{"id":27109,"date":"2025-02-27T09:22:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T14:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/?p=27109"},"modified":"2025-02-27T09:22:52","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T14:22:52","slug":"weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options","title":{"rendered":"Weekend in Ottawa: Entertainment and Leisure Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What can you do on the weekend? In <strong>Ottawa<\/strong>, there are countless ways to unwind, from museums and cultural experiences to a thriving food scene and nightlife. If you\u2019re unsure how to spend your free time, it\u2019s time to plan your best weekend. <a href=\"http:\/\/iottawa.net\"><strong>iottawa.net<\/strong><\/a> will fill you in on the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3505918e487\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3505918e487\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options\/#Black_History_Month\" >Black History Month<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options\/#Musical_Ride_Open_House_and_Ottawa_Food_Bank_Drive\" >Musical Ride Open House and Ottawa Food Bank Drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options\/#Ottawas_Farmers_Market\" >Ottawa\u2019s Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options\/#Cultural_Program\" >Cultural Program<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options\/#Active_Leisure_Options\" >Active Leisure Options<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options\/#Culinary_Tour\" >Culinary Tour<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-weekend-in-ottawa-entertainment-and-leisure-options\/#Ottawa_Nightlife\" >Ottawa Nightlife<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Black_History_Month\"><\/span><strong>Black History Month<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">February is <strong>Black History Month<\/strong> in Ottawa, and the social collective <strong>Hors Pair Social<\/strong> organizes a remarkable lineup of events to honour the city\u2019s Black culture and history. You can catch some of these activities on weekends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>613RnB<\/strong> intimate R&amp;B premiere. Guests can relax, reconnect to favourite hits, and slow-dance jams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Residents and visitors can head to a musical show at the <strong>National Arts Centre<\/strong>, which traditionally takes place as part of Black History Month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fit Fest Ottawa<\/strong>, a fitness event that brings the community together around healthy living.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Afrobeats<\/strong> workshops by Moov Ottawa and dance seminars. During Black History Month, Ottawa\u2019s professional street dance company Moov Ottawa teams up with the National Arts Centre for something truly special.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Table Zaire<\/strong> and a tasting menu by Chef Nice Men. Afro-fusion dishes inspired by African and Caribbean flavours are paired with carefully selected alcohol-free beverages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exploring the legends of Nigeria through \u201cWhispers of Folklore.\u201d This is more than a simple reading\u2014these are immersive stories accompanied by live music and vivid sound effects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/17101619\/ad_4nxcjgrtggrj-0hgnhnr0tyfmb9tytkbf1yt5zdextexjvsaxl9d73ltzrwfeoybcmnmwjsya79bcrrmqck7evloj1dyq_zfa35qgltdkiohfa9t4a9mxwht63t5mrtmu3dkkqw0xkey3rj_vnvdhscfxv_jpnbbeqgk.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Musical_Ride_Open_House_and_Ottawa_Food_Bank_Drive\"><\/span><strong>Musical Ride Open House and Ottawa Food Bank Drive<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Held in February at <strong>1 Sandridge Road<\/strong>, this annual free tradition has run since 1996. Locals visit <strong>Musical Ride<\/strong> to meet <strong>RCMP<\/strong> officers in support of the <strong>Ottawa Food Bank<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What to expect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visiting the stables<\/strong> and meeting the horses and their riders\u2014a hit with children and a great family activity. You can snap selfies, take part in family-friendly events, and see police equipment demonstrations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A charitable component\u2014help the community by donating non-perishable food items or money to the Ottawa Food Bank. In 2024, event visitors raised over $4,000 and 1,315 kilograms of food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free parking on-site is limited, so riding <strong>OC Transpo #7<\/strong> is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/17101618\/ad_4nxfxyaegyimamwozapy0m5jtmhmx5htoddz_7hsih4p0qoaidma4mfme3wi_qldb5bvtga5ufzdqnxjpnbcxnpglsikkongwgyi3r3rdjjmygyfq4jlyw4974udj91-cnmkk3vlqowkey3rj_vnvdhscfxv_jpnbbeqgk.