Ottawa 
Weekend Events & Festivals in Ottawa: February 21 to 23, 2020
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.
You may like:
I. Family & Kids Activities
Mad Science Show
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Carlingwood Shopping Centre, Ottawa
Free
Ottawa Children’s Gala
Ottawa Children’s Gala presented by Urbandale Construction The 10th annual Ottawa Children’s Gala presented by Urbandale Construction is one of a kind in Ottawa; a formal gala filled with entertainment for both Children and Adults all in the beautiful setting of the Infinity Convention Centre. We will have a red carpet complete with a professional photographer, a classy meal, exciting entertainment and, of course, a dance to finish the night off. Details
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Drive, Ottawa
$50.00 – $125.00
Winter Carnival for newcomers to the Capital
Celebrate your first winter in Canada’s Capital Region! The NCC is organizing a winter carnival for newcomers to the Capital to discover the joys of winter. Learn to play ball hockey Snowshoe in the forest Slide down a snowy hill Sample traditional winter treats Discover the joys of Canadian winter, one activity at a time! Spend an afternoon in the great outdoors, and enjoy the beauty of Gatineau Park with other newcomers to Canada. Details
February 22 and 23 | 1 PM to 4 PM
Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road, Chelsea
Free
Ripopée
A clownesque fable about the strength of friendship is a great way to introduce the children in your family to the world of clown theatre. Treat them to a performance that is entertaining, interactive and different from your typical stage show. Four clowns will take the audience on a hilarious hour-long non-verbal adventure between friends. Four artists arrive in the night at the place where their show is to be presented. Details
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 2:00 PM
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
$20 to $25
Start a Story – Young Writers Workshop
Young storytellers aged 5 to 12 are excited and inspired during Start A Story Workshop as they share their ideas and work as a group to create a children’s story! Author Timm Holmes leads the children through the 90-minute process that ends in a celebratory storytelling of the tale they’ve just created! Indigo event EXCLUSIVE: The created story will be produced into a professionally printed limited edition book! Return four weeks later to pick up your copy! Details
Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 | 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Indigo Pinecrest, 2735 Iris Street, Ottawa
$25 (+ tax & service fees)
Maple Fest
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, a 3rd generation in the production of the real maple syrup and farm entertainment! Come for a fun day in the country… just minutes from the city!! Go on guided tour on the collection and production of maple syrup, Enjoy Play parks, giant slide, double slide, and play structures, Petting farm, touch, feed, learn, Sugar bush, Maple production shack, Farm boutique (maple, honey, and homemade jams), Sleigh ride from the farm to the sugar bush and back. Details
Sunday, February 23rd to Easter Monday, April 13th, 2020
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, 1865 O’Toole Rd, Ottawa
$5.53+HST/person
Wheelers Pancake House, Sugar Camp & Museums
Come enjoy a meal, browse our Maple Heritage Museum and Forest & Farm Museum, look around our sugar camp, hike/snowshoe/cross country ski our nature trails, and buy our beautiful organic Maple Syrup! Details
open everyday from 9 AM – 3 PM
Wheelers Maple Products, 1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners
FREE
Fulton’s Winter Magic & Spring Harvest
Nestled between the picturesque communities of Almonte and Pakenham, Ontario and less than 1 hour from Ottawa, Ontario, Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush is one of Lanark County’s best-loved and well-known sugar camps. Bring the whole family for delicious pancakes and sweet maple syrup. Fulton’s 2020 Winter Magic & Spring Harvest season kicks off with our annual “2 for 1 Meal” on Saturday, February 15th. Bring the whole family for delicious pancakes and sweet maple syrup. Tempt your tummy with the most delicious maple desserts! Details
Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, April 19, 2020
Fulton`s Pancake House, 399 Sugar Bush Rd., Pakenham
Free Admission
Mid-Winter Challenge
Saturday, February 8, 15, and 22 | 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:15 PM
Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa
$6.75 per person
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
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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
5. Rideau Canal Skateway – 50th Season
Rideau Canal Skateway is open for its 5oth season. To celebrate the 50th skating season, the NCC is offering a range of special activities on the Skateway. Details
More To Do
II. Live Music
Weekday Concerts/Concert Tours
- The Beaches on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, 7:45 PM to 10:45 PM @ Bronson Centre Theatre
- The Baron and the High Priest on Thursday, February 20, 2020 | 8:30PM @ National Arts Centre
- Bedouin Soundclash on Friday, February 21, 2020, 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM @ Bronson Centre Theatre
- Lynne Hanson & The Good Intentions album release concert on Friday, February 21, 2020 | 8:00 PM @ Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
- The Irish Rovers – Wasn’t That A Party Tour on Friday, February 21, 2020 | 7:30 PM @ Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
- Wherehaus // Fred Everything on February 21, 2020 | 10:00 PM @ Mercury Lounge
