It feels like a true Ottawa fall weekend is upon us, with crisp, clear skies predicted for Friday and Sunday, and even Saturday's broken clouds won't stop me from getting out. If I could only pick one thing to do, I think I'd spend my Friday morning browsing the Signatures Handmade Market at Lansdowne; I always find unique treasures there.
What to Do This Weekend
- The Ottawa Chocolate Show | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Algonquin College Event Salons | Meet award-winning chocolate makers from across Canada and sample their artisan creations. | directions | More info
- Signatures Handmade Market | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park | Shop for unique Canadian-made jewellery, fashion, ceramics, and gifts from over 70 artisans. | directions | More info
- Watson’s Mill Haunt Nights | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Watson’s Mill | The historic mill transforms into three floors of chilling haunted mazes, recommended for ages 10+. | directions | More info
- Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW | Friday, October 23 at 7:30 PM | The Gladstone Theatre | This cult musical promises glam, comedy, and plenty of theatrical chaos for a fun night out. | directions | More info
- Queers & Beers | Friday, October 23 | A welcoming social gathering to connect with the local queer community. | More info
- Ontario Festival of Small Halls | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Almonte, Merrickville, Lanark, Carp, Richmond and other locations. | Tickets from $29 | World-class Canadian musicians perform in intimate community halls across Eastern Ontario. | directions | More info
- The Mahones - Deux Voix Une Capitale | Friday, October 23 at 7:00 PM | The Bronson | Experience an energetic night of live Celtic folk and rock influences. | directions | More info
Family Events
- Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa | Friday, October 23 | Montgomery Legion | This family-friendly musical production celebrates Canadian things with famous characters singing Canadian hits. | directions | More info
- Ottawa Pet Expo | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | The Cohere Centre | Animal lovers can explore over 250 exhibitors, live demonstrations, and a Meet the Breeds area. | directions | More info
- Halloween Hijinks | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Cumberland Heritage Village Museum | This silly, gently spooky celebration is built for younger kids with a machine-themed twist. | directions | More info
- Pumpkin Fest | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Proulx Maple & Berry Farm | Free | Spend a day picking your own pumpkins, riding the hayride, and navigating corn and raspberry mazes. | directions | More info
- ONIRO Night Walk | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Parc Oméga | Free | Journey through an illuminated forest as the story of a wolf cub unfolds through projections, music, and light. | directions | More info
- Amazing Autumn Weekends | Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 AM | Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | Enjoy seasonal fun from a spooky barn to baling demonstrations and a pumpkin corner. | directions | More info
- Wickedly Westboro | Saturday, October 24 at 1:00 PM | Westboro, Richmond Road from Golden Ave to Kirkwood, Ottawa | Free | Warm up your costume with an early trick-or-treat session through Westboro. | directions | More info
- Howl-O-ween Family Event | Sunday, October 25 at 1:00 PM | Ottawa Humane Society Adoption Centre | Free | The Humane Society is opening its doors for a fur-raising time with arts and crafts, games, and a scavenger hunt. | directions | More info
Big Events
- The Rugby Rematch Tour | Friday, October 23 | The Stadium at TD Place | Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team faces England in a highly anticipated international matchup at TD Place. | directions | More info
- Ottawa International Writers Festival | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Library and Archives Canada | Meet celebrated Canadian and international authors for readings, discussions, and book signings. | directions | More info
- Frightfest | Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM | Saunders Farm | Canada’s biggest haunted attraction returns for its 33rd year of scares, including a Haunted Hayride and Barn of Terror. | directions | More info
- My Son The Hurricane, Jon Deck | Friday, October 23 at 7:30 PM | Overflow Brewing Co. | $38 | This 12-piece brass-funk band promises an energetic night with special guest Jon Deck. | directions | More info
- Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers | Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 PM | Canadian Tire Centre | Tickets from $40 | Experience the atmosphere of an NHL game as the Senators play the Rangers. | directions | More info
- Mike Epps | Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 PM | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa | The acclaimed American comedian brings his quick wit to the stage for an evening of laughter. | directions | More info
- Marianas Trench | Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 PM | History Ottawa | The beloved Vancouver pop-rockers hit the stage at one of the city’s newest live-music venues. | directions | More info
- Styx | Sunday, October 25 at 8:00 PM | Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy | Rock out with this legendary band as they bring more than five decades of classics to the stage. | directions | More info