Remembrance Day events and the first Christmas festivities are on the lineup this weekend in Ottawa! Plus, film festivals, children’s shows, the women’s soccer finals and so much more! Take a look at this post and share it with your crew.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments!
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14 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Remembrance Day National Ceremony
Join Canadians in honouring the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa. The ceremony includes the Veterans’ March, the arrival of dignitaries, a wreath-laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute and two minutes of silence at 11am.
FREE
When: Wednesday Nov 11, 10:30am-12pm
Where: National War Memorial, downtown Ottawa
Details: https://www.legion.ca/
2. European Union Film Festival
Discover contemporary European cinema at the European Union Film Festival! The festival showcases films from across the European Union, offering Ottawa audiences an opportunity to explore different cultures, stories and perspectives through cinema.
Ticket prices: 2026 prices to be confirmed.
When: Nov 13-28. Various screening times.
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge
Details: https://www.cfi-icf.ca/euff/
3. Kanata Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus is coming to Kanata! Get into the holiday spirit with this annual Christmas parade featuring festive floats, music, marching groups and, of course, Santa himself! Bring the family, line the streets and enjoy one of Kanata’s favourite holiday traditions. Non-perishable food donations will also be collected along the parade route in support of the Kanata Food Cupboard.
FREE
When: Saturday Nov 14, 10am
Where: Starting at Holy Redeemer Church, 44 Rothesay Dr., and ending at Hazeldean Mall, 300 Eagleson Rd.
Details: https://www.kanatasantaparade.
4. Northern Super League Final
Ottawa is hosting Canada’s professional women’s soccer championship! Watch Montréal Roses FC take on AFC Toronto as the two finalists battle for the Diana B. Matheson Cup in this winner-takes-all championship match. Expect an exciting atmosphere as fans from across the country gather in Ottawa to celebrate the league’s championship season. Who will lift the trophy?
Tickets from $26
When: Saturday Nov 14, 2pm
Where: TD Place Stadium, Lansdowne Park
Details: https://www.nsl.ca/final
5. Cineplex Community Day
Enjoy a morning at the movies with Cineplex Community Day! This special event features FREE movies for the whole family, including Tom & Jerry, Paddington 2, The Lego Movie and A Minecraft Movie. You can also enjoy $3 concessions and a FREE 30-minute play card at participating XSCAPE entertainment centres. Plus, $1 from every concession order will support BGC Canada.
FREE
When: Saturday Nov 14. Doors open at 9am; movies start between 10am and 10:45am.
Where: Participating Cineplex theatres across Ottawa
Details: https://www.cineplex.com/
6. Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? The Ottawa Children’s Festival presents the Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People, featuring four productions with circus, theatre, puppetry and imaginative storytelling from Canadian and international artists. It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the performing arts! Tickets: $14.33, $19.30
When: Nov 12-17. Various showtimes.
Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place
Details: https://
7. 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: Indigenous Weekend. FREE. When: Nov 13-15. Fridays-Sundays, 10am-5pm. Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd., Manotick
8. Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival
Come to the second Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival and celebrate Canada’s great outdoors! Enjoy inspiring Canadian films and discussions about nature, with more space to mingle, plus raffle prizes from sponsors SAIL and Patagonia and discounts for everyone. All proceeds support the conservation of green spaces in the Ottawa Valley through CPAWS-OV. $25 plus fees.
When: Sunday, Nov 15, noon-4pm
Where: Bronson Centre Theatre, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa
Details: https://cpaws-ov-vo.
9. 260 Fingers
Enjoy 260 Fingers, an annual invitational exhibition and sale featuring the work of 26 outstanding ceramic artists and potters, mainly from Ontario and Quebec! Browse and shop beautiful handmade ceramics from emerging artists and established craftspeople whose work can be found in galleries and collections across Canada and around the world. Friday kicks off with an opening party. FREE admission.
When: Nov 13-15. Fri 6pm-9pm (opening party); Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Avenue, Ottawa
Details: IG @260fingers
10. 2026 Fall Fair
Find great deals and unique treasures at the 2026 Fall Fair! Browse a wide selection of second-hand books, toys, games, puzzles, sports and outdoor gear, clothing, electronics, music, movies, linens, baked goods, preserves, small artwork, appliances and household items. Bring your shopping bags! Debit and credit cards accepted. FREE admission.
