The smarch-like weather of late hasn’t been great for outdoor winter activities, but there’s plenty to do both indoors and out—just be sure to check conditions or official websites/social media accounts before checking out the outdoor events.
All Weekend
Winterlude’s final weekend takes place this weekend, but as mentioned above, best to check conditions before heading to the outdoor activities.
The second weekend of undercurrents, Ottawa’s contemporary theatre festival, is on this weekend. Check out an interview with the Executive Director and the festival schedule.
The Remic Rapids Park Bistro is open for the winter on weekends with soups, chilis, sandwiches, desserts, hot drinks, beer and wine.
Head out snowshoeing with a nature interpreter in Gatineau Park to learn about animal tracks every weekend until March 12 in English and French.
Ottawa’s Big Bounce Festival is on February 17–18 at Aberdeen Pavilion.
The BIG BANG Festival takes place at the NAC from February 18–19, offering family-friendly programming that includes concerts, surprise performances, interactive sound machines and many wild curiosities to discover across the NAC building. This event celebrates the colour and magic of sound and music. As part of Winterlude festivities, it will include an array of amazing free and affordable on-site performances of all kinds.
Also kid-friendly, the WolfGANG: WolfPUP Sessions take place at the NAC this weekend.
Lost Baggage Musical Theatre presents Forbidden Love, a Valentine’s Day Dinner Cabaret all weekend.
Palermo Palermo by dance troupe Tanztheater Wuppertal plays the NAC Feb. 16–18. Discounted tickets for community members under 30 and Indigenous theatregoers.
There’s plenty of great cinema to catch at both of Ottawa’s independent theatres.
Is God Is runs at the NAC until Saturday and is a dark, award-winning tragicomedy.
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Thursday
Greased Lightning is on at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe.
Polaris Prize winner Pierre Kwenders plays Club SAW at 8pm with special guest Asuquomo.
Rebecca Noelle is also playing at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe.
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The Ottawa Tool Library is running its Workspace Safety 101 Workshop: a great way to learn how to handle power tools safely. (Hint, 201 runs on Feb. 21).
Calgary-based singer/songwriter Forest Blakk plays The 27 Club in support of his latest EP Every Little Detail. The 8-track collection features Blakk’s breakout Platinum-certified smash single “If You Love Her,” which earned Blakk his official U.S. chart debut on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart.
Friday
Ottawa Quad Sessions are back with Social Rollerskating and don’t forget you can rent skates if need be!
Big Wreck and Sierra Pilot hit the stage at the Bronson Centre.
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Saturday
SAW Gallery presents Festa de Carnaval featuring Florquestra and guests as well as DJ DANM from Brazil. It’s a night celebrating Brazilian culture and heritage with the best in marchinha, samba, frevo, afoxé and Axé!
Amr Ali and the Candian Arabic Orchestra present The Nightingale at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe.
The Parkdale Orchestra presents Mélomane, featuring music by French composers Franck, Bizet, and Saint-Saëns.
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The Got Land? Indigenous comedy show takes place at Eddy’s Diner. Note: they are filming this performance for a documentary so wait to hit up next month’s show if you’re uncomfortable with possibly being on camera.
Sunday
Ottawa’s 9th Annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate takes place from 2–4 pm at the Lansdowne Park Skating Court.
Harbour Harvest 2023, a charity ice-fishing derby, takes place all day. No fishing license is required and you can reserve equipment if you need it.
Comedian Jack Whitehall brings his Jackarse tour to the NAC with a few seats remaining.
The Winter Pride Drag Show takes place at the Bronson Centre.
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