Ottawa 
Weekend Events & Festivals in and around Ottawa: October 25 to 27, 2019
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.
Halloween Events This Weekend
Most Halloween events and parties take place this weekend. See Halloween in Ottawa for all Halloween events. Halloween themed events are not listed in this article.
I. Family & Kids Activities
Robotics Square
This interactive workshop begins with a demonstration of different types of robots including one of the most advanced humanoid robots in the world and the only one in Ottawa (Aldeberan’s NAO ROBOT)! Kids will get exposure to robotic machines and related concepts such as robotic movements, touch, sound, light and infrared sensors, motors, gears, gyroscopes and actuators to get them excited about the field of robotics. Details
Saturday October 26, 2019 | 1:30 PM- 3:30PM
Indigo Pinecrest, 2735 Iris Street, Ottawa
$45 (+ tax & service fees)
Move & Groove!
Get ready to move, groove, and have FUN! This 1-hour interactive dance workshop with Luv2Groove™, perfect for ages 5+, is sure to help you express your creativity while getting lost in movement! Details
Saturday October 26, 2019 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Coles Carlingwood, 2121 Carling Ave, Ottawa
$15/child (+ tax & service fees)
Fall Rhapsody
Come and enjoy the spectacular fall colours on display throughout Canada’s Capital Region! In addition to the popular spots in Gatineau Park, many other unique and fascinating places offer magnificent views tucked away from the crowds. Whether you want to stay in the downtown core or explore the peaceful Greenbelt, there are so many ways to enjoy Fall Rhapsody. Details
October 5 to 27, 2019
Various venues, Ottawa Capital Region
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 Favourites Cineplex: Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99. | Saturdays at 11:00 AM.
Landmark Theatres — Every Sunday, kids can get out of the house, a movie ticket and Snack Pack (popcorn, drink, choice of candy treat)
Toddler Tuesdays
Arts & crafts, singing, dancing, stories, and more! Toddler Tuesdays are the perfect morning activity for caregivers and children, ages 18 months to 4 years! @ NAC – Free
More To Do
II. Live Music
- PUP on Monday, October 21, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Bronson Centre Theatre, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa
- Tegan and Sara on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa
- Rob Lutes on Thursday, October 24, 2019 | 8:30 PM @ National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
- Duncan Ivany & The North Coast Band on Thursday, October 24, 2019 | 9:00 PM @ Live on Elgin
- Jeff Kavanda Mbonda Music Tour on Friday, October 25, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
- Goodbye Honolulu on Friday, October 25, 2019 | 8:30 PM @ 27 York St., Ottawa
- Martine St-Clair – Juste Des Hits on Friday, October 25, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Theatre du Casino,1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau
- Louis-Philippe Robillard on Friday, October 25, 2019 | 8:30 PM @ National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
- Pacific Baroque Orchestra with Karina Gauvin on Friday, October 25, 2019 | 7:30 PM @ Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa
- Immolation, Blood Incantation, Accursed Spawn, Gland, Misshapen, Fumigation on Friday, October 25, 2019 | 6 PM – 11:50 PM @ Mavericks, 221 Rideau Street, Ottawa
- The Mavericks’ 30th Anniversary Tour on Saturday, October 26, 2019 | 7:30 PM @ Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
- The Mad Hatters on Saturday, October 26, 2019 | 8:30 PM @ Live on Elgin
- Main & Abbott Dance Band on Saturday, October 26, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Brigid’s Well
- Zachary Lucky on Saturday, October 26, 2019 | 8:30 PM @ National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Max Weinberg’s Jukebox
“Mighty Max” Weinberg is the long-time drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s legendary E Street Band. In between his gigs with The Boss he was the house band leader for Conan O’Brien’s “Late Night” and “Tonight Show” from 1993 to 2010. Since then he has toured as the Max Weinberg Big Band and the Max Weinberg Quintet and is currently with his quartet on this Jukebox tour. Max Weinberg’s Jukebox is a show like no other as the audience chooses the set list! Yes, you get to pick your favourite songs! Details
