It’s the last weekend of Fall Rhapsody, but there’s still so much to enjoy in Ottawa! From chocolate treats and handmade treasures to furry friends, cultural celebrations, and spooky experiences, there are so many things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
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19 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Fall Rhapsody – Last Weekend
Enjoy the spectacular fall colours across Ottawa-Gatineau with a scenic drive, a colourful hiking trail or a visit to one of the region’s beautiful parks. Head to Gatineau Park and take the free shuttle from Ottawa to popular spots like Pink Lake, King Mountain and Mackenzie King Estate before the season comes to an end. FREE
When: Oct 24-25
Where: Various locations across Ottawa-Gatineau
Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/
2. Vegans Who Snack
Vegans Who Snack is back with over 70 small businesses selling vegan snacks, treats, groceries, art, self-care products and more. Enjoy local music while supporting small businesses and makers. FREE
When: Oct 24, 12pm-4pm (rain date: Oct 25)
Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Ave.
Details: IG @veganswhosnack
3. Signatures Handmade Market
Shop Canadian-made treasures at the Signatures Handmade Market, featuring over 70 artisans, artists and makers from across the country. Browse unique jewellery, fashion, ceramics, home décor, skincare and handmade gifts, and enjoy live music, food and drinks. $4, $6, $8
When: Oct 22-25. Thu-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way
Details: https://signaturesottawa.ca/
4. One World Bazaar
Travel the world without leaving the Ottawa area! This unique shopping experience takes over a historic barn filled with handcrafted treasures, jewellery, home décor, fashion and gifts from artisans around the globe. Enjoy international food, live entertainment and cultural performances while discovering one-of-a-kind finds. This weekend: Celebrating Latin America. FREE.
When: Oct 23-25. Fridays-Sundays, 10am-5pm
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd., Manotick
Details: https://www.
5. The Ottawa Chocolate Show
Calling all chocolate lovers! Meet award-winning chocolate makers and chocolatiers from across Canada, sample and shop for artisan chocolate, and attend presentations and tasting seminars. Your admission includes chocolate samples, parking and access to most seminars. Tickets: $19.95
When: Oct 24, 10am-5pm
Where: Algonquin College Event Salons, 1385 Woodroffe Ave.
Details: https://
6. World Multicultural Festival
Celebrate Ottawa’s cultural diversity at the World Multicultural Festival! Discover traditions from around the world through live multicultural performances, music, fashion shows and more. It’s an opportunity to experience the many cultures that make our community so vibrant.
When: Oct 24
Where: Sir John A. Macdonald Building, 144 Wellington St.
Details: https://
7. Ottawa Pet Expo
Calling all animal lovers! The Ottawa Pet Expo returns with more than 250 exhibitors, live demonstrations, a grooming showcase, cat shows, a Meet the Breeds area, reptiles, aquatic displays, rescues and pet-focused shopping. Bring the whole family, including your furry friends!
$16 adults; $10 youth/seniors; children 6 and under FREE
When: Oct 24-25. Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm
Where: The Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr.
Details: https://ottawapetexpo.ca/
8. Ottawa International Writers Festival
Meet celebrated Canadian and international authors at the fall edition of the Ottawa International Writers Festival. Enjoy readings, discussions and book signings featuring writers including Jody Wilson-Raybould, Cory Doctorow, Emily St. John Mandel and Chris Hedges. Several events are also available online. Tickets from $20
When: Oct 22-25. Multiple events and times
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St.
Details: https://writersfestival.org/
9. Wickedly Westboro
way. Are you brave enough? FREE.
When: Saturday Oct 24, 1pm-4pm
Where: Westboro, Richmond Road from Golden Ave to Kirkwood, Ottawa
Details: https://westborovillage.com/
When: Saturday Oct 24, 4pm-8pm
Where: Polyvalente de l’Érablière, 500 Rue de Cannes, Gatineau
Details: https://www.bougebouge.com/en/
11. Roots & Ritual: An Oddities Market
Just in time for the spooky season, this market will focus on the strange, mystical and magical. Bones, taxidermy, crystals, anything out of the ordinary. It’s the ultimate destination to discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and artisans. FREE.
