Ottawa will be buzzing with activities of all sorts this long weekend! From Valentines vibes to Family Day activities, you’ll certainly find tons of things to do in this post.
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Contents
19 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Winterlude Last weekend
Where: Jacques Cartier Park (Gatineau), Confederation Park, Byward Market, Sparks St, and other venues.
Details: https://www.canada.
2. Igloofest Gatineau
The coldest music festival in the world is bringing a fire lineup including the biggest international DJs, as well as local stars, interactive installations, food trucks, cold and warm drinks. Tickets: $23-$69.
When: Feb 12-14
Where: Place des Festivals Zibi (60 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau, QC J8X, Canada)
Details: https://gatineau.
3. Big Bang Festival
Music and more comes alive as the Big Bang Festival returns to the NAC. Two main concerts and four separate sound-themed rooms await you and the whole family to discover the creative side of music and soak in all the new sounds. Tickets range from FREE to $15
When: Feb 14–15, various times
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Details: https://nac-cna.ca/
4. Family Day at the RA
Enjoy a day of free sports, activities, ‘Try It’ sessions, and FUN for everyone! Move, play, and celebrate together! Choose from a variety of free or fee-based Family Day activities! Squash, Canoe camping, Kickboxing, Curling, Archery (paid), and much more. Food available for purchase.
When: Monday, Feb 16, 8am-4pm.
Where: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://www.racentre.
5. Westboro Beach Winter Carnival
Come for a day of community. Warm your fingers and toes by the bonfire, roast marshmallows, enjoy some free homemade treats and a cup of hot chocolate. Build a snow fort with our ice blocks or a snowperson. FREE but you have to book a spot. They will be offering their famous (in the neighbourhood) veggie chili for $5.00/bowl.
When: Saturday Feb 14, from noon to 2pm.
Where: Selvy Plain, 378 Selby Ave.
Details: On Facebook
6. Winterlude at the Bytown Museum
Come for a weekend of winter festivities including arts & crafts, an ice carving demonstration, costumed interpreters, and free hot drinks! Create your own Victorian puzzle purse for Valentine’s Day, build a snow fort shaped like the museum, admire the talents of Ikuo Kanbayashi as he carves an ice sculpture in front of the museum (Saturday). FREE.
When: Feb 14-16, 11am-4pm.
Where: Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa.
Details: https://bytownmuseum.
7. Create and Celebrate in Byward Market
Take part in street curling, enjoy live busking performances, family-friendly workshops, browse a vendor market, and take a scenic horse-drawn wagon or carriage ride. Explore BLCK Futures at Gallery 55, a Black History Month exhibit highlighting Black innovation, culture, and community, with featured activations throughout the weekend. FREE
When: Feb 13-16. Fri 5pm-7pm; Sat 12pm-7pm; Sun & Mon 12pm-4pm.
Where: Byward Market, 55 Byward Market Square.
8. CU_lture Open Houses
It’s time to open the door and let art, film and architecture come in with Carleton’s CUlture Open House. Take in the arts with a stroll through The Third Door art exhibit, enjoy a guided heritage architectural tour of the building, and then settle in with some student films. FREE.
When: Thursday Feb 12, from 5pm–7pm.
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar Street, Ottawa
Details: https://carleton.ca/
9. Vanier Museopark Tapping & Harvesting Maple Sap
The Vanier Museopark Sugar Shack is inviting families to get involved in the traditional first step in syrup gathering with the tapping of the trees. See how it all starts to get the sweet treat of Spring. FREE.
When: Saturday Feb 14, from 9am-12pm
Where: Vanier Sugar Shack, 320 des Pères-Blancs Ave, Vanier
Details: https://museoparc.ca/
10. 613 Flea
For that last-minute Valentine’s gift or a Day Date of shopping, 613 Flea is there for you. With over 150 vendors, from jewelry, art and crafts, clothing, and sweet treats, there’s a gift here for everyone that says Be Mine. FREE.
When: Saturday Feb 14, from 10am-3pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.613flea.
