Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, October 1. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
For spooks and frights leading up to Halloween…
- 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 3 | Gather around the campfire for Bonfire: Improvised Tales of Terror, an immersive horror experience where every story unfolds in the moment. Held at Arts Court.
For fans of performances…
- Ongoing | 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.
- Fridays and Saturdays | Enjoy live entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. FREE!
- Thursdays | Feel the rhythm of Latin music every Thursday at an energetic dance night filled with vibrant beats and a lively atmosphere at Casino du Lac-Leamy.
- Tuesday, October 6| Enjoy an evening of local comedy at the Carleton with a welcoming open mic that highlights emerging talent and fresh material.
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Ongoing | For more than 45 years, One World Bazaar welcomes visitors each fall. Wander through the barn and discover an ever-changing collection of unique clothing, jewellery, pottery, home décor, furniture, textiles, art and more. FREE!
- 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.
- Friday, October 2 to Saturday, October 3 | Explore Studio Space Ottawa at its Open House as one of the city’s largest artist-led organizations, bringing together a vibrant community of more than 50 artists working across a wide range of disciplines. FREE!
- Friday, October 2 | Experience an unforgettable evening of contemporary African music as Ya Levis takes the stage for a vibrant live concert in Ottawa. Held at the Bronson Centre.
- Friday, October 2 |Straight from Cape Breton Island, viral East Coast duo Tracy and Martina bring their first cross-Canada tour to the stage with a mix of heartfelt storytelling and spontaneous humour. At Algonquin Commons Theatre.
- Friday, October 2 |Join the roaring crowds at TD Place Stadium at Lansdowne as Ottawa’s REDBLACKS team battles for a chance at the Grey Cup.
- Saturday, October 3 | Join HOPE RockFest for a night filled with electrifying up-and-coming artists, an amazing headliner, delicious food and good vibes!
- Saturday, October 3 | Celebrate Sparktoberfest with a full day of great beer, music, and good vibes. Enjoy special lager pours, DJs, and a delicious menu of Oktoberfest-inspired eats. Held at Spark Beer.
- Saturday, October 3 |Celebrate Dalhousie Day, a community celebration combining local history presentations, Indigenous blessing, live music, family activities, and storytelling about Dalhousie’s role as one of Ottawa’s earliest neighbourhoods. FREE!
- Wednesday, October 7 | Pat Metheny, one of the most influential and celebrated jazz musicians of his generation, brings more than five decades of musical innovation to the stage. Held at Algonquin Commons Theatre.
- Until Friday, October 9 | Ottawa Architecture Week: Festival of Design and Imagination is an annual week-long festival that welcomes everyone to explore architecture, urbanism, art and design in Ottawa.
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!
- Various dates throughout the week | Discover local produce, artisanal products and more at Beechwood Market, Elgin Market, Metcalfe, and Nepean. FREE!
- Thursday, October 1 |Stroll through the Hintonburg Night Market to pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade.
- Wednesday, October 7 | The Parkdale Night Market welcomes new producers and growers offering unique products, creating an opportunity to connect with the community into the evening. FREE!
