Looking for fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend? I’ve got you covered! I’ve been putting together weekend event lists for over 4 years, and trust me, there’s always something happening in this city. Check out the events, and share this post with your crew!
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18 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Ottawa New Music Festival
A two-day celebration of contemporary music and creative sound. The lineup features the SHHH!! Ensemble’s Starry Night album launch and Vancouver-based improvisational trio Squid in Chains on Friday. Saturday brings performances by young Ottawa pianists and soprano and pianist Rachel Fenlon, who presents a multimedia experience combining live electronics, poetry and video projections. There’s also a FREE, hands-on music discovery event for children ages 6 and up: Art Crush Discovery Zone (Sat 10am-12:30pm). Ticket prices for the other performances vary.
When: Nov 6-7. Fri 7pm-10pm; Sat 10am-12:30pm and 7pm-10pm.
Where: Alma Duncan Salon, Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave., Ottawa
Details: https://www.onmc.info/
2. 613flea
613flea is trying something new! Instead of its usual one-day market, this popular indoor marketplace is expanding to a two-day format this weekend, giving you twice as much time to explore more than 70 vendors. Browse vintage clothing, antiques, handmade goods, art, jewellery, records, delicious food and plenty of unique finds while supporting local makers and small businesses. FREE.
When: Nov 6-7. Fri 5pm-9pm; Sat 10am-4pm.
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
Details: IG @613flea
3. Women’s Day in Manotick
Grab your friends and spend the day exploring Manotick while celebrating women-owned businesses! Pick up a Women’s Day postcard at participating shops, collect stamps as you visit different businesses and enjoy special promotions along the way. It’s a great opportunity to shop local and support women entrepreneurs. FREE admission
When: Nov 7 starting at 10am
Where: Participating shops in Manotick Village
Details: On Facebook
4. Ottawa Rapid FC vs. AFC Toronto
It’s playoff time! Ottawa Rapid FC welcomes AFC Toronto to TD Place for the second leg of the Northern Super League semifinals. With a place in the championship final on the line, expect an exciting match as Ottawa fights for a spot in the final. Come out and cheer on the home team! Tickets: From $25
When: Nov 7 at 2pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
Details: https://www.ottawarapidfc.com/
5. Ottawa Canadian Film Festival
Celebrate Canadian cinema at the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival! This three-day event showcases independent filmmaking with 19 short films and two feature films across different genres, including drama, comedy, documentaries and animation. Tickets: $25 per screening; $12.50 for students, seniors and artists. Festival passes: $75 regular / $37.50 reduced.
When: Nov 6-8. Fri 7pm; Sat 11:30am and 9pm; Sun 11:30am.
Where: ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St., and Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St., Ottawa
Details: https://ocanfilmfest.ca/
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: Mediterranean Weekend. FREE.
When: Nov 6-8. Fridays-Sundays, 10am-5pm
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd., Manotick
7. Ottawa Senators vs. Utah Mammoth
Get ready for an exciting night of NHL hockey as the Ottawa Senators take on the Utah Mammoth at the Canadian Tire Centre! Cheer on the Sens as they hit the ice in front of their home crowd. Wear your team colours and get ready for some hockey action! Tickets: From $60.29
When: Nov 7 at 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Kanata
8. Ottawa 67’s vs Windsor Spitfires
When: Friday Nov 6, at 7pm
Where: TD Place, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street , Ottawa
When: Nov 6-7. Fri 6pm-11pm; Sat 12pm-11pm
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
Details: https://shenkmanarts.ca/en/
When: Saturday Nov 7, from 10am-2pm.
Where: Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
When: Nov 8-25 (Sundays), various times
Where: Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.instagram.com/p/
When: Saturday Nov 7, from 11am-3pm
Where: RiverOak, 2900 York’s Corners Road, Metcalfe
Details: https://www.riveroak.ca/scf
When: Sunday Nov 8, at 2pm.
Where: Confederation Square (National War Memorial), 53 Elgin St, Ottawa
Details: https://sites.google.com/view/
Cheer on incredibly talented blind hockey players as they compete fiercely in this inaugural tournament. The tournament will feature players who are blind or partially sighted competing at a high level, demonstrating skill, determination, and the speed of Blind Hockey. FREE
When: Nov 6-8. Fri 7pm-9pm; Sat 10am-1pm; Sat 3pm-6pm; Sun 9am-12pm
Where: Tom Brown Arena, 141 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa
Details: https://canadianblindhockey.
15. The Original Navan Market
When: Nov 8, 9:30am-2pm
Where: Navan Centennial Park, 1279 Colonial Rd, Navan
Details: IG @theoriginalnavanmarket
When: Nov 7, 9am-2pm
Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely and Parkway Church, 7275 Parkway Road, Ottawa
Details: https://metcalfefm.com/
When: Nov 7, 10am-3pm
Where: All Saints High School, 5115 Kanata Ave, Kanata
Details: https://ash.ocsb.ca/
When: Nov 7, 9am-12pm
Where: Parkdale United Church, 429 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://parkdaleunitedchurch.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
When: Nov 5-8. Thu-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-4pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://www.ottawa.ca
20. L’Orestie
Don’t miss this ambitious theatrical production revisiting one of the greatest works of ancient Greek literature! Directed by Alice Ronfard, L’Orestie brings together three tragedies and approximately 30 performers to explore timeless questions of justice, revenge, violence and human responsibility. Expect an epic theatrical experience that connects ancient Greece with the challenges of our modern world. Performed in French.
Tickets: $33-$67+fees.
