Events this week
February 16 - 19
It's the last weekend of Winterlude. Check out the schedule here. Looking for a skate outside? Check out these places.
Event: Skate and hot chocolate
When: February 17, 1 pm
Where: Ben Franklin Place
Description: Enjoy a skate and a free hot chocolate with Centrepointe Library. Registration required.
Website: Skating at Ben Franklin Place | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Cool Science Saturday
When: February 17
Where: Science and Technology Museum
Description: Engage with STEM experts from diverse fields as they showcase captivating science experiments and activities.
Website: Cool Science Saturday | Canada Science and Technology Museum (ingeniumcanada.org)
Event: Diefenbunker Winter Carnival
When: February 17, 11 am - 2pm
Where: Diefenbunker War Museum
Description: Snow sculpting, snow painting, a tug of war challenge, or traversing the snowy trails of the scenic bunker hillside. Warm up indoors with free hot chocolate or by exploring a temporary exhibit highlighting the traditions of the Winter Carnival through stories, videos, and artifacts. Outside activities are free. Indoors is included in admission.
Website: Winterlude 2024 – Diefenbunker Museum
Event: Family Day at the Museum of Agriculture
When: February 19
Where: Museum of Agriculture
Description: Enjoy a skate on the rink, storytime, crafts, games room and more.
Website: Family Day at the Museum | Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (ingeniumcanada.org)
February 3 - 4
Ottawa's Winterlude kicks off this weekend with so many great family events. Check out the schedule here. We've got some other events to tell you about this weekend.
Event: Bavela and her seven adventurous lives
When: February 3 at 2:30 pm
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre
Description: An educational, full-length family concert. Bavela is a curious young cat whose dreams come into conflict with tradition. She embarks on a quest for the solution by visiting her past lives, drawing us into a wacky story where music and friendship are at the heart of the journey.
Website: Bavela and her seven adventurous lives | Shenkman Arts Centre
Event: Shiverfest
When: February 2 - 3
Where: Manotick
Description: Skating, chilli, bonfires, magic shows - there's so much happening this weekend in Manotick.
Website: Shiverfest | mvca (manotickvca.org)
Event: STEM Saturday
When: February 3 at 10:30 am
Where: Centennial Library
Description: For 8 - 13 year-olds. Registration is required. Focusing on the "A" for Art with some colourful experiments and crafts.
Website: STEAM Saturday | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Snow Graffiti
When: February 3 at 11 am
Where: Manotick Library
Description: Help turn the library’s backyard into a colourful art masterpiece! Outdoor program for all ages.
Website: Snow Graffiti | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Luna New Year
When: February 3 at 2 pm
Where: Beaverbrook Library
Description: Celebrate Lunar New Year! We will share stories and have activities for the whole family. Drop-in program.
Website: Lunar New Year at Beaverbrook! | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
January 19-21
Event: Winter Crafts
When: Saturday, January 20
Where: Elmvale Acres Library
Description: Winter themed DIY activities for the whole family.
Website: Winter Crafts / Bricolages d'hiver | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Rocket adventures
When: January 20 and 21, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Where: Aviation and Space Museum
Description: Climb aboard a pretend rocket ship and blast off! Once In Space, put on your jetpack, and go on a spacewalk to repair your ship. After a quick visit to the Moon, fly back to Earth.
Website: Rocket Adventures | Canada Aviation and Space Museum (ingeniumcanada.org)
Event: Skate at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
When: Ongoing
Where: Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Description: Pack your ice skate when taking a trip to the farm and enjoy a skate overlooking the animals. Check social media channels for closures.
Website: Home | Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (ingeniumcanada.org)
December 15 - 17
Event: Meet Santa in the Caboose
When: Saturday, December 16, 1 - 4.30 pm
Where: Science and Technology Museum
Description: Climb aboard a holiday-themed Canadian Pacific Railway caboose where you’ll encounter Santa and snap a cheerful photo with him on your own device. It’s first come, first served, outdoor event.
Website: Meet Santa in the Caboose! | Canada Science and Technology Museum (ingeniumcanada.org)
Event: Kids Holiday Cartoon Party
When: Saturday, December 16, 1 pm
Where: Bytowne Musuem
Description: A very merry afternoon of classic holiday animation on the big screen!
Website: Kids Holiday Cartoon Party! - Bytowne Cinema
Event: Life-Sized Candy Land at the Library
When: Saturday, December 16 at 10 am
Where: Orleans Public Library
Description: Take a trip through a Life-size Candy Land game at the Orléans library. You will become the game piece as you follow the rainbow path through a magical land of sweet surprises on your way to King Kandy’s Castle.
Website: Life-Size Candy Land Game @ the library! | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Weekend Crafters
When: December 16, 1 - 4 pm
Where: Nepean Museum
Description: Event by donation. Make Christmas ornaments with natural materials.
