33 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend | Nov 14-16

The weather may be getting colder, but the lineup of weekend events in Ottawa isn’t slowing down! Check out this post for fun things to do in the capital this weekend: Crave Food & Wine Festival, the World Multicultural Festival, hockey games, and of course, holiday markets, and even the first Santa Claus Parade in the west end!
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17 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa

1.Crave Food & Wine Festival

An event bringing together the best of Ottawa’s restaurants, breweries, and distilleries, with a taste of the international as well. A feast for the eyes and the stomach. Tickets from $20.
When: Nov 14–15, 4 pm–10 pm
Where: Rogers Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://www.craveottawa. ca/

Photo: craveottawa. ca

2. World Multicultural Festival

Travel around the world in just one building at the World Multicultural Festival. Bringing together over 72 countries under one roof, it’s a chance to experience Canada’s rich cultural mosaic with food, dance, music, and more. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 12 pm–9 pm
Where: Horticulture Building (Lansdowne Park), 1525 Princess Patricia
Way, Ottawa
Details: On Facebook

3. Cineplex Community Day

Nothing beats enjoying a good family film on the big screen. Cineplex is here to help with their Cineplex Community Day: a morning of free movies, $3 concessions, and a playcard for the XSCAPE Entertainment Centre. Treat yourself and the kids to a morning movie marathon. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 9 am–11 am
Where: Various Cineplex theatres in Ottawa
Details: https://www.cineplex.com/promos/community- day

4. Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade

The annual Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade kicks off the season with plenty of floats, mascots, entertainers, bands, and of course, the jolly old elf himself. Start getting your Xmas list together. FREE.
When: Sunday, Nov 16, 5:30 pm
Where: Along Strandherd Dr from Beatrice Dr to Greenbank, Barrhaven
Details: https://santaclausbarrhaven. com/

5. HoliYay Craft Market

Check off your Xmas list and support local artists at the HoliYay Craft Market. Local creative culture is on display with vendors offering everything you need for hard-to-buy-for people. Come for the crafts or just to enjoy the festive spirit. FREE.
When: Sunday, Nov 16, 11 am–5 pm
Where: Atrium O’Brien (NAC), 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/39803
6. Ottawa Senators vs Los Angeles Kings
It’s hockey night in the capital as the Ottawa Senators aim to dethrone the Los Angeles Kings. The Sens will be igniting the red with their alternate red jerseys on full display. Come cheer the Sens on!
Tickets from $54.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 7 pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Kanata
Details: https://www.nhl.com/ senators/
7. Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival
Discover breathtaking Canadian short films celebrating adventure, conservation, and diversity at ByTowne Cinema’s one-night showcase. Tickets $25.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 6 pm
Where: ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St, Ottawa
Details: https://cpaws-ov-vo.org/ottawa-outdoor-film-festival -2025/
8. One World Bazaar

Discover unique home décor, 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 Artisan Appreciation Weekend. FREE.
When: Nov 14-16. Fri–Sun 10am–5pm.
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick.

9. One & Only Arts and Craft Fair

Explore local handmade treasures in a festive atmosphere with a book sale and community vibe. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 10 am
Where: Sandy Hill Community Centre, 250 Somerset St E, Ottawa
Details: On Eventbrite.

10. 613 Flea

Find a unique mix of makers, bakers, artists, artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs, alongside vendors offering antiques, upcycled and recycled goods, vintage clothing, vinyl records, comics, delicious foods, and one-of-a-kind finds. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 10am–4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
Details: IG @613flea

11. Minoshkite Indigenous Music & Arts Festival
Celebrate Indigenous culture through music, art, youth programs, and local artisans at this vibrant Ottawa festival. FREE.
When: Nov 13–14, 7 pm
Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/minoshkite-indigenous-music-arts-the-bronson-tickets/14647453?pl= TheBronson
12. Ottawa 67’s Games
Cheer on the Ottawa 67’s as they face the Sarnia Sting on Friday night and the Niagara IceDogs on Saturday afternoon, with thrilling plays and an electric crowd. Tickets from $25.
When: Friday, Nov 14, 7 pm – Saturday, Nov 15, 3 pm
Where: The Arena at TD Place, Ottawa.
13. Glebe Craft & Artisan Fair
Explore handmade treasures and support over 100 local artisans in a vibrant community setting. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 10 am; Sunday, Nov 16, 11 am
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://www.gnag.ca/glebe-craft- artisan-fair/
14. Christmas Farmers Market
Don’t miss this outdoor holiday market with one-of-a-kind gifts, hot drinks, and food treats. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 10 am–2 pm
Where: 670 Cedarview Rd, Ottawa
Details: https://thelogfarm.com/christmas- market/
15. Holiday Magic Craft Show
A lively marketplace where 50 juried artists and artisans share handmade treasures, from intricate jewelry to cozy knitwear and whimsical holiday décor. Take a break with lunch or treats from the Optimist Club of Vanier’s bake sale, and soak in the festive community vibe. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 10 am–4 pm
Where: Lester B. Pearson High School, 2072 Jasmine Cres, Ottawa
16. Orleans United Church Christmas Bazaar
Discover handmade treasures and festive fare at this community-favourite holiday bazaar. Expect knitted goods, woodworking, upcycled and eco-friendly crafts, preserves, books, a silent auction, and more, all crafted and contributed by church members. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 9 am–2 pm
Where: 1111 Orleans Blvd, Ottawa
17. Holiday Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses
Explore over 275 local vendors and artisans inside the verdant expanses of Robert Plante Greenhouses. Find hand-printed stationery, reclaimed-wood décor, gourmet cookie boards, and small-batch hot chocolate mixes. Enjoy cozy drinks while browsing—pet-friendly too! FREE.
When: Nov 15–16, 9 am–4 pm
Where: 4228 Navan Rd, Navan

More things to do in Ottawa this weekend

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

18. The Elephant Girls

The Elephant Girls is a tale of a devious, all-female gang in London, told by Maggie Hale in a pub, about who they were and what they did. Admission: $5-30 (pick your price).                                                                                    When: Wednesday, Nov 12-16 at 2pm or 7:30pm. Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St. W, Ottawa.