When: Saturday Oct 24, 4pm-9pm
Where: The Warehouse, 28 Booth St, Ottawa
Details: IG @zibican
12. Capital Comic Book Convention
When: Sunday Oct 25, 11am-4pm
Where: R.A. Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr., Ottawa
Details: https://capitalcomiccon.com/
thank you. Tickets $10
When: Oct 24-25,10am-4pm
Where: Université Saint-Paul University, 223 Main Street, Ottawa
Details: https://ottawabookfair.ca/
When: Sunday Oct 25, from 1pm-4pm
Where: Ottawa Humane Society Adoption Centre, 245 West Hunt Club Rd., Ottawa
Details: https://www.ottawahumane.ca/
events/
When: Oct 22-25, various times
Where: La Fab sur Mill Arts Centre, 8 ch Mill, Chelsea, QC
Details: https://www.
16. Rugby Canada WXV Ottawa V England
Cheer on Canada’s premier women’s rugby team as they clash with England’s formidable Red Roses. Tickets from $47
When: Friday, Oct 23, 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, The Glebe
Details: https://www.tdplace.ca
17. Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers
When: Saturday, Oct 24, 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
When: Sunday, Oct 25, 3pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.tdplace.ca
When: Sunday, Oct 25, 3pm
Where: Pinecrest Recreation Complex, 2250 Torquay Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://ticketscene.ca/events/
More fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
20. Rogers v. Rogers
Step inside one of Canada’s most dramatic corporate battles in this sharp and entertaining one-man play starring Tom Rooney, exploring the Rogers family’s fight for control of its telecom empire alongside the company’s multibillion-dollar takeover of Shaw Communications. Admission: $30+.
When: Oct 20-Nov 1. Tue-Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun 2pm.
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street West, Ottawa.
Details: https://www.gctc.ca/shows/
21. Star Wars and Beyond
Feel the power of the Force as the NAC Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary scores from the Star Wars saga, led by conductor Damon Gupton. Presented in English with French subtitles. Tickets: from $33.
22. Gabriella Olivo
A spellbinding night of dreamy, Spanish-language indie-pop from the Quebec City singer-songwriter. Revisiting her Mexican heritage, her airy compositions and soft voice drift somewhere between daydream and introspection, drawing listeners into a tender, melancholic world of love, passion, and heartbreak. Tickets: $25.
23. Watson’s Mill Haunt Nights
Get ready for three nights of Halloween thrills as historic Watson’s Mill transforms into three floors of chilling haunted mazes designed to put a tingle in your spine and a chill in your bones. Recommended for ages 10+. Admission: $10-$15.
When: Oct 22-24.
Where: Watson’s Mill, 5525 Dickinson Street, Manotick.
Details: https://watsonsmill.com/
Saturday
24. Stittsville Oktoboofest 2026
When: Saturday, Oct 24, 10am-2pm
Where: Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena, 10 Warner-Colpitts Lane, Stittsville
Details: On Facebook
25. Marianas Trench
The beloved Vancouver pop-rockers hit the stage at HISTORY, one of the city’s newest live-music venues on Rideau Street. Fronted by singer-songwriter-producer Josh Ramsay, the band spent the 2000s and 2010s building one of the most devoted fanbases in Canadian rock, and their shows are known for big harmonies, theatrical hooks, and plenty of crowd singalongs. Fellow Vancouver-area act Fionn, a sibling duo with tight harmonies of their own, opens the night. All ages. Tickets: from $115.40.
26. Bytown Brawl II: The Tradition Continues
When: Saturday, Oct 24, 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.tdplace.ca/event/
27. Thread Heads: Fabric & Fashion Market
A weekend celebration of slow fashion, sewing, and sustainable shopping, bringing together local designers, fabric vendors, and sewing supplies under one roof, plus a fashion show and talks on garment making, mending, and conscious fashion. A toiletries drive and pay-what-you-can fabric booth support the Parkdale Food Centre. FREE.
28. Deliria
Embrace spooky season with an ethereal 18+ burlesque and cabaret show filled with glamour, Halloween-inspired performances, dazzling feats, and a pre-show market featuring local vendors. Admission: $38.61+.
When: Saturday, Oct 24 at 8:30pm. Market opens 7:30pm.
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, Richcraft Theatre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa.
