Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this October 2025. Click on the event title for more information.
Byward Oktoberfest | October 3 – 4
Lowertown Brewery | 73 York Street
Get ready to celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest with friends and family. Showcasing the traditions of Oktoberfest with dance, music, food and of course, locally crafted beers.
Acres of Terror | October 3-4, 10-11, 17-19, 24-26, 28-31
Cannamore Orchard | 1480 County Road 32 | Crysler
A terrifying Halloween attraction with four main parts: The Spooky Wagon Ride, House of Terror, Fog Maze and Spooky Village. Healthy and safety protocols are in place to ensure a safe visit. Saturday and Sunday during the day are dedicated to families, younger children and those easily scared.
Art+ Showcase | October 4
Arts Court | 2 Daly Avenue
Celebrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and pluralism in the arts, including local artists from all Western and non-Western art disciplines.
Imjin Hockey Classic | October 4
Bell Sensplex | 1565 Maple Grove Road
Celebrate Canada’s military and hockey heritage at the Imjin Hockey Classic, honoring the historic games played by Canadian soldiers during the Korean War. Watch two storied regiments face off, enjoy special friendly matches, and experience an afternoon of sport, history, and community spirit. This family-friendly event is a unique way to learn about Canada’s contributions to the Korean War while cheering on the teams.
Pamper Yourself Market | October 4
Next Door Market & Event Space | 955A Gladstone Avenue
Enjoy a day of handmade finds, tasty treats, and hands-on experiences at the Pamper Yourself Market. Explore artisan goods, create your own jewelry, bath salts, or suncatchers, and enjoy fun self-care activities like henna and a nail bar. This feel-good market invites visitors of all ages to relax, get creative, and celebrate good vibes.
Shadows & S’mores: Fireside Fables and Aerial Tales | October 4
LabO Theatre | 60 Waller Street
This fall, experience Shadows and S’mores: Fireside Fables & Aerial Tales, a family-friendly show where whimsical and spooky stories come to life above the stage. Enjoy mystical creatures, eerie legends, and breathtaking aerial stunts that will thrill and delight audiences of all ages.
HOPE RockFest | October 4
Overflow Brewing | 2477 Kaladar Avenue
Join HOPE RockFest for a night filled with electrifying up-and-coming artists, an amazing headliner, delicious food and good vibes!aerial stunts that will thrill and delight audiences of all ages.
The Heart of Orléans Market | October 5
Orleans Town Centre | 290 Centrum Blvd
The Heart of Orléans Market is a vibrant local marketplace celebrating community, culture, and creativity in the heart of Orléans. Featuring a diverse array of vendors, artisans, and food producers, the market offers fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and delicious treats. A gathering place for residents and visitors alike, it fosters a strong sense of connection while supporting small businesses and sustainable shopping.
Metcalfe Fair | October 2 – 5
Metcalfe Fairgrounds | 2821 8th Line Road | Metcalfe
Enjoy this major agricultural fall fair that began 11 years before Canada’s Confederation.
Sound & Sauna | October 5 & 19
Uppliva Nordic Spa | 1140 Wellington Street West
Step into an evening designed to refresh body and mind. Move through the Nordic circuit — sauna, steam, cold plunge, and rest — before sipping a cold-pressed juice from Capital Cold Press. Then, let Serenity Sound Healing guide you through a meditation and restorative sound bath, surrounded by the resonant tones of crystal bowls and chimes. A chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and find stillness in a serene spa setting.
Pumpkinferno | October 1-5, 9-13, 16-19, 23-26, 30-Nov 1
Upper Canada Village | 13740 County Road 2 | Morrisburg
Perfect for all ages, explore the magic of Pumpkinferno, a nighttime walk-through experience where over 9,000 hand-crafted pumpkins come to life in a spectacular display of artistry and creativity along the streets and paths of Upper Canada Village’s historic landscape.
Ottawa Fall Home Show | October 2 – 5
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Discover the latest in home decor, design, landscaping, and more.
Powwow Life-Drawing | October 6
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Come join the NAC for this two-hour life-drawing session where you can capture the dynamic beauty of powwow dances and their regalia on your own paper. Participants will bring their own material and work with art facilitators to create drawings that capture both the movement of the dancers and their regalia. Suitable for intermediate to advanced artists. Bring your favourite materials along to participate. Some supplies will be offered to those that do not have any on hand.
Ihsane – Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève + Eastman | October 9 – 10
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
For the creation of Ihsane, Moroccan-Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui immersed himself in the Moroccan legacy of his father, in a personal search for identity and connectedness. The bodies of the dancers, fluid and powerful, embody both the search for self and the universality of human bonds.
Ottawa Flower Market | October 11
Parkdale Public Market | 366 Parkdale Avenue
Your local farmer-florists are bringing an array of beautiful blooms from the Ottawa Valley to the Parkdale Public Market.
Stop by and create your own stunning bouquet at the build-your-own bouquet bar! Or choose from a selection of ready to go bouquets carefully crafted by our florists.
Black Butterfly | October 10 – 11
Shenkman Arts Centre | 245 Centrum Boulevard
Experience Black Butterfly, a powerful celebration of love, tradition, and self-discovery brought to life through African rhythms, dynamic choreography, and compelling storytelling. Directed by Kayode Sodunke and written by Ebby A, this immersive production highlights Black voices and culture, weaving passion, struggle, and triumph into an unforgettable stage journey. Audiences are transported by a talented cast and dancers in a show that inspires, moves, and captivates from start to finish.
