An exciting Halloween weekend is coming up in Ottawa! There are so many things to do, from Day of the Dead celebrations to parties, expos, fall markets, sports, and more! Don’t waste a minute! Share this post with your friends and start planning your weekend!
Want this curated list of events sent straight to your inbox? Join our happy subscribers and subscribe to our free newsletter! Elevate Your Weekends
16 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Day of the Dead Festival
Celebrate Mexican culture and the tradition of Día de los Muertos at this vibrant festival featuring live music, folkloric dancers, traditional Mexican food, artisan vendors, workshops, food tastings and recipes, art exhibitions, and colourful displays honouring loved ones. FREE
When: Oct 31-Nov 1. Sat 11:30am-8:30pm; Sun 11:30am-6pm
Where: ByWard Market, Ottawa
Details: IG @bywardmarket
2. Rideau HALLoween: Under the Big Top
Step into a Halloween circus at Rideau Hall! Families can enjoy circus performances, trick-or-treating, festive activities, and a special Halloween concert inside this historic residence. FREE
When: Saturday Oct 31, 10am-12pm
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://www.gg.ca/en/visit-us/
3. Day of the Dead Celebrations
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the National Gallery of Canada with a traditional altar honouring Mexican artist Diego Rivera, cultural workshops, live music, guided exhibition tours, and festive activities. Come dressed as a Catrina for a chance to win a prize!
FREE
When: Thursday Oct 29, 5pm-8pm (altar on display until Nov 1)
Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Details: On All Events
4. Nature Nocturne: Black and White Ball
Dress in black and white for an elegant Halloween night at the Canadian Museum of Nature, featuring DJs, dance floors, interactive activities, and after-hours museum exploration.
$42 + tax (sold out)
When: Friday Oct 30. 8pm-midnight
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa
Details: IG @naturenocturne
5. Celebration of Day of the Dead
Discover the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos at this family-friendly celebration in Gatineau. Visit a monumental altar honouring three remarkable women and enjoy guided tours, cultural workshops, and activities celebrating Mexican heritage.
FREE
When: Oct 30-Nov 2, 10am-4pm
Where: Maison du Citoyen, 25 rue Laurier, Gatineau
Details: https://canada.unam.mx/
6. 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: Dia de los Muertos. FREE.
When: Oct 30-Nov 1. Fridays-Sundays, 10am-5pm
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd., Manotick
Details: https://www.
7. Ottawa Wedding Show
Planning a wedding or simply looking for inspiration? Meet wedding professionals, explore vendors, discover décor ideas, and enjoy presentations, tastings, and samples at this two-day wedding show.
$20 + HST
When: Oct 31-Nov 1, 11am-4pm
Where: Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://ottawaweddingshow.com/
8. Fresh Meat Fest
Enjoy Ottawa’s annual festival of world premiere theatre as Fresh Meat Fest returns for its 15th edition! Fresh Meat is a playground for local theatre makers of all experience levels, showcasing original and innovative short works that push the boundaries of live performance, blending theatre with dance, poetry, burlesque, clown, performance art, stand-up, comedy, storytelling, and more. Tickets start at $18 plus fees. When: Oct 28-31. Where: Arts Court Studio, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa. Details: IG @freshmeatfest
9. Fetch Local Markets – Halloween Edition
A monthly dog-friendly outdoor market featuring 30+ carefully curated local makers offering unique handmade goods, art, and products for dogs and the people who love them. Pups are the main characters here. Expect on-site dog services, partnerships with local rescues, and fundraising for animal causes alongside great vendors for everyone. Leashes required. FREE admission. When: Saturday, Oct 31, 10am to 3pm. Where: Tanger Outlets Ottawa, 8555 Campeau Drive, Ottawa. Details: IG @fetchlocalmarkets
10. Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy
Watch ten of Ottawa’s best improv comedians compete for survival, and a cash prize! Each round, performers face off in games and scenes based on audience suggestions, and YOU decide who gets eliminated until only one remains standing and is crowned Maestro. Curated and directed by Rich Hilborn and Claire Biddiscombe. Tickets start at $15. When: Saturday, Oct 31, 9pm to 10:30pm. Where: Arts Court Atelier, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa. Details: https://www.tickettailor.com/
11. Orléans Comic Book & Novelty Show
Come to Place d’Orléans Mall for a fun-filled day celebrating comics, collectibles, and pop culture! Browse local comic vendors, novelty and toy vendors, craft vendors, and meet local artists and writers. Cosplay and dress-up are encouraged. Show off your best costume! FREE. When: Sunday, Nov 1 from 11am to 5pm. Where: Place d’Orléans Mall, 110 Place d’Orléans Drive, Orléans. Details: https://www.facebook.com/
12. Latin Sparks Festival Presents: Noche de Muertos
Enjoy an elevated Latin Halloween party at the Ottawa Art Gallery, inspired by the spirit of Día de los Muertos! Dress to impress and get ready for a night of Latin DJ sets, dancing, live performances, cocktails, and a Mexican trick-or-treat snack bar. Día de los Muertos face painting is included with admission. Whether you go all out with a Halloween costume, embrace Día de los Muertos-inspired makeup, or simply dress up for a night out. Early bird tickets are $29.99. When: Saturday, Oct 31, 8pm. Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa. Details: IG @latinsparksfestival
13. Ottawa 67’s vs. Brantford Bulldogs
Catch the Ottawa 67’s take on the Brantford Bulldogs for a home game at TD Place! Tickets start at $24.65. When: Friday, Oct 30 at 7pm (doors at 6pm). Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa.
