“I’m bored! What should we do?” This familiar question far too often doesn’t have an answer.
Stop right there! Look no further! OLM’s Fall and Winter Event Guide is here to relieve your boredom.
With the turning of the seasons comes many new activities to kick the fall and winter blues away. Forget staying cooped up inside, get out there and enjoy everything this lively city has to offer.
Have fun, make memories and spread the word!
October
Haunted Historic Village
Fridays and Saturdays during October 10-25
Take a walk through Ottawa’s newest haunted village. Get ready for a spooky shock to your senses.
Ottawa International Film Festival
October 15-19
Join film enthusiasts, filmmakers and industry professionals across the city to watch screenings. This event will include screenings from both established and up-and-coming filmmakers.
Fevers Concert
October 17
Head on over to the Shenkman Arts Centre and get your fill of this Ottawa electro-indie-rock band!
ByWard Market Harvest
October 17-19
Live music and kid’s programming. Plus a food event with Chef Lynn Crawford!
Poutine Fest
October 24-26
Satisfy your savoury tooth on Sparks Street during this three-day delectable festival. Food trucks from across North America will be ready to serve you their best.
Ottawa Brewery Market
October 25
Wet your palette with local and other Ontarian craft brews.
Halloween at Rideau Hall
October 31
Concoct magic potions in the haunted Visitor Centre. Rideau Hall staff will give out goodies to trick-or-treaters of all ages.
November
Great Pumpkin Charity Ball
November 1
Come to Ottawa’s biggest annual Halloween Event with a DJ, live band and two floors of haunting fun!
Ottawa Wine and Food Festival
November 6-9
Take in wine tastings and kitchen demonstrations with fellow foodies.
“The Dixie Swim Club” Presented by the Phoenix Players
November 6-9, 11-15
Don’t miss this “hilarious and touching comedy about friendship that lasts forever!” Laugh along as you take in the story of five college friends who reunite every summer to catch up and help one another when the going gets tough.
Ottawa Storytellers Children’s Festival
November 8
Bring the little ones to Nepean Centrepointe Library for a day of storytelling and crafts.
Visit with Veterans
November 8-9
Hear the experiences of veterans at the Bytown Museum.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
November 11
Come to the National War Memorial to commemorate all those who stand up for our country on the front lines.
Signatures Show
November 11-16
If unique, original and handmade goods are your thing, this is the show for you. Come check out the products of 180 Canadian artists, artisans and designers!
Chris Hadfield Live at the National Arts Centre
November 21
Take in the wonders of Colonel Chris Hadfield’s outer space experience through an audio/visual presentation!
World Trivia Night
November 21
Gather a team and test your knowledge of the world. This fundraiser for the Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa is also North America’s largest trivia competition.
Help Santa Toy Parade
November 22
Help the Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters’ Association collect toys for less fortunate children in Ottawa. Gather the family and line the streets as Santa comes to Ottawa!
Canadian Folk Music Awards
November 28-29
Celebrating Canadian folk music of every sort, this awards show will have you feeling great Canadian musical pride. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the CFMAs.
Stittsville Parade of Lights
November 30
Join thousands of merry-makers as you take in the spectacle of beautifully lit floats and sip hot cocoa!
December
December 1-24
The Hintonburg Public House will feature a different drink every day with proceeds going to the Parkdale Food Centre. Drink and be merry!
Christmas Lights Across Canada
Deceber 3-January 7
Come see the switch flipped at the official illumination ceremony as over 300,000 bulbs are lit up throughout downtown Ottawa.
The Nutcracker at the National Arts Centre
December 3-7
Back by popular demand, the Alberta Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker returns to the NAC. Come an hour before the show for fabulous sugar plum parties for the kids with crafts, dress-up and more.
Ottawa Tea Festival
December 6-7
Partake in sharing culture through the language of tea at this educational event.
Christmas Crafternoons
December 6-28
Visit the Bytown Museum to make historic holiday crafts and learn how families in Ottawa celebrated Christmas 100 years ago.
New Year’s Eve Maple Leaf Drop
December 31
The Capital’s largest New Year’s Eve Party! Ring in 2015 on Sparks Street with music, dancing and the Maple Leaf drop at midnight.
January, February and March
New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip
January 1
Join The Sears Foundation in this chilly fundraiser as they seek to stop kids cancer cold.
Winterlude
Weekends in January 30-February 16
A festival for the whole family! So much awaits attendees of Winterlude including a Great Winter Ball, free pancake breakfast and skating on the world’s largest skating rink: the Rideau Canal
Cracking Up the Capital
February 4-7
If laughter is the best medicine, get ready for a clean bill of health from this festival. Get ready for some of Canada’s best stand-up comics, improv battles and a hilarious festival finale.
TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival
February 5-8
Get jazzy at the National Arts Centre with local talent and internationally acclaimed jazz artists.
Snowflake Ball
February 14
Be transported to beautiful and romantic Paris in springtime. This event is also a fundraiser for Crohn’s disease, colitis and colorectal cancer.
“Rexy!” Presented by the Phoenix Players
March 19-22, 24-28
Follow the witty account of Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King during the second world war. This play is sure to reveal to you King’s many sides.