When: Nov 5-7. Thu 7pm; Fri 7pm; Sat 3pm
Where: Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.nac-cna.ca/en/
21. Gleanings: Les Misérables
Experience Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece in a different way! This special evening features a dramatic staged reading of selected excerpts from Les Misérables, bringing its unforgettable characters and powerful themes of justice, redemption and forgiveness to life. Stay for a facilitated discussion with guest speakers and explore the questions raised by this literary classic.
Tickets: $21.57.
When: Friday, Nov 6. 7pm-9:30pm
Where: Saint Paul University, 223 Main St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.9th-hour.ca/les-
22. Laura Ramoso: The Calm Down Tour
A night of sharp, physical comedy from the German-Italian performer who became a viral sensation through her sketch characters, including her much-loved “German Mom” and “Italian Dad.” Ages 19+. Tickets: $69.32. When: Friday, Nov 6, 6:30pm. Where: Hard Rock Live, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Road, Gloucester. Details: https://casino.hardrock.com/
23. Econoline Crush
Canadian alt-rock veterans with a sound built on industrial grit and big, melodic hooks. Led by frontman Trevor Hurst, the band rose to fame in the late ’90s with hits like All That You Are (X3) and the platinum-selling album The Devil You Know. Tickets: $45.64. When: Friday, Nov 6, 7pm. Where: The Bronson, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa. Details: https://www.ticketweb.ca/
24. Romeo + Juliet Live in Concert
A one-night-only concert marking 30 years of the soundtrack from Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film, which features songs like Young Hearts Run Free, Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good), and You and Me Song. Tickets: $33. When: Friday, Nov 6, 8pm-9pm. Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street West, Ottawa. Details: https://www.gctc.ca/events/
Saturday
25. Flavours of Malaysia
26. Frozen in Time
Experience a magical kid-friendly show where little ones can sing along with their favourite princesses. Tickets from $25
When: Saturday Nov 7, 11am and 2:30pm
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://www.algonquinsa.com/
27. Sounds of Remembrance
The fourth annual fundraising concert honouring Canada’s veterans, first responders, and their families, held the weekend before Remembrance Day. The evening brings together Canadian musicians, including a songwriters’ round featuring three veterans, along with a charity auction. This year’s proceeds support Homes For Heroes Canada, which builds tiny-home communities and offers support services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Tickets: $150 (individual seat at a shared table). When: Saturday, Nov 7, 6pm-11pm. Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa. Details: https://soundofremembrance.
28. Sullivan King
A high-voltage set from the LA producer, guitarist, and vocalist who fuses dubstep with heavy metal. His live shows mix shredding guitar riffs, screamed vocals, and heavy bass drops, and he’s known for diving into the mosh pit himself. Tickets: from $52.51. When: Saturday, Nov 7, 7:30pm. Where: HISTORY, 47 Rideau Street, Ottawa. Details: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/
29. I’ve Got the Music in Me
An uplifting evening of song featuring three choirs and a brass quintet, each introduced by an internationally known town crier from Western Quebec. The program centres on celebratory music about oneness, peace, and love, with plenty of chances to clap and sing along. The concert is a fundraiser helping Unity Ottawa secure a permanent Sunday home for its spiritual community. Seating isn’t reserved, so arriving between 6pm and 6:45pm is recommended. Tickets: $39. When: Saturday, Nov 7, 7pm-9pm. Where: Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street, Ottawa (parking at Glashan School, 28 Arlington Avenue). Details: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/
30. Noice! Vol 2: A night of Inuit Circumpolar Excellence
Marking International Inuit Day, this night brings artists from Greenland, Nunavut, and Nunavik to one stage. Rising Greenlandic singer-songwriter Nuunu and Kivalliq throat singer Piunguałaq lead up to a closing set from Inuindie icon Beatrice Deer and her full band, with bilingual Inuktitut and English programming throughout. Tickets: $45.75.
31. Mike Rita
Get ready for a night of laughs with award-winning comedian Mike Rita! Known for his sharp humour and relatable storytelling, the Toronto-based comedian draws inspiration from his Portuguese heritage, family dynamics and everyday life. With appearances at Just For Laughs and a comedy style that blends hilarious observations with heartfelt stories, this is a show you won’t want to miss! 16+.
Tickets: $45.20.
When: Saturday, Nov 7. 7pm and 10pm
Where: Yuk Yuk’s Ottawa West, 1394 Richmond Rd, Ottawa
Details: https://www.yukyuks.com/
32. Che_nous
Discover the unique sound of Che_nous, an Ottawa-Gatineau music project blending hip-hop, reggae and world music! Featuring D-Track, Dumis9ne I and Quest, the group brings together French, English and Chewa lyrics, catchy rhythms and socially conscious messages. Accompanied by piano and turntables, this acoustic performance promises an uplifting evening celebrating cultural diversity and musical connections.
Tickets: $25.
When: Saturday, Nov 7. 8pm
Where: Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.nac-cna.ca/en/
Sunday
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon filled with beautiful orchestral music! Join Music Director John Storgårds and members of the NAC Orchestra as they take you on a musical journey spanning three centuries, from Baroque dance-inspired compositions to Tchaikovsky’s romantic Serenade for Strings. A perfect way to unwind and enjoy live classical music!
Tickets: Starting at $39 (Under 30 and Indigenous tickets available for $15).
When: Sunday, Nov 8. 3:30pm-5:30pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.nac-cna.ca/en/
More recurring events in Ottawa
34. Frame by Frame Animation in Ottawa
When: Sept 19-Mar 14, various times
Where: OAG, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
Details: https://oaggao.ca/whats-on/
35. 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/
36. 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: Sundays, 5pm-7:30pm. Where: KS on the Keys, 1029 Dazé St., Ottawa. Details: https://www.ksonthekeys.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/