- Rachel Beck on Friday, February 21, 2020 | 8:30PM @ National Arts Centre
- Mushy Gushy and Kiwi Jr on February 22, 2020 | 8:30 PM @ Live On Elgin
- David Francey on Sunday, February 23, 2020 | 3:00 PM @ National Arts Centre
- Theory of a Deadman – Say Nothing World Tour 2020 on Monday, February 24, 2020 | 7:00 PM @ Bronson Centre Theatre
Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film
Let your inner child return to the enchanted world of Mary Poppins in this cinematic event for the whole family, and experience Walt Disney’s classic movie on the big screen in Southam Hall! You remember, don’t you? It’s turn-of-the-century London, and two neglected children yearn to be closer to their distracted mother and father, who leave them with a series of grumpy old caregivers – until a magical nanny appears to change everything and everyone. Details
February 20 – 22, 2020 | 7:00PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$31.00 and up
MosaiK Choral Festival
The Canadian Mosaik Choral Festival enriches, energizes and inspires local community choral artists of all ages and levels of experience. Our mosaic of voices and song celebrates the broad range of communities in Canada and the choral art through workshops and performances in a non-competitive festival environment with a recognized choral professional. Details
Saturday February 22, 2020 | 7:30 PM
De La Salle Public High School, 501 Old St Patrick Street, Ottawa
$20 early bird $25 at door
The Commotions – Let the Good Times Roll
Get ready to be treated to a night of funk, soul, and pop that is sure to have you dancing. With Rebecca Noelle and Jeff Rogers’ incredible vocals backed by a band like no other, their fresh sound brings genuine, unsullied soul music to the forefront of the Ottawa music scene. Details
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 8:00 PM
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
$20 to $25
Chris Funk – The Wonderist: Redefining Wonder
Chris Funk’s Redefining Wonder is an engaging and visceral multimedia experience that has audiences talking and scratching their heads for years to come. Finally, a magic show with live music! Presenting a violin concerto and a guitar loop recorded live on stage has put this show into a league of its own. Details
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 7:00 PM
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa, Orléans
$20 to $35
III. Live Theatre & Related Events
Animals of Distinction | Dana Gingras
Dana Gingras’s choreography is a highly visceral, sensually-charged physical language fueled by a sense of urgency. For her ambitious new work FRONTERA, her legendary spirit of collaboration brings together famed Montreal band Fly Pan Am to create an original score—and play live—and the UK-based United Visual Artists (UVA) whose light-based scenography articulates the dialogue between choreography, architecture and music. Details
February 19 – 20, 2020 | 7:30PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$31.00 and up
Toronto Comedy All-Stars
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 8:30 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$25+charges
Matters of the heart BURLE
There are so many words to describe “Matters of the heart” which do you choose? FRISQUE FEMME PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS: Matters of the heart BURLESQUE SHOW This burlesque show isn’t going to be about love. There are so many words to describe “Matters of the heart” which do you choose? Do you have a current “crush”? Is your “broken heart” aching? Are you a “narcissist” who loves themselves? Details
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave, Ottawa
$25.00 – $35.00
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
February 22, March 14 & April 25 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Prescott, 379 Preston Street, Ottawa
$29 to $99
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
In 1960s San Francisco, the values of liberal, open-minded parents are put to the test when their daughter arrives home with her fiancé, Dr. John Prentice – handsome, wealthy, brilliant…. and black. The comic tensions multiply when John’s parents arrive to discover his fiancée is white! This new stage adaptation brings fresh dimension and wit to the 1968 Oscar-winning movie starring Hepburn, Tracy and Poitier. Details
February 12-29, 2020
Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
$14-$29
IV. Sports, Related Events and Festivals
Ottawa Senators
vs. Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 | 7:30 PM
vs. Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, February 20, 2020 | 7:30 PM
vs. Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 7:00 PM
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
$19.36 + charges & up
DJ Skate Night Date Night
Roses are red, violets are blue, DJ Skate Night is more fun with YOU! Need to impress your love this Valentines? Want something fun to do for you and your friends this GALentines? Join us in The Arena at TD Place for DJ Skate Night Date Night! Enjoy and evening of skating while our live DJ spins some romantic tunes. Details
February 22, 2020 | 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
TD Place, Bank Street, Ottawa
$5
Ottawa 67’s
OHL
Windsor Spitfires on February 16 | 2:00 PM
London Knights on February 17, 2020 | 2:00 PM
The Arena at TD Place
$23 & up
Coldest Night of the Year
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is Canada’s annual National Walk for Homelessness and is an important fundraiser for The Ottawa Mission. Join us for this fun, family-friendly event that raises money for local charities serving hungry, homeless and hurting families and youth in 133 communities across Canada.
