Winterlude may be over, but the events and things to do in Ottawa don’t stop. Take advantage of the warmer weekend ahead to go out and see what’s happening around the city. Check out this post to make your weekend plans.
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14 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend
1.Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Ring in the Lunar New Year in Ottawa’s Chinatown with a vibrant parade featuring traditional lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, music, and festive community spirit. FREE.
When: Saturday Feb 21 from 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: Somerset Street West, Chinatown, Ottawa
Details: https://
2. Great Canadian Kilt Skate
Celebrate winter at the Great Canadian Kilt Skate, where skaters of all ages take to the ice in kilts in a lively celebration of Scottish heritage and community fun. FREE.
When: Saturday, Feb 21 from 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Lansdowne Skating rink, Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa.
Details: https://www.
3. RCMP Musical Ride Stables Open House
Explore the home of the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride with stable tours, horse demonstrations, family activities, and a behind-the-scenes look at Canada’s iconic equestrian unit. FREE.
When: Saturday, Feb 21 from 10 am to 3 pm
Where: RCMP Musical Ride Stables, 1 Sandridge Road, Ottawa
Details: https://rcmp.ca/en/
4. BeYOUtiful Women’s Expo
Discover a day dedicated to empowerment, wellness, fashion, beauty, and inspiration at the BeYOUtiful Women’s Expo, featuring local vendors, speakers, shopping, and community connection. Tickets $10.
When: Sunday, Feb 22 from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans
Details: on Eventbrite
5. Ottawa Boat and Outdoors Show
Browse the latest boats, outdoor gear, marine accessories, and adventure exhibits at the Ottawa Boat and Outdoors Show, showcasing top brands and expert advice for outdoor enthusiasts. Tickets start at $15.
When: Thursday, Feb 19 to Sunday, Feb 22
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
6. Ottawa StoryTellers’ Signature Series – Recovering Romantic
Enjoy an evening of captivating true stories at Ottawa StoryTellers’ Signature Series, featuring heartfelt and humorous tales exploring the theme “Recovering Romantic.” Tickets $25.
When: Sunday, Feb 22 at 2 pm
Where: Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
7. 67’s Games
Cheer on Ottawa’s junior hockey team when they battle against the Niagara Ice Dogs and North Bay Battalion. Tickets $25.
When: Friday, Feb 20 at 7 pm vs Niagara
Sunday, Feb 22 at 3 pm vs North Bay
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St
8. Metcalfe Farmers’ Market
Fresh produce, homemade treats, and small-town charm all in one lively Saturday stop. Come hungry and leave with your tote bag full. FREE.
When: Saturday, Feb 21, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr, Ottawa
Details: IG @metcalfefarmersmarket
9. Capital Sessions
Feel the beat and jump into a high-energy outdoor house dance session with live DJs and community vibes. Whether you’re dancing or just soaking it in, it’s a fun way to move this weekend. FREE.
When: Sunday, Feb 22, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Peter A. Herrndorf Plaza, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
10. Salon du livre de l’Outaouais
Dive into a weekend of books, author talks, and literary discoveries at one of Quebec’s biggest French-language book fairs. Meet writers, browse new releases, and celebrate the joy of reading. Tickets from $6, FREE for 12 years old & under.
When: Feb 19–22
Where: Palais des congrès de Gatineau, 50 boulevard Maisonneuve, Gatineau
11. Whisky Wonderland
Warm up your weekend with an evening of bold pours and smooth sips at this winter whisky tasting experience. Meet distillers, discover new favourites, and toast the season in a cozy, festive setting. Tickets starting around $189.
When: Saturday, Feb 19–21, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St
Details: whiskywonderland.ca
12. African Day on the Hill
Celebrate Black History Month in this annual cultural gala hosted by the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO). This vibrant evening brings together community members and leaders for inspiring speeches, authentic African cuisine, dynamic music and dance performances, and displays of traditional fashion. Tickets $50.
When: Saturday, Feb 21, 5 pm–11 pm
Where: La Cité, 801 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, ON
13. Sens Skills
Watch Ottawa Senators players go head-to-head in a fun, fast-paced skills competition, from fastest skater and hardest shot to puck control challenges, all in a lively fan-friendly atmosphere. Ticket price: $12.50–$20.