19. Celine Dion Tribute: An Evening of Iconic Ballads – SOLD OUT
Ottawa’s own Romy Mounzer leads a live ensemble through Dion classics
like “The Power of Love,” “Because You Loved Me,” and “My Heart Will
Go On.” Perfect for a romantic night out or heartfelt sing-along.
When: Thursday, Nov 13, 7 pm
Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Blvd, Ottawa.

20. CU_lture Open Houses

Experience CU_lture Open Houses at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. Casually explore stunning architecture, vibrant art, and live performances. Enjoy refreshments, connect with fellow art lovers, and discover emerging talent. Presented by Carleton University Art Gallery (CUAG), the School of Studies in Art and Culture (SSAC) and Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (CDCC). FREE.
When: Thursday Nov 13, 5pm-7pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (CDCC), 290 Lisgar Street. Details: https://carleton.ca/cdcc/ cu-lture

21. European Union Film Festival

For the 40th edition of this festival, one film from each of the 27 European Union member states will be presented. A selection of European films will also be available for online screening across Canada from December 1 to 15.
Single ticket: $15
When: November 14–29, various times
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, Alma Duncan Salon, Level 3, 10 Daly Avenue
Details: https://www.cfi-icf.ca/euff25

22. Bhat Boy: Artist Showcase (Vernissage & Tea Party)
Ottawa artist Bhat Boy is revealing his latest painting, “National Capital Legacy” at the Salon Des Bananes gallery in Ottawa. The National Capital Legacy art piece was commissioned by the National Capital Commission for its 125th anniversary, and will be displayed in the public area of the NCC’s new headquarters. The painting measures an impressive 9′ x 9′, and has never before been seen by the public – you will be among the first! The Salon Des Bananes is proud to host a two-day Artist Showcase featuring this artwork and other large-scale pieces painted by Bhat Boy (who will also be present to meet and greet all attendees).
VERNISSAGE
Nov 14, 2025
6pm-9pm
TEA PARTY
Nov 15, 2025
2pm-4pm

Where: Salon Des Bananes gallery, 2207 Carling Ave.

Tickets / RSVP:
https://www.salondesbananes.com/ bhat-boy-artist-showcase
23. Laylit

Laylit is a platform and collective celebrating music and artists from the Arab/SWANA region and its diaspora, whose iconic dance parties in New York City and Montreal have become a highly anticipated social gathering. Admission: $30. When: Friday, Nov 14 from 9pm-2am. Where: Gridwrks, 221 Rideau Street, Ottawa.

24. Homes for the Holidays

This cherished Ottawa tradition brings together friends and family to celebrate the season by touring stunning homes, beautifully decorated in holiday style. Admission: $65.                                                                              When: Friday, Nov 14-16 from 10am-4pm. Where: 1818 Farm and Cidery, 1811 Richardson Side Road, Ottawa.

Saturday

25. The Strumbellas: School House

Canadian indie-rock mainstay The Strumbellas bring their “Into Dust Tour” to Ottawa, joined by hometown rising trio School House. Expect a lively set full of sing-alongs, deep cuts, and surprises in an intimate 19+ setting. Tickets from $58.58.
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 7 pm
Where: The Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa

26. Nate Smith

Experience Nate Smith live at Hard Rock LIVE, showcasing his signature mix of gritty backwoods soul, swagger, and powerful vocals. Admission: $80+. When: Saturday, Nov 15 at 8pm. Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa.

Sunday

27. Mongolian Folk Rock

Experience the electrifying fusion of traditional Mongolian folk music and rock as HANGGAI takes you on a musical journey across Canada. Admission: Starting from $47.19. When: Sunday, Nov 16 from 7:30-9:30pm.      Where: The Bronson Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa.

28. Ottawa Irish Arts 50th Anniversary Ceili

The largest céilí in years, Ottawa Irish Artsis celebrating 50 years in Ottawa. You are all invited to dance to live Irish music, enjoy food, and win door prizes. Family friendly atmosphere, no experience needed. FREE 12 and under, Adults starting at $12 online. When: Sunday Nov 16, 2pm-5pm. Where: St Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 Saint Patrick St., Ottawa. Details on Eventbrite.

Next Week

29. BIF NAKED – Award-Winning Documentary Film, Live Concert and Q & A
Experience Bif Naked Up Close: Her Acclaimed Documentary, Live Acoustic. Concert and Heartfelt Q & A in One Inspiring Night. A raw portrait of the woman who redefined rock and resilience. This powerful journey of truth, triumph, and unshakable spirit has been receiving standing ovations at every stop so far.
Don’t Miss Out! Tickets: $42.46
When: Friday, Nov 21, 8pm-10:45pm
Where: Canadian Museum of History Theatre, 100 Rue Laurier Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8.

More recurring events in Ottawa

30. 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.
When: Oct 3-Dec 6.
Where: Various small halls across Eastern Ontario, including around Ottawa and neighbouring towns.

31. 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 by reserving online. When: Dec 6, 2024-Jan 6, 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca

32. 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.
33. 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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