Friday, October 25, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
$20 to $182
III. Live Theatre & Related Events
Rent 20th Anniversary Tour
In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. Details
Tuesday October 22 to Sunday October 27, 2019
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$40 – $130 +charges
Bang Bang
Lila is a Black former police officer whose career ended after she shot an unarmed Black youth. Her story is fictionalized by Tim, a white playwright whose play about the shooting takes liberties with the facts. Now there’s talk of a film, and Tim visits Lila to discuss. What unfolds is a raucous struggle on the subjects of responsibility and representation, framed by Kat Sandler’s trademark wit.. Details
Tuesday, October 22 to Sunday, November 10, 2019
Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, 1233 Wellington St W, Ottawa
$39 to $55
Gaslight
Now that “gaslighting” has made its way into popular vocabulary, it’s time for a revival of the classic stage thriller that originated the term – and became an Oscar-winning film! In the London of Queen Victoria, Bella’s husband has convinced her that she is losing her mind; but then a mysterious stranger appears with an even more terrifying explanation. Details
October 23- November 9, 2019
Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
$14-$29
LUCY GUERIN INC
Lucy Guerin heads one of Australia’s most fearless dance companies, and her award-winning duet Split is one of her most celebrated; a sharp and elegant work that is at once abstract and dramatic. Dancers Lilian Steiner and Ashley McLellan, one clothed and one naked, masterfully perform a dance that grows in intensity as the dimensions of space and time diminish. With a percussive score by UK composer Scanner, Split will transport you while offering a poignant reflection on the dilemmas of negotiating with oneself and others in an increasingly complex. Details
October 24 to 26, 2019 | 8:00 PM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$41
Lightfoot in Song
Troubadour of our landscape and our history, masterful storyteller, Gordon Lightfoot creates a national songscape. The same team that brought you tributes to Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell is back to celebrate another Canadian icon. Bear & Co. unites its heady cocktail of voices and instrumentation with your favourite Lightfoot for an evening of nostalgia and surprise. We don’t know how it could be anything but . . . Beautiful. Details
October 24 – November 2, 2019
The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa
$23 to $39
Roméo et Juliette by Charles Gounod
Pellegrini Opera presents Roméo et Juliette, an opera in five acts, by Charles Gounod. Presented fully staged and costumed with chamber ensemble. Sung in French with English surtitles. Don’t miss this fantastic action-romance, closely based on Shakespeare’s libretto and set in thirteenth century Verona. Details
October 25 & 26, 2019
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
$25 to $85
Messmer – Hypersensoriel
Messmer le Fascinateur is one of the greatest references in hypnosis and magnetism around the world. Holding the world record for collective hypnosis and with more than one million tickets sold worldwide, Messmer is back to present his brand new show, Hypersensoriel. Leader in the art of fascination, Messmer pushes our subconscious’s limits again, this time using our five senses. What are their secrets, their unsuspected powers? Can we multiply them, alter them? What if we had a sixth sense that we didn’t know about? Details
October 26 & 27, 2019
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$21 to $53
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story
Part high-energy musical and part darkly funny folktale, Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story stars genre-bending sensation Ben Caplan, one of Canada’s most riveting and compelling performers. Written by Ottawa’s own Hannah Moscovitch, this klezmer music-theatre hybrid is inspired by the true story of two Jewish Romanian refugees who immigrated to Canada in 1908.
October 16 to 27, 2019
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$52
IV. Sports & Related Events
Ottawa 67’s
Junior Ice Hockey.