Details: https://shenkmanarts.ca/en/
29. Halloween Heist
Families explore the historic museum and grounds on a self-guided adventure, collecting clues and completing activities to unlock the secret hiding place and claim a sweet reward. Costumes encouraged, with special guest The Zoo Crew; best suited for kids 10 and under. Tickets: from $28.75 per group (up to 6), plus tax.
30. Halloween Hijinks
A silly, gently spooky Halloween celebration built for younger kids, with a machine-themed twist this year. In-costume little ones can follow Mani Monster through his favourite contraptions, take part in machine-themed games and crafts, build their own marvelous machines, visit the animals from The Zoo Crew, and collect treats along the way, all set among the vintage buildings of a 1920s-30s heritage village. Best suited for children 10 and under. Tickets: $24.04 per group (up to 6), plus tax.
Sunday
Experience the classic silent horror film The Phantom of the Opera with an original soundtrack performed entirely live by digital accordionist Michael Bridge, bringing the sounds of a full pipe organ and more to the film’s haunting story. Admission: $35.
When: Sunday, Oct 25. 3-5:30pm and 7-9:30pm.
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Avenue, Ottawa.
Details: https://www.chamberfest.com/
32. Styx
Rock out with legendary band Styx as they bring more than five decades of classics and fan favourites to the stage, including hits such as “Renegade,” “Come Sail Away,” “Lady,” and “The Grand Illusion.” Admission: $83+.
When: Sunday, Oct 25 at 8pm.
Where: Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau.
Details: https://casinos.lotoquebec.
33. Couples Clownselling
Laugh along as professional comedians and their real-life partners air their domestic blunders, baggage, and relationship mishaps while receiving hilariously unqualified “therapy,” with audience-submitted questions adding to the chaos. Admission: $29.93.
When: Sunday, Oct 25 from 7:30-9pm.
Where: Laugh Lounge, 61 York Street, Ottawa.
Details: https://laughlounge.ca/shows/
More recurring events in Ottawa
34. Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
A stormy night, a mysterious mansion and a cult musical that has delighted audiences for decades! This outrageous stage production brings glam, comedy, unforgettable music and plenty of theatrical chaos to Ottawa. Expect bold performances, audience participation and a wildly entertaining night out. Tickets: $69. When: Oct 16-24. Fri 7:30pm; Sat 1:30pm and 7:30pm; Sun 1:30pm; Tue-Thu 7:30pm; Sat, Oct 24, 1:30pm and 5:30pm. Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa. Details: https://thegladstone.ca/
35. Sunday Swing & KS on the Keys
Love live music and dancing? Spend your Sunday evening enjoying big-band music at KS on the Keys. Listen to live musicians, hit the dance floor or simply relax and enjoy the show while ordering from the restaurant’s food and drink menu. The cover charge is just $5 at the door. When: Sunday Oct 25, 5pm-7:30pm. Where: KS on the Keys, 1029 Dazé St., Ottawa. Details: https://www.ksonthekeys.com/
36. Behind The Screams: Midway Massacre
Don’t miss this terrifying double-feature haunted house filled with immersive, cinematic rooms and spooky scare actors. Tickets from $21.36
When: Oct 2-Nov 1. Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri 5pm-1am; Sat 4pm-1am; Sun 4pm-10pm
Where: 1D Studios, 2935 Conroy Road, Ottawa
Details: https://www.1dbts.com
37. Elmvale Ward Séance
Step inside a historic Ottawa ward for an immersive Victorian séance led by Jaymes White, combining psychological illusion, suspense, history, and the paranormal in an intimate experience designed for guests 18+. Admission: $66.66.
When: Oct 2-Nov 30 on select dates.
Where: Meet inside 1D Studios, 2935 Conroy Road #100, Ottawa.
Details: https://www.jaymeswhite.com/seance/
38. Stittsville Haunted Heritage Tours
Explore the alleys and side streets of Stittsville on a 90-minute walking tour filled with eerie local legends, unexplained stories, and haunted history, with an additional tarot-reading experience offered on Saturdays. Admission: $19.56+.
When: Oct 2-Nov 7 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm.
Where: Stittsville Barber Shop, 1549 Stittsville Main Street, Ottawa.
Details: On Eventbrite.
39. ONIRO Night Walk
Journey through an illuminated forest at Parc Oméga as the story of wolf cub Oniro unfolds through spectacular projections, music, light, and immersive storytelling across 17 magical scenes. Admission: $22+; children 5 and under FREE.
