Being the country’s capital city has its advantages. One of the many benefits of living in our beautiful and vibrant city is the plethora of events, both family and adult-friendly alike. Due to the presence of the federal government and hundreds of national associations and organizations, Ottawa is a big draw for both national and international conferences. But the city’s event scene isn’t limited to what is tied to the government presence. There is an incredibly active and lively event scene with unique and one-of-a-kind activities, adventures and experiences related to each season.
What really makes Ottawa such a great place to live is the big-city vibes mixed with our small-town charm. Ottawa never feels overwhelming, and yet there is always something exciting to do. As we start to head into the cooler months, we know that the Fall season is no exception. This is our list of the 20 Best Fall Activities and Events in Ottawa.
1. Mac My Cheese Fest
October 4-6, 2019 – Free Entry, Mac And Cheese starting at $10
https://www.macmycheesefest.ca/
Festival Plaza, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave, West, Ottawa, ON
We are a town obsessed with Mac and Cheese! It doesn’t hurt that we have the famous St. Albert Cheese Company here, meaning we have great cheese for our Mac. Of course, if you’re feeling a touch adventurous, you can try one of the Mac and Cheese variations that make this a genuinely gourmet festival. This year there will be Lobster, Traditional, Thai, Pulled Pork, Smoked Salmon, Bacon, and so many more. Not to mention, lots of live entertainment and eating contests all weekend long.
2. Whiskey Ottawa
October 4-6 2019 – Festival Passes (Including tastings and entry) start at $139
Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, ON
Can you think of anything that pairs better with Mac and Cheese than Whiskey? Of course not, and that’s likely why they are hosting them on the same weekend. You can buy a general pass that gives you access to all the Whiskey sampling or simply buy select tickets for specific Whiskey learning sessions.
3. The Ottawa Chocolate Show
September 28, 2019, 10 AM–6 PM – Admission is $10
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-ottawa-chocolate-show-tickets-65795093897
Allsaints Ottawa, 315 Chapel Street, Ottawa, ON
We have some pretty amazing chocolatiers in Canada. And, the ones who don’t live in Ottawa make their way here every year for this one-day celebration of cocoa. In addition to the market, there are seminars, workshops, and curated tastings so you can explore the world of bean to bar chocolate right here in your own backyard.
4. Ottawa Fall Colours Run
October 13, 2019
https://somersault.ca/run/fall-colours/
2940 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland, ON
If you’re looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon, or just looking to beat your personal best, you can hit the streets right here at home. The Fall Colours Run offers full and half marathons as well as 3, 5, and 10K runs. Not only are you surrounded by the gorgeous changing autumn colours, but it’s the perfect window after the summer heat and before the winter chill to make this a great run!
5. 613flea
September 21, 2019, 10 AM-4 PM (Also October 12, November 16) – Special evening bourse September 20 from 5 PM–10 PM!
Admission is Free
1015 Bank Street, Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, ON
If you’re looking for a one of a kind gift, a rare vintage find, or that perfect art piece for your home, this is the spot. Artisans, designers, makers, antique dealers, independent boutiques, and vintage clothing vendors all under one roof. Not to mention, entertainment and food. This is one fantastic market and admission is entirely free!
6. Celine Dion
October 15 and 16 7:30 PM – Tickets start at $61.60
http://www.canadiantirecentre.com/event/celine-dion/
1000 Palladium Drive, Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON
Having recently finished her Las Vagas residency, Celine is set to travel with her Courage World Tour. And, of course, she’s stopping for two dates in Ottawa. This is her first full North American tour in over 10 years, and not one to be missed.
7. Pumpkinfest
October 19 11 AM – 5 PM – Admission is Free
https://www.insideottawavalley.com/events/9367779–pumpkinfest/
Downtown Carleton Place, Carleton Place ON
Get yourself ready for the fall in the best way possible. Pumpkinfest is the best place to buy your future jack-lantern, let the kids climb in the hay, and shop the local maker market. There will also be games, music, scavenger hunts, and much more for the whole family.
8. CityFolk
September 12- 15, 2019 – Pricing varies by number of days selected
Lansdown Park, Ottawa, ON
Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters, The Strumbellas, and Donovan Woods and The Offence are just some of the acts turning up at this year’s CityFolk Festival. Not to mention the Summersault portion on September 13 reuniting Our Lady Peace, LIVE, and Bush. This is the festival you’ve been waiting for.
9. World Multicultural Festival
November 30, 2019 – 2–11 PM – Free Admission
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/world-multicultural-festival-tickets-64666151199
1525 Princess Patricia Way, Horticulture Building, Ottawa, ON
One of the things that makes Ottawa so great is just how diverse our community is. Come celebrate the cultures that make up our city. Live performances, fashion and food from around the world, including Latin America, the Caribbean, India, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
10. Ottawa Fall Home Show
September 26-29, 2019 – Adult tickets $13, Seniors and Youth $12
https://ottawafallhomeshow.com/
4899 Uplands Drive, Ey Centre, Ottawa, ON
Four days of everything you could possibly want for your home and tips and tricks to bring your renovation dreams to life. Not to mention, Bryan Baeumler from HGTV Canada’s “Island of Bryan” will be there to answer your most pressing reno questions!