Website: Nepean Museum | City of Ottawa
Event: Storytime with the Grinch and Christmas Elf
When: Sunday, December 17, 11 am - 12 pm
Where: Indigo Pinecrest
Description: Join the Grinch and a Christmas Elf for a magical Christmas storytime!
Website: Ottawa Princess Parties | Storytime with the Grinch and Christmas Elf! | Events
December 1 - 3
Event: A Very Merry Grinchmas Pizza Party
When: December 2, 11 am
Where: Boston Pizza, Greenbank
Description: Each child will receive a build-your-own pizza kit, drink and dessert. Sing-along to some Christmas tunes and take photos with our Grinch! Reservations are needed.
Website: A Very Merry Grinchmas Pizza Party | Facebook
Event: Craft-urdays
When: December 2
Where: Orleans Public Library
Description: Make artistic creations from several kinds of materials available at the library. Ages 6-12. Drop-in program.
Website: Craft-urdays! / Bricofolie! | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Make your own snow globe
When: December 2, 11 am
Where: Centrepointe Library
Description: Get creative and make your own festive snow globe.
Website: Holiday Crafts | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: A Very Retro Christmas
When: December 2 and 9, 10 am - 3 pm
Where: Nepean Museum
Description: Kids and their families are invited to a nostalgic holiday party inspired by the styles, trends, and sounds of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Storytelling, crafts, a scavenger hunt, vintage toys, and more! Take a photo at the retro photo station.
Website: Nepean Museum | City of Ottawa
Event: The Zoo Crew at the Library
When: December 2, 3 pm
Where: Rideau Library
Description: Celebrate the new children section at the Rideau branch with The Zoo Crew! This program will feature LIVE animals, including the chance to touch some.
Event: Breakfast with Santa
When: December 3, 8:30 - 10 am
Where: Carlingwood Shopping Centre
Description: Santa will be making a stop in the food court for a pancake breakfast. Tickets are free but need to be pre-boked.
Website: Breakfast with Santa | Carlingwood | Ottawa
November 14 - 26
Event: The Velveteen Rabbit
When: November 24 - 26
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre
Description: Presented by the Ottawa School of Theatre. Based on Margery Williams classic story, this stage version of The Velveteen Rabbit starts on Christmas morning and follows the Rabbit and his Boy in a story about growing up.
Website: The Velveteen Rabbit | Shenkman Arts Centre
Event: Santa Letters
When: November 25
Where: Richmond Library and Centential Library
Description: Take a trip to the library to write your letters to the big guy in red!
Website: Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Log Farm Outdoor Christmas Market
When: November 25
Where: The Log Farm
Description: Over 50 vendors from 10 am - 2 pm.
Website: Farmers Market | The Log Farm
Event: Annual Decorate the Brewery Tree Family Event
When: November 26
Where: Whiprsnapr brewing co.
Description: Family fun event! Crafts, hot chocolate for the kids and Nog Hog or some Troublmakr hot chocolate for the adults!
Pizza pop up and Christmas cookies.
Website: Annual Decorate the Brewery Tree | Facebook
November 10 - 12
Looking for learn and make events for Remembrance Day? Click here.
Event: Poppy Drop on Parliament Hill
When: Until November 11, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Where: Parliament Hill
Description: Thousands of poppies representing fallen Canadian veterans are projected onto the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill and onto the Senate of Canada Building between 6:30 and 9:30 pm.
Website: The Royal Canadian Legion National Poppy Campaign begins
Event: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
When: November 11, 2 pm
Where: Algonquin College Commons Theatre
Description: Featuring the talented cast of Cirque Musica, spectators will be dazzled by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer.
Event: Jack Frost Fair - Kemptville Farmer's Market
When: November 12, 12 - 4 pm
Where: 200 Sanders Street, Kemptville
Description: Enjoy Christmas music, handmade gifts, local artists, selfie booth and more.
Website: Jack Frost Fair - presented by the Kemptville Farmers Market | Facebook
Event: Pet photos with Santa
When: November 12, 2 - 7 pm
Where: Pet Valu, Riverside South
Description: Gather your family, including furry ones, and get your photo early. Various packages available.
November 3 - 5
Event: Holiday Card Creating
When: November 3, 11 am - 1pm
Where: Richmond Library
Description: Have fun on this PD Day creating holiday cards. Create a card to gift to a cherished friend, teacher, caregiver, or a family member. You can also create a special card to share with a member of our Home Bound community.
Website: Holiday Card Creating | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Remembrance Day
When: November 4 - 12
Where: Canadian Aviation and Space Museum
Description: Crafts, poppy messages discover the meaning and importance of Remembrance Day symbols.
