, the magic of Winterlude continues. Check out the exciting lineup of events and things to do in Ottawa. February is certainly a busy month in the capital.
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14 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
- Winterlude 2025
Watch the beautiful ice sculptures on Sparks Street, enjoy the programming at ByWard Market, skate on the Rideau Canal, and slide down the snow hills at Snowflake Kingdom. There’s something for everyone! Mostly FREE. When: Jan 31-Feb 17. Where: Various venues. Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/
2. The Great Canadian Kilt Skate
Join the 11th straight year of celebrating Scotland with bare knees and ice. FREE. When: Saturday Feb 8, 1pm-3pm. Where: Lansdowne Park Skating Court near the Aberdeen Pavilion.
3. Fete Frissons
Enjoy family fun activities like bubbles, face painting and poetry presentations. FREE. When: Sunday Feb 9 at 11am. Where: Shenkman Arts Centre (Upper Lobby), 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans.
4. Shiverfest
Three days of family fun in Manotick! Pancake breakfast, chili cookoff, bingo, a snowshoe race, horse-drawn sleigh rides, scavenger hunt, a music concert featuring the Retrosonics, and much more! FREE and PAID. When: Feb 6-8. Where: Manotick. Details: https://www.manotickvca.org/
5. Snowga Yoga
The community is invited to take over the Great Lawn with a yoga ritual that celebrates the season. Note: Yoga mat not required. Dress appropriately for the weather. FREE. When: Saturday, Feb 8, 11am-12:30pm Where: 1525 Princess Patricia Way.
6. The Waiter and Waitresses Race
Teams representing local restaurants, bars and hotels will put their teamwork, agility, patience and precision to the test. Come and cheer them on! When: Saturday, Feb 8 from 1:30pm to 3pm. Where: 350 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec.
7. Ottawa RV Expo and Sale
Discover the latest trends in recreational vehicles, from luxury motorhomes to travel trailers, plus must-have gear and accessories. General admission: $15. When: Feb 7-9. Fri 11am-8pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-5pm. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive.
8. Undercurrents Festival
A showcase of innovative, thought-provoking performances from local and national artists. Tickets: Pay what you choose ($10–$50). When: Feb 6-15. Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave. Details: https://ottawafringe.com/
9. Embrace Winter Run
This winter running event has something for everyone: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 3K, and Kids 1K. This scenic run takes you through true Canadian winter landscapes and is a great motivator to stay active this winter. PAID. When: Sunday Feb 16, from 8am Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place.
10. 67’s Games
Take a break from Winterlude and let the 67’s take the spotlight as they face off against: Oshawa Generals on Friday Feb 7 at 7:05pm. And Flint Firebirds on Sunday Feb 9 at 2pm. Where: TD Place (Lansdowne Park), 1015 Bank St, Ottawa. Details: https://chl.ca/ohl-67s/
11. Capital Hoops
Enjoy a thrilling night of basketball as Carleton and uOttawa’s men’s and women’s teams go head-to-head in this heated university rivalry. Tickets from $25. When: Friday Feb 7, at 6pm (womens) / 8pm (mens). Where: TD Place (Lansdowne Park), 1015 Bank St, Ottawa. Details: https://www.tdplace.ca/event/
12. Disney on Ice
Travel to the happiest skate on Earth, as Disney on Ice returns to the capital. Join Mickey, Elsa, Moana, and more as they look for TinkerBell in Mickey’s Search Party. World class skating, stunts, and adventure awaits. Tickets from $50. When: Thursday Feb 6–9, various times. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa.
13. Winterlude at the Diefenbunker: Hidden Heroes
Discover Canada’s unsung history in this guided tour by 2024 Artist-in-Residence Don Kwan. A Q&A follows the tour. Tickets from $13. When: Saturday Feb 8, at 2pm; Sunday Feb 9, at 1pm. Where: The Diefenbunker, 3929 Carp Rd, Ottawa.
