One page, refreshed every Thursday: the things to do in Ottawa this weekend that we could confirm with the organizers themselves.
This weekend in Ottawa (Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18, 2026) is built around Lansdowne and the leaves. The REDBLACKS play their last regular-season home game on Friday, Atlético Ottawa and the 67's share TD Place on Saturday, and Ottawa Rapid FC closes the weekend on Sunday. Off the field, Bruce Cockburn and Zadie Smith headline the National Arts Centre, ArohaFest brings free Diwali celebrations, Pumpkinferno and FrightFest fill the evenings, and Gatineau Park's free fall shuttle has one weekend left after this one.
How we pick: every entry below is checked against the organizer's own listing for these exact dates, and anything we could not confirm is left out. Prices are as posted by the organizer; fees and HST may be added at checkout. For year-round ideas, see our guide to things to do in Ottawa.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Friday is football (REDBLACKS Lumberjack Night, 7 p.m.) and Bruce Cockburn at the NAC. Saturday is the busiest day: a free Museum of Nature open house, 613flea at Lansdowne, Atlético Ottawa at 1 p.m., the 67's at 7 p.m. and The Black Keys at Canadian Tire Centre. Sunday has the Lansdowne farmers' market, a $15 Halloween concert for kids and Ottawa Rapid FC.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
| 📍 Busiest spots | TD Place at Lansdowne, the National Arts Centre, Gatineau Park |
| 🎟️ Free picks | ArohaFest at the NAC (Friday and Saturday), 613flea, Museum of Nature open house, Lansdowne farmers' market |
| ⏰ Last chances | Gatineau Park's free shuttle and car access on the parkways end October 25 |
| Transit tip | Any TD Place ticket includes free OC Transpo travel, three hours before to three hours after the event |
| Updated | October 12, 2026 (next edition Thursday, October 22) |
Friday, October 16
1. REDBLACKS vs. Toronto Argonauts: Lumberjack Night
When: Friday, 7 p.m. (gates 6 p.m.) · Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank Street · Tickets: REDBLACKS ticket hub
The REDBLACKS host Toronto in their final regular-season game at TD Place, and the club is billing it as Lumberjack Night, so plaid and flannel are the dress code. Your ticket covers OC Transpo from three hours before kickoff; our TD Place venue guide and REDBLACKS game day guide cover seats and food. Event page.
2. Bruce Cockburn at the National Arts Centre
When: Friday, 8 p.m. · Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street · Price: from $56
The veteran Canadian songwriter and guitarist plays Southam Hall, drawing on a career that has moved through folk, jazz, rock and worldbeat. NAC event page.
3. ArohaFest Diwali Dhamaka at the NAC (Friday and Saturday)
When: Friday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. · Where: Peter A. Herrndorf Place, National Arts Centre · Price: free, no tickets needed
Friday's Dancing Diyas show brings Ottawa dance groups performing folk traditions from Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. On Saturday the free community celebration adds yoga, Bollywood and classical Indian dance workshops, henna, a shared rangoli mural and a closing concert. Friday details · Saturday details.
Saturday, October 17
4. Canadian Museum of Nature Open House
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry 2:30 p.m.) · Where: Natural Heritage Campus, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau · Price: free, timed tickets required
The museum opens its research and collections facility, normally closed to the public, for one day: fossils including the "High-Arctic Rhino," the herbarium, the large-skeleton room, insect and coral specimens and rare nature books. Parking is free but limited. Museum event page.
5. 613flea at Lansdowne
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Where: outdoors at Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street · Price: free admission
Ottawa's vintage, maker and second-hand market is outdoors this time, weather permitting, so check the organizer's feed if the forecast turns. Our 613flea guide explains how to shop it. 613flea dates.
6. Atlético Ottawa vs. Forge FC
When: Saturday, 1 p.m. · Where: The Stadium at TD Place · Tickets: Atlético Ottawa match tickets
The defending CPL champions have already locked up third place and host Forge in what the league calls a possible playoff preview; Atlético also hosts a playoff semi-final at TD Place on Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m. Read our Atlético Ottawa guide. CPL match report and preview.
7. Ottawa 67's vs. Oshawa Generals
When: Saturday, 7 p.m. (doors 6 p.m.) · Where: The Arena at TD Place · Tickets: 67's game page
Ottawa Tourism describes 67's games as affordable, family-friendly junior hockey, and the ticket includes your OC Transpo ride. New to the OHL? Start with our Ottawa 67's hockey guide.