Website: Remembrance Week | Canada Aviation and Space Museum (ingeniumcanada.org)
Event: Westboro Books Free Story Time
When: November 4
Where: Westboro Books, 314 Richmond Road
Description: For ages 3 and up. Free story time session with Susie Joy Shapiro at 1pm.
Website: Facebook Westboro Books
Event: Cineplex Community Day
When: November 4
Where: Cineplex Theatres
Description: Free movies with discounted concessions and free gaming.
Website: Cineplex.com | community day
Event: Nepean Museum, Movie Making
When: November 5
Where: Nepean Museum
Description: Participants will write, film, and star in their own short film set at Nepean Museum, dive into the history of stunts and visual effects, and work as team to create funny forced-perspective photos. Registration required.
Website: Nepean Museum | City of Ottawa
EVENTS UNTIL OCTOBER 31 ON OUR SPECIAL HALLOWEEN PAGE
October 6 - October 9
Don't forget to check out top corn mazes in Ottawa!
Event: BeetBox Harvest Festival
When: October 7, 10 am - 1 pm
Where: Beetbox Farm, Carling Avenue
Description: Pumpkins, squash, and more veg, live music, hot apple cider & donuts, nature walks, hay rides and it's free!
Website: BeetBox Harvest Fest | Facebook
Event: Zoo Crew dropin shows
When: October 7, 9:30 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm and 2 pm
Where: 7 Rossland Ave, Nepean (Julian of Norwich Anglican Church)
Description: One hour, hands on animal shows. $10 tickets need to be pre-purchased.
Website: https://www.thezoocrew.ca/dropin
Event: Decorate your pumpkin - Story characters - Ottawa Public Library
When: October 7, 10:30 am
Where: Orleans Bériault library
Description: Bring a pumpkin and decorated it to look like your favourite story character. The pumpkins will be displayed in the library. Dropin for 6+.
Website: Decorate Your Pumpkin / Décore ta citrouille | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Goat snuggles
When: October 7, 2 - 3 pm
Where: Mountain View Farm
Description: You will get up close and personal with our Pygmy’s and Nigerian Dwarf Goats. There will be lots of time for pictures, play, snuggles and hand feeding the goats during your time. Cost is $11.98.
Website: Goat Snuggles Tickets, Sat, 7 Oct 2023 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite
Event: Watson's Mill Harvest Festival
When: October 8, 10 am - 4 pm
Where: Watson's Mill Manotick
Description: Tours, scavenger hunt, horse and carriage rides ($2 per person), games and more family fun.
Website: Events – Watson's Mill & Dickinson House (watsonsmill.com)
Event: Pumpkin's After Dark
When: Now until October 21
Where: Wesley Clover Parks
Description: See thousands of pumpkins lit up in this walk through. Tickets need to be pre-booked.
Website: Pumpkins After Dark - Wesley Clover Parks
Event: Calabogie fall chairlift rides
When: October 7 - 9, 10 am - 3 pm
Where: Calabogie Peaks
Description: Get the best bird-eyes view of the changing leaves this fall when you take the Lakeview Chairlift to the top of Dickson Mountain in Calabogie. Children under are free, 7+ are $20. You can ride the chairlift all day.
Website: Fall Colours Chairlift Rides | Calabogie Peaks Resort
Event: 24th Annual Biology Butterfly Show
When: Until October 8
Where: Nesbitt Biology Buidling 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa
Description: Visit the Nesbitt Greenhouses to experience the magic of the butterflies. Event is by donation. Advanced registration is required.
Website: 24th Annual Biology Butterfly Show Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
September 29 - October 2
Don't forget to check out top corn mazes in Ottawa!
Event: Tales of the Magical Museum (Age 12-14)
When: September 30
Where: Nepean Museum
Description: Tales of the Magical Museum returns with a brand new quest! Discover the magic of Nepean Museum in this five-part collaborative storytelling adventure inspired by games like Dungeons & Dragons. Along the way participants will meet colourful characters, collect objects and solve compelling mysteries pulled from local history.
Website: Activity detail | Register Ottawa | Inscription Ottawa (activecommunities.com)
Event: Mac My Cheese Fest 2023
When: September 29 - October 1
Where: City Hall
Description: It's all in the event name! Enjoy this ultimate comfort food.
Website: Mac My Cheese Fest 2023 | Facebook
Event: The Wiggles
When: September 30
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
Description: There are a handful of tickets left for this Australian super group!
Event: Cumberland Farmer's Market
When: September 30
Where: Cumberland Arena, 1115 Dunning Road
Description: Farmer's market, balloons, music and more.
Website: September 30th @ The Cumberland Farmers Market | Facebook
Event: Kids Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Costume Party
When: October 1
Where: Boston Pizza Barhaven
Description: 11 am and 1 pm sittings. Enjoy some lunch while helping our Kitchen Witch hunt for ingredients for her next big brew. Halloween Loot bags will be available to all those who reserve, so please be sure to reserve early as space is limited. 613-825-1414
Website: KIDS Halloween Scavenger Hunt & Costume Party | Facebook
Event: Halloween Photoshoot - pets
When: October 1
Where: Pet Valu, 900 Watters Rd, Orleans
Description: Halloween photos and digital downloads for donations.
