Well, the forecast for this weekend is classic mid-October: cool, some clouds, but Sunday looks like a lovely 14 degrees for getting out. If I could only go to one thing, it would probably be the REVERBERATE open-air gathering, because I love getting outside for music when the weather allows. It's a nice change from indoor venues.
What to Do This Weekend
- REVERBERATE | An Open Air Gathering | Friday, October 16 | Eco-Odyssée | This outdoor gathering at Eco-Odyssée sounds like a cool way to experience music and art in a natural setting, so dress warmly if you plan to go Friday night. | directions | More info
- White Lotus Society Cocktail Class | Friday, October 16 | SFR Distillery | Head to SFR Distillery for a cocktail class themed after The White Lotus, where you'll craft destination-inspired cocktails. | directions | More info
- Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market | Friday, October 16 at 4:00 PM | Urban Art Collective (1088 Somerset Street West, Ottawa) | Free | The Hintonburg Night Market is a relaxed way to find local vendors, food, and music on a Friday evening, and it's free to wander. | directions | More info
- Hex Appeal: The Iron Cabaret | Friday, October 16 at 7:00 PM | Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts (310 Saint Patrick Street, Ottawa) | from $55.66 | The Iron Cabaret is putting on Hex Appeal, an occult-themed aerials and kinky market show at Saint Brigid's, which is probably not for everyone but sounds unique. | directions | More info
- Gloucester Night Market | Friday, October 16 | Earl Armstrong Arena | The Gloucester Night Market at Earl Armstrong Arena sounds like a nice community market to check out Friday evening, with music and local artisans. | directions | More info
- Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW | Friday, October 16 at 7:30 PM | The Gladstone Theatre (910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa.) | This cult musical is playing at The Gladstone Theatre, bringing glam, comedy, and theatrical chaos to Ottawa for those who like a wild show. | directions | More info
- Spätzle & Steins: Celebrating 75 years of German-Canadian Friendship | Friday, October 16 | Braumeister Bierhalle | If you like German food and beer, Braumeister Bierhalle is celebrating German-Canadian friendship with a special multi-course, family-style dinner, which likely requires reservations. | directions | More info
Family Events
- Ottawa Parent & Child Expo | Friday, October 16 at 9:00 AM | Nepean Sportsplex, Entrance 4 (1701 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa) | Free | The Nepean Sportsplex is hosting the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo all weekend, offering play zones and character meet-and-greets for kids, which should be busy. | directions | More info
- Halloween fun at the museum | Friday, October 16 at 10:00 AM | Canada Science and Technology Museum | The Canada Science and Technology Museum has family-friendly Halloween activities, including a Pumpkin Express ride and a patch. | directions | More info
- Frightfest | Friday, October 16 at 10:00 AM | Saunders Farm (7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa) | Saunders Farm's Frightfest is back for its 33rd year with haunted attractions like a hayride and barns, and it's Canada's largest haunted attraction for those who like a good scare. | directions | More info
- ONIRO Night Walk | Friday, October 16 at 10:00 AM | Parc Oméga (399 Route 323 North, Montebello.) | Free | Journey through an illuminated forest at Parc Oméga as the story of a wolf cub unfolds through spectacular projections, music, and light, which sounds like a cool evening walk for families. | directions | More info
- Glebe Halloween Village Accessible Trick-or-Treating | Saturday, October 17 at 11:00 AM | Glebe Avenue, between Lyon and Bank streets, Ottawa. | Free | The Glebe Halloween Village offers accessible trick-or-treating stations and crafts, a thoughtful idea for all kids to enjoy Halloween. | directions | More info
- Trick or Treat with the Mayor | Saturday, October 17 at 5:00 PM | City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W.) | City Hall is hosting Trick or Treat with the Mayor on Saturday evening, with costumed characters and a glowing pumpkin patch, a unique way to celebrate. | directions | More info
- Geek Hoard Haul-oween | Sunday, October 18 at 10:00 AM | Sensplex Kanata (1565 Maple Grove Rd., Stittsville.) | Free | Calling all geeks and collectors, this family-friendly event brings together more than 90 vendors selling comics, trading cards, toys, and spooky merchandise, plus cosplay. | directions | More info
- Spooky Symphony | Sunday, October 18 at 3:30 PM | Southam Hall, National Arts Centre (1 Elgin St., Ottawa.) | It’s all treats, no tricks at this family-friendly concert with the NAC Orchestra playing Halloween favourites and giant visuals. | directions | More info
Big Events
- Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. Toronto Argonauts | Friday, October 16 at 7:00 PM | The Stadium at TD Place (1015 Bank Street, Ottawa) | from $25 | The REDBLACKS play their final regular season home game against the Toronto Argonauts at TD Place on Friday, and it’s Lumberjack Night, so wear your plaid. | directions | More info
- ArohaFest Diwali Dhamaka | Friday, October 16 at 6:00 PM | National Arts Centre (1 Elgin St., Ottawa) | Free | The National Arts Centre is holding ArohaFest Diwali Dhamaka, a free bilingual festival celebrating Indian arts and culture with dance, music, and workshops, running Friday and Saturday. | directions | More info
- Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA | Friday, October 16 at 10:00 AM | Under the Big Top, St. Laurent Shopping Centre (1200 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa.) | Cirque du Soleil's LUZIA is still under the Big Top at St. Laurent Shopping Centre, bringing acrobatic performances and live music inspired by Mexico. | directions | More info
- The Black Keys - Peaches n' Kream World Tour | Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 PM | Canadian Tire Centre (1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata) | The Black Keys are at the Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday night if you're looking for some gritty blues and garage rock, tickets are likely not cheap. | directions | More info
- Atlético Ottawa vs. Forge FC | Saturday, October 17 at 1:00 PM | The Stadium at TD Place (1015 Bank Street, Ottawa) | from $34 | Ottawa’s professional men’s soccer team hosts Forge FC at TD Place on Saturday afternoon for those who want to catch a game. | directions | More info
- Collective Soul | Sunday, October 18 at 7:00 PM | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa (4837 Albion Road, Ottawa) | For 90s rock fans, Collective Soul is playing at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa on Sunday evening. | directions | More info
- Sal Vulcano: Everything's Fine Tour | Sunday, October 18 at 7:00 PM | Algonquin Commons Theatre (1385 Woodroffe Ave, Algonquin College - Bldg E, Nepean) | Best known as a star of Impractical Jokers, comedian Sal Vulcano brings his stand-up tour to Ottawa for an evening of sharp observations and personal stories. | directions | More info