Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, October 15. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
For frights and spooks…
- Ongoing | Step into the magic of Pumpkinferno, an enchanting outdoor experience where thousands of handcrafted illuminated pumpkins. At the Upper Canada Village.
- Ongoing| PumpkinFest at Saunders Farm offers family-friendly autumn fun — find the perfect pumpkin, get lost in our hedge mazes, hop on a hayride and enjoy kid-friendly, haunted attractions.
- Fridays and Saturdays | Looking for a spooky group adventure this month? Look no further than sKreamers, a haunted weekend event full of wagon rides and scary surprises... Held at Proulx Maple & Berry Farm.
- Fridays and Saturdays | FrightFest at Saunders Farm is Canada’s top haunted attraction, featuring multiple haunted experiences, street theatre, fresh food, and homemade confections.
- Fridays and Saturdays | Don’t miss Acres of Terror, A terrifying Halloween attraction with four main parts: The Spooky Wagon Ride, House of Terror, Fog Maze and Spooky Village. Held at Cannamore Orchard.
- Saturday, October 17 | Celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest at this lively community gathering filled with Bavarian traditions, local flavours and festive entertainment. Held at Westboro Masonic Hall.
- Saturday, October 17 |Gather around the campfire for Bonfire: Improvised Tales of Terror, an immersive horror experience where every story unfolds in the moment.
- Saturday, October 17 |Explore Glebe for Halloween with accessible trick-or-treating community event for children with mobility issues and sensory sensitivities. Fully accessible, barrier-free trick-or-treating stations, crafts, and special visitors. FREE!
For fans of performances…
- Fridays and Saturdays | Experience unforgettable live entertainment as live bands and DJs bring energy for Rythmik Nights to the dance floor well into the evening. Held at Casino du Lac-Leamy.
- Fridays and Saturdays | Enjoy live entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. FREE!
- Saturday, October 17 |Experience the raw energy and distinctive sound of The Black Keys, the acclaimed rock duo known for blending blues, soul and garage rock into a style all their own.
- Saturday, October 17 | Experience an inspiring evening of performance celebrating creativity, identity, and community expression at the Art+ Showcase, held at Arts Court.
- Until Sunday, October 18 | Step into the vibrant and imaginative world of LUZIA, a breathtaking production inspired by the culture, landscapes and spirit of Mexico. Under the Big Top, St. Laurent Shopping Centre.
- Tuesday, October 20 | Enjoy an evening of local comedy at the Carleton with a welcoming open mic that highlights emerging talent and fresh material.
For arts, sports, culture and a good time…
- Thursday, October 15; Wednesday, October 21 |Cheer on the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
- Thursday, October 15 | Get ready for a night of unforgettable pop and dance hits as the Vengaboys bring their high-energy performance and chart-topping anthems to the stage. Held at the Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino.
- Friday, October 16 |This special beer dinner celebrates 75 years of German-Canadian friendship with an evening of traditional cuisine, craft beverages and cultural connection at Braumeister Bierhalle.
- Friday, October 16 | Cheer on the Ottawa REDBLACKS with the roaring crowds at TD Place Stadium at Lansdowne.
- Friday, October 16 | Escape to a world of intrigue and flavour with this interactive cocktail experience inspired by The White Lotus. Held at SFR Distillery.
- Saturday, October 17 | Celebrate 200 years of Bytown and Ottawa history through a lively bilingual performance by the Paul Weber Band that brings local stories to life through original music and storytelling. Held at Red Bird Live.
- Saturday, October 17 | Experience the world of whisky through an elevated tasting event that brings premium spirits, expert insights and exceptional flavours together in one setting at Whiskey Global.
- Saturday, October 17 to Sunday, October 18 | Grab your besties, it's time for the ultimate girls' day out! Shop 'til you drop, sip, snack, and discover your new favourite things at the National Women's Show with over 300 exhibits.
- Saturday, October 17 | Enjoy affordable, family-friendly junior men’s hockey games at TD Place Arena at Lansdowne, in the lively downtown Glebe neighbourhood with the Ottawa 67’s.
- Saturday, October 17 | Hintonburg Howl-O-Ween is a family-friendly Halloween celebration in Parkdale Park that brings dogs, people, local businesses and the community together. FREE!
- Saturday, October 17 | Catch Atlético Ottawa at TD Place, where the crowd roars and every goal fuels the city’s soccer fever.
- Sunday, October 18 | Support the Ottawa Rapid FC , Ottawa’s professional women’s soccer team at the Arena at TD Place.
- Monday, October 19 | Experience the best of Ottawa and Gatineau at the second edition of the Ottawa Citizen Best Restaurants event. Held at National Arts Centre.
- Tuesday, October 20 | Step into the unexpected with Cirque du Soleil In 2027, something new will grow under the Big Top in Ottawa. Join Cirque du Soleil waitlist for exclusive access and get ready to step into the unexpected.
- Ongoing | Le Petit Chef brings its imaginative dining experience to Ottawa, blending 3D projection with creative gastronomy. Held at the Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Ottawa Downtown.
- Wednesday, October 21 | Experience the sharp wit and fearless storytelling of Kyla Cobbler, one of comedy’s fastest-rising international stars. At Algonquin Commons Theatre.
For marketgoers…
- Various dates throughout the week | Find the best fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, hot meals and more from friendly producers in different neighbourhoods at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne, Main Street, Westboro, Barrhaven and Orléans! FREE!
- Thursday, October 15 | Stroll through the Hintonburg Night Market to pickup local eats, treats and all things handmade. FREE!
- Saturday, October 17 | Held in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park, visitors can explore a unique mix of makers, bakers, artists, artisans, designers, and more at 613flea.
- Various dates throughout the week | Discover local produce, artisanal products and more at Beechwood Market, Elgin Market, Metcalfe, and Nepean. FREE!