Website: Halloween Photoshoot Oct 1 Pet Valu Watters Rd | Facebook
September 18 - September 25
Event: Zoo Crew Toddler Drop-in
When: September 21, 9:30am - 11am
Where: 7 Rossland Ave, Nepean
Description: $2 per person. Children and their caregivers will have the opportunity to experience a one hour hands-on animal show!
Website: TODDLER Drop-in - Nepean | Facebook
Event: Carp Fair
When: September 21 - 24
Where: Carp Fairgrounds
Description: A variety of daytime and evening events and midway. See website for schedule.
Website: 2023 Carp Fair Schedule - Carp Fair
Event: Cumberland Museum Annual Fall Harvest Market
When: September 23, 10am - 3pm
Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Description: Cumberland Farmers' Market hosts their 2023 harvest with 120 vendors, food and music.
Website: Annual HARVEST Market on Saturday Sept 23, 2023 | Facebook
Event: Beetbox Farm Music Festival
When: September 23, 2:30pm - 11:45pm
Where: BeetBox Organic Farm 230 Davidson’s Side Road
Description: An event for the whole family to enjoy with two stages and local bands. Tiki Bar Non-alcoholic beverage stand, bake sale, corn on the cob. pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches, fries, poutine, burgers, sausages, hotdogs etc.
Tickets: $25/adult in advance $30/adult at the door. $10/ teen in advance, $15/teen at the door. Kids under 13 are free. Purchase tickets in advance at BeetBox Co-op Farm | CSA Vegetable Boxes & Farm Store West Ottawa
Website: The BeetBox Farm Music Festival 2023 | Facebook
Event: Free Bike Check
When: September 23, 9am - 4pm
Where: Lansdowne Park
Description: The City of Ottawa’s Safer Roads team will be offering mini tune-ups and safety checks on a first come, first serve basis.
Website: Free Bike Check - Inspection de vélos gratuite | Facebook
Event: Eco Explorers Family Craft Day
When: September 24
Where: Goulbourn Museum
Description: Aimed at 4-11 year olds, there will be crafts, activities and time spent exploring the great outdoors! Kids will make plant people (and watch their hair grow from grass seed!), leaf-eating caterpillars, and peek-a-boo tent collages! Register on the website.
Website: Eco Explorers Family Craft Day (goulbournmuseum.ca)
September 12 - September 17, 2023
Event: Video game drop in for teens
When: September 12
Where: Beaverbrook Library
Description: Drop-in to play video games on our PS4 and WiiU. For ages 13-18.
Website: Video Game Drop-In for Teens | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Crafternoon
When: September 13
Where: Sunnyside Library
Description: Crafts for children of all ages. Every Wednesday at 4 pm.
Website: Crafternoon / Brin d’brico | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Event: Storytime with Jasmine
When: September 16
Where: Indigo Pinecrest
Description: Princess Jasmine will be reading stories and greeting fans.
Website: Ottawa Princess Parties | Events
Event: Orleans Poutine and Ribfest
When: September 15 - 17
Where: 225 Centrum Bld
Description: Ribs, chicken, poutine and entertainment!
Website: Orleans Ribfest (featurefestivals.wixsite.com)
Event: Wild Kratts Live 2.0 Activate Creature Power!
When: September 15/16
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
Description: Join the Kratts brothers live on stage with four performances over two days.
Event: Pumpkin Spice Photoshoot
When: September 16
Where: Freedom Dog Rescue, 1459 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester
Description: Take your dog along for this cute, fall fundraiser. The photoshoot is by donation and will be benefiting dogs at the rescue! 1459 Ogilvie Road, Starbucks, from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Website: Pupkin Spice photoshoot Set 16 | Facebook
Event: Food Truck Festival
When: September 16
Where: Osgoode Street
Description: Osgoode St will be bustling from Henderson Ave to Chapel St with food trucks serving up a variety of eats.
Website: Food Truck Festival - Festival camions de cuisine de rue | Facebook
Event: Globe Hunt at the Children's Museum
When: September 5 - 15
Where: Children's Museum at Canadian Museum of History
Description: Learn about different countries and cultural practices in the Canadian Children’s Museum while using a scavenger hunt sheet to find 10 hidden globes. Find them all to win a special surprise!
Website: Globe Hunt | Canadian Museum of History (historymuseum.ca)
Event: Fall at the Log Farm
When: Weekends until October 29
Where: The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Road
Description: Wagon rides, corn maze, scarecrow lane, pumpkin patch (October)
Website: Fall Season | The Log Farm