The long weekend is coming! Have you started making plans? There’s an amazing lineup of events and things to do in Ottawa this weekend! Check out this post and share it with your friends.
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18 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Winterlude’s Last Weekend
Enjoy the long weekend at Winterlude. Check out 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 the Snowflake Kingdom. There’s something for everyone! Mostly FREE. When: Jan 31-Feb 17. Where: Various venues.Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude.html
2. Igloofest
Igloofest is coming to Gatineau for the very first time after Montreal and Quebec City! It’s the must-attend winter event for all electronic music enthusiasts, featuring a lineup of renowned DJs and artists, both local and international. Tickets: $39+taxes. When: February 13-15. Where: Place des Festivals Zibi, 60 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau.
3. The Cold Plunge
Participants will enjoy saunas and take an icy dive into freezing waters to raise funds for two vital community organizations: Centre 507 and the Centretown Community Health Centre. Come watch the action! Warm up with hot drinks, live DJs, and fun family-friendly activities. FREE. When: Friday Feb 14, 6pm-11pm; Saturday Feb 15, 12pm-4pm and 7pm-11pm. Sunday Feb 16, 12pm-4pm. Where: 140 Bank St.
4. Winterlude in the Stars
Hundreds of drones rise above the Snowflake Kingdom, dancing elegantly to create a magical show. The adorable Ice Hogs invite you to look up and let yourself be swept away by this luminous moment. FREE. When: Feb 14-15, 7pm-7:15pm. Where: Jacques Cartier Park, 350 Laurier St, Gatineau.
5. Frost vs Charge
Cheer on Charge, Ottawa’s professional women hockey team, as they face the Minnesota Frost this Thursday! Tickets from $26.80. When: Thursday Feb 13 at 7pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
6. Maple Tree Tapping at Museoparc
Tap sugar maple trees in the traditional way: drilling holes in the trees, inserting spigots and hanging buckets to collect maple water, the tree’s sweet sap. The Vanier Sugar Shack is the only operating sugar shack in an urban setting in Canada! A quick training session on tree tapping and forest orientation will be offered every hour on the hour. For all ages. FREE. When: Saturday, Feb 15, from 9am to 12pm. Where: 320 des Pères-Blancs Avenue, Ottawa.
7. Big Bang
This joyous musical festival for 5+ has plenty of surprises in store for young and old alike. Bouncing rhythms and colourful scores will echo through the building, thanks to a merry mix of shows, mini-concerts and interactive experiences. FREE and PAID. Tickets from $7. When: Feb 15-16, 10:30am-5:30pm. Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street.
8. Nature Nocturne
This popular adult-only event combines the exploration of the museum’s exhibits with music, dancing, and interactive activities. The party’s theme is “Après-Ski,”. Tickets are sold out. When: Friday Feb 14, 8pm-12am. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St
9. Undercurrents
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/undercurrents/
10. Aurora Festival
Experience the season through music, culture, and community. The 2025 edition highlights the rich cultural contributions of Indigenous and French-Canadian communities. Enjoy performances, storytelling, and cultural displays. FREE. When: February 14-15, 6pm-11pm. Where: 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa.
11. The Harbour Harvest
Explore ice fishing, a pancake breakfast, and family fun at this charitable event. Tickets from $17
When: Sunday Feb 16, 8am-3:30pm. Where: Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Ave, Ottawa
Details: www.harbourharvest.ca
12. 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. When: Sunday Feb 16, from 8am. Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place
13. Vieux Hull Frosty Fun
Enjoy music by DJs, taste the products of a guest microbrewery, warm up by bonfires and take part in convivial activities, including giant games and roaming quizzes. Free hot chocolate and maple taffy will also be available. FREE. When: Feb 14-15, 3pm-7pm. Where: Rue Laval, Gatineau.
14. Art Battle
Experience live competitive painting, vote for favorites, and enjoy a creative evening. Tickets from $25,50
When: Friday Feb 14, 7pm-10pm. Where: Overflow Brewing Co., 2477 Kaladar Ave, Ottawa.
Details: https://artbattle.com/events/
15. Notes of Love
Celebrate love with OrKidstra and NAC Orchestra in a heartwarming musical evening. Tickets from $30
When: Friday Feb 14, 7pm-8:15pm. Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St, Ottawa.