vs. Kitchener Ranger on October 25, 2019 | 7:00 PM
vs. Sarnia Sting on October 27, 2019 | 2:00 PM
The Arena at TD Place, Ottawa
Ottawa Senators
NHL
vs. New York Islanders on Friday, October 25, 2019 | 7:30 PM
vs. San Jose Sharks on Sunday, October 27, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Escape Makerspace North
During a tour of Makerspace North, you and your group end up in an eccentric inventor’s abandoned workshop. Your guide explains that he disappeared several weeks ago, and nobody has seen him since, so they are looking for a new tenant. While you walk through the strange space, you can’t help but notice the strange newspaper reports all over the place, or the explainable sounds coming from behind the walls, and all of that peculiar equipment not quite fit for a professional. Suddenly, your host excuses himself to take an emergency call. The door locks behind you. Can you solve Details
Friday October 18 to Saturday November 30, 2019
Makerspace North, 250 City Centre Avenue, Ottawa
$20 or pay-what-you-can
Christmas craft show
Find unique one-of-a-kind items at the Christmas Craft Show, featuring over 125 talented artisans, artists and designers and their creations including clothing, jewellery, gourmet food and Christmas decorations. Details
October 24 to 27, 2019
Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean
$4 to $6
Nature Nocturne: Moon Mission
Explore galleries after hours, engage your curiosity with amazing themed activities, and enjoy three dance floors, each with a different vibe. Details
Friday, October 25, 2019| 8 PM – midnight
Canadian Museum of Nature, McLeod Street, Ottawa
$27
World of Poutine
Get your Curd On! Join us for the 2019 World of Poutine celebrating Canada’s Favourite Food with tastes from around the World. Craft Bevvy Bar, Live Music, Kids Fun Zone, Feature Foodies, Best Poutine Championship, Exotic Poutine Contest, FREE entry, Sample sizes on Thursday and Friday, Fun, Fun, and more Fun. Details
October 24 to 27, 2019
Community Hub, 400 March Road, Kanata
Free
Turkey Dinner at Carleton Memorial
You and your friends and family are invited to Carleton Memorial United Church for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Musical entertainment will follow the dinner. Please invite all who would like to attend for a really fun evening. Take-out orders can be provided. Details
Saturday October 26, 2019 | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Carleton Memorial United Church, 740 Melfa Crescent, Ottawa
0-$20
OHS Auxiliary Halloween Sale
The Ottawa Humane Society Auxiliary will be selling homemade baked goods and original crafts at the Halloween Sale. We accept cash, credit or debit. Details
Saturday October 26, 2019 | 11 AM – 1:30 PM
Ottawa Humane Society, 245 W Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa
Free
Ottawa Franchise Expo
The Ottawa Franchise Show gets you face-to-face with the hottest franchises and businesses looking to grow in your market. Plus, free seminars from industry professionals empower you with the information you need to know to own a business. Details
Saturday October 26 | 11 AM -5 PM
Sunday October 27 | 11 AM – 4 PM
EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa
Free
Rock N’ Gem Show Ottawa
With over 41,000 kilos of hand selected pieces, you are sure to follow in Mother Natures footsteps this November. Brazil, Bulgaria, Morocco, Uruguay, Canada, and so many other fantastic destinations are represented at this family friendly event. Details
October 24 to 27, 2019
EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa
Free
Eve Film Festival
A three day international film festival celebrating women in film. A collection of shorts and features along with networking events for local industry. Details
October 25–27, 2019
Arts Court Theatre, Ottawa
$10 & up
Dimensions
See 100+ original sculptures by the National Capital Network of Sculptors (NCNS). Work ranges from figurative to abstract to installation art and incorporates such mediums as glass, stone, wood, bronze, steel, plaster, clay and mixed media. Details
October 25 to 27, 2019
Horticulture Building, Ottawa
Free
Inside Out Ottawa-Gatineau LGBT Film Festival
Ottawa Festival showcases the best queer cinema from Canada and around the world. Details
October 24 to 27, 2019
National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
$11.66 & up
Ottawa Wedding Show
The Ottawa Wedding Show is an exciting event, focused on showcasing a wide selection of quality services and products that speak to the needs of today’s contemporary couple. Every Ottawa Wedding Show includes special features. Details
Saturday, October 26, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 27, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
$13 to $16
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Whether offering writing workshops to the homeless, hosting a Nobel Laureate, organizing our literary celebrations or bringing authors into area schools, our goal is the same: to create an environment that activates creativity and encourages the love of reading, learning and self-expression. Details
October 24 to 29, 2019
Various Locations, Ottawa
$15 & up
You may like:
Make Your Non-Fiction Story a Reality! on Friday October 25, 2019 | 10 AM – 12 PM @ Coles Carlingwood, 2121 Carling Avenue, Ottawa
Bead Loom Bracelet Making on Sunday October 27, 2019 | 1 PM – 5 PM @ Chapters Rideaum 47 Rideau Street, Ottawa
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!