The Thanksgiving long weekend is almost here! Looking for things to do in Ottawa? From leaf peeping and fall markets to sports events and cultural festivals, find your weekend plan and share this post with your friends!
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16 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Fall Rhapsody
Enjoy stunning autumn scenery in Gatineau Park. Hop on the free shuttle and tour the most popular and beautiful spots in the park, such as Pink Lake, King Mountain, Mackenzie King Estate, and others. The shuttle departs from Ottawa to the Visitor Centre in Gatineau Park with nine stops.
When: Oct 4–26, from 9:10am to 3:10pm. Last departure to return to Ottawa from the Visitor Centre is 4:45pm.
Where: Boarding point is Pindigen Park on Wellington St.
Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.
2. One World Bazaar
Discover unique home decor, clothing, jewellery, and furniture—handcrafted by artisans from around the world—and enjoy exciting weekend programming, live performances, and more. Make it your new fall tradition. This weekend is Latin American Cultural Weekend. FREE.
When: Sept 18–Nov 23. Fri–Sun 10am–5pm. Also Thanksgiving Monday.
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick.
3. Capital’s Diwali Mela
Enjoy a full day of music, dance, and community spirit featuring live performances, a grand Diwali bazaar, delicious food, kids’ activities, and an amazing evening drone show. This vibrant event brings together families and friends to share the joy, color, and culture of India right in the heart of the capital. FREE.
When: Sunday, Oct 12, 12pm–10pm.
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa.
4. Annual Biology Butterfly Show
Experience nature at the tip of your fingers at Carleton University’s Annual Biology Butterfly Show. Get access to the greenhouses and visit with the hundreds of butterflies living there, waiting to make you their next perch. Tickets are required but FREE, though a $5 donation is welcome.
When: Oct 11–12, 9am–4pm
Where: Carleton University Nesbitt Building, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://carleton.ca/
5. Watson’s Mill Fall Finale
Celebrate the beauty of autumn at this family-friendly event marking the end of the milling season. Enjoy the final flour grind of the year, horse-drawn wagon rides, seasonal treats, local crafts, and fun activities for all ages. Soak in the charm of the historic mill and the vibrant fall colors along the Rideau River. FREE.
When: Sunday, Oct 12, 10am–4pm.
Where: Watson’s Mill & Dickinson House, 5525 Dickinson St, Manotick.
6. Databells
Celebrate immersive art created by Rich Loen, where whimsical bells respond to real-world statistics. Almost one full month of free-admission access to this one-of-a-kind art installation. As a visitor, you will be able to immerse yourself in the sensorial experience of the Databells exhibition, taking your time to see and hear the full exhibit. FREE.
When: Sept 25 to Oct 17. Thursdays to Sundays, 10am–3pm.
Where: Salon Des Bananes, 2207 Carling Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
7. Ottawa Senators vs Nashville Predators
Cheer on the Ottawa Senators in their home opener of the 2025–26 NHL season! Experience the excitement of live hockey with fast-paced action, big saves, and awesome goals. Take your friends and family to enjoy the full game-day atmosphere. Tickets start at $40.
When: Monday, Oct 13, 1pm.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.
8. Atlético Ottawa vs Vancouver FC
Come out and support Atlético Ottawa as they take on Vancouver FC in their last home game of the season! Enjoy an exciting afternoon of soccer, cheer with other fans, and experience the energy of live sports. Tickets start at $21.
When: Sunday, Oct 12, 3pm.
Where: TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa.
9. Wickedly Westboro Scavenger Hunt
Kick off the Halloween season with the Wickedly Westboro Scavenger Hunt, explore the village with family and friends, solve fun clues, and discover spooky surprises hidden throughout the neighborhood. This interactive scavenger hunt brings the community together for a festive way to enjoy the Halloween season. FREE.
When: Saturday, Oct 10 to Thursday, Oct 31, all day.
Where: Westboro Village, Ottawa, ON.
10. African Fashion Week
Celebrate African culture through fashion! Check out colorful pop-ups, meet talented designers, and watch an exciting runway show with the latest collections. Enjoy live performances, great music, and a fun, stylish atmosphere. Tickets starting at $44.29.
