Some of us lucky folks have a long weekend, but even if you don’t, make the most of it by checking out what the city has to offer.
All weekend
On Feb. 17 and 18, the National Arts Centre presents the BIG BANG Festival: two days of colourful festivities and eclectic musical adventures for kids and their families, from interactive sound installations to singing plants, brass band fanfare to micro-concerts featuring household items. In addition to the affordably-priced shows, there are also a wide range of free, family-friendly performances and activities.
Be sure to check out Winterlude for an abundance of activities ranging from free to paid, indoors to outdoors, family-friendly to those geared towards adults, and more!
The Ice Dragon Boat Festival also takes place through Monday with a ton of activities and free concerts.
Love the outdoors? Head to Gatineau Park for Animal Tracking on Snowshoes. This guided activity takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in English and French, and snowshoes are provided! Be sure to reserve in advance.
Get cozy indoors at the ByTowne Cinema or Mayfair Theatre to catch a great movie at an independent cinema.
Check out Apt613’s newest brunch reviews, and hit up a great local spot this weekend. Or check out the Best Bites columns to find a new, local restaurant for yummy meals or takeout!
Until Saturday you can also catch the amazing local talent of Ottawa-Gatineau’s theatre scene at the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s undercurrents festival. Check out Apt613 reviews to help you choose from the stellar lineup of new plays!
Feb. 15 to 17 at 7:30pm, catch the audacious dance performance DARKMATTER at La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins. Inspired by afro-futurism and post-humanism, DARKMATTER‘s creators and performers, Cherish Menzo and Camilo Mejía Cortés, try to erase preconceived notions of how we see bodies and dream of something new. Ticket prices are flexible and can be purchased online.
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Thursday
Happiness Habits 613 goes to OAG’s Drink & Draw to socialize, sketch winter landscapes, and enjoy yummy nibbles and drinks!
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Friday
A leading artistic figure of the 20th century, Jenny Alpha fought for the recognition of Creole culture and played an active part in the Négritude movement, while developing her career on stage and in front of the cameras. Alliance Française Ottawa (352 MacLaren St.) is hosting a screening of the documentary Jenny Alpha, which will be followed by a discussion with the director, Olivier Codol.
ILL-ABILITIES Dance Crew—No Excuses, No Limits will inspire and amaze you with their moves from differently-abled international breakdancers. It takes place inside Centrepointe’s Meridian Theatres in Nepean at 8pm.
Enjoy the beautiful Pinhey’s Point Historic Site with some Snowshoeing Under the Stars, plus a guided tour of the museum’s grounds.
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Saturday
Head out to the Black-ish Comedy Show featuring Rose-Ingrid Benjamin, Abhia Pamnani, and headliner Derek Kalala! It takes place at Cultures Comedy Club, 8-11pm.
The one and only Lucky Ron is back for his mainstay show at the historic Chateau Lafayette. He plays a four-hour set, from 3pm-7pm.
Check out Irene’s Pub for Jeff & The Falcons with Josh Q for a night of contemporary soul-tinged tunes—9pm.
Ottawa Prog Vibes presents EXPEDITIONS at Lounge 164 starting at 10pm, featuring Twilight Music Sculpture from Toronto, as well as OPV residents Boraa and Alain M. Tickets $10 adv., $15 at the door.
Emo Night Ottawa is back with a Live Band Edition—grab your tickets quickly, as these tend to sell out!
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Sunday
The Ottawa Photography Group hosts I Shoot It, You Shoot It, where budding photographers can see firsthand how a shot is set up and then try their hand at the same shot. A great way to learn new techniques, get exposed to new subject ideas, and make use of creative lighting.
Check out the third annual PHAT FEST at Whiprsnapr Brewing for a group fat bike ride for all skill levels, demos, a pizza pop-up, and more.
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Bonus: Monday (Family Day)
The 12th Annual Underground Comedy Railroad Tour returns to Ottawa at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage, after a sold-out show in 2023. It’s the first ever all-Black comedy tour in the country. Created by Rodney Ramsey and Ottawan Daniel Woodrow, the tour is intended to create opportunities for Black Canadian comedians and to introduce their voices to new audiences. The Ottawa show will feature Keesha Brownie, Rodney Ramsey, Tamara Shevon, Daniel Woodrow, and special guest Simone Holder.
Head to the main branch of the Ottawa Library for some Monday Movie Night fun with Korean Thrillers—6-8:30pm.
The Mayfair is hosting Ausome Ottawa for an autism-friendly screen of Kicking and Screaming starring Will Ferrell—2pm.
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