Well, fall is definitely here, and it looks like Friday will be a bit wet with light rain before clear skies take over for the rest of the weekend. If I could only pick one thing this week, I’d probably focus on some of the Capital Music Week events scattered across the city, because there's always something unexpected to discover, often for free.
What to Do This Weekend
- FILibro Canada | Friday, October 2 at 9:00 AM | Saint Paul University | Free | You can browse books in Spanish, French, English, and Portuguese, meet writers, and enjoy literary and art events at Ottawa’s Ibero-American Book Fair. | directions | More info
- Estée Lauder Cosmetics Warehouse Sale | Friday, October 2 at 9:00 AM | Cohere Centre, Hall 3 | Free | This sale offers deep discounts on cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances from Estée Lauder and its family of brands. | directions | More info
- The Festival of Small Halls | Friday, October 2 at 10:00 AM | Ontario Small Halls (450 Churchill Ave N, Ottawa) | World-class Canadian musicians perform in intimate community halls across Eastern Ontario, with tickets starting at $29. | directions | More info
- Oktoberfest Ladysmith | Friday, October 2 | This festival, a staple of the Pontiac MRC for nearly 40 years, celebrates German heritage with cultural activities, music, and family fun. | More info
- Tracy and Martina: Live | Friday, October 2 at 8:00 PM | Algonquin Commons Theatre | Straight from Cape Breton Island, this viral East Coast duo brings heartfelt storytelling and spontaneous humour on their first cross-Canada tour. | directions | More info
- Capital Music Week | Friday, October 2 at 10:00 AM | Various locations across Ottawa. | Free | This nine-day celebration transforms Ottawa into a big stage with live music, showcases, workshops, and networking events, including a free Capital Drag N event. | directions | More info
- Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market | Friday, October 2 at 4:00 PM | Urban Art Collective | Free | Stroll through local vendors, enjoy food and drink, and listen to local entertainment at this evening market. | directions | More info
Family Events
- Carleton University Butterfly Show | Friday, October 2 at 10:00 AM | Carleton University | Free | Step into a tropical oasis filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies and learn about these fascinating creatures. | directions | More info
- Metcalfe Fair | Friday, October 2 at 10:00 AM | 2821 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe | This 170th anniversary fair offers agricultural exhibits, midway rides, live entertainment, food, and family fun. | directions | More info
- Frightfest | Friday, October 2 at 10:00 AM | Saunders Farm | Canada’s biggest haunted attraction returns for its 33rd year with a Haunted Hayride, Barn of Terror, and other scares. | directions | More info
- Pumpkin Fest | Friday, October 2 at 10:00 AM | Proulx Maple & Berry Farm | Free | Spend a day picking pumpkins, riding the hayride through the “Mysterious Forest,” conquering mazes, and visiting the petting farm. | directions | More info
- PumpkInferno | Friday, October 2 at 7:00 PM | Upper Canada Village | Thousands of hand-crafted illuminated pumpkins create a magical walk-through experience along the historic streets, suitable for all ages. | directions | More info
- Ma petite citrouille d’Halloween | Saturday, October 3 at 9:00 AM | Centre de services de Masson-Angers | This fun activity allows kids and adults to decorate their own pumpkins with paint and imagination. | directions | More info
- Fungi For Families | Sunday, October 4 | This outdoor adventure is designed for families to learn about mushrooms through interactive activities, storytelling, and discovery. | More info
Big Events
- Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats | Friday, October 2 at 7:00 PM | The Stadium at TD Place | Tickets from $15 | Friday night football returns as the REDBLACKS battle the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a CFL home game. | directions | More info
- Bring Me The Horizon - POST HUMAN: NeX GEn-THE THIRD ASCENSION PROGRAM | Friday, October 2 at 7:00 PM | Canadian Tire Centre | British rock band Bring Me The Horizon brings its North American headline tour to Ottawa with an immersive live production. | directions | More info
- k.d. lang celebration - 2026 | Friday, October 2 at 8:00 PM | National Arts Centre | Acclaimed artists gather to honor Canadian icon k.d. lang, celebrating her voice, vision, and enduring impact. | directions | More info
- Jesse Cook | Friday, October 2 at 8:00 PM | Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy | This international artist and master of Spanish guitar performs live in Gatineau, reinventing the power of music as a universal language. | directions | More info
- United Promotions Presents: Live Championship Boxing | Saturday, October 3 | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa | United Championship Boxing presents an evening of professional boxing featuring established contenders and emerging talent. | directions | More info
- Ottawa 67's vs. Erie Otters | Saturday, October 3 at 3:00 PM | The Arena at TD Place | Tickets from $25 | The 67’s kick off their home season with an afternoon OHL matchup against the Erie Otters, which is a good outing for the family. | directions | More info
- 2026 PANDA GAME | Sunday, October 4 at 12:00 PM | The Stadium at TD Place | Enjoy one of Ottawa’s most beloved annual sports rivalries as the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees take on the Carleton University Ravens. | directions | More info