39 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend | Oct 31-Nov 2

It’s Halloween weekend! Are you looking for fun things to do in Ottawa? From the Day of the Dead Festival, to Women’s Day in Manotick, the Ottawa Pet Expo, and hockey games, you’ll certainly find something to do. Check out the post and share it with your friends.

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17 events you don’t want to miss this Halloween weekend in Ottawa

1.Day of the Dead Festival

Come celebrate the Day of the Dead Festival. Highlighting Mexican culture and the tradition of Dia de los Muertos, there will be food, dancing, live entertainment, costume parade, and much more. It’s family friendly and FREE.
When: Oct 31–Nov 2, Fri 3pm-8pm; Sat 12pm-8pm; Sun 12pm-6pm.
Where: ByWard Market neighbourhood, Ottawa
Details: https://www.dayofthedeadfestival. ca/

Photo: Ottawa Is Not Boring

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. Until Nov 23. This weekend is Day of the Dead Cultural Weekend. FREE.

When: When: Oct 31-Nov 2. Fri–Sun 10am–5pm.
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick.

Photo: oneworldbazaar . ca

3. Ottawa Pet Expo

The event your best friend will love you for is back again. The Ottawa Pet Expo is the largest pet festival in the capital, with over 200 vendors, presentations, a canine agility course and of course grooming services. There’s something for everything from reptiles to rabbits to rottweilers. Tickets from $16.
When: Nov 1–2, Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm.
Where: The EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://ottawapetexpo. ca/

4. Women’s Day

A celebration of women and local businesses is what Women’s Day-Manotick is offering up. Pick up your Women’s Day passport at over 40 participating shops in the village, and collect stamps for prizes plus amazing deals along the way. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 1, from 10am-4pm
Where: Various locations, Manotick Village
Details: https://manotickvillage.com/event/womens -day/

5. Ottawa Senators vs Calgary Flames

Time for some sweet hockey as the Senators look to douse the flames from Calgary. Enjoy a spooky time at the CTC by wearing your best costume, going for a very special Sens Trick or Treat, and the first 5000 fans receive a free Halloween bucket courtesy of Mars. Prepare for your Sens scare. Tickets from $46.
When: Thursday, Oct 30, at 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Kanata
Details: https://www.nhl.com/ senators/

6. 67’s vs London Knights

If you survive the spooky Sens night, test your bravery again as the 67’s look to say goodnight to the Knights of London. The team will be sporting special Halloween-themed jerseys for the night, so wear your best costume to cheer along. It’s going to be a ghoulishly good time. Tickets from $25.
When: Friday, Oct 31, at 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa.

7. Nature Nocturne

For Halloween, be trapped in a castle filled with animals, bugs and dinosaurs at Nature Nocturne-Masquerade. DJs, dancing, dinos, displays, and plenty of scares as you experience all the museum’s galleries after hours. Tickets from $39.
When: Friday, Oct 31, from 8pm-12am.
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, Ottawa
Details: IG @naturenocturne

8. Ottawa Children’s Storytelling Festival

Cheer as magical storytellers enchant kids with creative tales, crafts and bilingual fun for ages 3-10. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 1, 10am-1:30pm
Where: Various locations, Ottawa (hosted by Ottawa Public Library & Ottawa StoryTellers)
Details: https://www.ottawastorytellers.ca/childrens- storytelling-festival

9. Orleans Comic Book & Novelty Show

Dive into over 100 vendor tables of comics, collectibles and cosplay fun for all ages. FREE.
When: Sunday, Nov 2, 11am-5pm
Where: Place d’Orléans, 110 Place d’Orléans Drive, Ottawa
Details: On Facebook

10. Salon THÉ-rrifiant

Step into a hauntingly charming outdoor tea-party setting with treats, chilling tree-lit ambiance and candy for all. FREE.
When: Friday, Oct 31, 5pm-8pm
Where: Rideau Hall (Grille Thomas, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa)
Details: https://gg.ca/fr/visitez-nous/rideau-hall/evenements/rideau- halloween-salon-rrifiant

11. Halloween Costume Party & Social

Get ready for Ottawa’s biggest Halloween social, an evening of costumes, cocktails, and connection! Whether you come solo or with friends, you’ll find an upbeat crowd of 20s–30s locals ready to mingle, dance, and celebrate the spooky season in style. Tickets from $15.
When: Friday, Oct 31, 8pm-10:30pm
Where: The Office Resto Pub – Downstairs, 202 Sparks Street, Ottawa.