8. The Black Keys at Canadian Tire Centre
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. · Where: Canadian Tire Centre, Kanata · Tickets: CTC event page
The Ohio blues-rock duo brings the Peaches n' Kream World Tour to Kanata. Parking and transit options for the arena are in our Canadian Tire Centre guide. The Senators are on the road this weekend (Saturday at 7 p.m. in Philadelphia), so if you would rather watch the game, pick a spot from our sports bars in Ottawa list.
9. An Evening with Zadie Smith
When: Saturday, 8 p.m. · Where: Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre · Price: from $34
The bestselling author of White Teeth and On Beauty takes the stage at the NAC for one night. NAC event page.
10. The Paul Weber Band: 200 Years of Bytown/Ottawa in Song and Story
When: Saturday, doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. · Where: Red Bird, 1165 Bank Street · Price: $33.41
A bilingual folk show that turns Bytown's colourful characters and lesser-known moments into original songs, timed for the city's 200th anniversary. For the history behind it, see how Bytown became Ottawa. Tickets.
Sunday, October 18
11. Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne
When: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. · Where: Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne · Price: free to browse
The Ottawa Farmers' Market runs its Lansdowne location every Sunday of the year, so it is an easy anchor for a slow morning before the afternoon game. Our farmers' markets guide lists the other markets around the city. Market details.
12. Spooky Symphony: NAC Orchestra Family Adventures
When: Sunday, 3:30 p.m. (about 60 minutes) · Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre · Price: $15
Conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser leads the NAC Orchestra through spooky orchestral favourites for ages 5 to 12, and costumes are encouraged. Arrive an hour early for lobby activities: student violinists, Halloween colouring, sensory-friendly hands-on music and photos with the Capital Ghostbusters. NAC event page.
13. Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC
When: Sunday, 4 p.m. (doors 3 p.m.) · Where: The Stadium at TD Place · Tickets: Rapid FC game page
Ottawa's Northern Super League women's team closes out a full weekend of sport at Lansdowne, and as with every TD Place event, the ticket gets you there and home on OC Transpo. Our Lansdowne guide has pre-game food ideas.
14. Ray Chen in Recital
When: Sunday, 8 p.m. (about two hours with intermission) · Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre · Price: from $33
Violinist Ray Chen and pianist Chelsea Wang play a program that runs from Bach and Mozart to Sarasate's showpieces, on a 1727 Stradivarius. NAC event page.
All Weekend: Fall Colours, Pumpkins and Ghost Walks
15. Fall Colours in Gatineau Park
When: Saturday and Sunday shuttle departures from 9:10 a.m. (last bus out 3:10 p.m., last return 4:45 p.m.) · Where: from Pīndigen Park, about 350 m from Pimisi station · Price: free shuttle; paid parking at the Visitor Centre and Mackenzie King Estate ($3 per 30 minutes, $16 a day maximum)
The NCC's colour meter put Gatineau Park at peak season in early October, and this is the second-last weekend of the free shuttle, which ends October 25. It stops at Pink Lake, the Mackenzie King Estate (Kingswood cottage museums open weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., English tour at 2 p.m.) and Champlain Lookout, and there are no reservations, so arrive early. Driving? Private cars are only allowed on the parkways from noon to about 7 p.m. See our Gatineau Park guide and Mackenzie King Estate guide. NCC shuttle page.
16. Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village
When: Friday to Sunday, 6:30 to 10 p.m. · Where: 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg · Price: adults $23, youth 5 to 12 $21, plus HST; 4 and under free
This year's walk-through has 23 themes and more than 730 pumpkin displays along the village streets. Tickets are sold online only, in advance, for a timed entry. Our Pumpkinferno guide has tips for families. Book on the Upper Canada Village site.
17. PumpkinFest and FrightFest at Saunders Farm
When: PumpkinFest Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; FrightFest Friday and Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m. · Where: 7893 Bleeks Road, Munster · Price: PumpkinFest from $30.99 online, FrightFest from $62.99 online, plus a $2.99 processing fee
Daytime PumpkinFest is the family version, with hayrides, mazes and milder haunts (children two and under free); FrightFest is the 34th edition of the farm's night-time haunt and is not recommended for children under 12. Both use timed arrival windows. Our Saunders Farm guide explains which to choose. Saunders Farm tickets.
18. The Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa
When: Friday 7:45 and 8 p.m., Saturday 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m., Sunday 8 p.m. · Where: 46 1/2 Sparks Street · Price: adults $32.99, youth 14 and under $24.99, all fees included, before tax
A cloaked guide leads a 75-minute lantern-lit walk past Grant House, the Château Laurier and other storied buildings. Our haunted Ottawa guide and Halloween events roundup have more ideas for the month. Book the tour.
19. Enriched Bread Artists Open Studio
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (again October 24 and 25) · Where: 951 Gladstone Avenue, just west of Preston Street · Price: no admission price listed
The 34th annual open studio lets you walk through the working studios of 28 artists (21 members and seven guests), two weekends only. Open Studio details.
