Things to do in Ottawa this weekend – February 3-5, 2023

RCMP Musical Ride Open House and Food Drive

When: Saturday, February 4, 2023
Where: RCMP Stables, 1 Sandridge Road
What time: 10 am to 3 pm
Admission: Free  •  For more information, visit: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/…/musical-ride-open-house

This Winterlude, drop in to tour the stables and meet the horses and riders of the world-famous Musical Ride. You'll get a chance to take a selfie (or two) with a Mountie and the beautiful black Musical Ride horses! You'll also get to see demonstrations from RCMP specialized units, take part in family-friendly activities and check out displays of police equipment. This is an indoor event, and both admission and parking are free. Help them cram the carriage with food and cash donations for the #OttawaFoodBank.

Photo: RCMP

Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival

When: Friday, February 3 & Saturday, February 4, 2023 
Where: Ottawa Arts Court
What time: Various times 
Admission: $25 per show • Click here for the schedule and to purchase tickets 

The Ottawa Winter Jazz Fest kicks off this Friday. This year's line-up includes 33z tribute to Hall & Oats, Fraser Hollins, Right in the Eye, OKAN, Sara Neufeld, Felicity Williams, Kenny Barron, Thus Owls, Kellylee Evans, Matthew Chaffey, Mackenzie Di Millo, Rebecca Noelle, Jeffrey Rogers.

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

While crews work hard to open the canal for skaters, so many other activities are taking place in Ottawa and Gatineau for Winterlude. Check out the calendar of events to find out more. Enjoy a free shuttle ride to Winterlude activities. View the schedule and hop on!

Photo: Kat Walcott

Free concerts at the Rainbow Bistro

When: Saturday, February 4, 2023
Where: The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street
What time: Doors 7:30 pm, Stoby 8 pm, Rebelle 9:30 pm
Admission: Free 

Unfortunately, the Ice Dragon Boast Festival on the Rideau Canal is cancelled, but you can still take in the festivities by checking out the "Live at The Rainbow" music portion of the event. Performances are taking place all weekend long at the Rainbow Bistro. On Saturday night, two acts are taking to the stage. First up, Stoby, with their indie fuzz-pop with sparkly hooks and drum fills, will have you dancing with joy, then Alt-rockers Rebelle takeover. This four-piece band draws inspiration from Muse, The Vines, Oasis, Blur, and more. Expect a party!

Photo: 

Queer Pop-Up Market

When: Saturday, February 4, 2023
Where: Gallery 101, 280 Catherine Street
What time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Admission: Free

Queer Pop-Up Market at the beautiful and fully accessible Gallery 101 in Ottawa. Masking is mandatory and will be provided. Gallery 101 will also be holding a membership drive so everyone can have an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of membership and this great space and programming. The organizer suggests you bring cash. E-transfer payments will also be accepted.

Image: Cara Tierney

LWW3 Stand-Up Comedy & Roast Battles

When: Saturday, February 4, 2023
Where: Yuk Yuk's West, 1394 Richmond Road, inside Biagio's Italian Kitchen
What time: 10 pm 
Admission: $15 • Click here to purchase tickets

LWW is back again with more comedy chaos. Come laugh your asses off with us as we deliver the funniest stand-ups, roast battles, and musical performances!

Ottawa RV Expo & Sale

When: Saturday, February 3-5, 2023
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Avenue
What time: Friday 11 am – 8 pm, Saturday 10 am – 7 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Admission: From $9 • Click here to purchase tickets

The Ottawa RV Expo and Sale features everything from luxury Class A motorhomes to camper vans, travel trailers, and the leisure gear and accessories that turn a journey into an adventure. If you love the outdoors, you won’t want to miss this show. 

Photo: Ottawa RV Expo & Sale

CRÉPU OUR DNA

When: Saturday, February 5-6, 2023
Where: Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa
What time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Admission: Tickets are priced at a suggested $17.31. Guests can opt for a Pay-What-You-Can ticket or provide a donation that goes directly to the organizers. • Click here to purchase tickets

The Moving Art Gallery has joined forces with Hors Pair Social to invite Ottawa-Gatineau creatives and art lovers to Ottawa’s Premier Black Hair Art Show. Hair is a medium that Black folks use to express creativity, to preserve history, and it is seen as a symbol of resilience. CRÉPU OUR DNA aims to explore these ideas through photography, film, discussion, and performance. The two-day exhibit will highlight works by Bobby Brugal, Dion Prints, Francesca Désulmé, Stephane Alexis, Yodit Michele, and Oladimeji Odunsi.

Photo: Crepu Our DNA

Great Gatsby! It’s Murder

When: Friday, February 3rd, 2023
Where: The Joint @ Rideau Carleton Casino (2nd Floor) – 4837 Albion Rd S, Gloucester
What time: 7:30 pm
Admission: $60+ taxes and admin fees • Click here to purchase tickets.

“Did you see who shot him?” Rachel Paul’s Great Gatsby! It’s Murder is a comedic play set in a fantasy flapper era filled with glitz, glamour, and murder. Directed by award-winning Canadian actress Shannon Lawson, this absurd whodunnit theatrical show will have you roaring in your seats and accusing your favourite characters of crimes.

Come live a night of scandals, mystery, and Charleston with us in The Joint! Dressing in flapper-era attire is encouraged but not mandatory.

• Food and Beverages available for purchase
• Free Parking
• Must be 19+

To view the entire entertainment lineup, visit https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/events.htm
For more information, including the ticket purchase policy, visit https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/events.htm

Food, Fuel & Fun Casino Promotion

When: February 3-25, 2023
Where: Rideau Carleton Casino – 4837 Albion Rd S, Gloucester
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 to be 1 of (27) total daily winners to get $50 in gift cards, and 10 even luckier winners who 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.

Looking for a career with an iconic brand? February 9th Job Fair.

Join us for our on-site Job Fair on Thursday February 9th from 3-8 pm at Rideau Carleton Casino. Get on-the-spot interviews for full time and part time jobs including casino operations, security, food & beverage, table game dealers and more.

Find your rhythm and join the team that rocks – with OUTSTANDING benefits, flexible schedules, paid vacation and pension plans.

February 9th at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock.

RCC is an equal opportunity, safe, inclusive and diverse employer. To Learn more about our job fair and available positions, click here.

Rahim Salsa 

When: Every Friday
Where: 275 Elgin Street
What time: 8 pm -1 am
Admission: Lesson & Social: $15, Social only: $10

Join Rahim Salsa every Friday night for an hour of introductory salsa or bachata lessons, followed by a night of social dancing. No partner and no experience required. 

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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!