14. Atlético Ottawa vs Forge FC
Cheer on Atlético Ottawa as they host Forge FC in the first leg of the Canadian Premier League semi-final. The defending champions will be looking for a strong result at home before the series shifts to Hamilton, with a place in the CPL Final on the line. Tickets from $29. When: Sunday, Nov 1 at 2pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
15. Kawaii After Dark: Saints & Sinners Halloween Edition
Celebrate Halloween at this 19+ cosplay night in a historic church turned nightclub. Dress as your favourite saint or sinner and enjoy live performances, a K-pop dance showcase, a pole dance showcase, a shibari demonstration and a curated night market of vendors. Tickets from $27.96. When: Saturday, Oct 31, 8pm-11:30pm. Where: Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 Saint Patrick St. Details: On Eventbrite
16. Ottawa Rock N’ Gem Show
Browse crystals, minerals, fossils, gemstones, jewelry, beads, carvings and lapidary supplies from vendors from across Canada. For four days, explore thousands of unique treasures, from sparkling crystal displays and rare specimens to handcrafted jewelry and décor, and don’t miss the UV Exclusive Event on Friday night, where minerals glow under ultraviolet light. Tickets $3, $7 for a family, children 5 and under FREE. When: Oct 29-Nov 1. Thu 10am-8pm; Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 10am-5pm. Where: Cohere Centre, Hall 4, 4899 Uplands Dr. Details: https://cangems.ca/
More fun things to do in Ottawa
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
17. Leonard Cohen: Ten Years Gone
Enjoy a heartfelt musical tribute celebrating the legacy of legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, marking ten years since his passing. The performance revisits songs from across his career, blending powerful vocals and live instrumental accompaniment in an intimate, living-room-style atmosphere. Tickets: $38. When: Oct 28-Nov 7, Tue-Sat 7:30pm, Sat and Sun 2:30pm. Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa. Details: www.thegladstone.ca/shows/
18. Stravinsky Stories: Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, with the NAC Orchestra, presents a glorious ode to Stravinsky in two one-act ballets. See The Fairy’s Kiss by Alexei Ratmansky, conceived as an allegory about the seductive power of an artist’s muse, and a bold new Firebird by Houston Thomas, commissioned for Christopher Stowell’s first programmed season as the company’s new artistic director. Tickets $33-$115. When: Oct 29-31. Thu 8pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm. Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/
19. Evil Dead: The Musical
Get into the Halloween spirit with this outrageous horror-comedy musical about five college students who accidentally unleash an evil force at an abandoned cabin in the woods. The show also features a special “Splatter Zone,” where audience members in the first five rows may get covered in fake blood!Tickets: $35.99. When: Oct 29-31, Thru-Sat 7:30pm, Sat 2:30pm. Where: Richcraft Theatre, Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans. Details: www.shenkmanarts.ca/en/evil-
20. Afro-Andean Funk
The two-time Latin Grammy-nominated Afro-Andean Funk brings its Todo Migra Tour to Ottawa. Led by Peruvian singer Araceli Poma and New York bassist-producer Matt Geraghty, the ensemble weaves Andean melodies, Afro-Peruvian rhythms, jazz improvisation and funk, moving between Quechua, Spanish and English in songs about migration, memory and what travels with you when you leave home. Tickets $34-$68. When: Friday, Oct 30 at 7:30pm. Where: Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/
21. Disney Descendents: ZOMBIES” and “Camp Rock”
Enjoy an exciting Disney concert bringing together the worlds of Descendants, ZOMBIES and Camp Rock. The show features hit songs, musical mashups, energetic choreography, special effects and fan interactions. Fans can sing along to their favourite Disney songs and celebrate these popular musical franchises live on stage. Tickets start at $78.95. When: Friday Oct 30, 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa. Details: http://www.canadiantirecentre.com/
22. Silent Film: Nosferatu
Experience the classic silent horror film Nosferatu, a landmark vampire movie, presented with live music for a spooky Halloween atmosphere. The event combines the iconic black-and-white film with live choral singing, organ and violin, creating an atmospheric experience for fans of classic cinema and horror. Tickets $30. When: Oct 30-31, 7:30pm. Where: St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 130 Glebe Avenue, Ottawa. Details: www.seventeenvoyces.ca/
Saturday
23. À poils
Don’t miss this mind-blowing Unidentified Furry Object from France, for ages 3 to 8 and presented in French. To the sound of electric guitars, three tough-looking stage technicians ask the audience to help them set up the stage, before a spectacular transformation reveals the gentle, colourful animal hidden behind each shaggy beast. This 40-minute immersive show by Alice Laloy playfully reveals the mystery of the creative process to young audiences. Tickets $15. When: Oct 31-Nov 1. Sat 11am and 3pm; Sun 11am and 3pm. Where: Azrieli Studio, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/
24. Miguel de Armas and Friends
Celebrate Latin American Heritage Month with an evening of Latin American music, jazz, and vibrant rhythms. Led by a Cuban pianist, the performance brings together artists from Haiti, Colombia, and Cuba for a musical journey through Latin American cultures, different genres, traditions, and stories. Tickets: $35. When: Saturday Oct 31, 8pm. Where: Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa. Details: www.nac-cna.ca/en/event/42028
25. The Irish Descendents
Enjoy an evening of Newfoundland folk music celebrating the songs and storytelling of Canadian singer-songwriter Stan Rogers. The performance honours his musical legacy through heartfelt vocals, rich harmonies and traditional East Coast sounds, celebrating themes of the sea, community and life in Atlantic Canada. Tickets start at $45. When: Saturday Oct 31, 7:30pm. Where: Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa. Details: www.nac-cna.ca/en/event/41599
More recurring events in Ottawa
26. 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/
27. 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/
28. 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
29. 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/
30. 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.
31. 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/
32. 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
33. 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
34. 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-
35. 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
36. 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
37. 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
38. 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.
39. 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.