20. National Women's Show and the Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show
When: Saturday and Sunday (Women's Show: Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) · Where: Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive · Price: Women's Show $14 online, $15 at the door, children 11 and under free; Ski Show free with an online ticket; parking $10 a day
Two consumer shows share the Cohere Centre (formerly the EY Centre) this weekend, so one parking fee covers both. The ski show has not posted its hours, so check its site before you go. Women's Show · Ski Show.
Coming Up Next Week in Ottawa (October 19–25)
Next week is heavy on hockey and big-name shows. These are confirmed on the organizers' calendars; the full picks arrive in next Thursday's edition.
- Senators home stand at Canadian Tire Centre: Florida on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m., San Jose on Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m., and the New York Rangers on Saturday, October 24 at 7 p.m.
- At the National Arts Centre: Loreena McKennitt's The Mask and Mirror 30th-anniversary tour on Tuesday, October 20, the NAC Orchestra's STAR WARS and beyond: The music of John Williams from October 22 to 24, and Allison Russell on Sunday, October 25, all at 8 p.m.
- At TD Place: Jimmy Carr on Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m., the WXV rugby series match between Canada and England's women on Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m., Bytown Brawl II on Saturday, October 24 at 7 p.m., and the 67's against Kingston on Sunday, October 25 at 3 p.m.
- Halloween week begins: Saunders Farm's FrightFest switches to every night from October 21 to 31, and Pumpkinferno runs nightly from October 22 to 31.
- Last call for Gatineau Park: the free shuttle's final day is Sunday, October 25, and the parkways close to cars for the winter season from October 26.
Looking further ahead? Our Ottawa events in November guide maps the month ahead.
FAQ
Q: What is there to do in Ottawa this weekend?
From October 16 to 18, 2026, the highlights are the REDBLACKS' Lumberjack Night on Friday, Atlético Ottawa and the 67's at TD Place on Saturday, The Black Keys at Canadian Tire Centre, Bruce Cockburn and Zadie Smith at the NAC, Pumpkinferno and FrightFest in the evenings, and fall colours in Gatineau Park.
Q: What free things are there to do in Ottawa this weekend?
ArohaFest's Diwali events at the NAC are free on Friday from 6 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. On Saturday, the Museum of Nature opens its research campus for free with timed tickets, and 613flea runs at Lansdowne. Sunday's farmers' market and the Gatineau Park shuttle are free too.
Q: What can I do with kids in Ottawa this weekend?
Book the NAC Orchestra's Spooky Symphony, $15 a ticket at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday for ages 5 to 12, with costumes encouraged. Saunders Farm's daytime PumpkinFest runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m., Pumpkinferno welcomes all ages in the evenings, and Saturday's 67's game at 7 p.m. is an easy family night.
Q: Is there a Senators game in Ottawa this weekend?
No. The Senators play in Philadelphia on Saturday at 7 p.m., so it is a sports-bar night. Their next home games at Canadian Tire Centre are Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. against Florida, Thursday, October 22 against San Jose and Saturday, October 24 against the New York Rangers.
Q: How often is this page updated?
Every Thursday. We keep one permanent address for things to do in Ottawa this weekend and replace the picks each week, checking every date, time and price against the organizer's own listing. Bookmark this page; the next edition, for October 23 to 25, goes up on Thursday, October 22.
Final Thoughts
This is a big sports weekend at Lansdowne, with four home games in three days and free transit on every ticket, but it is just as good for a slower plan: a free Diwali celebration downtown, a morning at the market and an afternoon chasing colour in Gatineau Park before the shuttle stops for the year. Whatever you pick, book the timed-entry events early, and come back on Thursday for next weekend's list.
Source: TD Place, upcoming events Source: TD Place, getting here and free transit Source: Canadian Premier League, Atlético Ottawa vs. Pacific report Source: Atlético Ottawa, playoff semi-final date Source: NHL, Ottawa Senators schedule Source: Canadian Tire Centre, events Source: National Arts Centre, October calendar Source: Canadian Museum of Nature, Open House Source: 613flea Source: Ottawa Farmers' Market Source: Showpass, The Paul Weber Band Source: NCC, Gatineau Park shuttle Source: NCC, Gatineau Park parkways Source: NCC, Gatineau Park parking Source: NCC, Mackenzie King Estate Source: Upper Canada Village, Pumpkinferno Source: Saunders Farm, farm info and hours Source: The Haunted Walk, Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa Source: Enriched Bread Artists, Open Studio 2026 Source: National Women's Show, Ottawa Source: Ottawa Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show