February 22, 2020 | 4:00 PM
Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
You may like:
Giant Book Sale in Kanata
Kanata United Church’s annual giant book sale. We have well over 30,000 books arranged into about 65 categories, with the Fiction alphabetized and the Non-Fiction categories all sub-categorized. That means, that if we have the book you want, you will probably find it. Many of the categories, like Sci-Fi/Fantasy, as just one example, are organized by enthusiasts knowledgeable in the particular category. The quality of our books also amazes everyone. Visitors to our Book Fair say they have never seen anything like it. Two of our rooms are devoted solely to kids’ books. Details
February 20 to 22, 2020
Kanata United Church, 33 Leacock Dr, Kanata
Free admission
Ottawa Boat Show
Thursday, February 20 | 12 PM – 8 PM
Friday, February 21 | 10 AM – 8 PM
Saturday, February 22 | 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, February 23 | 10 AM – 5 PM
EY Centre 4899 Uplands Dr , Ottawa
Adult (17+) -$15.00
Junior/Youth (10-16) – $12.00
Senior (65+) – $12.00
Family Pass (2 adults, 2 juniors) – $35.00
Event Pass (4 day pass) – $25.00
DINE & DRAG QUEENS With Bottomless Rose
Come and join us at our beautiful Venue every Friday evening where we will serve you with a bespoke set menu, stunning live performances with Ottawa & Canada’s most influential Drag Queens, astonishing dance routines, lots of laughs and a side of shade. Details
Fridays, February 2020 | 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The Vanitea Room A Tea Salon & Eatery, 551 Somerset Street West, Ottawa
$10
World Documentary Tour. Emporios
The World Documentary Tour 2020 is the first cultural event in the Capital of Canada that brings together several embassies regardless of their region or language, as well as representative cultural institutions of Ottawa, through a selection of documentaries directed by renowned filmmakers from various countries about contemporary themes. Details
Friday February 21, 2020 – 5:00 pm
UNAM-Canada, 55 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau
FREE
613 Flea
Visitors to 613flea will find an ever-changing marketplace of awesome vendors who feature eclectic goods, handmades, antique & vintage finds and one-of-a-kinds! Details
Saturday February 22, 2020 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa
FREE
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, February 21, 2020, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, 250 City Centre Avenue, Ottawa
$10.00 – $20.00
Candlelight Snowshoeing
What better way to experience the winter than joining us for candlelight snowshoeing in the vineyard, mulled wine, wine tasting and canapes. Join us this winter for candlelight snowshoeing through the vineyard on the Carp Ridge, followed by wine tasting and canapes in the Tasting Room. You will be greeted by KIN Vineyards’ viticulturist Alan Krueger upon arrival. A delicious warming cup of mulled wine will be waiting for you as we all get set up for our winter walk. Details
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
KIN Vineyards, 2225 Craig’s Side Road, Carp
$35+charges
BeYouTiful Women’s Expo
The BeYoutiful Women’s Expo is a fun filled day for you and your girlfriends. We have swag bags for the first 100 through the door, speakers, shopping, food and more! Details
Sunday, February 23, 2020 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$5
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 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
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
SPAO Presents Nadia Myre
SPAO Centre Gallery is honoured to present of the exhibition Meditations on Black Lake by internationally acclaimed Montreal-based artist Nadia Myre. As a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation (Maniwaki) Myre is interested in having conversations about identity, resilience and politics of belonging. Often working in an interdisciplinary nature, mixing sculpture and lens-based artwork, Myre pushes the boundaries of how craft and Indigenous histories are understood and positioned within wider Canadian context. Details
Friday January 17, 2020 to Friday March 6, 2020
SPAO – School of Photographic Arts Ottawa, 77 Pamilla St, Ottawa
Free
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.
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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!