It’s the second weekend of Winterlude and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the Rideau Canal will reopen. In the meantime, we’ve got a jam packed weekend of winter fun!
All Weekend
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Winterlude is taking over with plenty of events and activities happening at the official sites in Ottawa and Gatineau. There’s also a free concert series presented by the Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival: get all the details here. Don’t miss the illumination of the Montcalm Street Bridge, a collaboration between the City of Gatineau and the Embassy of France.
Sock ‘n’ Buskin is putting on The Outsiders all weekend at Kailash Mital Theatre. Read our preview here.
Get caught up on movies with Magic in the Dark: What’s Playing at Ottawa’s indie theatres.
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undercurrents, Ottawa’s contemporary theatre festival, runs February 7-17. The 2024 festival schedule is available here. Stay tuned for reviews on Apt613!
Happiness Habits 613 is cultivating habits and building community throughout the month of February. Get all the details in this post. This weekend, try CrossFit, enjoy the vernissage for Street Offerings by Coblou at Urban Art Collective, or take part in a sunset snowshoe hike.
North America’s oldest cross-country ski event takes place this weekend. The Canadian Ski Marathon is open to skiiers of all ages and abilities.
uOttawa Opera presents Hansel and Gretel Thurdsay, Friday, and Saturday.
The National Arts Centre presents the Hip Hop Theatre Festival from January 31-February 10. Tickets for this weekend’s shows are available online.
It’s the third annual Kemptville Winter Carnival at Riverside Park on Friday and Saturday. There will be skating and demonstrations on the outdoor rink, fire performers, Beavertails, free hot chocolate, fun activities in the kids’ zone, horse-drawn carriage rides, a scavenger hunt for prizes, and much more!
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AliCat Art Studio is bringing back the Wall of H’Arts: mini heart paintings that will be available for purchase. There will also be a fundraising auction for the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.
Thursday
Check out The Song is Queen at Avant-Garde Bar (135 Besserer St.) on Thursday night at 8pm. Founded by Ottawa singer-songwriters Dawn Sev, Anni del Sol, and Suzanne Nuttall, this new event will showcase the talent of under-appreciated female musicians in the Ottawa area with a Nashville-style singer-songwriter round, similar to those held at Red Bird Café. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Friday
Looking for live music this weekend? Check out this Gig Pick: Smelloship EP Release at Irene’s Pub on Friday night.
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Sixteen dancers will battle in a breakdance battle at Winterlude’s Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques Cartier Park).
Capital Pride’s 2023 Royal Court takes the stage on Sparks Street to celebrate Winterlude! There will be performances at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm.
Friday’s free concerts at the Rainbow Bistro feature The Hallions, Sorry Snowman, and F!TH.
Saturday
Capital Pride and the Vanier BIA are hosting a community skate with drag performers at Optimist Park on Saturday from 2-4pm.
613flea will take over the Aberdeen Pavilion from 10am-4pm.
The Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival is hosting a free concert on Saturday night at the Rainbow Bistro with Alanna Sterling, Graven, and Dizzy.
Healthy Pets HQ is hosting a Valentine’s Fundraiser from 10am-2pm. Pamper your pooch with a nail trim and support the Ottawa Dog Rescue. You might even fall in (puppy) love with one of the adoptable dogs that will be on site!
Ottawa Family Cinema is throwing a Valentine’s movie party where you’re invited to dress up and sing along at an interactive showing of Mamma Mia!
If you thought craft market season was over… think again. Head to the Glebe Community Centre this Saturday for Be My Valentine Craft Market. There will be more than 40 vendors and free admission!
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a New Year Parade through Chinatown (on Somerset Street between Bay and Preston).
Sunday
If you’re hosting a Super Bowl Sunday party or if you’re just in it for the snacks and half time show, the local foodie scene has you covered. Some of my top picks? Holly’s Hot Chicken and Junior & The Kid are offering take out packages that are sure to be winners. Pre-orders required!
For more of what’s happening in Ottawa, stay tuned to @apt613 on X. 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!
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