12. Pitbull Ottawa Halloween

Pitbull Events brings an unforgettable party featuring electrifying beats by international superstar J. Warren, a thrilling costume contest with a $500 grand prize, and immersive spooky shows throughout the venue. The Bronson Centre will be transformed with themed decorations and a haunting atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for dancing, socializing, and celebrating Halloween in style. Tickets from $40.
When: Friday, Oct 31, 9pm
Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa.

13. Disco Inferno Halloween Party

The Overflow Brewing Company transforms into a retro dance haven featuring Disco Inferno, a 10-piece band known for their high-energy performances of classic disco hits from the ’70s and ’80s. Dress in your grooviest disco attire — think glitter, bell-bottoms, and platform shoes — and dance the night away to timeless anthems. This 19+ event promises a night of spooky fun, fabulous costumes, and nonstop dancing. Tickets from $35.
When: Friday, Oct 31, 7pm–11pm
Where: Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Ave, Ottawa

14. Have a Halloween Like No Other

You’re in for a wicked good time this Halloween, all you have to do is find the perfect costume!
Admission: FREE (dinner and drinks not included)
When: Friday, Oct 31, at 7 p.m. (when the music starts)
Where: Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy, 3 Bd du Casino, Gatineau

15. Traditions Christmas Craft Show

Explore handcrafted treasures from 70+ local artisans, perfect for unique holiday gift ideas and one-of-a-kind décor. FREE.
When: Nov 1–2, 10am
Where: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, 1515 Tenth Line Road, Ottawa
Details: https://www.nationalcapitalartisans.ca/sirwil- fall-2025

16. Christmas Bazaar Parkdale United Church

Delight in homemade baking, crafts, jewellery, books and collectibles at this spirited community sale. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 1, 9am-noon
Where: 429 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://parkdaleunitedchurch .ca/

17. All Saints Craft Fair

Jump into early holiday shopping with 170+ artisan tables, unique gifts and café treats for a cause. Tickets from $2.
When: Saturday, Nov 1, 10am-3pm
Where: All Saints High School, 5115 Kanata Avenue, Kanata
Details: https:// ash.ocsb.ca/

More things to do this Halloween weekend in Ottawa

Wednesday and Thursday

18. Monster Mixtape with the NAC Orchestra

An unforgettable mix of classical mastery and cinematic magic where the orchestra brings to life pieces perfect for the season, from Danse macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns to the iconic themes from The Nightmare Before Christmas and other favourite film scores like Psycho, Signs, Jaws and Harry Potter. All ages welcome, spooky, not scary. Tickets from $31. Under 30 and Indigenous ticket options are available.
When: Oct 29–31, 8pm
Where: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa.

19. Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt

Bring your little ones for a fa-boo-lous day exploring hidden Halloween surprises underground at the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum.
Admission: $13
When: Thursday–Friday, Oct 30–31, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, 3929 Carp Rd, Ottawa.

20. Zara & Pull & Bear Sample Jacket Sale

Exclusive Sample Jackets 60–80% off. All jackets only $39.99–$49.99. Men, women, kids. Limited quantities! Visa | Mastercard | Interac | Apple Pay | Cash.
When: Oct 30-Nov 1. Thu-Fri 10am–8pm. Sat 10am–3pm.
Where: Holiday Inn Ottawa, 1199 Joseph Cyr St.

Friday

21. The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Film and Concert

Seventeen Voyces, Ottawa’s premier chamber choir, presents the silent film classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame with live choral and organ accompaniment.
Admission: $30
When: Friday, Oct 31, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 130 Glebe Avenue, Ottawa.

22. Halloween Party Ottawa

Ready for the biggest disco of Fall 2025? The largest Halloween Party for our best guests! DJ, awesome costumes, bar, and delicious snacks — an atmosphere you’ll never forget!
Tickets: $49.64
When: Friday, Oct 31, at 8 p.m.
Where: Preston Event Centre, 523 St. Anthony St, Ottawa

23. Layaly Arabian Night – Halloween Edition
Get ready for Ottawa’s biggest Arabian Night, Halloween-style! Experience an unforgettable evening of Middle Eastern music, vibrant vibes, and spooky elegance at Med Supper Club. Tickets available online. $ (ticketed event). When: Friday, Oct 31. Where: Med Supper Club, Ottawa. Details: giza. ca
24. Halloween Night
It’s happening. An intergalactic space disco is landing at Rabbit Hole. The biggest Halloween party in the known universe. Dj EASY EL DEE on deck, spinning a set that’s guaranteed to send Sparks Street into orbit. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Best costume. -No tickets required, 15$ cover at the door or book your table/ guest list early at Rabbit Hole’s website. And plenty more out-of-this-world surprises still to come. Friday, October 31,When: Friday, Oct 31, starting at 10:30pm.
Where: Rabbit Hole, 208 Sparks Street.

