Amidst a colourful spectacle of performers and mascots, Mayor Jim Watson and representatives from the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) showcased the many festivals, events and activities taking place in Ottawa throughout the fall season during an event at Lansdowne today.
“The weather might be cooling down, but there are numerous festivals and activities that are just ramping up for autumn that will keep you and your family busy all season long,” said Mayor Watson. “Our city has an endless supply of recreational, cultural, artistic, and exciting activities planned for the coming months, and I would encourage residents and visitors to Ottawa to join in the fun.”
The City has made it easy to find out what’s going on in and around Ottawa by compiling a list of events and activities on ottawa.ca. Regular updates about coming events will also be shared on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram), and on the City’s online magazine.
The list includes information about what’s happening at Lansdowne, City theatres and museums, festivals, fairs, craft sales, recreation and active-living activities, sporting events and much, much more. Many of the activities profiled are free of charge.
“Autumn at TD Place will offer a spectacular range of live events,” said OSEG CEO Bernie Ashe. “We have concerts, the Panda Game, 67’s hockey, REDBLACKS football and Fury FC Soccer. It’s a great time to be in our city.”
Here is a sample of what’s coming up:
- Theatres:
- Centrepointe Theatres: Canadian comic icons Howie Mandel on October 2 and Ron James on November 12; ArcAttack on November 6; Illusionist Darcy Oake on November 10; the Disney Channel TV’s Imagination Movers for two shows on October 24, and Grammy Award winners The Okee Dokee Brothers who will bring their Holiday Hootenany to Ottawa on December 19
- Shenkman Arts Centre: Mackenzie Rhythm Section with opening act Bella Cat on October 23; Classic Albums Live: Supertramp – Crime of the Century on October 24; Café Classico featuring G’froerer and Gott on November 8; Giggle and Stomp, a chamber music concert for children 3 to 8 on November 14; Yes Songs: The Concert on November 19; jazz legend Molly Johnson on December 3; and chamber ensemble Quartetto Gelato on December 19
- City museums and Archives:
- Smashing Pumpkins is taking place at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum on October 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn all about the mechanics of catapults before sending your pumpkin flying!
- The City Archives hosts Taverns and Troublemakers, an exhibit about Ottawa during Prohibition, starting October 1 until March 19, 2016
- City Hall:
- Karsh-Masson Gallery features Allyson Glenn – Catalyst until October 12 and Jason Paradis – Ottawa Night, from October 22 to November 29
- Barbara Ann Scott Gallery
- Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame
- Festivals and fairs:
- Carp Fair, September 24-27
- Metcalfe Fair, October 1-4
- Capital Vélo Fest – 2015 Tour La Nuit – on September 25
- Harvest Noir on October 3
- Ottawa International Writers Festival, October 22-29
- Ottawa Wine and Cheese Festival from October 30-November 1
- Oktoberfest Ottawa, October 1-3
- And much more…
- TD Place:
- TheOttawa REDBLACKS have home games on September 26, October 1, 6 and 16
- Ottawa Fury fans can cheer on their team October 4 and 18 for the final two regular season home games
- 67’s hockey begins September 27, the first of 34 regular-season home games. A complete schedule can be found at Ottawa67s.com
- Alabama Shakes, Chris de Burgh, Godsmack and Peter Pan on Ice are all performing at TD Place this fall. Visit TDplace.ca on a regular basis for event listings and ticket information
- Pedro the Panda will be won by either Carleton University or uOttawa on October 3
- Halloween activities throughout October:
- Ninth annual Trick or Treat with Mayor Jim Watson at City Hall on October 24
- Haunted Historic Village at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, taking place on weekends in October, starting October 9 and ending October 30
- A traditional séance at the Billings Estate National Historical Site on the evenings of October 16, 17 and 18. Tickets available for purchase, but they go fast, so don’t wait
- The Nepean Museum will host a Pumpkin Party on October 25
- Billings Estate National Historic Site is hosting a Halloween Party on October 31
- Fairfields Heritage House will have a trick-or-treat station set up at the driveway on Bellfield Street on October 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Lansdowne:
- TreeFest Ottawa photography exhibit – September 23-October 12
- Workshop Wednesdays are free hands-on visual arts workshops for all ages taking place September 23, October 28, and November 25
- Full Moon Yoga, September 27
- Runway for Hope for CHEO, September 27
- Make a Wish Foundation fundraiser, October 3
- Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma, October 24
- Pumpkin Derby and Fall Community Day on October 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Maker Faire Ottawa, November 7-8
- Ottawa Guild of Potters Pottery Sale, November 27-29
- Active living: The City has a vast network of multi-use pathways for an enjoyable stroll or cycle, or you can enjoy the City’s forested parks. The changing leaves will make your stroll or cycle and memorable one! Stay active by going for a swim or skate at a City recreation facility.
Residents and visitors can use ottawa.ca to discover more about these and many other activities and events taking place this autumn. Autumn is the perfect season to explore your city.