When: Saturday, Oct 11, 4pm–10pm.
Where: Mosaic Convention Centre, 2465 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON.
11. The Maple Leaf March
The Maple Leaf March is a world-class, non-competitive, inclusive, and not-for-profit international walking event held annually in the Ottawa–Gatineau region. Its mission is to promote walking as a recreational and fitness activity.
When: Oct 10–12
Where: Montgomery Legion, 330 Kent Street.
12. Angels and Demons
Halloween is a special time of the year when the Iron Cabaret gets together and celebrates all the things that go bump in the night. Whether it is soaring aerials, titillating pole dance, sultry burlesque, or thrilling heels dance, prepare to have your breath taken and your mind blown. IT IS AN ADULT HALLOWEEN SHOW. Ticket price: $49–$70.
When: Oct 10–18 at 7:30pm.
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue.
13. Harvest Night Market
Come one last time to the final night market of the year. Shop groceries and flowers from local farmers and small businesses for your holiday table. Enjoy live music by local musicians. FREE.
When: Wednesday, Oct 8, 5pm–9pm
Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Ave.
Details: IG @parkdalepublicmarket
14. Annual Thanksgiving Market
Enjoy this indoor market with 130+ incredible local vendors and artisans offering everything from handmade crafts and thoughtful gifts to tasty treats and seasonal must-haves.
When: Oct 11–12 from 9am to 4pm.
Where: Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Road.
15. Hot Wench Market
Featuring 20+ vendors, local artists, drag performers, live music, food & drinks, and a costume contest! When: Saturday, Oct 11, 2–8pm
Where: St. Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 St. Patrick St.
16. Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour
The Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour offers a wide range of art and craft, from pottery, glasswork, textiles, woodworking, painting, jewelry, sculpture, and mixed-media work.
When: Oct 10–12 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Various locations in the Almonte & Clayton area.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
17. Behind the Screams: Studio Tour Horror House
Step onto real sets built inside a working film studio and descend into the twisted imagination of Andi Cryst—a cult horror creator whose B-movie nightmares refuse to stay on-screen. Ticket price: $27.68.
When: Oct 3–Nov 1 from 4pm to 7pm (every half hour)
Where: 1D Studios, 2935 Conroy Road.
18. Daniel Woodrow: ‘My Family Is White’ – Comedy Special Taping
Catch Canadian Screen Award nominee Daniel Woodrow as he records his comedy special live in Ottawa. Known for his dry humour and sharp storytelling, Woodrow has appeared on CBC and Crave’s Roast Battle Canada. Tickets are $28.
When: Oct 10–11 from 8pm to 9:30pm.
Where: Laugh Lounge Comedy Club, 61 York Street, Ottawa.
19. Ihsane
NAC Dance opens its 2025-2026 season featuring the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève + Eastman. Experience Ihsane, a deeply personal work by Moroccan-Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. The work is an ode to his father and his roots in Tangier but is also honouring the memory of Ihsane Jarfi, a young Belgo-Moroccan man who was murdered in Liège in 2012 in a racist and homophobic hate crime. Tickets: $31; $15 (Under 30). When: Oct 9-10. Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St.
20. ONIRO: What Do Animals Dream Of?
Experience a magical forest walk at Parc Oméga as the story of wolf cub Oniro unfolds through light, sound, and immersive storytelling. Created by artist Michel Lemieux, ONIRO features 17 illuminated scenes along a 60-minute trail. Tickets start at $25.
When: Oct 10–11. First entries begin at sunset.
Where: Parc Oméga, 399 Route 323 North, Montebello, Québec.
Saturday
21. Wedding Party
Wedding Party is a fully improvised comedy celebrating the wild highs and awkward lows of friendship. Tickets: $15.
When: Saturday Oct 11 at 7pm.
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue.
22. Toronto Comedy All Stars – 11th Anniversary Show
Celebrate 11 years of laughs with Toronto Comedy All Stars! This hit show returns with top comedians seen on CBC, Crave, Apple TV+, and more. Grab a drink and enjoy a hilarious night of stand-up. Tickets are $33.
