The weather this weekend is looking appropriately chilly for Halloween, with clear skies expected on Sunday after some scattered clouds. If I had to pick just one thing to do, I'd probably go for Dwayne Gretzky Halloween at History Ottawa, as I love a good cover band and their annual show is always a blast.
What to Do This Weekend
- Nature Nocturne | Friday, October 30 | Canadian Museum of Nature | Dance until midnight while DJs fill the castle, meet artists, and explore four floors of museum exhibitions. | directions | More info
- World Trivia Night | Friday, October 30 | Rogers Centre Ottawa (55 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa) | Over 1,000 participants compete in teams of 10 for the Trong Nguyen Memorial Trophy, bragging rights, and prizes. | directions | More info
- Big Wreck | Friday, October 30 at 7:00 PM | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa | This Canadian-American alternative rock band, formed in 1992, plays an over-19 show. | directions | More info
- Dwayne Gretzky Halloween | Friday, October 30 at 7:00 PM | History Ottawa | $56 | This popular annual Halloween show is coming to Ottawa for the first time, offering a mix of tribute and covers for those 19 and over. | directions | More info
- FrightFest | Saturday, October 31 | Saunders Farm | Canada's top haunted attraction is a good pick for serious frights, street theatre, and fresh food. | directions | More info
- Haunted Manor Halloween Party | Saturday, October 31 | Manor Lounge | This annual party features dancing, games, a lively costume contest, and themed cocktails, for a frightfully fun night out. | directions | More info
- Latin Sparks Festival Presents: Noche De Muertos | Saturday, October 31 | Ottawa Art Gallery | Dress up for an elevated Latin Halloween party inspired by the spirit of Día de los Muertos, taking over the art gallery. | directions | More info
- Barrio del Sabor (Latin Dance Sundays) | Sunday, November 1 | Barrio Ottawa | This free community event starts with a beginner-friendly dance lesson before turning into a lively social dance. | directions | More info
Family Events
- Science for tots “Halloween at the farm” | Friday, October 30 at 10:00 AM | Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can enjoy a fun-filled, hands-on Halloween program on the farm. | directions | More info
- Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour | Friday, October 30 at 7:00 PM | Canadian Tire Centre | Stars from Disney Concerts, Disney+, and AEG Presents will be performing on this tour. | directions | More info
- Halloween at the museum | Saturday, October 31 at 10:00 AM | Canada Science and Technology Museum | Head here for special family-friendly Halloween activities. | directions | More info
- Rideau HALLoween “Under the Big Top” | Saturday, October 31 | Rideau Hall | Find candy for trick-or-treaters, activities, and circus performances with spooky sounds in the Tent Room. | directions | More info
- Pumpkin Fest | Saturday, October 31 | Proulx Maple & Berry Farm | Pack a lunch for a fun day at the farm with a petting zoo, corn maze, wagon rides, and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. | directions | More info
- Gala de lutte professionnelle | Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 PM | Salle Odyssée - Maison de la culture de Gatineau | Bring the whole family for a professional wrestling spectacle. | directions | More info
- Halloween Costume Party on the Farm | Sunday, November 1 | The Log Farm | Celebrate Halloween on the farm with wagon rides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, and an enchanted forest. | directions | More info
Big Events
- Ottawa 67's vs. Brantford Bulldogs | Friday, October 30 at 7:00 PM | The Arena at TD Place | Catch some junior men’s hockey action at an affordable, family-friendly game in the Glebe neighbourhood. | directions | More info
- Rythmik Nights | Friday, October 30 | Casino du Lac-Leamy | Experience live bands and DJs bringing energy to the dance floor well into the evening, with a mix of live music and dynamic beats. | directions | More info
- Afro-Andean Funk: Todo Migra | Friday, October 30 at 8:00 PM | National Arts Centre | Two-time Latin Grammy-nominated Afro-Andean Funk makes their Ottawa debut with the world premiere of a new album about migration, sung in Quechua and Spanish. | directions | More info
- Serge Fiori - Seul Ensemble | Friday, October 30 at 8:00 PM | Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy | Enjoy the music of Serge Fiori, with arrangements by Louis-Jean Cormier and Alex McMahon. | directions | More info
- Ottawa International Writers Festival | Saturday, October 31 | Library and Archives Canada | Attend a celebration of new and established writing from across Canada and around the world with a fall edition. | directions | More info
- The Irish Descendents | Saturday, October 31 at 7:30 PM | Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre | Enjoy an evening of Newfoundland folk music, celebrating Canadian singer-songwriter Stan Rogers through heartfelt vocals and rich harmonies. | directions | More info
- CPL Semi-Final - Atlético Ottawa vs. Forge FC | Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 PM | The Stadium at TD Place | Head to TD Place to cheer on Atlético Ottawa in a Canadian Premier League semi-final game. | directions | More info
- Hot Mulligan North American Fall Tour | Sunday, November 1 at 6:00 PM | History Ottawa | This all-ages show features pop punk band Hot Mulligan. | directions | More info