Details: orkidstra.ca/notes-of-love/
16. African Day on the Hill
Celebrate African heritage with cultural performances, workshops, and dialogues promoting inclusion. Tickets $50. When: Saturday Feb 15, 5pm-1:15pm. Where: Collège La Cité, 801 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa.
Details: https://acaottawa.com/events/adoth25/
17. Carivibe Rum & Food Fest
Experience Caribbean cuisine, comedy, ’90s dance hits, and an after party. Tickets from $25.28. When: Saturday Feb 15, 2pm. Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa. Details: shenkmanarts.ca/en/carivibe-rum-food-fest
18. Ottawa Multicultural Bazaar
Explore global cultures through handcrafted items, international cuisine, and cultural performances. FREE. When: Feb 15-16, 11am-7pm. Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa. Details: https://inmotionevents.ca/
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
19. Snowball: A Cool Winter’s Eve
This is an all-inclusive, multi-chef cocktail party within the beautiful space of the Ottawa Art Gallery. All proceeds support the purchase of snowsuits for children in need in our community. The SnowBall Auction will feature over 100 luxury items and experiences donated by local businesses. This event is SOLD OUT. But you don’t need to attend to bid. All bidding is online via your smartphone. The Snowsuit Fund purchases and distributes 19,000 snowsuits annually to children 15 years of age and younger from low-income families in Ottawa. Wednesday Feb 12, 6:30pm-10pm. At OAG, 10 Daly Ave. https://www.32auctions.com/snowball2025
20. 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.
21. Dueling Pianos
Dave Kalil, Tyler Kealey and Todd Huckabone have been a staple of the music scene in Ottawa, known as the Dueling Pianos. Admission: $20. Thursday, Feb 13 at 8pm. At Manor Lounge, 292 Elgin St, Ottawa.
22. Winter Heat
Enjoy a free dance lesson at Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Open to anyone 16+. Email events@intheglebe.ca to secure your spot and bring a clean pair of shoes. FREE. Friday Feb 14, 8:30-9:30pm. At 149 Second Avenue.
23. Gatineau Loppet
Canada’s largest international cross-country skiing event, welcoming approximately 2,500 skiers from around the world competing in various competitions. Admission: $10-200 (depending on length of race). Friday, Feb 14-16 at various times. At Gatineau Park, Québec.
24. Torch Night Patinage en Foret
Spend Friday evenings snowshoeing with an experienced Friends of Gatineau Park nature interpreter and hike in the moonlight to discover how animals survive winter. Admission: $25. Friday, Feb 14 at 7pm. At Gatineau Park, Chelsea/Wakefield, Québec (various trails).
Saturday
25. Winter Aerialists
Skilled aerialists take flight in a breathtaking winter-themed performance that will leave you in awe. Perfect for all ages. FREE. Saturday Feb 15. From 12pm to 1:30pm. At the ByWard Market – George Street Plaza
26. Jazz in the Market
Enjoy free jazz shows and captivating live performances from talented artists surrounded by the charm of the Byward Market. Saturday Feb 15, 1pm-4pm at 55 Byward Market Square.
27. Kids DYI Terrarium Workshop at Aquatopia
Join the educational and creative Terrarium Workshop at Aquatopia, perfect for young plant enthusiasts. Admission: $45. Saturday, Feb 15 from 10am-12pm. At Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory, 2710 March Road, Ottawa.
28. Diefenbunker Winter Carnival
Participate in historic activities with a modern twist as you lace up your skates for a day of fun at the outdoor rink, warm up with a free hot chocolate, or take a break to explore a temporary exhibit highlighting the stories and traditions of the historic Winter Carnival. Admission: FREE. Saturday, Feb 15 from 12:30-3pm. At Outdoor Rink, Huntley Community Association, 108 Juanita Ave, Carp, ON.
Sunday
29. Romantic Voyces
Music by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, and Dohnanyi. Featured are the Liebeslieder Waltzes by Brahms (selected) – perfect for Valentine’s Day. Andrew Ager, piano & organ. Ticket price: Adults $30, Students $20. Sunday, Feb 16 at 4pm. At St. Matthew’s Church, 130 Glebe Avenue.
Next week
30. Heritage Day
Celebrate this year’s theme “Heritage champions – crafting a legacy of preservation and innovation”. Tuesday Feb 18 at 12pm. At Jean Pigott Place, City Hall.
Other recurring events in Ottawa
31. 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.
32. 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
33. 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.
34. 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
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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