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawas_Farmers_Market\"><\/span><strong>Ottawa\u2019s Farmers\u2019 Market<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A farmers\u2019 market is a great way to spend your weekend, savouring fresh produce while soaking up the atmosphere of local community. You can stroll among vendors, buy seasonal products straight from the farmers, and taste delicious samples. You can also attend demos and workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which market will you visit?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lansdowne Market<\/strong>: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Aberdeen Pavilion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Barrhaven Market<\/strong>: Sundays, May to October, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nepean Woods Park &amp; Ride.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Main Street Market<\/strong>: Saturdays, May to October, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grande All\u00e9e Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Westboro Market<\/strong>: Saturdays, May to October, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Byron Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Orl\u00e9ans Market<\/strong>: Thursdays, May to October, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Ray Friel Recreation Complex parking lot).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200b\u200b<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/17101617\/ad_4nxcswgut0yl2pvj8wvz9fytk9eyysdqb28uvbq_x1xcbp4j6xbpjhzgtonesc2kysn3-fb0bpppy7wx4xss4rohff-acovakbfe3mk2fy1nb-z-bmmaji9kfaxj1uxz5a3shs3qjugkey3rj_vnvdhscfxv_jpnbbeqgk.png\" width=\"602\" height=\"339\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cultural_Program\"><\/span><strong>Cultural Program<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can plan your own tour of the city\u2019s most iconic sites or book a guided trip. For instance, you can visit <strong>Canada\u2019s Parliament<\/strong> to marvel at its striking architecture and learn more about the nation\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wandering through the historic <strong>ByWard Market<\/strong> reveals a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants. For art, check out the <strong>National Gallery of Canada<\/strong>, where you\u2019ll find works by both Canadian and international artists. At the <strong>Canadian Museum of History<\/strong>, you can explore exhibits on different eras and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/17101616\/ad_4nxfwxan6w0st6-fjcwcxa6dcrenxp1rwu0gz1dhayhvunzy1p8i6cekxo-ifkg9g8s5wgwfaahqm0irb2ikznnhsfdtqjlqyv7_3zcsanc6wf7vgtcpuj_wkjb4ciolf1rlzwyu2ugkey3rj_vnvdhscfxv_jpnbbeqgk.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Active_Leisure_Options\"><\/span><strong>Active Leisure Options<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In winter, you can <strong>skate on the Rideau Canal<\/strong>, and in summer, take a <strong>boat or kayak<\/strong> there.<br>Hiking or cycling in <strong>Gatineau Park<\/strong>, for instance, is a great way to get away from the daily grind and take in the beauty of nature. Strolling along the <strong>Ottawa River<\/strong> or exploring lesser-known <a href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/uk\/eternal-putivnyk-stolyczeyu-kanady-golovne-pro-rajony-ottavy\">areas of Canada\u2019s capital<\/a> lets you discover more, perhaps even find something new for yourself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Another option is to visit <strong>local farms<\/strong> where a variety of crops are grown. Some farms offer <strong>tours and tastings<\/strong>, allowing you to learn more about agriculture and try fresh produce. This idea often appeals to families with children, who get the chance to feed animals and take pictures as keepsakes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Culinary_Tour\"><\/span><strong>Culinary Tour<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve wanted to try something new, weekends offer a perfect opportunity. In Ottawa, there are wineries crafting wine from local grape varieties. Planning ahead lets you book a tasting or a masterclass on making your own wine. It\u2019s a way to learn about different wines and how they\u2019re produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To organize a culinary tour, you could contact a specialized company or design your own outing for friends or family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/17101615\/ad_4nxfxd6zssclypw4te5ncwfslkgx0dhjixjhftzx3xlc3pcvzu9vbh0equt2cxqg5vhns0p2t0ho8ibuj6oca-zmc1opfpcbpigmpxcod5-qxq84mrlf0kvmrvxm3ylwar4bvfpl_key3rj_vnvdhscfxv_jpnbbeqgk.