When: Saturday, Oct 11, at 8pm.
Where: Fourth Stage at the NAC, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
23. Fall Colours Lift Tickets at Calabogie Peaks
Take in breathtaking views of the Ottawa Valley’s fall canopy on a scenic chairlift ride. Explore the summit Skywalk trail, hike down, or ride back. BBQ and refreshments available for purchase. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for kids, and FREE for children under 6.
When: Saturdays and Sundays from September 20 to October 13, lifts run from 10am to 3pm.
Where: Calabogie Peaks, 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie.
24. PEARL: A Janis Joplin Experience
Feel the soul of Janis Joplin in this powerful multimedia tribute concert. With vocals by Christina Leroux and a 9-piece band, this all-ages show brings Janis’s iconic hits like “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee” to life. Tickets are $55.
When: Saturday, Oct 11. Show at 7:30pm.
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa.
25. Thanksgiving Train Rides at RMEO
All aboard for Thanksgiving fun at the Railway Museum! Ride in an antique caboose, hop on a hayride, explore the 1912 station, and enjoy festive photo ops and family activities. Entry is FREE.
When: Saturday, Oct 11, from 11am to 3pm.
Where: Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William Street West, Smiths Falls.
Sunday
26. Sports Card, Comic, Pokemon and Collectibles Show
Browse over 150 tables featuring sport cards, pokemon cards, comic books, memorabilia. FREE entry and parking. When: Sunday Oct 12, 10am-3pm. Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean.
More recurring events in Ottawa
27. Pumpkinferno
Step into a glowing fall wonderland where thousands of handcrafted pumpkins illuminate historic paths under the night sky. A walk-through spectacle that blends art, light, and Halloween magic for all ages. Tickets from $25.
When: Select nights from Oct 1–Nov 1, 2025 – 7pm to 10:30pm
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, ON.
29. Acres of Terror
Explore four spine-tingling Halloween-themed attractions: wagon ride, haunted house, fog maze, spooky village. Tickets $25 (day), $35 (night)
When: Sept 26–Oct 31, Day 12pm and Night 6:30pm
Where: Cannamore Orchard, 1480 County Road 32, Crysler
Details: https://www.
30. Skreamers
Will you survive? Then take a ride on the wild wagon through the border forest and stroll through the Side Laboratory and Front Barn. THIS IS NOT A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT.
Ticket price: $25/victim
When: Sept 27-Oct 31 at 7pm
Where: Proulx Farm, 1865 O’Toole Road
31. Family Activity Weekends
Go for a ride on the covered wagon, or on the famous cow-train, use the pedal karts, visit the giant hedge mazes, see the roaming chickens, play in the family activity area, and walk through the orchard. Activities Bracelet: $16 per person. Children 3 and under: free. When: From mid-late August until Thanksgiving weekend in early October. Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 11am to 4pm. (They stop selling activity tickets at 3pm). Where: Cannamore Orchards, 1480 County Road 32. Crysler, ON.
32. Ouimet Farm Adventures
Farming, family, and fun come together at this working farm in Vankleek Hill, featuring a 7-acre maze and many other seasonal attractions. Admission: $19.58 to $184.24 (depending on ticket type).
When: Friday Aug 8-Oct 26 from 10am-5pm
Where: 63 Main Street West, Vankleek Hill, Ontario.
33. Elgin St Market
Discover this vibrant market nestled in Boushey Square, featuring a curated selection of fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal creations, and handmade crafts. A community hub for local shoppers and passersby alike. FREE When: Sundays from June to October from 9am to 1pm. Where: Boushey Square, 340 Elgin St, K2P 1M6.
34. Fields of Gold 2025
Escape to the breathtaking sunflower fields at Fields of Gold just outside Ottawa. Stroll through acres of golden blooms, pick your own flowers, and capture unforgettable photos in a perfect summer setting. This plan is ideal for families and flower lovers alike. Tickets start at $10. When: Opens on Wednesday July 23, 10am–5pm. Where: 17650 Strathmore Road, Monkland, ON.