14. Black History Month at the Bank of Canada
Celebrate Black History Month by learning about Viola Desmond, the civil rights icon on Canada’s $10 bill. Then, design your own personal banknote. FREE. When: Saturday Feb 8–Sunday Feb 9, from 10am-5pm. Where: Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank St, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
15. Late company
Late Company is a powerful, emotionally charged drama by Ottawa’s own Jordan Tannahill. When two families meet over dinner seeking closure after a tragedy, the night spirals into raw confrontations, exposing buried guilt, grief, and uncomfortable truths. Prepare for an unforgettable 90-minute journey that’s as heartbreaking as it is thought-provoking. Ticket: $25-$33 (special rates available). When: Feb 5-15, 7:30pm (No show Feb 11; Understudy Performance Feb 9, 2pm; Industry Night Feb 10). Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa.
16. Intercepted
Screening of a powerful documentary on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Director Oksana Karpovych will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A at this Ottawa premiere on Thursday, February 6, 6:30pm. At Landmark Kanata Cinema, 801 Kanata Avenue.
17. Spring Festival Gala Ottawa
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Ottawa’s 2025 Spring Festival Gala, featuring dazzling performances from Chinese and local artists, including dance, music, opera, and magic. Ticket: $28-$128 (plus fees). When: Friday, Feb 7, 7pm. Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa.
18. La Poutine Week
Get ready to indulge! La Poutine Week brings Ottawa’s best and boldest poutine creations to restaurants city-wide. Ticket Prices vary by restaurant. When: Saturday, Feb 1–Friday, Feb 7. Time: Restaurant hours vary. Where: Various restaurants across Ottawa.
19. Girls Nite Out
Enjoy a night of laughter with award-winning Canadian female comedians delivering side-splitting improv and stand-up comedy. Featuring Elvira Kurt, Jennine Profeta, Diana Frances, and Karen Parker. Tickets $20 – $40. Friday, Feb 7, 8pm; Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Blvd, Ottawa.
20. Sample & Closet Sale
Exclusive prices on one-of-a-kind samples and closet treasures. Friday Feb 7 (10am-5pm) and Saturday Feb 8 (10am-6pm) At Viens Avec Moi, 797 Bank St. The Glebe.
Saturday
21. The Gruffalo’s Child
Join the Gruffalo’s Child on an enchanting adventure brought to life by the world-renowned Tall Stories theatre company. Expect songs, laughs, and fun for the whole family! Ticket: $20. When: Saturday, Feb 8, 1pm & 4:30pm. Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Ottawa. Bonus: Free preshow Storytime and craft activities starting at 12:10pm!
22. Magic Extravaganza – Featuring Diego Lopez and Michael Conway
Prepare for an afternoon of jaw-dropping illusions, mind-reading, and nonstop magical fun! Featuring Michael Conway’s interactive tricks and Diego Lopez’s award-winning illusions, this show is perfect for all ages. Ticket: $27-$33. Tickets available at the box office. When: Saturday, Feb 8, 2pm. Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd, Ottawa.
23. Voices Rock Medicine: It’s About Time
Try a captivating concert exploring the concept of time through songs by artists like Bob Dylan, Oasis, Katy Perry, Neil Young, and Cyndi Lauper. Tickets $40. When: Saturday, Feb 8, 7pm. Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Blvd, Ottawa.
24. Wolfgang Sessions
Experience an adventurous night of chamber music with musicians from the National Arts Centre Orchestra at Club SAW. This edition of Wolfgang Sessions brings fresh, dynamic performances in an intimate setting. Tickets $31. When: Saturday, Feb 8, 9pm; Where: Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St, Ottawa.
25. Mystical Haven Wellness Fair
Discover a world of healing, and enjoy a day of enlightenment and relaxation. Saturday Feb 8 from 10am to 3pm. At Nepean Sportsplex Hall B, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean.
26. Smith Falls Winter Carnival
Experience a full day of winter fun at the Smiths Falls Winter Carnival with activities like laser tag, horse-drawn wagon rides, axe throwing, public skating, and live music. Don’t miss the SF Rideaus hockey game at 7:30pm! FREE. When: Saturday, Feb 8, 9am-7:30pm. Where: Downtown Smiths Falls, 77 Beckwith St N, Smiths Falls.