When: Oct 9-31 on select dates. First departures at sunset.
Where: Parc Oméga, 399 Route 323 North, Montebello.
Details: https://www.parcomega.ca/en/the-night-time-walking-trail/
40. PumpkInferno
Thousands of hand-crafted illuminated pumpkins come to life along the historic streets of Upper Canada Village for one of Ontario’s most magical fall traditions. A stunning walk-through experience perfect for all ages. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets from $21, kids under 5 FREE. When: Oct 2-31. 7pm–10pm. Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg. Details: uppercanadavillage.com
41. Frightfest
Canada’s biggest haunted attraction returns for its 33rd year of scares. Brave the award-winning Haunted Hayride, the Barn of Terror, The Sawmill, The Shambles, and The Coven, plus a cemetery scare zone, roaming street monsters, Circus Macabre, and a fire-and-sword-swallowing stage show. Between frights, refuel at the food booths and warm up with a Saunders Cider on the CiderHouse patio. Not recommended for kids under 10. Tickets from $62.98.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, Sept 26-Oct 31
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa
Details: saundersfarm.com/frightfest
42. Acres of Terror
Eastern Ontario’s self-styled “most terrifying” Halloween attraction returns for its 31st year, run in partnership with local high school students. Four attractions span a 60-acre property: a tractor-pulled Spooky Wagon Ride narrated by a witch or warlock and stalked by 30+ live actors, the Fun-House-meets-Haunted-House House of Terror, a Fog Maze, and a Spooky Village. Weekend daytime hours are toned down for families and younger kids; nights are the real scare. Tickets: $25-$37 (30% off opening weekend).
When: Sept 25-Oct 31
Where: Cannamore Orchard, 1480 County Road 32, Crysler
Details: cannammoreorchard.com/acres-
43. sKreamers
Ottawa’s self-styled scariest haunted attraction, powered by 150+ local student volunteers. Take a ride on the wild wagon through the border forest, then brave two haunted houses, the Side Laboratory and the Front Barn, where the sKream Team lurks around every corner. Not recommended for young children. Tickets: $12.50.
When: Saturdays, Sept 26-Oct 31. Gates open at 7pm; last wagon at 9:15pm
Where: sKreamers, 1665 Frank Kenny Road, Ottawa
Details: skreamers.ca
44. Pumpkin Fest
A family-friendly daytime fall celebration where you can pick from 28 pumpkin varieties, get lost in North America’s largest collection of hedge mazes, hop on a hayride, bounce on the Jumbo Jumpers, and ride the new Saunders Safari Jeeps through the woods. A handful of haunts open during the day for light scares, plus live stage shows, play structures, and seasonal treats. Tickets from $32.98.
When: Sept 26-Nov 1, 10am-5pm
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa
Details: saundersfarm.com/pumpkinfest
45. Pumpkin Fest
Spend a day at a country farm, where you can pick your own pumpkins, ride the hayride through the “Mysterious Forest,” conquer the corn and raspberry mazes, visit the petting farm, and roam multiple outdoor playgrounds. Bring a picnic; face painting and inflatables run on weekends too. Tickets from $28.36; kids 2 and under free.
When: Sept 19-Oct 31, 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm)
Where: Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, 1865 O’Toole Road, Cumberland
Details: proulxfarm.com/pumpkinfest
46. Bar 7
Bar 7 is a well-known hangout in the region. Its cozy and intimate setting makes it the perfect place to celebrate happy hour with friends and co-workers. Once the sun sets, bands and DJs take centre stage to delight a dancing crowd. You won’t want to miss these live music nights! Country Wednesdays, Latin Thursdays, Rythmik Nights (Fridays and Saturdays). Free entry. When: Until Oct 31, 7pm. Where: Bar 7, Hotel Casino Lac Leamy, 3 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau.
47. Le Petit Chef
An immersive dining experience where “the world’s smallest chef” is brought to life on your plate through 3D projection, turning each of the five courses into part of a playful animated story that unfolds on your table between dishes. Tickets: from $129 + tax. (Until Nov 8)
When: By reservation.
Where: Tulip Restaurant, Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Ottawa Downtown, 361 Queen Street, Ottawa.