11. The National Women’s Show
October 19 – 20, 2019 – Tickets $10 online, $12 at the door
http://www.nationalwomenshow.com/ottawa-fall-visitor/
4899 Uplands Drive, Ey Centre, Ottawa, ON
Billed as the ultimate girl’s day out. The National Women’s Show is a phenomenal couple of days dedicated to women. Over 300 exhibits with great food, wine sampling, fashion shows, celebrity guests, free makeovers, cooking demos, and travel inspirations! Something for every woman.
12. Ottawa Pet Expo
November 9, 2019 – 10 AM – 5 PM – Adult tickets $10, Seniors and Youth $8 Families (2 Adults & 3 Youths) $45
4899 Uplands Drive, Ey Centre, Ottawa, ON
A day for the whole family, including pets! Just be sure to complete the pet wavier if your furry friend plans to attend. You can have them try on new outfits, taste test fresh food, and play with the latest in pet toys. You will also see some amazing animal competitions, learn from expert vets and breeders, and marvel at the inspired animal acts.
13. Dancers of Damelahamid -Mînowin
September 26 – 28, 2019 – 8:00 PM – Regular Tickets start at $41, Special tickets for the Indigenous Community start at $15
https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/21637
1 Elgin Street, Azrieli Studio, Ottawa ON
Bringing together narrative, song, movement, and new multimedia, Mînowin combines the foundational values of reciprocity central to Northwest Coastal cultures with contemporary dance. This performance of Indigenous dance endeavours to shine a light on the moments of connection and understanding that lead us ultimately to renewal.
14. Public Stargazing
October 5, 2019 – 7-12:15 PM – Free Admission
https://ottawa.rasc.ca/content/starparty
11 Aviation Parkway, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, ON
This event is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the night sky. Experts from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada set up telescopes and take you on a tour of the galaxy. If it’s your new to these “Star Parties” they’ve even put together a visitors guide to help you feel more at ease. Be sure to check the website before heading out, cancellations occur due to clouds.
15. The Ottawa Wine Auction
September 27, 2019 – 6:30 PM – Tickets are $50 (this is a 19+ event)
https://musicandbeyond.ca/event/wine-auction-september-27-2019/
110 Laurier Ave West, City Hall, Ottawa, ON
The Ottawa Wine Auction is a great way to support Music and Beyond’s annual programming, but also a great evening of sampling and purchasing exceptional wines! No matter if you’re a connoisseur, a collector, or a complete novice, this promises to be a fabulous evening of incredible vintages. Special guest, Stephen Ranger, Canada’s leading wine & art auctioneer, will be conducting the festivities.
16. Ottawa Fire Truck Pull
October 19, 2019 – 2 PM – Fundraiser
https://www.ottawafiretruckpull.com/
Lansdowne Park – Aberdeen Square
Do you think you and 9 friends can pull an Ottawa Fire Services fire truck 100 feet? Teams will compete to see who can pull the truck the fastest, raise the most money for a good cause, or demonstrate the most team spirit. Presented in collaboration with Ottawa Fire Services, in support of Epilepsy Ottawa.
17. Rock The Rink: Tessa and Scott
November 7, 2019 – 7 PM – Tickets range from $24.50 – $114.50
1015 Bank St, TD Place, Ottawa, ON
Tessa and Scott are true Canadian icons and with Rock the Rink they bring together some of the greatest Canadian skating talents for an evening like no other. Patrick Chan, Elvis Stojco, and many others will leave you amazed.
18. Carleton University Butterfly Show
October 5 to October 13, 2019 – 9 AM – 3 PM – Free Admission
https://carleton.ca/biology/annual-butterfly-show/information-for-visitors/
Nesbitt Biology building, located in the south-east corner of Carleton University Campus.
In the nine days leading up to the Thanksgiving weekend, over 1300 live exotic butterflies are released into the Nesbitt Biology building greenhouses. Perfect for taking the kids, a group of friends, or even a fantastic daytime date idea. As you wander through, you’ll be enchanted yet also have the opportunity to learn about these incredible little winged beauties.
19. Annual Wiener Dog Parade
September 29, 2019 – 12 noon
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ottawa-wiener-dog-parade-2019-tickets-67530879679
21 Murray Street, Cricket & Company, Ottawa, ON
The Ottawa Sausage Fest is fast approaching. However, much as it’s a worthy event in its own right, the Wiener Dog Parade that kicks it all off has stolen the show. Now three years in the dogs are coming back for a forth! If you have a wiener dog who wants to march, be sure to get them signed up, otherwise just come down and enjoy the festivities, and maybe stay for a sausage.
20. Pre-Season Sens Game
September 18 and 21 – Tickets start at $30
https://www.nhl.com/senators/tickets/preseason-tickets
1000 Palladium Drive, Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON
You could say we have a bit of a hockey culture here in Ottawa. And, sometimes the prices can really reflect that demand. What better (and more affordable) way to take in a Sens game then by hopping on some pre-season tickets. The prices are always more agreeable and the two at home games in September are against the Leaf’s and the Habs. Talk about great hockey!