25. Haunted Manor Halloween Party – SOLD OUT

Step into the 7th Annual Haunted Manor Halloween Party at Manor Lounge, Ottawa’s premier Halloween celebration for guests 19+. Enjoy a night of thrills with live DJ music, themed cocktails, games, and surprises. Show off your creativity in the costume contest with $1,000 in prizes for best solo, couple, and group costumes (judging starts at midnight).
When: Friday, Oct 31, 9pm–2am
Where: Manor Lounge, 292 Elgin Street, Ottawa.

Saturday

26. MAA Inspirations Small Treasures Art Show & Sale

Discover a collection of small-format original paintings created by local artists at this intimate exhibition presented by the Manotick Art Association. The wide range of styles, subjects, and emotions makes this show a true treasure for art lovers and collectors alike. Every piece is priced at $250 or less, making it easy to find something special to brighten your space or surprise someone you love. FREE.
When: Nov 1–2, Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 11am-4pm.
Where: Manotick United Church (Lower Hall), 5567 Manotick Main St, Manotick.

27. Kimono Fashion Show

Explore the elegance and cultural richness of the Kimono Fashion Show, presented by the Ottawa Japanese Community Association.
Admission: $50
When: Saturday, Nov 1, at 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

28. Scaramouche: Celebrating the Music of Queen

With a passion for capturing the legendary energy and vocals of Freddie Mercury and the iconic sound of Queen, this talented combo brings the magic of classic hits to the stage.
Admission: $56.75
When: Saturday, Nov 1, at 8 p.m.
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean

29. El Día de los Muertos
Celebrate Ottawa’s biggest Latin Night with the vibrant energy of El Día de los Muertos! Dance the night away at Boujie with Latin beats and festive décor in honour of this iconic cultural tradition. $ (ticketed event). When: Saturday, Nov 1. Where: Boujie, Ottawa. Details giza. ca

More recurring events in Ottawa

30. 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: Oct 10-31, all day.
Where: Westboro Village, Ottawa.

31. 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.

32. 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.

33. Frightfest
Come for nights of heart-pounding thrills, chills, and unforgettable fun. With 7 haunted attractions, street theatre and food booths galore, you’ll be sure to have a scary good time. Sip on Saunders Cider for liquid courage as you watch our fiery stage show, face your fears on our zipline and make sure to stop by The Farmshop for some tricks or treats on your way out! Tickets from $63.
When: Sept 20-Nov 1, 6pm-10pm (11pm on peak nights)
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd, Ottawa.

34. 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.cannamoreorchard.com/acres-of- terror

35. 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.

36. The Festival of Small Halls

The event brings first-rate Canadian artists to small-town halls for cozy performances, storytelling, foot-stomping and song singing. Expect shows at beloved halls in rural communities, both new and long-standing venues, featuring artists like Chantal Kreviazuk, Ashley MacIsaac, The Arrogant Worms, Irish Mythen, and many others. Tickets: various prices depending on the venue. This weekend: Ashley MacIsaac in Meaford, ON (Nov 1) and Fergus, ON (Nov 2)
When: Oct 3-Dec 6.
Where: Various small halls across Eastern Ontario, including around Ottawa and neighbouring towns.

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

38. Ottawa Quad Sessions Social Rollerskating
Ottawa Quad Sessions are all about fun on eight wheels. Any style of skating, all levels, no instruction, lots of watch-and-learn. Rentals (if needed) can be booked as an add-on to the admission. Tickets: $9.31-$17.31. When: Fridays from 9pm to 10:45pm. Where: Norm Fenn Gym – Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr.
39. Arboretum Hill Club
Join the AHC for a workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Fridays at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Take the Prince of Wales roundabout to the Friends of the Farm parking lot. Lots of FREE parking (but please stay out of the reserved Agriculture Canada spots).
Enjoy!

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