Maple Leaf March | October 10 – 12
Montgomery Legion | 330 Kent Street
La Marche Maple Leaf March® is a world-class, non-competitive, not-for-profit international walking festival held annually in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Its mission is to promote walking as a fitness activity; foster international understanding and friendships; and showcase some of the monuments, memorials and parks of Canada’s National Capital Region (NCR).
Robert Plante Thanksgiving Market | October 11 – 12
Robert Plante Greenhouses | 4228 Navan Road | Navan
Celebrate the season at the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Market, featuring over 130 local artisans and vendors. Explore handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and thoughtful gifts while strolling through lush greenhouses and enjoying cozy fall vibes. This indoor market offers a festive, family-friendly outing and a chance to support local talent.
Watson’s Mill Fall Finale | October 12
Watson’s Mill | 5525 Dickinson Street | Manotick
Come to Watson’s Mill for their annual harvest festival! There are a bunch of activities and crafts. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family.
Magic at the Manor | October 15
Manor Lounge | 292-A Elgin Street
This presentation will highlight moments that are unexplainable and simply unbelievable! Michael presents mind-blowing mental feats, amazing visuals and devious deceptions blended with non-stop audience participation (don’t worry, nothing embarrassing) and plenty of laughs.
Canadian Museum of Nature: Open House – Research and Collections | October 18
Natural Heritage Campus | 1740 Pink Road | Gatineau
Join the Canadian Museum of Nature as the museum’s research and collections facility opens its doors to the public. This is a free event but a timed ticket required.
ArohaFest Diwali Dhamaka | October 15 – 18
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
The only fully bilingual festival celebrating the arts of India to be held in Canada will feature dance, music, visual arts, yoga and Bollywood!
CAPCON | October 18
Canadian War Museum | 1 Vimy Place
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of scale plastic models! Discover enthralling miniature works of art — from pieces of history to flights of imagination — crafted by local, national and international hobbyists.
Capital Wedding Show | October 19
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre | 200 Coventry Road
Meet face-to-face with experts, share your vision, and let them bring your dreams to life. With a fashion show, grand prizes, featured displays, entertainment, samples, tastings, contests and demonstrations, everything you need is here.
The Original Navan Market | October 19
1279 Colonial Road | Navan
Come out and support local vendors for the Original Navan Market. Produce, breads, cheese, honey, jams, jellies, wineries/distilleries, jewelers, soapers, crafters and so much more.
Ottawa National Women’s Show | October 18 – 19
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Looking for the ultimate girl’s day out? Fashion, food, and fun all under one roof.
Geek Hoard Haul-oween | October 19
Sensplex Kanata | 1565 Maple Grove Road
Celebrate all things geeky with a spooky twist at this pop-up convention and market. Explore around 90 vendors offering comics, games, collectibles, art, and Halloween-themed items, and enjoy cosplay, special guests, and interactive activities. This family-friendly event welcomes visitors of all ages with free admission.
Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival | October 25
Parkdale Public Market | 366 Parkdale Avenue
Snack, shop, and soak in the vibes at Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival! Indulge in delicious vegan treats, shop local art and self-care goodies, and discover amazing small businesses—all at the iconic Parkdale Market. A night of plant-based bites and creative delights awaits!
The Ottawa Chocolate Show | October 25
Algonquin College | 1385 Woodroffe Avenue
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.
Ottawa Rock N’ Gem Show | October 23 – 26
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Calling all rock and nature enthusiasts; discover unique treasures at the Rock N’ Gem Show full of crystals, fossils, gemstones, and more! Invite friends to explore the show and hand-pick your exclusive jewelry and mineral finds.
Ottawa International Writers Festival | October 22 – 26
Library and Archives Canada | 395 Wellington Street
Attend the celebration of the finest new and established writing from across Canada and around the world with a fall and a spring edition.
Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival | October 23 – 26
La Fab sur Mill | 8 chemin Mill | Chelsea
Learn from and watch Canada’s finest fiddlers and accompanists during this three-day annual festival.
Darius Rucker Live | October 26
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
Three-time Grammy winner Darius Rucker brings his ‘Darius Rucker Live’ tour to Canada this fall! Get ready for an unforgettable night of chart-topping hits, fan-favorite anthems, and fresh tracks from Carolyn’s Boy. Don’t miss the energy, the music, and the magic of Darius live on stage!
Antiquarian Book Fair | October 25 – 26
St. Paul University | 223 Main Street
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.
The Rocky Horror Show | October 23-26, 29 – Nov 1
The Gladstone Theatre | 910 Gladstone Avenue
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.
Monster Mixtape with the NAC Orchestra | October 29 – 31
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Step into the crypt for an evening of spine-chilling musical melodies performed by the NAC Orchestra! From Camille Saint-Saëns’s eerie Danse macabre to the dazzling theme from Danny Elfman’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and other pulse-racing tunes from some of your favourite magical films, prepare to be spellbound by this performance!
Halloween Costume Party and Social | October 31
The Office | 202 Sparks Street
Join a lively Halloween Social Mixer for a night of costumes, cocktails, and connections. Friendly hosts welcome everyone, making it easy to meet new people and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This event is perfect for visitors in their 20s and 30s looking for a fun, social evening.
Nature Nocturne | October 31
Canadian Museum of Nature | 240 McLeod Street
Dance until midnight while DJs fill the castle with awesome sound! Meet artists throughout the galleries. Discover four floors of world-class museum exhibitions. Thought-provoking, interactive, immersive, social—an exciting and different kind of museum experience!
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