We’re expecting another lovely weekend in the 613, and there is so much to do, you should probably just fire up the group chat immediately. Whether you’re looking for some spooky season scares, a costume contest, live music, or something totally different we’ve got you covered. Also note that the Blue Jays are playing in the World Series on Friday and Saturday evenings, if you’re looking for a watch party, or want to avoid us rabid sports fans in your favourite watering hole!
All Weekend
As spooky season comes to a head, take your pick of Halloween-inspired events this weekend — whether that’s a visit to a local farmer’s market, a trip through a corn maze, or an evening at your favourite spooky spot. PumpkinFest, FrightFest, sKreamers, PumpkInferno, and Haunted Walk, and Acres of Terror are all great options!
View this post on Instagram
This is the opening weekend of the fall edition of the Ottawa International Writers’ Festival held mostly at Library and Archives Canada. Get your tickets to conversations with award winning Canadian authors Mona Awad, Ivan Coyote, Souvankham Thammavongsa, Linden MacIntyre and more. Later in the festival you can catch Chris Hatfield, Alan Doyle and Billy Ray Belcourt, so secure your tickets now!
If you’re in the market for some awesome new local art, the best place to check is this weekend’s Loft Art Studios Open House. Wander the spaces at the Standard Bread Building on Gladstone and mingle with the artists in their natural habitat.
Non-profit LGBTQ theatre company TotoToo is staging The Rocky Horror Show at The Gladstone Theatre until next weekend. Get your tickets for the cult classic production starting at $35 for students and the under-waged.
If you’re into all things cool rocks, crystals and gems check out the Rock N’ Gem Show at the EY Centre all weekend. Admission is $3 or $7 for a family.
If what you really, really want is some great live music, nobody does it better than our friends at OttawaGigs. Check the website for a comprehensive breakdown of shows in every genre, neighbourhood and price-point this weekend, and always!
It’s the last weekend of the NCC’s Fall Rhapsody free shuttle to Gatineau Park from downtown Ottawa. Check out the last of the fall colour all over town!
View this post on Instagram
Thursday
Thursday night is the season opening event of the Ottawa StoryTellers signature series. Join Jan Blake at 7:30 for Bottle Lamp Tales, a night of scary spooky stories for adults about “whispered legends and the Jamaican Night”. Tickets are still available for this event at Arts Court.
The Ottawa Senators are hosting the Flyers at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday at 7pm. Get into the boys in red and black early this year, and check out the new stadium upgrades and concessions (I hear great things about the Birria grilled cheese).
Friday
Raphael Weinroth-Browne, Ottawa-based cellist and composer, will be playing an album release show for his new record Lifeblood on Friday at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre at 7:30. Tickets for this unforgettable event are still available for $33.
View this post on Instagram
Frisky Femme Productions is throwing a sexy Halloween Party at Nan’s Parlour on Clarence Friday night. Nan’s Parlour Peelers tickets are available at the door, and wear your best costume for the costume contest!
Ottawa Quad Rollerskating Club is holding their Hallowheel Roller Party Friday night at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne. The adult session starts at 8:30pm, and the all ages party will take place from 5-7:30pm. Wear your best costume and join the party.
Stittsville Haunted Heritage Tours are taking over Main street on Friday and Saturday night. The 90-minute tour will share legends, myths and mysteries from Stittsville’s dark side.
Saturday
As part of Ottawa International Writer’s Festival join our friends from Jane’s Walks for an interactive walk through Hintonburg and Wellington West interpreted through works of fiction and poetry set in the area. The walk is free to attend, but RSVP is required.
Halloween classic Hocus Pocus is screening at the Ottawa Family Cinema on St Laurent at 2pm on Saturday. Join the party with a costume parade, door prizes, a stage show before the film and lots of treats! Tickets are $10 for non-members, and only $8 in advance for members of the not-for-profit theatre.
Vegans Who Snack Fall Edition is taking over the Parkdale Market on Saturday afternoon from 12-4pm. There will be over 60 vendors, including some of your favourite local businesses, and the inevitable few well kept secrets. Arrive hungry!
View this post on Instagram
The Feminist Conversations is hosting a clothing-swap event, DRESSING WITH PURPOSE: Confidence & Identity Through Style! on Saturday from 1-4m at Beandigen Cafe at Lansdowne. Your piece of clothing is your ticket to the event & clothing swap!
For your furry best friend check out the Howloween Market happening at Ray Friel Complex in Orleans Saturday from 10-3pm. There will be over 50 vendors, fun costumes and activities and treats for your doggo.
The Bytown Museum is celebrating its 108th Birthday on Saturday, and is celebrating with some behind-the-scenes access for visitors. Learn all about the museum’s historical costumes on display, and watch as experts make repairs to the historic garments. There will also be birthday activities for the whole family.
The Bytown Sea Shanty Collective is celebrating with a free concert and Halloween Costume Party Saturday night at Beyond the Pale City Centre. Sea creature costumes strongly suggested! The party starts at 8pm.
Sunday
Who wears a costume better than a corgi? Nobody. The annual Halloween Corgi Parade is taking over Sparks street on Sunday at 3pm, starting at the CBC building, heading towards Elgin. Bring your corgi in their favourite costume, or drop by to take in the parade!
Test your Halloween movie knowledge at the Manor Lounge Halloween Movie Trivia Night on Sunday starting at 6:30. Arrive early to enjoy Happy Hour from 4-6, and bring a team of up to 6 people to compete.
For more of what’s happening in Ottawa, stay tuned to @apt613 on social media. Out snapping photos? Tag us on Instagram @apt613 for a chance to be featured on our feed. Be sure to use the hashtag #Apt613 so we can share your photos!
This Weekend Roundup is co-presented by CIRA Canadian Shield, a free cybersecurity service from CIRA.
CIRA Canadian Shield helps protect individuals, families, and communities online, and is especially designed for Canadians. Learn more here.
