FrightFest
2025-09-20 - 2025-10-31 | 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa, K0A 3P0, 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa, K0A 3P0
Frightfest at Saunders Farm is Canada’s top haunted attraction, featuring multiple haunted experiences, street theatre, fresh food, and homemade confections. Guests can enjoy a thrilling night and satisfy their appetites on the patio with burgers, fresh-cut fries, poutine, and snacks.

Fall Rhapsody
2025-09-20 - 2025-11-02 | 40 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 1C7, 40 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 1C7
Autumn is a special time to visit the Ottawa area while vibrant fall colours illuminate the city’s greenspaces and urban areas. Discover the magic of autumn during the annual Fall Rhapsody event in Canada’s capital region.
City in colour
The urban core itself features spectacular displays of fall colours and many sites are just a short walk from most downtown accommodations. Have a picnic in one of the city’s beautiful parks like Major’s Hill, Rockcliffe and Vincent Massey, and stroll or cycle the multi-use pathways that line waterways in Ottawa and Gatineau.
Colourful countryside
Just outside Ottawa’s urban core, you’ll find protected landscapes dotted with farms, forests and wetlands. Visit the numerous sites in National Capital Greenbelt to hike the trails and bike the paths, photograph birds and sunsets, or go apple and pumpkin picking.
Hues in the hills
Gatineau Park—a bucolic conservation area just a 15-minute drive from Parliament Hill—is a popular fall destination thanks to its bright deciduous trees, green conifers and rugged hills. Escape the crowds by visiting lesser known locations like the Philippe Lake Sector and Meech Creek Valley. You can also visit Mackenzie King Estate, the historic home and surrounding grounds built by Canada’s 10th and longest-serving Prime Minister.
Getting around
Due to Gatineau Park’s popularity during Fall Rhapsody, access to and within the area is limited. Certain roads are closed to traffic during certain periods to allow active use, and a limited amount of free NCC shuttle buses depart from Ottawa and Gatineau on weekends and stop at locations in the southern sector of the park.

Maple Hill Urban Farm Corn Maze
2025-09-20 - 2025-11-04
Maple Hill Urban Farm is hosting its annual Corn Maze! Each year there has been a new design with clues hidden within the maze. Buy tickets at the gate. Cash or e-transfer is accepted.

Qikiqtait
2025-09-26 - 2027-09-06 | 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4
Discover Qikiqtait: Where Inuit Knowledge and Innovation Come Together, a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing the leadership of the Sanikiluarmiut of Sanikiluaq. Through research, education, environmental stewardship, and the harvesting of eider down — the warmest feather in the world — this exhibition highlights their innovation and resilience. Developed by the Arctic Eider Society with the Canadian Museum of Nature, it celebrates the community’s enduring connection to the land, sea, and each other.

sKreamers
2025-09-27 - 2025-10-26 | 1865 O’Toole Road, Ottawa, K4C 1N2, 1865 O'Toole Road, Ottawa, K4C 1N2
Looking for a spooky group adventure this month? Look no further than this haunted weekend event full of wagon rides and scary surprises…

Pumpkins After Dark
2025-10-01 - 2025-10-31 | TBD, Calgary, TBD, Calgary
Get into the spooky spirit at this family friendly Halloween event held annually at Wesley Clover Parks in the city’s west end.
Pumpkins After Dark is an outdoor Halloween celebration featuring over 10,000 hand carved pumpkins, food trucks, roaming entertainment, and live pumpkin carving.
Explore the magical pathway of lit pumpkin sculptures and displays, with music, sounds and special effects. With classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, movie and pop culture icons, it’s sure to become a new annual tradition.

Ontario Festival of Small Halls
2025-10-03 - 2025-12-06, 2025-10-04 - 2025-12-06 | 450 Churchill Avenue, Ottawa, K1Z 5E2, 450 Churchill Avenue, Ottawa, K1Z 5E2
Catch first-rate musical performances in unique and quaint venues across Eastern Ontario, near Ottawa. The Ontario Festival of Small Halls presents some of Canada’s best musicians during intimate shows in beloved buildings in smaller communities.

Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa
2025-10-21 - 2025-12-26 | 330 Kent Street, Ottawa, K2P 2A6, 330 Kent Street, Ottawa, K2P 2A6
This family friendly musical production celebrates all things Canadian! The two-hour show features famous characters singing Canadian hits, plus an optional Canadian meal. During Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa, you’ll see some of your favourite Canadian pop culture personalities, such as a Mountie, a Hockey Player, Anne of Green Gables and Klondike Kitty. They all sing songs by artists like Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, the Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and many more. The performances are accompanied by a live band.If you choose to opt into the dining option, performers serve you a delicious Canadian meal during the show. Alcoholic beverages are also available. This show is presented by Totally Legit Productions.

The Shop List at St. Laurent Centre
2025-10-22 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-23 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-24 11:00 - 16:00 UTC | The Shop List at St. Laurent Centre, 1200 St Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Ontario
The Shop List at St. Laurent Centre
Discover your fall style with The Shop List, running September 16–30 alongside our Share It to Win It Contest for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree! ✨Visit the Rules and Regulations for more information about the contest.
📅 Event Hours
Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28 | 11 AM – 4 PM
🎁 What’s happening during event hours:
Free limited-edition tote bags (while supplies last)
On-site brand styling ambassadors to guide you through The Shop List and curated fall capsule collections from St. Laurent retailers
Step into the season with style inspiration, shopping perks, and your chance at an unforgettable shopping spree.

AI & You: Reshaping the Future of Health Care
2025-10-22 19:00 - 20:30 | AI & You: Reshaping the Future of Health Care, Canadian Museum of Nature
AI is transforming health care – discover what this means for you at “AI & You: Reshaping the Future of Health Care”
Curious about the role of artificial intelligence in health care? Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or just want to learn more, AI & You is your opportunity to get real answers from experts on the front lines of this transformation.
Join us for AI & You, a free, 90-minute hybrid event designed for patients, caregivers, students, donors, and anyone interested in the future of care. Ask questions, hear directly from top experts, and discover how AI could shape your next health care experience.
What to Expect
• Short, engaging presentations from health care professionals, researchers, and legal experts
• A live Q&A session where you can ask your own questions
• An informal reception with light refreshments (for in-person attendees)
Event Details
🗓 Date: Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
🕕 Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (informal reception from 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
📍 Location: The Canadian Museum of Nature + Online
🎤 Moderator: CBC’s Rebecca Zandbergen
🎟 Cost: Free (registration required)
Why Attend?
This event is designed to be accessible, engaging, and informative – no technical background needed! It’s a space to learn, ask questions, and gain real-world insight into how AI is already affecting health care, and where things may be headed next.
Register now to save your spot and be part of an important conversation about the future of health care.
We hope to see you there!

Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-26
Learn from and watch Canada’s finest fiddlers and accompanists during this three-day annual festival.

The Rocky Horror Show
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-26
Experience The Rocky Horror Show live on stage, where sweethearts Brad and Janet stumble into Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s eerie mansion and meet a houseful of wild characters. This energetic musical features elaborate dances, rock songs, and the unforgettable creation “Rocky.” Audience warning: flashing lights, theatrical haze, loud sound effects, mature content, and adult themes — parental guidance advised. Run time: approx. 2 hours, including intermission.

The Hyde Beer Dinner: A Curated Experience
2025-10-23 17:30 - 20:00 | The Hyde Beer Dinner: A Curated Experience, 15 George Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 8W5
Join us at The Hyde on Thursday, October 23 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM for an elevated evening where craft beer and culinary artistry meet. Begin with a welcome beer cocktail and chef-crafted canapés, then sit down to a four-course menu from Chef Connor. Each dish will be paired with a thoughtfully selected beer, guided by Robert Goulet—our resident expert in hops, malts, and all things beer.
This intimate dinner is designed to showcase the harmony of flavour, craft, and community.
Your ticket includes: Welcome beer cocktail, three canapés during reception, four-course dinner by Chef Connor, guided beer pairings by Robert Goulet.

Ron Sexsmith - Hangover Terrace Tour
2025-10-24 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Ron Sexsmith is a three-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter from St Catharines, Ontario. Sexsmith’s songwriting style evolved into a unique and timeless blend of classic pop, contemporary folk, and roots-rock idioms. He has built a steadfast reputation with critics and with some of his own songwriting heroes (Elton John, Ray Davies, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen and Paul McCartney) for his characteristically honest, sensitive, and enduring approach to the songwriting craft.

Free Live Entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-25 | 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, K1X 1A3, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, K1X 1A3
Hard Rock Cafe Ottawa offers live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night, with performances on the Council Oak Stage starting at 9:30 PM.

Stittsville Haunted Heritage Tours
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-25
Combine a riveting historical tour on the quaint and eerie town of Stittsville with a haunted twist to get this annual heritage tour.

Studio B Horror
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-26
From the filmmakers at 1D Studios comes Studio B Horror — Ottawa’s most immersive haunt. Step inside real movie sets and enter the terrifying world of Andi Cryst, a cult horror creator whose B-movie nightmares come to life. With limited entry for each group, every scream and every scare feels up close and unforgettable.

Primal Fear at Escape Manor
2025-10-24 13:00 - 2025-11-01 23:30
Dare to enter Escape Manor’s Primal Fear, a chilling Halloween-themed escape room experience featuring new puzzles, a haunting atmosphere, and a few spooky surprises along the way. Gather your bravest friends and prepare for Escape Manor’s biggest scares yet—if you dare. For more information on the event, consult their website.

The Ottawa Chocolate Show
2025-10-25
Meet award-winning chocolate makers, chat, sample their chocolate and take home a few bars! Sit in on presentations, workshops and pairings to delve further into the delectable world of chocolate.

DanceMomsOttawa
2025-10-25
DanceMomsOttawa hosts monthly dance parties for people over the age of 40 in the Ottawa area.
Round up your girlfriends or grab your partner and join DanceMomsOttawa to dance the night away!
Forget mom-ing for a night and take a break on the dance floor!

World Multicultural Festival
2025-10-25
Celebrate our strength in diversity: the festival brings together people of all ages and nationalities to experience the richness of the cultural fabric that make up our communities. Enjoy live multicultural performances, musical performances, multicultural fashion shows, and much more!

Haunted Prom
2025-10-25
Whiprnsapr Brewing’s annual Halloween bash is back — and this year, it’s a haunted prom! Dress to impress in your best black-tie or spooky attire and enjoy a night of boos, brews, and eerie elegance. Your ticket includes themed snacks, a live DJ, photo ops, and a boutonnière or corsage to complete the look. Limited tickets available — grab yours and get ready to slay!

Antiquarian Book Fair
2025-10-25 - 2025-10-26
Peruse and purchase antique and rare books of all genres, as well as maps and paper ephemera. Demonstrations and talks on historic book binding techniques, the history of books and book collecting throughout the weekend. Enter the world of books and experience a bibliophile’s best day out.

Halloween Heist
2025-10-25 - 2025-10-26
Mischief is afoot at the Billings Estate National Historic Site! Families are invited to explore the museum grounds in a fun, self-guided adventure filled with games and activities designed for young children. Costumes are encouraged as visitors discover seasonal surprises and enjoy a playful day at Ottawa’s oldest wood-frame house. For more information on the event, consult their website.

Halloween Hijinks
2025-10-25 - 2025-10-26
Celebrate all things silly, fun, and a little bit spooky at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Perfect for families with young children, this playful Halloween event features entertainment, crafts, and seasonal activities in a charming heritage setting. Guests can enjoy performances by local entertainers, including stilt walkers, magicians, and more. For more information on the event, consult their website.

Art + Parcel: A Holiday Sale
2025-10-25 - 2026-01-11 | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, K1N 0C5, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, K1N 0C5
Galerie Annexe and the OAG Shop are pleased to present their annual holiday showcase, Art + Parcel.
In addition to the original regional artwork featured at the Galerie Annexe, all priced under $1,000, the OAG Shop offers unique gift-giving opportunities with Canadian-made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, kids crafts, art prints, books and much more.
Find great, local gifts for everyone on your list (and maybe something for yourself as well), while supporting Canadian artists and the Ottawa Art Gallery.