11. Undercurrents
For a taste of innovative and thought-provoking performances, the Fringe Festival’s Undercurrents will satisfy. Artists from various cultures, backgrounds, and disciplines unite to showcase their fresh art, music, and plays to you, all in an intimate setting. Tickets from $12.
When: Feb 11–14, various times
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://ottawafringe.
12. Ottawa 67’s Games
If you want to show your love of hockey and family, the Ottawa 67s have just the ticket. A Valentine’s Day match to break the hearts of the Kitchener Rangers, and a Family Day game to send the Barrie Colts trotting out of town. Make it a hockey holiday weekend. Tickets from $25.
When: Saturday Feb 14 at 3pm vs Kitchener Rangers.
Monday Feb 16, at 3pm vs Barrie Colts.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://chl.ca/ohl-
13. Embrace Winter Run
Celebrate winter with scenic runs from Kids 1K to marathon along the Ottawa River. Tickets from $35
When: Sunday Feb 15, 8am
Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
14. Harbour Harvest
Enjoy a friendly ice-fishing derby with kids’ crafts, pancake breakfast, free hot drinks, and prizes. Tickets from $18 (Family & individual options)
When: Sunday Feb 15, 9am-2:30pm
Where: Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://
15. Heated Rivalry Night
Dance to high-energy beats and queer anthems, fan moments, and crowd participation. Tickets from $15
When: Friday Feb 13, 8pm-1am
Where: The Bronson, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa
16. Brazilian Carnival
Dance to live Brazilian music, DJs, food, costumes, and vibrant Carnival energy. Tickets from $10
When: Friday Feb 13, 9pm-2am
Where: The 27 Club, 27 York St, Ottawa
17. Gatineau Loppet
Glide classic or freestyle trails in Gatineau Park at Canada’s largest ski festival. Tickets from $20.32
When: Feb 13-15, races start throughout day
Where: Gatineau Park trails, 389 Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau
Details: https://
18. Disney on Ice
Experience magical skating with Mickey, Moana, Simba and more family favourites on ice. Tickets from $28
When: Feb 12-15, check different schedules
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
19. Orleans Comic Book & Novelty Show
Browse packed aisles of comics, collectibles, and nostalgic geek favourites, from Pokémon and Hello Kitty to classic Nintendo. Eye-catching displays and costumed characters roaming the halls give the show a relaxed, family-friendly buzz, making it easy to linger whether you’re chasing a rare find or just enjoying the fandom energy. FREE.
When: Sunday, Feb 15, 11am–5pm
Where: Place d’Orléans, 110 Place d’Orléans Dr, Ottawa
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
20. The Drowning Girls
Presented by Kanata Theatre, The Drowning Girls is a haunting and darkly poetic true-crime drama that explores love, betrayal, and justice. Told through the voices of three women who shared the same husband and met a tragic fate, the play offers a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Tickets: $30.
When: Tuesday, Feb 10–14 at 7:30pm.
Where: Ron Maslin Playhouse, 1 Ron Maslin Way, Ottawa.
21. August: Osage County
This Pulitzer Prize–winning dark comedy dives deep into family dysfunction as a shattered family reunites, unleashing buried secrets, biting humor, and emotional confrontations. A gripping and intense production that balances drama with razor-sharp wit. Tickets: $42.
When: Wednesday, Feb 4–14 at 7pm.
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa.
22. Josh Ross: Later Tonight Tour
Bud Light presents Josh Ross: Later Tonight Tour, bringing one of Canada’s fastest-rising country stars to Ottawa. Expect heartfelt lyrics, high-energy performances, and fan-favourite tracks in a full-scale concert experience. Tickets: $142+.
When: Thursday, Feb 12 at 8pm.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa.