When: Sunday, Feb 22, 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa
14. Bring It Black: Black Future Market
This vibrant celebration for Black History Month invites the community to support and connect with local Black-owned micro businesses at a marketplace featuring unique products and services, delicious food and drink, and live entertainment showcasing Black culture and creativity. FREE.
When: Saturday, Feb 21, 11 am–5 pm
Where: Next Door Market & Event Space, 955a Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
15. Sherlock Holmes and the Locked Room
The great detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson wake up to find themselves locked in a strange room, but not alone. Lying alongside them is Holmes’s greatest adversary, the Napoleon of Crime, Professor Moriarty. But who has brought them there, and for what fiendish purpose? When escape proves impossible, the mortal enemies must join forces and, using only the clues left in the room by their mysterious captor, find the answers to these questions. Tickets $24–$39.
When: Feb 18–28
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue
16. Troupe Vertigo: Cirque Magique with the NAC Orchestra
Experience a stunning blend of jaw-dropping cirque acrobatics and live symphonic music as Troupe Vertigo returns with Cirque Magique, a theatrical spectacular that mixes elements of contemporary circus, classical dance, and awe-inspiring stunts. Featuring beloved musical moments from Wicked, the Harry Potter films, and more. Tickets start at $31.
When: Feb 19–21, 2 pm and 8 pm
Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON.
17. Goldie Boutilier: The King of Possibilities Tour
Catch Canadian singer-songwriter Goldie Boutilier live in Ottawa. An atmospheric blend of cinematic pop, a modern country vibe, and rich storytelling that brings her celebrated originals to the stage. Tickets start at $30, 19+.
When: Friday, Feb 20, 8 pm
Where: Bronson Centre Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON.
18. A Night of Classical Music
Experience the beauty of classical music live with the trio Mélodique, while supporting a great cause: the School Breakfast Program. Tickets $25.
When: Friday Feb 20, 7 pm
Where: St. Elias Banquet Centre
Details: on Eventbrite
Saturday
19. Shinrin-Yoku: Guided Nature Walk
Discover the calming practice of shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”), a mindful nature walk guided by certified interpreters that invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and connect with the natural world through gentle sensory experiences in Gatineau Park. A restorative way to enjoy the outdoors and reduce stress. Tickets $32.
When: Saturday, Feb 21, 1 pm (Session en français) and Sunday, Feb 22, 1 pm (English session)
Where: Gatineau Park, QC (trail location shared with registered participants)
20. Doktor Kaboon: Under Pressure
A show that is fun for the whole family! Interactive and original, Doktor Kaboom keeps his audiences on the edge of their seats and rolling with laughter. Doktor Kaboom understands science and presents it in a unique style guaranteed to involve, excite, educate, and entertain. Tickets $20–$35.
When: Saturday, Feb 21 at 2 pm
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Bvld, Orleans.
Next week
21. L’Outaouais en cuisine
Taste your way through the region with local chefs, producers, and food artisans showcasing the best flavours of the Outaouais. From gourmet bites to sweet treats, it’s a delicious weekend celebration of local culinary talent. Tickets $154.60.
When: Wednesday, Feb 25
Where: École hôtelière de l’Outaouais, 584 MacLaren Street East, Gatineau
22. VIGILIA: Vespers & Matins
This performance offers a fully immersive experience, with the venue glowing under the soft light of hundreds of candles. The program weaves together ancient chant and modern harmonies, brought to life through shifting combinations of choir and soloists — including powerful basso profundi — creating an intimate yet expansive soundscape. Inspired by an all-night vigil in the Finnish Orthodox Church, the music feels both deeply introspective and transcendent, made even more moving in candlelight. Fans of Rachmaninoff’s Vespers won’t want to miss experiencing this live. Tickets Free to $30.
When: Friday, Feb 27, 7 pm–9 pm
Where: 174 Wilbrod St, Ottawa
Details and tickets: https://www.zeffy.
