Spooky season is upon us! This weekend you’ve got your pick of Halloween activities, ranging from family friendly to truly terrifying.
All Weekend
The Ottawa International Writers Festival has events and activities from October 25-29. Get a sneak peek of one of the events with Ottawa writer Kate Heartfield, who will be on a panel speaking about her book, The Valkyrie, on October 29 along with authors Eva Crocker and Emma Donoghue, here.
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture with the Day of the Dead Festival 2023 in the ByWard Market.
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If you haven’t been on a Haunted Walk, this weekend is a great time to explore the city’s haunted history. It’s also the final weekend for tours at the Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park. Book your tour online.
New Opera Lyra presents the world premiere of Andrew Ager’s The Mummy. Fully staged, with a colourful instrumental ensemble, The Mummy will take you inside the tragic fate of those who awaken ancient honour and the mysterious forces of time. Learn more about New Opera Lyra in our post here.
Ottawa Dance Directive (ODD) and Series Dance 10 #48 presents two solo performances, The call of the embers by Montreal’s Charles Alexis-Desgagnés (Personne Danse Company) and The view from here by Toronto’s Jillian Peever. Performances are on October 26, 27, and 28 at 7:30pm at ODD BOX, Arts Court.
Need some jack-o-lantern inspiration? Don’t miss thousands of hand carved pumpkins at Pumpkins After Dark at Wesley Clover Parks.
Shop dozens of Indigenous vendors at the Indigenous Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday at St. Laurent Shopping Centre.
Friday
Ottawa Quad Session Rollerskating is throwing an all ages Hallowheel Roller Party from 5-7:30pm, with an adults-only event from 8:30-11pm.
Swing your way into a fun-filled evening with the Ottawa Swing Dance Society’s Friday swing dance party.
New Brunswick-based singer-songwriter Jessica Rhaye and her band The Ramshackle Parade will be at Red Bird Live in support on their new album Sunshine Baby.
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It’s the first ever costumed sea shanty party at Beyond the Pale with the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective. Free and no previous singing experience required.
Polaris Prize-shortlisted Oji-Cree singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Aysanabee joins Dan Mangan on his upcoming tour stop in Ottawa on October 27 at the Bronson Centre. Here and Now, Aysanabee’s just-released new EP, explores Indigenous love and loss in the modern era.
Catch a double bill of Montreal-based singer-songwriter Geneviève Racette and emerging indie artist Cinzia & The Eclipse at Avant-Garde Bar (135 Besserer Street) this Friday. This is an early show, with doors at 6pm and music starting at 6:30pm, so if you love music but hate staying up late, this one’s for you.
Saturday
Urban Art Collective is hosting a Halloween Night Market from 4-9pm at 1088 Somerset Street West. Follow them on Instagram @urbanartcollective.ca for a full list of vendors.
Pony Girl is throwing a listening party for their new album LAFF IT OFF from 3-5pm at The Record Centre.
Check out the Wickedly Westboro Trick-or-Treating event on Saturday from 1-4 pm. Put on your costume for a dry run and join a fun-filled afternoon along the entire BIA strip of Richmond Road. The festivities include a scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating in the Village, selfie stations, a Mystic Market, and more.
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Tooth and Nail Brewing Company is throwing a Halloween kitchen party with DJs Hobo and Sweet Cheeks.
Good2Go has an upcoming show at Irene’s Pub on Saturday at 9pm playing originals and covers.
Cultures Comedy Club, located in Nuvo Lounge in the ByWard Market, presents Comédie Francaise on Saturday, October 28, with Mackbouba and Rachelle Elie plus Gabby Gatineau as host. There’s also a DJ and catering by Island Vybz Cuisine, offering authentic Jamaican cuisine as of 8pm.
Sunday
Design a pumpkin race car and compete for prizes and bragging rights at the Lansdowne Park Pumpkin Derby. Check out the Facebook event for a full list of entry rules.
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The Elgin Street Halloween Party is a family-friendly event with trick or treating, a pet selfie station, contests, and more. The event runs rain or shine from 11am-2pm.
House of TARG is hosting a Halloween edition of Sunday free play.
Classical vocal ensemble One Equall Musick is presenting a program featuring selections from the Armenian Divine Liturgy of Komitas Vardapet, alongside selections by Poulenc and Lusitano, in Ottawa on October 29 at 4pm at First Baptist Church. Tickets are available online.
Ottawa Symphony Orchestra presents the first concert of their 2023–24 season on Sunday, October 29, at 3:30pm at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. The program is entitled Night on Bald Mountain and will feature works by Poulenc, Wagner, Canadian composer Jacques Hétu, and Mussorgsky (arranged by Rimsky-Korsakov), conducted by Mélanie Léonard with organ solos by Matthew Larkin.
A Company of Fools are hosting a pumpkin carving and pancake breakfast on Sunday with pumpkins and tools provided. You get to pay-what-you-can, have all the fun of carving and none of the mess of having to clean up! It takes place from 10-1 pm, with a suggested donation of $20.
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Dominion City Brewing Co. is hosting a Monster Bash on Sunday from 12-5pm with a kids costume contest, pumpkin carving, trick or treating, and more.
For more of what’s happening in Ottawa, stay tuned to @apt613 on Twitter. 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!