35. Songs from the Shed
Enjoy free lunchtime performances by emerging artists in an open-air setting. Until October 9. FREE
When: Every Tuesday & Thursday, 12pm–1:30pm
Where: Sparks Street Shed, 190 Sparks St, between Bank St and O’Connor St.
36. Indigenous Walking Tours
Join artist and educator Jaime Morse for a guided tour of downtown Ottawa through an Indigenous lens. FREE (Register on Eventbrite)
When: Every other Saturday (May–October)
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W.
37. Black History in Ottawa Streets
Discover Ottawa’s rich Black heritage on a historic bus tour that features landmark stops and offers inspiring insights. FREE
When: From May 31 to Oct 18. Multiple dates. Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave
Details: On Eventbrite.
38. Live from the Booth
Sparks St is coming alive with the energy and sounds of Ottawa’s electronic music scene. Live from the Booth turns the Mall into a vibrant dance floor with local DJs and artists bringing a spark and a pulse to your weekend. FREE
When: Saturday June 28 (and every Saturday till Oct 11), from 7pm–9pm. Where: 56 Sparks St (Mall), between Elgin and Metcalfe, Ottawa
Details: https://www.sparkslive. com/
39. Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market
Add some sparkle to your Thursday evenings at the Hintonburg Night Market, hosted by the Urban Art Collective. With rotating local vendors, handmade goods, vintage finds, and street food favourites, there’s something new every week. Enjoy live music and the buzzing creative energy of Hintonburg under the summer sky. FREE. When: Thursdays, 4pm–9pm. Where: Urban Art Collective Parking Lot, 1088 Somerset St W, Ottawa.
40. Orleans Farmers’ Market
Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts & more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it. Admission: FREE. When: Thursdays 11am-4pm. Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex Parking Lot, 1675 10th Line Rd, Ottawa.
41. Main St Farmers’ Market
Support the local farmers’ market every Saturday from May to October and discover the finest fresh produce, baked goods, pantry staples, crafts, hot meals and more. Admission: FREE. When: Saturdays from 9am-2pm until October. Where: Grande Allée Park, 185 Main Street, Ottawa.
42. Wakefield Market
Experience the charm of the Wakefield Market, a lively outdoor market happening every Saturday from May to October. Admission: FREE. When: Saturdays from 9am-2pm until October. Where: 38 Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield, Wakefield, Québec.
43. Westboro Farmers’ Market
This vibrant market offers a diverse selection of farm-fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, and handcrafted items—all sourced within 100 km of Ottawa. Visitors can enjoy live music, a variety of food options, and a welcoming community atmosphere. FREE. When: Saturdays, starting May 17, 9am-3pm. Where: Byron Linear Park, 579 Byron Avenue, Ottawa
44. Nepean Night Market
Enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks, groove to live music, and soak in the community atmosphere. Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes. Dogs are welcome and treats are available on site! FREE. When: Sundays, starting from May 18, 5pm-9pm. Where: Mr. Lube parking lot, 1442 Baseline Road, Ottawa.
45. Metcalfe Farmers’ Market
Enjoy the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market every Saturday from May to October! (No market on Oct 4) With over 45 friendly vendors to explore, you’ll find something special every time. Plus, there’s free parking and you can bring your furry friend along for the fun! Free Admission. From 9am to 1pm. At 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
46. Carp’s Farmers Market
Discover Eastern Ontario’s biggest producer-run farmers’ market, featuring 100+ vendors with farm-fresh produce, artisan crafts, and homemade baked goods. Free Admission. Every Saturday from May to the end of October from 8am to 1pm. At 790 Carp Rd, Ottawa.
47. NCC Weekend Bikedays
As of May 10 three Ottawa parkways will be closed to vehicular circulation so you can use them whether you’re biking, walking, in-line skating, using a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller. FREE. When: May 10 to October 13. Where: Kichi Zibi Mikan: 8am-noon. George-Etienne Cartier Parkway: 8am-4pm. Queen Elizabeth Driveway: 8am-8pm.
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