Things to do in Ottawa this weekend – February 17-19, 2023

2023 Accora Village Bed Race

When: Saturday, February 18, 2023
Where: York Street (near Dalhousie), ByWard Market
What time: Parade of Beds at 12:30, Racing between 1 pm and 2:30 pm
Admission: n/a

The Kiwanis Club of Ottawa's annual bed race in the ByWard Market features 30 teams of four runners and one rider racing a modified and decorated bed to compete for prizes and bragging rights. All money raised goes to the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa and the Queensway Carleton Hospital and Foundation. 

Glass Tiger

When: February 18, 2023
Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue
What time: Doors 7 pm
Admission: From $35 • Click here to purchase tickets

Hailing from Newmarket, Ontario, 80s band Glass Tiger with special guests Hot Jupiter, take to the stage at the Bronson Centre for their rescheduled Songs for a Winter's Night show. If you have a ticket for the December 2, 2022, show, all tickets will be honoured on the new date.

Live Standup Comedy with Danny Martinello

When: February 18, 2023
Where: Ralphs Neighbourhood Sports Bar, 1990 Russell Road
What time: Doors 7:30 pm, Show 8:30 pm
Admission: $20 • Click here to purchase tickets

Toronto-based comedian Danny Martinello is in town to chase your winter blues away. Often described as a high-energy act with machine gun-like delivery, Martinello’s no-off-limits, hi-octane style of comedy makes him one of Canada’s freshest acts to watch. Every ticket comes with 1 free Steam Whistle Pilsner.

Brazilian Carnival

When: February 18, 2023
Where: SAW Gallery, 67 Nicholas Street
What time: 9 pm till 2 am
Admission: $22.23 • Click here to see the full schedule

Warm up this weekend with a night celebrating Brazilian culture and heritage with the best in marchinha, samba, and frevo — from Afoxé to Axé!! Performers include Florquestra and guests Regina Gomes Teixeira, Julio Santos, Jasmin Lalande, and Alexandre Wesley Trindade.

ABBAMANIA and Night Fever with Special Guests

When: Saturday, February 18 & Sunday, February 19, 2023
Where: Shenkman, 245 Centrum Boulevard
What time: 9 pm Saturday, 3 pm Sunday
Admission: $59 • Click here to purchase tickets

Abbamania and Night Fever perform over 200 concerts yearly and will take you back to when Abba and The Bee Gees ruled the pop music world.  Special guests perform Adele and Shania’s biggest hits. Four amazing acts on one stage!

Senators Star Wars Game

When: February 19, 2023
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive
What time: 2 pm
Admission: From $30 • Click here to purchase tickets

The Ottawa Senators take on the Saint Lewis Blues at the annual Star Wars Night. The first 5,000 fans will receive a free light sabre. Hang out with 30+ characters and watch a great game! 

Bing Bang Festival

When: Saturday, February 18 & Sunday, February 19, 2023
Where: National Arts Centre (Southam Hall Lobby), 1 Elgin Street
What time: 9 pm Saturday, 3 pm Sunday 
Admission: A combination of free and $$ performances • Click here for the full schedule and to purchase tickets

The BIG BANG Festival is back with a burst of colourful festivities at a joyful decibel this winter. Bring the whole family for this one-of-a-kind festival of musical adventures featuring exciting concerts, surprise performances, sound machines, and wild curiosities all over the National Arts Centre. Your eardrums will thank you.

The Last of the Duke Street Kings

When: February 18, 2023
Where: Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Avenue
What time: Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm
Admission: $22. • Click here to purchase tickets

The Last of the Duke Street Kings is one of North America's premier Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tributes. From the first album to the latest projects, they offer a unique selection of Boss songs unreleased except in anthology and left off the set lists of other Springsteen tributes. An eight-piece group with occasional extras, every E Street member is represented in the Dukes. 19+

Food, Fuel & Fun Casino Promotion

When: February 3-25, 2023
Where: Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Rd S
What time: Open 24/7
Admission: N/A

Over $50,000 in Prizes to be Won. Fill your cart with Rideau Carleton Casino’s Food, Fuel & Fun giveaway.

Join us at Rideau Carleton Casino every Friday and Saturday from February 3rd to 25th for a chance of being 1 of (27) total daily winners to get $50 in gift cards, and 10 even luckier winners will receive $500 in gift cards. Hourly draw selections between 12-8 pm and $500 bonus draws at 8:15 pm and 10:15 pm each Friday and Saturday night. Every $20 wagered earns you a ballot while using your ‘Rock Star Rewards card.

• Free Parking
• Play Smart. Must be 19+.

Click HERE to view full promotional details.

*Signing up for a Rock Star Rewards card is easy and free; visit our Rock Star Rewards Desk for details.

Caffe Italiano Brunch

When: Sunday, February 19, 2022
Where: Caffe Italiano @ Rideau Carleton Casino (Enter through the gaming floor) – 4837 Albion Rd S
What time: 11:30 am-2 pm
Admission: N/A – $55/5500 Rock Star Reward Points

Introducing Exquisite Brunch Classics with Italian Flair.

Join us for a refined dining experience featuring an exclusive five-course brunch menu that includes a complimentary mimosa or caesar, starters, your choice of hand-selected main, a carving station, and one of our decadent homemade desserts.

• Free Parking
• Must be 19+
• Access through the main entrance of the casino and wheelchair accessible

Now open every Sunday for Brunch! Click HERE to view the full brunch menu and reserve a table.

45th annual Winterlude

When: Until February 20, 2023
Where: Various downtown Ottawa locations and Gatineau
What time: Various times
Admission: Free • Click here to see the full schedule

Skating on the canal will have to wait until next year, but many other activities are taking place in Ottawa and Gatineau for Winterlude. Check out the calendar of events to find out what is on this Family Day weekend. Enjoy a free shuttle ride to Winterlude activities. View the schedule and hop on!

Photo: Kat Walcott

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The Lucky Ron Show @ The Chateau Lafayette

When: Every Saturday
Where: The Chateau Lafayette, 42 York Street
What time: 5 pm – 7 pm 
Admission: Free 

A true legend in the Ottawa Valley. The Lucky Ron Show has been a mainstay at The Laff since 1999; he performs every single Saturday showing up around 4 pm. It's a must-see when you're in town. So saddle up, grab a quart, and get ready to stomp, shout, hoot, and holler your way through the most fun you'll have on a Saturday afternoon in Ottawa and, arguably, the world! No cover, no reservations, and no tickets required!