This cold snap has been great news for fans of winter activities! Skating conditions are looking great, whether you’re thinking of checking out the Rideau Canal Skateway, the Rink of Dreams, the Lansdowne Park skating court, the Rideau Hall skating rink, the Ruisseau de la Brasserie in Gatineau, neighbourhood rinks, or one of the many outdoor skating trails in the region.
If you’re new to winter activities or looking to try something new, check out the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library, a nonprofit outdoor gear lending library. Note that they’re undergoing a move at the moment, so their pop-up at 33 Quill Street is open for cross country ski and snowshoe rentals only.
All Weekend
Bee You Creative Styles, a thrift store in Sandy Hill, is hosting their annual clearance sale with virtually all items at half price Friday through Sunday. The shop was recommended in our last-minute gift ideas guide and has been on my list to visit ever since.
The Winter Edition of Ottawa Comiccon is free this weekend at the EY Centre. Smaller than their September event, you can check out artists and retailers.
A new year means new shows to check out. At the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Why It’s imPossible is a play about parenting in precarious times. Read our review here. Over at the National Arts Centre, Salesman in China bridges cultures and connections. Read our review of that show here.
Planning a wedding this year? The Capital Wedding Show runs Saturday and Sunday at the Ottawa Conference and Events Centre.
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Robert Plante Greenhouses is hosting more than 75 vendors at their pet-friendly Winter Market.
The Ottawa 67’s are playing both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Tickets are available online.
Celebrate Robbie Burns this weekend at Deacon Brodies. Enjoy the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band on Friday and Saturday, or try the whisky tasting on Sunday.
Thursday
Mountains on Stage: Winter Edition is a collection of four short films playing at the Mayfair Theatre on Thursday evening.
Joe McLeod and The Public Service Duo play at the NAC’s Fourth Stage this Thursday.
Friday
Tickets are still available online for Sum 41’s last ever headlining tour, Tour Of The Setting Sum. POP and Gob are opening.
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A comedy show like no other, the Amuse Bouche Variety Show will tickle your funny bone at the Atelier Studio in Arts Court this Friday. Learn more here.
Enjoy the music of Omar Sosa and Seckou Keita with Aldo Mazza in the NAC’s Southam Hall on Friday, or check out Maritza on the Fourth Stage.
Check out indoor recreation roller skating with Ottawa Quad Session’s Friday night skate at the Norm Fenn Gym at Carleton University.
Kick off winter programming at AXENÉO7’s opening of the exhibition We Made This Mostly at Home with Stuff We Already Had in Our Apartment, curated by Chloë Lum and Yannick Desranleau.
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Urban Legends Poetry Collective is hosting the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam qualifier at the Arts Court Studio Theatre from 7-10pm on Friday. The event is pay-what-you-can and you can reserve your spot online.
House of TARG is throwing an 80s dance party Friday night with DJ Remi Royale and 80s pop cover band One Vision.
Laylit is a platform and collective celebrating music and artists from the Arab/SWANA region and its diaspora. Check out the dance party this Friday at SAW Centre.
Saturday
613flea takes place at the Aberdeen Pavilion from 10am-4pm.
Lots of events are happening all weekend: scroll back up to find something that sounds good to you!
Sunday
Enjoy a free horse drawn carriage ride through the ByWard Market, courtesy of the ByWard Market District Authority.
Got a story to tell? Ottawa StoryTellers is hosting (un)told, a relaxed event where individuals share a story in ten minutes or less. The January theme is New Beginnings.
Did you make running one of your 2025 resolutions? Run Ottawa’s first event of the year is the Richmond Road Races with a 5km and 10km option. You can register on race day at the South Carleton High School.
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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