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawa_Nightlife\"><\/span><strong>Ottawa Nightlife<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weekends are also a time to explore the city\u2019s nightlife: live music venues, nightclubs, cocktail bars, pubs, and restaurants. ByWard Market is the heart of Ottawa\u2019s after-dark scene, with places to suit every taste, year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Locals and visitors enjoy the following spots while experiencing Ottawa\u2019s vibrant nightlife:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Lookout Bar<\/strong> (41 York Street, 2nd floor), boasting one of the best views around. Karaoke runs Wednesday to Sunday nights, and Saturdays feature drag shows hosted by Ottawa\u2019s boldest queens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The 27 Club<\/strong> (27 York Street), opened in 2017 in the former home of Zaphod Beeblebrox. Now renovated, the club presents a range of local and touring bands and DJs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Berlin Nightclub<\/strong> (56 ByWard Market Square, between York and George Streets), where you can dance all night and take in the downtown Market vibe. It used to be Mercury Lounge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Palace<\/strong> (formerly the Rideau Theatre, 400A Dalhousie Street), the city\u2019s main nightclub, hosting up to 500 guests. It\u2019s open Friday and Saturday nights, delivering a special atmosphere, lively music, and tasty drinks. VIP tables are available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Somewhere Dine Bar<\/strong> (110 Murray Street), open till 2 a.m., is a frequent choice for date nights or evening strolls. A restaurant by day that becomes a club by night, appreciated for its versatility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clearly, Ottawa offers endless weekend possibilities. Anyone can add their own twist, factoring in personal preferences. Explore new corners of Ottawa, share experiences with loved ones, plan family outings, go out as a couple, or even solo. Whatever appeals to you, Ottawa has options for an unforgettable weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/17101614\/ad_4nxdgyprf6xendt7wn2pyybyjar1nwgtzlgmsfiqmjdbu2lbp_fuokmkcohdxtlaynjswgh3505c4ti9mr2os2wdvaeu0cy7dy2slaozhj_f38c_zbxzeenicpvhvklxfxp0ozhdhdwkey3rj_vnvdhscfxv_jpnbbeqgk.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ottawatourism.ca\/en\/ottawa-insider\/whats-happening-ottawa-area\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/ottawatourism.ca\/en\/ottawa-insider\/whats-happening-ottawa-area<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.todocanada.ca\/things-ottawa-weekend\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.todocanada.ca\/things-ottawa-weekend\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelingmitch.com\/mostrecent\/ultimate-ottawa-weekend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.travelingmitch.com\/mostrecent\/ultimate-ottawa-weekend<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ottawatourism.ca\/en\/ottawa-insider\/things-do-black-history-month\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/ottawatourism.ca\/en\/ottawa-insider\/things-do-black-history-month<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What can you do on the weekend? In Ottawa, there are countless ways to unwind, from museums and cultural experiences to a thriving food scene and nightlife. If you\u2019re unsure how to spend your free time, it\u2019s time to plan your best weekend. iottawa.net will fill you in on the details. Black History Month February [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":526,"featured_media":27031,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4818],"tags":[8363,7683,8373,8367,8369,8375,8366,8368,8364,8372,8371,8370,7686,7808,8374,8365],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[85],"moimportance":[501,31,32,35],"class_list":["post-27109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cultural","tag-active-vacation","tag-byward-market","tag-canadian-museum","tag-cheese-tasting","tag-city-walk","tag-farmers-market","tag-gastronomic-tour","tag-live-music-in-ottawa","tag-local-cuisine","tag-national-gallery","tag-night-at-the-museum","tag-ottawa-nightlife","tag-parliament-hill","tag-rideau-canal","tag-weekend-in-ottawa","tag-wine-tasting","motype-eternal","moformat-list-short","moimportance-recommended","moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","moimportance-golovna-novyna","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/526"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27109"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27128,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27109\/revisions\/27128"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27109"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=27109"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=27109"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=27109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}