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 9:30am-2pm
Where: First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
11. Fetch Local Markets
Celebrate local love at Fetch Local Markets! This curated market features 30+ local makers offering unique handmade goods, art and products for dogs and the people who love them. Enjoy a community-focused shopping experience while supporting local rescues and animal-related causes. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 10am-3pm
Where: Holiday Inn East by IHG, 1199 Joseph Cyr Street, Ottawa
Details: https://
12. A March Family Christmas Fundraiser
Head to Shenkman Arts Centre for a festive fundraiser presented by Ottawa School of Theatre and inspired by Little Women! Drop by for Marmee’s Food Drive, Meg’s Bake Sale, Jo’s Card Writing Corner, Amy’s Art Studio and Beth’s Musical Moments, along with local vendors and plenty of holiday cheer. All ages welcome. Proceeds support the school’s upcoming production of Little Women. FREE.
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 11am-3pm (drop in anytime)
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, Upper Lobby, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans
Details: https://shenkmanarts.
13. 4th Annual Holiday Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses
Kick off the holiday season at the 4th Annual Holiday Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses! Browse 300+ vendors offering festive gifts and holiday décor, and enjoy cozy drinks while shopping indoors in the warm greenhouses, rain or shine. FREE.
When: Nov 14-15, 9am-4pm
Where: Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Road, Navan
Details: https://www.
14. Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm
Enjoy a festive Christmas outing at this family-friendly farm! Activities include Christmas tree shopping and cutting, tractor rides to the tree fields, campfires, a kids’ play area, a Christmas gift shop, wreaths, seasonal decorations and food options. Santa will also be visiting on select weekends! FREE admission.
When: Nov 12-Dec 24. Mon-Thu 10am-6pm; Fri 10am-8pm; Sat-Sun 9am-5pm. Christmas tree sales begin Nov 20. Santa visits: Nov 21-22, Nov 28-29, Dec 5-6 and Dec 12-13, noon-2pm
Where: Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm, 951 8th Concession South, Pakenham, ON
Details: https://www.
More fun things to do in Ottawa
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
15. Dracula
Presented by the uOttawa Theatre Club and adapted by Stephen Hotchner, this tale of relentless pursuit and encroaching darkness follows Jonathan Harker and Dr. Van Helsing as they confront Count Dracula to save the women they love. Tickets from $17.
When: Nov 11-14. Wed-Sat 7pm; Sat 2pm
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa
Details: https://thegladstone.
16. Foutue fin de semaine
Alexandra and Alexandre don’t know each other and have absolutely nothing in common, but a booking error forces these two solo travellers to share a bungalow for a weekend in the Caribbean sun. This French-language comedy by Jamin Chtouki, starring Carole B. Thomas and Jamin Chtouki, was a huge hit in Montreal and throughout the summer of 2026 in L’Isle-aux-Coudres. Recommended for ages 12+. Tickets $33.50.
When: Friday, Nov 13, 7:30pm
Where: Richcraft Theatre, Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
Details: https://shenkmanarts.
17. Ikebana: The Way of Flowers
Discover the ancient art of Japanese floral design at the Canadian Museum of Nature! Presented by the Ikebana International Ottawa Centennial Chapter No. 120, this tranquil display celebrates 41 years of partnership and features 25+ live flower arrangements created by local artists from the Sogetsu and Ohara Schools of Ikebana. This year’s theme explores how flowers and plants can be transformed into works of art that reflect the beauty of nature in new ways. Included with museum admission: adults $26, seniors $19, students and children ages 3-12 $19, children 2 and under FREE.
When: Nov 13-15, 9:30am-4pm
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa
Details: https://nature.ca/en/
18. Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes
The Grammy Award-winning Gipsy Kings bring their signature blend of traditional flamenco, Latin and Cuban influences, Arabic music, reggae and jazz guitar to Ottawa. Founded in 1979 in Arles, France, the group is known for Nicolas Reyes’s powerful vocals and Tonino Baliardo’s virtuosic guitar playing. Must be 19+ to attend. Tickets from $110.
When: Friday, Nov 13, 7pm
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
19. Wheeler Walker Jr. – Pullin’ Out: The Farewell Tour with Channing Wilson
Catch an evening of country music with a comedic edge as Wheeler Walker Jr. brings his farewell tour to Ottawa, joined by special guest Channing Wilson. Known for his traditional honky-tonk sound, outrageous humour and deliberately explicit lyrics, Wheeler Walker Jr. delivers a bold and unconventional country music experience. Tickets from $72.50.
When: Friday, Nov 13. Doors open at 7pm; show starts at 8pm
Where: HISTORY Ottawa, 47 Rideau Street, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
Saturday
20. Matt Hansen – The Orchid Tour
American singer-songwriter Matt Hansen brings The Orchid Tour to Ottawa in support of his album Orchid. Known for his powerful vocals and emotionally honest pop songs, including “LET EM GO,” “something to remember” and “yellowstone (holding you),” Hansen has surpassed one billion streams worldwide. Tickets from $46.
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 7pm
Where: The Bronson, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
21. Symply Skynyrd & Stoned and Rolling
Two Canadian tribute bands share the stage for a night of classic rock! Symply Skynyrd, which has been celebrating the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd sound since 2017, will perform the band’s greatest hits, while Stoned and Rolling pays tribute to The Rolling Stones with classics such as “Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Honky Tonk Woman,” “Brown Sugar” and “Start Me Up.” Tickets $59.
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 8pm
Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
Details: https://shenkmanarts.
22. Bonfire: Improvised Tales of Terror
Gather around an imaginary campfire for an immersive, improvised horror experience where every performance creates a brand-new story! Expect chilling ghost stories, eerie encounters, unexpected twists and psychological suspense. With no script, every show unfolds differently. Tickets $16.95.
When: Nov 14 and Nov 21, 7pm-8:30pm
Where: Arts Court – Atelier, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
23. Barenaked Ladies
Enjoy an evening of live music with one of Canada’s best-known rock bands! Known for their catchy melodies, clever lyrics, humour and energetic performances, Barenaked Ladies will perform fan favourites and hits such as “One Week,” “If I Had $1,000,000,” “Pinch Me” and “Brian Wilson.” Tickets $366.
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 7pm
Where: Hard Rock Live, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
24. Nataly Aukar Live
Enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy featuring sharp, personal and culturally insightful humour. Known for her fearless storytelling and observations about family, relationships, identity and modern life, the Lebanese-born comedian brings a unique international perspective and plenty of laughs to the stage. Tickets from $39.75.
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 7pm. Lobby and bar open at 6pm; doors open at 6:30pm
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean
Details: https://www.
Sunday
25. The Black Swan Ball
Step into a haunted wedding-themed ball inspired by Victorian Gothic fashion, presented by Little Jo Berry’s. This queer- and trans-led event requires masks, with free respiratory masks available at the door. Enjoy music by DJ del Pilar, slow dancing to a custom set curated by local queer violinist Morgan Hurtubise, a group fashion show, a love-letter writing station and a photo station. Tickets include a vegan treat buffet and iced tea. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Tickets from $25.
When: Sunday, Nov 15, 6pm-9pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar Street, Ottawa
Details: IG @thewhiteswanball
Next Week
26. SONDER: An Interactive Video Art Exhibition
Have you ever walked past a stranger and wondered about the life they’re living? Their dreams, experiences, challenges and everything that makes their story unique? That’s the idea behind sonder, the realization that every person you encounter has a life just as complex and extraordinary as your own. Sonder is an interactive video art exhibition by Ottawa artist Rich Loen, inviting visitors to explore this idea through video art and immersive experiences.
The exhibition features three works by Rich Loen — In Camera, Extrospection and Facets — alongside Entre mémoires, a video art installation by guest artist Julie Delacroix Lavoie.
When: November 16 to December 4, daily from 10am-3pm
Where: Salon des Bananes, Ottawa
Details: https://www.salondesbananes.com/sonder
More recurring events in Ottawa
28. Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë’s haunting novel comes to the stage in a new adaptation by one of Canada’s most exciting playwrights. Erin Shields brings a sharp, witty, feminist perspective to this timeless story of an accomplished, outspoken young woman overcoming the odds to rise to her potential and claim love on her own terms. Tickets: $10, $28, $32. When: Oct 28-Nov 14, Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7:30 pm. Matinee: Sundays at 2:30 pm. Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave.
29. 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/
30. 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/
31. 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/
32. Step into the Rainbow with Wild Colour
Making its Ottawa debut, Wild Colour is a family-friendly exhibition exploring the beauty and science of colour in nature. Discover nearly 200 specimens, audio stories, vibrant colour zones, and hands-on activities. Learn how living things use colour to communicate, attract, hide, and survive in the wild. Enjoy interactive activities that spark wonder in both kids and adults. On view for a limited time. Included with general admission. Every Thursday, admission to the museum is free from 5pm to 8pm. When: Starting May 15. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.
33. Ontario Festival of Small Halls
World-class Canadian musicians take the stage in intimate, beloved community halls across Eastern Ontario for one of the region’s most unique music experiences. Tickets from $29. When: Oct 2-Dec 5. Where: Various towns across Ontario. Details: https://www.ontariosmallhalls.
34. Art Exhibition Celebrating Indigenous Utopia and Somali Stories of Home — Joi T. Arcand and Faisa Omer
Celebrate the opening of two major solo exhibitions in Ottawa: Joi T. Arcand’s immersive ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐍᐏᐣ / Cree Utopia and Faisa Omer’s photography and textile exhibition celebrating Somali Canadian family, identity and belonging. The artists will be in attendance. When: Both exhibitions run until December 13. Where: Carleton University Art Gallery, St. Patrick’s Building, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive.