Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this February 2026. Click on the event title for more information.
Winterlude Triathlon | February
Terry Fox Athletic Facility | 2960 Riverside Drive
Watch dedicated winter enthusiasts ice skate for 7-8 km, cross-country ski for 6 km, and run for 5 km.
Behind the Scenes Tour: Bytown Museum Collections | February 1
Bytown Museum | 1 Canal Lane Ottawa
This behind-the-scenes tour offers a guided look into the Bytown Museum’s collection and curatorial work. Led by the Exhibition and Collections Manager, the experience provides insight into how artifacts are preserved, researched, and interpreted beyond public gallery spaces.
Indigenous Experiences – Winterlude Mini Pow Wow | February 1
Canadian Museum of History | 100 Laurier Street | Gatineau
Experience a mini–Pow Wow featuring a Grand Entry or opening ceremony, intertribal dances, and performances by invited drum groups, along with dancers of various styles and ages. Presented by Indigenous Experiences, this event is “mini” due to its shorter duration compared to traditional Pow Wows, which typically span several days. Despite its compact format, the celebration promises to be a spectacular showcase of Indigenous culture.
Afterslide | February 6 – 7
Jacques-Cartier Park | Gatineau
Experience Winterlude after dark with Afterslide Evenings, a new nighttime program designed for teenagers and young adults at the Snowflake Kingdom. This festive winter experience blends DJ performances, illuminated attractions, tube sliding and interactive features like a 360-degree camera, creating an energetic yet welcoming atmosphere in collaboration with Igloofête and the Commission jeunesse de Gatineau. With extended evening access, creative surprises and playful winter style woven throughout, Afterslide Evenings reimagine the park as a vibrant space for connection, music, and seasonal fun.
Capital City Bites | January 31 – February 6
Various locations | Ottawa
Taking place from January 31 to February 6, Taste Ottawa: Capital City Bites features a curated lineup of Ottawa restaurants, cafés, and culinary businesses offering exclusive menus, special features, and limited-time bites created specifically for the event. With over 40 participating restaurants, from neighbourhood favourites to destination dining, it’s a delicious way to explore the capital.
Crafter’s Movie Afternoon | February 7
Mayfair Theatre | 1074 Bank Street
This event is created by crafters, for crafters, with a special twist: the theater lights will be dimmed — just enough for you to enjoy the movie while working on your latest crochet, knitting, cross-stitch or whatever project you’re working on.
Naughty Night Market at the Museum | February 6 – 7
Canadian Museum of History | 100 Laurier Street | Gatineau
The Naughty Night Market is an evening market experience that brings together independent artisans, performers, and creators in an intimate indoor setting. The market features a curated selection of vendors offering handmade gifts, vintage lingerie, jewelry, art, custom floral arrangements, specialty treats, and retro decor items.
The Ottawa Black Creatives Hub Showcase | February 7
Shenkman Arts Centre | 245 Centrum Boulevard
Following its inaugural edition, the Ottawa Black Creatives Hub Showcase returns with a second edition that highlights the work of emerging Black artists in the capital. The showcase brings together music, dance, poetry, storytelling, and film in a single evening of multidisciplinary performance.
The Ryan Hill Ice-Carving Public Challenge | February 7
101 Elgin St | Ottawa
This ice carving activity invites participants to explore the fundamentals of ice sculpting in a hands-on winter setting. Designed for amateur carvers, the experience includes a guided mini workshop led by professional ice carvers, followed by a creative carving period inspired by the theme “Celebrating Our Northern Canadian Identity.”
Rideau Hall’s Winter Celebration | February 7
Rideau Hall | 1 Sussex Drive
Young and old alike can have fun while taking part in winter sports and activities outside on the grounds of the official residence and workplace of Canada’s Governor General. This free event includes a chance to visit the State rooms where the Governor General fulfills official duties, welcomes dignitaries, and honours Canadians.
Greely Winter Carnival | February 5 – 8
Greely Community Centre | 1448 Meadow Drive | Greely
Celebrate the winter season at the Greely Winter Carnival! This lively community event has something for everyone, featuring activities such as Bingo, a delicious breakfast, an enchanting magic show, and scenic sleigh rides.
Canadian Ski Marathon | February 6 – 8
Outaouais region | Québec
Founded in 1966, this is North America’s oldest cross-country skiing event, taking place in the beautiful Outaouais region. Skiers of all ages and abilities can register for distances ranging from 12km to 160km on classic groomed trails through a breathtaking winter landscape! This is not a timed race, but a personal ski adventure.
Shiverfest | February 6 – 7
Manotick Village
Celebrate winter in the village of Manotick with activities that are fun for the whole family!
Stew Showdown | February 7
All Saints’ Anglican Church Westboro | 347 Richmond Road
The Stew Showdown returns to Westboro Village as an annual culinary competition featuring local restaurants presenting their signature stew creations. The event brings together participating establishments in a community focused tasting experience that highlights local food culture and friendly competition.
Fête Frissons | February 8
Shenkman Arts Centre | 245 Centrum Boulevard
This free event is open to all with performances, art making, workshops, storytelling, dancing, and outdoor fun in the snow.
CU_lture Open Houses | February 12
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre | 290 Lisgar Street
This fall and winter, experience CU_lture Open Houses at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. Explore stunning architecture, vibrant art, and live performances. Enjoy refreshments, connect with fellow art lovers, and discover emerging talent. Presented by CUAG, SSAC, and CDCC! Free admission.
Cool Science Saturday | February 14
Canada Science and Technology Museum | 2421 Lancaster Road
Engage with scientists and engineers as they showcase exciting and fascinating science experiments and activities! February may be the coldest month, but families won’t want to miss the COOLEST day at the Museum!
Tapping and harvesting maple sap | February 14
Vanier Museopark | 300 Pères Blancs Avenue
Young and old, families, couples and friends are invited to come to the Richelieu Park Forest to tap sugar maple trees in the traditional way: drilling holes in the trees, inserting spigots and hanging buckets to collect maple water, the tree’s sweet sap.
Cupid Collective Pop-Up Market | February 15
Nonna’s Famous Pizza & Emporio Locale | 70 B Beech St
Whether your boo’d up, with your besties, or taking yourself on a self-date, this pop-up market is all about feeling cute, hanging out, and ending the weekend on a high note.
Expect a curated mix of vintage fits, handmade goodies, piercings, tooth gems, food & more! Come browse, snack, vibe, and celebrate love in all its forms
Igloofest Gatineau | February 12 – 14
Place des Festivals Zibi | 60 Jos-Montferrand Street | Gatineau
Get ready to light up the night in your brightest snow suits and show off your best dance moves. With heart-pounding beats and the iconic Parliament building as your backdrop, this is the ultimate winter party you won’t want to miss.
Big Bang Festival | February 14 – 15
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
The BIG BANG Festival transforms your National Arts Centre into a giant sonic playground. Musical adventures invite children and their families on a colourful journey featuring a rich array of sound concepts whose diversity and originality make the festival a hit wherever it goes.
A7G Round Dance | February 14 – 15
Horticulture Building at Lansdowne |1525 Princess Patricia Way
The A7G Round Dance returns for its ninth annual edition, taking place on unceded Algonquin Anishinabeg territory. This community gathering brings together dancers, singers, drummers, and visitors in a shared cultural experience rooted in Indigenous traditions of respect, connection, and celebration.
Gatineau Loppet | February 13 – 15
Gatineau Park | Québec
Canada’s largest international cross-country skiing event, welcoming approximately 2,500 skiers from around the world competing in various competitions.
Embrace Winter Run | February 15
Canadian War Museum | 1 Vimy Place
A winter running race offering marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 3K, and a 1K Kids Snowy Shuffle. Enjoy a closed course along the Ottawa River, with scenic views of Ottawa’s skyline. Come experience the unique beauty and challenge of a winter running race in Canada’s Capital.
Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures | February 12 – 15
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
Hit the road to adventure when Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures skates into your hometown! Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations.
Capital Art Fair Gallery Winterlude Art Show | January 30 – February 16
Capital Art Fair Gallery | 71 Sparks Street
This festival features more than 30 Ottawa-area artists and artisans presenting original winter- and Ottawa-inspired works in gallery and boutique settings. Visitors can explore a range of handcrafted items and participate in art workshops offered throughout the festival, including opportunities to create winter-themed projects and engage with interactive installations such as ice sculpture displays.
The event highlights local creativity and craftsmanship, offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages during the winter season.
Winterlude | January 30 – February 16
Various locations | Ottawa
With three weekends full of discoveries and traditions, there is something for everyone. Prepare to be astonished by stunning ice sculptures, immerse yourself in the heritage of Canada’s diversity through shows, exhibitions and play around in a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom. Urban sites, museums and special events present seasonal programming as well as opportunities to connect with Indigenous culture.
The Lantern Grove | January 30 – February 16
Confederation Park | Ottawa
Step into The Lantern Grove, a magical forest where light, sound, and winter wonder come together in an immersive experience designed to delight all ages.
Winter Wander: Winterlude Edition | January 30 – February 16
Sparks Street | Ottawa
Winterlude returns this February, with Sparks Street serving as an official partner for the 2026 festival. Winter Wander: Winterlude Edition adds fresh energy to the street with live DJs, ice sculptures, interactive installations, and photo ready moments throughout downtown. It’s a lively celebration of winter that invites visitors to explore, play, and soak up the season on Sparks Street.
Heritage Day | February 17
Ottawa City Hall | 110 Laurier Avenue West
Celebrate Ottawa’s rich and diverse history at Heritage Day at Ottawa City Hall. Explore exhibits from local museums, historical societies, and heritage organizations, and engage with heritage professionals and volunteers to learn more about the city’s cultural past. The noon ceremony will honour those working to preserve heritage, showcasing traditions and stories—from historic buildings to traditional storytelling—that shape the community and inspire future generations.
RCMP Musical Ride Stables Open House | February 21
RCMP Musical Ride Stables | 1 Sandridge Road
The Open House is an opportunity for visitors to tour the stables, meet the members of the Musical Ride and see demos of interesting technology used by some of the RCMP’s specialty units, such as the Emergency Response Team and the Explosive Disposal Unit. It’s a family-friendly event, the perfect opportunity to take a selfie with our world-famous horses and riders.
Whisky Wonderland | February 19 – 21
TD Place | 1015 Bank Street
Join whisky enthusiasts from across Canada for a weekend of tastings, masterclasses, gourmet pairings, live music, ice sculpting, outdoor lounges, and more. Explore over 40 premier whisky vendors, enjoy whisky-infused roasted marshmallows, and elevate your experience with exclusive VIP offerings.
Great Canadian Kilt Skate | February 21
Lansdowne Park Skating Court | Ottawa
Put on your kilt (or come as you are!) and join the Great Canadian Kilt Skate at Lansdowne Park. Glide around the outdoor rink to lively music, savour tasty treats, and immerse yourself in the Scottish-Canadian spirit. Fun for everyone — no kilt required.
Troupe Vertigo: Cirque Magique with the NAC Orchestra | February 19 – 21
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
What do you get when you mix jaw-dropping acrobatics with some of your favourite symphonic music? A theatrical extravaganza the whole family will enjoy! Fusing elements of cirque acrobatics, classical dance, and contemporary theatre, Troupe Vertigo returns to Southam Hall in a brand-new show that pulls back the big top curtain to reveal the magic of the circus. Join the NAC as former Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly leads the NAC Orchestra and the artists of Troupe Vertigo in this spellbinding visual spectacular—brought to life with a mix of hair-raising symphonic favourites and beloved musical moments from Wicked, the Harry Potter films and more.
Ottawa Boat and Outdoors Show | February 19 – 22
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
A showcase of the latest boat models, fishing gear, powersports, paddle sports, accessories, and much more.
Salon du livre de l’Outaouais | February 19 – 22
Palais des Congrès de Gatineau | 50 Boulevard Maisonneuve | Gatineau
A space for stimulating encounters and literary discoveries under the theme the “Land of Books.” An enthusiastic nod to the days of the great gatherings, the slogan of this 44th edition invites communion while celebrating the diversity of literature. In Terre des livres, stories are told, poems are recited, pages are turned, and knowledge is shared. The programming is in French.
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! | February 27
Algonquin Commons Theatre | 1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Bring the kids to Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! for a live action experience inspired by the magical world of the global preschool sensation from DreamWorks Animation. In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right.
Ottawa I ❤︎ Beer Festival | February 28
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Taste amazing craft beers, dance at our silent disco, and snack on delicious local food—all in one epic day. Don’t miss Ottawa’s winter beer party of the year!
Ottawa RV Expo & Sale | February 27 – March 1
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
The Ottawa RV Expo and Sale offers something for every lifestyle and budget. Meet Ottawa’s top RV dealers, attend learning sessions led by industry experts, and enter exciting contests and giveaways. Do not miss this chance to ignite your love for the outdoors.
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