Sunday
27. The Story of Babar the Little Elephant
Join the adventures of Babar the Little Elephant in this heartwarming musical tale, featuring the enchanting compositions of Francis Poulenc. Expect laughter, tears, and beautiful melodies for the whole family. Ticket: $15. Tickets available online. When: Sunday, Feb 9, 11am & 1:30pm (English), 3pm (French). Where: Azrieli Studio, NAC, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa.
28. Turkish Food Festival
A fundraiser event organized by senior volunteers. Sunday February 9, 11am-5pm at 335 Michael Cowpland Drive, Ottawa.
Next week
29. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Experience the inspiring journey of Tina Turner in this electrifying musical, featuring her most beloved hits and showcasing her rise to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Tickets from $114. When: Tuesday, Feb 11 – Sunday, Feb 16; Tuesday–Friday: 7:30pm; Saturday: 1pm & 7:30pm; Sunday: 1pm. Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa.
Other recurring events
30. Animal Tracking on Snowshoes
Not every animal hibernates all winter, so it is time to find out about those that don’t. Take a guided snowshoe trek along Trail 60 in Gatineau Park, to discover what animal makes what tracks, and the different strategies they have to stay alive in the cold winter. Snowshoes are provided. FREE. When: Saturdays at 10:30am (French) and 1:30pm (English). Sundays at 10:30am (English) and 1:30pm (French). Where: Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Rd, Chelsea (Quebec). Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/animal-tracking-on-snowshoes
31. The Grand Ice Bar
It’s time to chill out the Winterlude way at the Grand Ice Bar in the Byward Market. Warm up around the fire pits while taking in some live music, while sipping on hot chocolate or cozy cocktails. Can’t get more Canadian than that. FREE (though drinks are not). When: Friday from 4pm; Saturday and Sunday from 12pm during Winterlude weekends. Where: The Grand Pizzeria and Bar, 74 George St, Ottawa. Details: https://www.thegrandpizzeria.com/events
32. Outdoor Winter Fun
Enjoy the beauty of winter at Countryside Adventures in Moose Creek: embark on a scenic adventure with a 3km skating or snowshoe trail through the forest, enjoy tubing on the hill, visit the petting zoo, relax by the bonfire, and grab a treat from the food truck. Admission fees vary starting from $8. Sunday – Wednesday 10am-8pm, Thursday – Saturday 10am-10pm. 16495 Sixth Road, Moose Creek, ON K0C 1W
33. Icelynd Skating Rink
“Icelyn” means “Ruler of the Winter storm”. It is over 2 kilometers of natural ice trails winding through nearly 100 acres of beautiful woods. Evening skates are illuminated by twinkling string lights and natural solar lighting, creating a magical atmosphere. Amenities include bonfires, vendors, and seating areas for rest and relaxation. Thursday: 4pm–9pm; Friday: 2pm–9pm; Saturday: 10am–9pm; Sunday: 10am–7pm; Tickets $14-$19, free for children under 4. Family day pass available. 6865 Fernbank Rd, Stittsville.
34. Riveroak Skating Rink
Experience the beauty of winter by skating through 3.5 kilometers of trails winding through orchards, sugarbush, and evergreens. Enjoy pickup hockey games, warm up in the heritage lodge, and savor fresh eats from the café. Evening skates are illuminated by twinkling lights and torches for a magical experience. Day pass $15 – $63; Season Pass $56.10 – $229.50 including youth, senior, adult, and family tariffs. When: Thursday to Sunday; Thursday: 4pm–8pm; Friday: 11am–8pm; Saturday: 9am–8pm; Sunday: 9am–6pm. Where: RiverOak Skating Trail, 2900 York’s Corners Rd, Ottawa.
35. Butterflies in Flight
Back by popular demand! Enjoy a delightful exhibition of live tropical butterflies including the impressive large blue morpho. Tickets: $6 in addition to the cost of general museum admission. Until Dec 16, get a 10% discount reserving online. When; Dec 6, 2024-Jan 6, 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca