Ottawa 
A weekly digest of what’s on this weekend in Ottawa including free fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports and exhibitions.
Weekend Events & Festivals in and around Ottawa: January 17 to 19, 2020
I. Family & Kids Activities
Chemistry Magic Show
Sunday, January 19, 2020 | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Carleton University Alumni Park, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa
Free
Snowshoe under the Stars
Take an evening snowshoe hike with a Friends of Gatineau Park nature interpreter, and learn how plants and animals survive the many challenges of winter. This interpretation hike will cover approximately 3 km, starting with a short presentation and ending with hot chocolate by the wood stove, in the Sugarbush Shelter. Details
Fridays, January 10 to March 13 | 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Visitor Centre, 33 Chemin Scott, Chelsea
$7 to $20
Animal Tracking on Snowshoes
Take an evening snowshoe hike with a Friends of Gatineau Park nature interpreter, and learn how plants and animals survive the many challenges of winter. This interpretation hike will cover approximately 3 km, starting with a short presentation and ending with hot chocolate by the wood stove, in the Sugarbush Shelter. Details
Weekends, from January 11 to March 15, 2020 | 10:30 AM
Visitor Centre, 33 Chemin Scott, Chelsea
Free
You may like:
General Activities
At the library
Ottawa Public library offers plenty of free activities to choose from for all ages including toddler story times. Plan ahead to attend some of the free activities in the following weekends:
Details and link for registration.
2.By Ottawa Recreation – Drop in Programs
3. Movies
Family friendly movies to see during winter season
Cineplex Family Favourites: Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99.
Landmark Theatres — Every Sunday, kids can get out of the house, a movie ticket and Snack Pack (popcorn, drink, choice of candy treat)
4. Rideau Hall Historic Skating Rink
Enjoy a unique skating experience on Rideau Hall’s historic skating rink, from December 7 to March, 2020 @ Rideau Hall, Sussex Drive, Ottawa
More To Do
II. Live Music
Weekday Concerts/Concert Tours
- Alex Cuba on Friday, January 17, 2020 | 7:30PM @ National Arts Centre
- Joey Robin Haché & Jacques Surette on Friday, January 17, 2020 | 7:30 PM @ National Arts Centre
- Chilly Gonzales on Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 8:00 PM @ National Arts Centre
- TripleMurder, Harmoniaq, Maou Mindu, Ocean Drive, Horadrix on Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 7:00 PM @ Babylon
- Kora (ANL) on Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 11:00 PM @ City At Night
Montero & Schumann
Join us for an intimate evening of romance with music by German composer Emilie Mayer, and by Clara Schumann and Robert Schumann, one of history’s first and most enduring musical partnerships! Nineteenth-century composer Emilie Mayer created musical works in a wide range of forms, resulting in a comprehensive œuvre unrivalled by other female composers of the Romantic era. Details
January 15 – 16, 2020 | 8:00PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$31 – $110
Abbamania and Night Fever
Abbamania is the world’s number one production of Abba. The show consists of studio musicians that recreate Abba live in concert. They are the only Abba production to perform twice for the cast of Mama Mia. Hear hits like “Waterloo”, “S.O.S” and “Dancing Queen”. Also on the same show is Night Fever as the Bee Gees. Details
Friday, January 17, 2020 | 7:30 PM
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
$54.50
Steve & Clarissa Sing
the Songs of Leonard Cohen
Spirit of Rasputin’s greets 2020 with an unusual musical pairing. Stephen Hardy Palmer, raised on gospel, country and the blues and a veteran of folk-rock and country bands, continues to tour, sing and play guitar across Canada. Clarissa Fortin is a prolific young singer-songwriter who has performed around Ottawa and beyond as a solo artist and with the band Maple Grove. Details
Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 8:00 PM
Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave. N. at Byron, Ottawa
$20
Abbamania and Night Fever
Abbamania is the world’s number one production of Abba. The show consists of studio musicians that recreate Abba live in concert. They are the only Abba production to perform twice for the cast of Mama Mia. Hear hits like “Waterloo”, “S.O.S” and “Dancing Queen”. Details
January 18 & 19, 2020
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$54.50
MPRS presents BEETHOVEN SONATAS III
Pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin and violinist Andrew Wan play Beethoven Violin and Piano sonatas opuses 23, 96, and 47 (the ‘Kreutzer’). Award-winning Canadian virtuoso Charles Richard-Hamelin and violinist Andrew Wan, concertmaster of the OSM, conclude their cycle of Beethoven Violin Sonatas playing Opuses 23, 96, and 47, the famous ‘Kreutzer Sonata’. Details
Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa
$10.00 – $30.00
2020 Chinese New Year Concert
The 2020 Chinese New Year Concert is an unforgettable celebration and a unique experience of Chinese music and western music for music lovers of all ages. The concert on January 19, 2020 will be led by Chief Conductor LIN Daye and will feature the youngest Gold Winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Chinese pianist ZHANG Haochen, the finest national symphony orchestra –The Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SSO). Details
Sunday, January 19, 2020 | 7:30 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$28 to $128+charges
III. Live Theatre & Related Events
Take d Milk, Nah?
January 14 – 25, 2020
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$41 + charges
Fou glorieux | Louise Lecavalier
Louise Lecavalier—Canada’s daring heroine of dance— explores the antihero in Battleground, a breathlessly physical duet that is part marathon and part surrealist quest. The stage is the battleground between two eccentric characters who confront the real and the imagined with fast-paced, ferocious movements delivered with epic precision. Details
January 15 – 16, 2020 | 7:30PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$31 – $70
Murder Mystery Ottawa: Where There’s A Will, There’s a Wake
Another Murder Mystery Ottawa / BigTime Murder Productions original show. “Where There’s A Will, There’s a Wake” Butler Burgess Stockwell, on the orders of billionaire recluse Hal Saunderson, cordially invites all living heirs to a special family reunion of sorts. As “The Kernel“ of a popcorn chicken empire, Uncle Hal has a surprise in mind for all who attend, but especially for his family members. Details
January 18 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Prescott, 379 Preston Street, Ottawa
$29 to $99
The Roommate
An absorbing comedy about self-discovery. Newly divorced and lonely, a 50-something Midwestern woman who has lived an unexciting life takes on a roommate newly arrived from New York City whose chequered past has been anything but! This new play celebrates unexpected re-invention later in life with plenty of humour, warmth and shocks.By: Patrick Hamilton Director: Joan Sullivan Eady. Details
January 8 – 25, 2020
Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
$14-$29
IV. Sports & Related Events
Ottawa Senators
Cheer Ottawa Senators on their home ice. Details
vs. Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 | 7:30 PM
vs. Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, January 16, 2020 | 7:30 PM
vs. Calgary Flames on Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 4:00 PM
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
$23.11 & up+charges
The Great Canadian Kilt Skate
To celebrate the bicentennial of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, the Scottish Society of Ottawa launched the first Kilt Skate event on January 31, 2015. This event is open to everyone. It’s a chance to nurture your inner Scot. You don’t have to be Scottish. You don’t even have to wear a kilt. Just come to the party with a spirit of Scottish fun and fortitude, and wear Canada’s favourite colour – tartan! Details
Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Lansdowne Park, 452 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa
Free
Ottawa 67’s
OHL
vs. Flint Firebirds on January 17, 2020 | 7:00 PM
vs. Hamilton Bulldogs on January 18, 2020 | 2:00 PM
The Arena at TD Place
$23 & up
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Contact Ontarois
January 15 to 17, 2020
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$16 to $20
You may like:
In Transition: A Solo Exhibition by Chu Hua Catherine Dong
A hyperreal vision of our near future, exploring how humans and robots coexist and bind together with one destiny. Through performative gestures and expressions by creating different interactions between a robot and the artist herself, this work provides an alternative perspective for a better understanding of ourselves, our bodies, our emotions, our responsibilities, and our relations with non-human others. Details
Artist Talk and Reception: Thursday, January 16th 2020 from 5 – 8 PM
Exhibition from January 2nd – February 2nd 2020
Ottawa School of Art, 35 George St, Ottawa
Free
Gemstone Intention Bracelets
Join us for a relaxed evening of bracelet making to uplift, inspire and add a bit of Intention into your new year! With a beautiful selection of stones and beads for you to choose from, design your own custom gemstone & lava intention bracelet. Add a drop of essential oil to the lava stones, and carry the scent with you throughout the day. Details
Thursday, January 16, 2020 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Indigo Pinecrest, 2735 Iris St, Ottawa
$32
Taste in the Glebe
Taste in the Glebe is a highlight on the local food and drink circuit, recognized throughout Ottawa as one of the year’s best cocktail parties. The event is also a crucial annual fundraiser for GNAG. Details
Thursday, January 16, 2020 | 6:00 PM –8:30 PM
GNAG, 175 Third Avenue, Ottawa
$70 – $115
Yoga Under The Stars
Join us for a heart, mind, and body opening Hatha Yoga experience in our indoor tropical water garden oasis at Aquatopia Conservatory. Allow the healing power of water to relax, restore and revitalize your entire being, in a glass enclosed resort-like retreat under the winter night sky. The Hatha yoga practice emphasizes proper diet, and processes to internally purify the body, so we will conclude your journey with a delicious complimenting light two course vegan meal for everyone to enjoy in a casual bistro setting – all catered in house by our executive chef. Details
Friday, January 17, 2020, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory, 2710 March Road, Ottawa
$45.00
Ghosts and the Gallows – Haunted Jail Tour
Let Ottawa’s supernatural history capture your attention on this ghost walk and tour of the Old Carleton County Jail. Alongside a costumed guide, visit haunted spots such as Canada’s last functioning gallows and Carleton County Jail—now a haunted hostel—and listen to terrifying tales of unlawful hangings, faceless ghosts, and infamous assassinations. Details
January 17 to December 31, 2020
46 Sparks St., Ottawa
$22.60 & up
Art Battle Ottawa
Join us for an electric Friday night full of live art! Come watch the paint fly before your eyes and help vote to determine the Winner as artists battle the clock & each other in 3 fast-paced rounds All artwork will also be available for auction during this incredible day of community and creation Details
Friday, January 17, 2020 | 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, 250 City Centre Avenue, Ottawa
$10.00 – $20.00
RESOLUTION 2020
Join us for our annual screening of new works by SAW Video members on January 17! SAW Video Media Art Centre is proud to present its annual RESOLUTION screening, featuring a selection of videos produced by our members in 2018. Artists will be in attendance to participate in a brief Q&A with the audience following the screening. Please also make sure to stick around after the screening and Q&A for a reception and refreshments. Details
Friday, January 17, 2020, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
PWYC
Lumberjack Dinner
Friday, January 17, 2020 | 5:30 PM & 8:00 PM
Kichesippi Beer Co, 2265 Robertson Road, Nepean
$40.00 +charges
Art Walk Tours
Join us Saturdays at 2 pm and select Wednesdays at 1 pm for a guided walking tour of the NAC, highlighting the Centre’s architectural highlights and visual arts collection. Built in 1969 and recognized for its outstanding design, the NAC is a designated national historic site of Canada and contains large-scale artworks by some of Canada’s best mid-century artists. Learn how this truly unique place came to be! Tours are free, approximately one hour long. Details
January 18 – June 27, 2020
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Free
Capital Wedding Show
Your dream wedding starts here! Capital Wedding Show gathers the best of Ottawa’s Wedding Industry under one roof for the ultimate wedding planning weekend. The best way to get your planning started is to meet potential wedding professionals face-to-face. Share your vision for your big day and let our exhibitors make your dreams come true. Come see for yourself! Details
January 18 & 19, 2020 | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa
$20
Friends of the Ottawa Public library Mammoth book sale
The Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) invite you to their monthly Mammoth Sale! Hundreds of used books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records for sale at unbeatable prices, including as low as for $1. Browse a variety of genres including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Lifestyle, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Biography, Children’s and more. This month, featuring many books on Architecture and price reduction on Graphic novels. Details
Saturday January 18, 2020 | 10AM – 2PM
James Bartleman Centre, 100 Tallwood Drive, Ottawa
Free
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
The Best Of is a touring selection of prizewinners and highlights from the Banff Mountain Film Festival, an annual event that showcases short films on mountain sports, adventure and the environment. Many of the top award winners are featured in the show, which offers plenty of enlightenment and entertainment for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The films are introduced by a Banff Festival representative, and the evening includes additional information on clothes and equipment for outdoor activities, along with door prizes! Details
January 19 to 22, 2020
ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau Street, Ottawa
$20.00
Hummingbird Chocolate Factory Tour
Our 45-minute tour takes you on a journey behind Hummingbird’s bustling operations, where you’ll take in the aromatic smells and sounds of the chocolate workshop, learn about Hummingbird’s founding story, and discover how chocolate is made from cacao bean to bar. Details
Saturdays | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Hummingbird Chocolate, 9 Houston Drive, Mississippi Mills
$5
Luck and Lore Exhibition
When you toss a quarter in a fountain, lift a penny off the sidewalk or bake a nickel into a cake, you are taking part in rituals dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Explore the spiritual, the ceremonial, the seemingly impractical uses we have for money. Details
Through Sunday November 1, 2020
Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street
Free
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there might be oversight errors/Events might be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials.
To add events to this list – Submit Event.
Thanks for the list!!! It really helps me plan my activities with my kids on the weekend.
Wow wish I had found this site much sooner. So many great events happening in Ottawa this weekend. Thanks for providing this list.
To allay any confusion–when you click on “details” under “Shakespeare in the Park–A Midsummer Night’s Dream” there is an error suggesting that the play is “Cymbeline.” That was last year’s Bear production! This year’s show is, indeed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Join us for one of our final three performances, Aug 2, 3, & 4!