23. Thirteen Strings “Music Across Traditions” Concert
Dinuk Wijeratne makes his highly anticipated debut with Thirteen Strings in an evening that bridges Eastern and Western musical worlds. An innovative artist and JUNO Award winner, he is joined by Shawn Mativetsky, Canada’s leading ambassador of the tabla. Tickets $10-$50
When: Friday, Feb 13 at 7:30 pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa K2P 0G8
Details: https://
24. Vanier Sugar Shack
Rich forest trails and the sweet scent of maple sap set the tone for a classic sugar-season outing at Canada’s only urban sugar shack just minutes from downtown. You can watch traditional maple syrup production, savour syrup-soaked treats, and soak up a slice of Franco-Canadian heritage in a lively outdoor setting that connects community and culinary tradition. FREE admission (meals and activities may cost extra).
When: Maple season starts on February 15, Friday–Sunday, 9am-2pm
Where: Cabane à sucre Vanier | Vanier Sugar Shack — 320 Pères-Blancs Ave, Vanier.
25. Dangerous Curves Burlesque
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a bold and glamorous spectacle as Dangerous Curves Burlesque marks 10 years of dazzling performances. This special anniversary show promises confidence, creativity, and unforgettable routines in an intimate theatre setting. Tickets: $39.
When: Friday, Feb 13 at 8pm.
Where: NAC, Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
26. Find Love at the Galeries de Hull
Love is in the air! Singles aged 30 to 49 are invited to a fun and interactive speed dating event on Valentine’s Day eve. Enjoy games, appetizers, and a chance to meet someone special in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Tickets $15. Limited to 60 participants.
When: Feb 13, 6pm-9pm.
Where: Galeries de Hull, 320 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, QC J8Y 3Y8
Details: . Register here: https://go.fundating.ca/event/
Saturday
27. Chamberfest Concert Series
The Chamberfest Concert Series brings world-class chamber music to Ottawa through intimate performances by leading Canadian and international artists. The season highlights both beloved repertoire and inventive collaborations in some of the city’s most beautiful concert halls. Los Angeles Guitar Quartet: Guitarfest! pairs the legendary Los Angeles Guitar Quartet with the Canadian Guitar Quartet for an energetic night of quartets, octets, and a rousing finale featuring Ottawa’s guitar orchestra. Tickets: $45–$65.
When: Saturday, Feb 14, 7pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa
28. Family Day Winter Activities
Build whimsical paper puppets of the Museum’s cartoon avatars and ‘shop’ for accessories with play money, try your hand at making a DIY piggy bank, and strike a pose at a cheerful photo station – all while warming up and exploring interactive exhibits that make history and finance come alive. It’s a lively way to celebrate Family Day with hands-on creativity, laughter, and low-key learning for all ages. FREE.
When: Feb 14-16, 10am-5pm
Where: Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street, Ottawa
29. Igloofête
Enjoy a family event presented by Igloofest. Games, DJing workshops for children, food trucks, bars with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options, live DJ performance on main stage. FREE
When: Saturday Feb 14, 11am-4pm
Where: Place de Festivals Zibi, 60 Jos-Montferrand St, Gatineau
30. One Night Only with Tyler Shaw
Join JUNO-nominated recording artist Tyler Shaw for an intimate one-night-only Valentine’s Day experience filled with his biggest love songs and some timeless romantic classics. This special evening even includes the chance to request your favourite love songs for Tyler to perform as well as some of the standout hit singles from his debut album which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Make it a night to remember! Featuring local special guests Emma Lamontagne and Patrick Thomas. Tickets: $44.67 including tax and fees.
When: Saturday, Feb 14 (Doors open at 7pm)
Where: The Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, ON. K1R 6HR
31. Ottawa Bazaar – Ramadan & Eid Edition
Celebrate Ramadan and Eid with your family at Ottawa Bazaar. Enjoy a festive weekend with 85+ vendors, shopping, delicious food stalls, free hour of kids activities every day, event for all ages. FREE entry and parking
When: Feb 14–15 (Time: TBA)
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, Hall A & B – Gate 3, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa
32. K-pop Demon Hunters Visit The Grand
Join in for an unforgettable experience featuring the world’s most stylish K-pop Demon Hunters as they make a special appearance in Ottawa. Expect high-energy vibes, bold fashion, and plenty of photo-worthy moments for fans of K-pop culture. Tickets: FREE.
When: Saturday, Feb 14 from 1–2pm.
Where: The Grand Pizzeria, ByWard Market, 74 George Street, Ottawa.
33. Kim Mitchell & David Wilcox
See two iconic Canadian rock legends come together for a rare and powerful night of music. Kim Mitchell and David Wilcox will perform their greatest hits in an intimate setting at Ottawa’s newest entertainment venue. Tickets: $200+.
When: Saturday, Feb 14 at 7pm.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa.
34. Diefenbunker Winter Carnival
Step into winter fun and history at this unique Winterlude event, where the Cold War era comes alive with snow sculpting, tug-of-war, snow painting, and snowy trail walks around the bunker’s scenic hillside. Warm up with free hot chocolate or explore a temporary exhibit that shares stories and traditions from the historic Diefenbunker Winter Carnival. Tickets: Outdoor activities FREE; indoor exhibit included with museum admission.
When: Saturday, Feb 14, 10am–3pm
Where: Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum – 3929 Carp Rd, Ottawa
Sunday
35. Royal Wish Ball
A storybook-style afternoon where little ones can dance with their favourite characters, dive into face-painting, crafts, games, and a bouncy castle, and pose for keepsake photos – all while supporting Make-A-Wish Canada’s mission to grant magical wishes for children across the country. Tickets: $40-$60 + tax
When: Sunday, Feb 15, 1pm–3pm
Where: Orchard View Wedding & Event Centre, 6346 Deermeadow Drive, Ottawa
Monday
36. Art from the Archives: Olympic Posters
Discover the hidden artworks in the Library and Archives Canada collections and then create your own during this special Family Day edition! Our team will be there to guide you, all materials are provided, and no experience is necessary. FREE. Registration required for French workshop and for English workshop.
When: Monday, Feb 16. French workshop from 12:30 to 2pm, and English workshop from 2:30 to 4pm
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
37. Together at LAC: Explore the Winter Games
Join us for a fun, interactive, and family-friendly day celebrating the Olympic Winter Games—past, present, and future! Explore the fascinating collections of Library and Archives Canada, get creative with hands-on crafts, test your knowledge with trivia, watch the Olympics live and more! Free admission: no registration required.
When: Monday, Feb 16, from 9am to 3pm
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
38. Music Bingo
Celebrate Family Day with the Kin Club of Orleans’ Music Bingo! Sing along and dance to your favorite songs while playing bingo with a musical twist. Each ticket includes your bingo card, a bowl of chili, and tortilla chips. Beverages and snacks available for purchase. All proceeds support community projects. $15 per person (children 2 and under free).
When: Monday, Feb 16, 1–4pm
Where: Queenswood Heights Community Centre Hall, 1485 Duford Dr, Orleans
39. Ottawa Mega Heart Event
Come for a Free, Family-Friendly Celebration of Heart Health packed with educational talks on heart & vascular health, exercise demos for all ages, interactive booths with community partners, such as University of Ottawa, 1 Million Hearts, Canadian Blood Services and St. John Ambulance, a fun interactive Kids Zone and much more!
When: Monday, Feb 16, 1-4pm.
Where: Nepean Sportsplex (entrance 3) 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, ON K2G 1W2.
Details: IG @CWHHAlliance
More recurring events in Ottawa
40. Rink of Dreams
The most popular outdoor refrigerated rink in Ottawa opens for the season! Skate rentals and sharpening are available on site. Also a changing room and a BeaverTail kiosk. FREE. When: Open every day from 7am to 11pm. Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W.
41. Rideau Hall Skating Rink
Glide on the historic Rideau Hall skating rink and enjoy its cozy and beautiful Winter Pavilion. FREE. When: November 23 until March 29 (weather depending), Mon-Fri 5pm-8:30pm. Sat-Sun 1pm-8:30pm. Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive.
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-March 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca