Top things to do in Ottawa this October 2025
13 Minute Read
There’s nothing quite like Ottawa in the fall, and there’s something for you to do here whether you’re a longtime resident, a newcomer or a visitor looking to make the most of your time in the city.
Between outdoor activities like the Metcalfe Fair and Saunders Farm’s FrightFest, performances like Hansel and Gretel by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, outdoor markets, food festivals and sports games, Ottawa’s October slate is jam-packed with events that will keep you busy all month long.
Ready to start your autumn adventure? Here are the top things to do in Ottawa this October.
Fall Rhapsody
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Where: Various locations around Ottawa and Gatineau
When: Until November 2, 2025
Having fun in the National Capital Region this fall is often just a matter of stepping outside and exploring the natural world around you. Fall Rhapsody is a festival celebrating the beauty of Ottawa’s autumn foliage by highlighting the best places to see trees awash in red, orange and yellow. Check out the Colour Meter to see the status of the leaves and visit sites in the Greenbelt, downtown and Gatineau Park for the best views all October long.
Haunted Walk Of Ottawa
Where: Various venues
When: Various dates until November 30, 2025
Ottawa’s streets teem with phantoms on these ghost tours of the city. Follow your guide’s lantern down hotel hallways, sinister streets and chilling crypts across the city, peering into shadowy corners and dimly lit rooms to uncover Ottawa’s lesser-known history. Choose your location from iconic venues like the Chateau Laurier, Billings Estate and downtown to learn the city’s secrets like never before.
Free Thursday Nights At The National Gallery
Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: Thursdays
If your fall adventures take you indoors on a rainy evening, head to the National Gallery on a Thursday for seasonal refreshments, music, activities and free access to the exhibits. See featured works by artists like Michael Nesbitt and Erica Rutherford, or visit your favourite pieces in the permanent exhibits. Explore Indigenous art and Canadian art, marvel at photographic masterpieces and enjoy the atmosphere at the gallery every Thursday night.
Pumpkin Fest
Where: Proulx Farm, 1865 O’Toole Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Saturdays and Sundays from September 20 to October 26, 2025
This celebration of fall countryside fun is returning to Proulx Farms for the 31st year in a row. Kids can head to the petting zoo, ride a hay wagon through the mysterious forest, bounce on an inflatable and pick their own pumpkin from the fields. Families will love the picnic area, and parents are sure to enjoy the farm boutique where treats like maple syrup, honey and homemade jam are available for purchase.
FrightFest
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: October 1 to November 1, 2025
At Saunders Farm FrightFest, you’ll feel like you’ve just walked into a horror movie. With themed haunts throughout the park, you can wander through a sinister circus, creep down the hallways of a haunted house, and see the science experiments of old Dr. Saunders on an evening in October.
Hate jumpscares? The daytime version of this event is best suited for families, with kid-friendly activities and harvest fun for all ages.
Metcalfe Fair
Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe, ON
When: October 2 to 5, 2025
The annual Metcalfe Fair has run every year since 1856, and it returns once again for another weekend of fall fun this October. This fair has just about everything you can think of, from agricultural shows to games and entertainment. Fairgoers can seek their thrills on the midway, cheer at the demolition derby and jam out to live music. Families will love the livestock displays, face painting and square dance lessons as well.
Mac My Cheese Fest
Where: Orléans Client Service Centre, 255 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: October 3 to 5, 2025
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, the ideal hot meal on a cool day. This festival is dedicated to everyone’s favourite cheesy dish, presenting you with classic recipes and creative variations for you to sample. If you’re looking for a delectable dinner this October, head on down to Orléans for the perfect bite.
Acres Of Terror
Where: Cannamore Orchard, 1480 County Rd. 32, Crysler, ON
When: Select dates October 3 to 31, 2025
With four haunted attractions to keep you on your toes, Acres of Terror is your spooky season destination. Take a trip through farmland on the Spooky Wagon Ride or explore the Fog Maze, where creatures lurk just out of sight. You can also visit the farm during the day for a family-friendly Halloween event.
Pumpkinferno
When: October 3 to November 1, 2025
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
Upper Canada Village hosts the original Pumpkinferno experience each year, featuring more than 9,000 artificial pumpkins hand-carved by a team of artists. After dark, the 19th-century village is transformed into a jaunty Jack-o-lantern paradise with dozens of unique exhibits and sculptures for you to explore.
HOPE Rockfest
Where: Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 4, 2025
Canada’s freshest talents are taking the HOPE stage to bring you electrifying music that you can feel good about. See award-winning acts, including Dear Rouge, Sharlee, Erin Maiden and The New Hires. At the end of the night, you’ll vote for your favourite band, with the top pick headlining HOPE Volleyball SummerFest in 2026. All proceeds from this event support the HOPE organization to support your community.
Bryan Adams: Roll With The Punches
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: October 4, 2025
Alongside special guest The Sheepdogs, Bryan Adams is coming to Ottawa to sing you chart-topping smash hits like “Summer of ‘69,” “Heaven,” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,” alongside new songs from his 16th album, Roll With The Punches. This night is sure to be one of both nostalgia for years past and brand-new experiences.
Carchella
Where: Collab Space, 70 Bongard Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 4, 2025
Carchella is both a car show and a music festival where you can jam out to DJ sets, visit 50 local vendors, and, of course, check out some cool cars at the rally. There will be over 100 luxury and vintage cars on display, and if you can’t get enough of this event, you can even check out the late-night after party to keep the fun going.
Ottawa’s Toy And Collectible Sale
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 4 and 5, 2025
Toy collectors assemble at this market of 120 vendor booths full of toys, collectibles, anime figures, video games, comic books, LEGO and art for the ideal geeky shopping experience. Pop culture lovers, superfans and kids will enjoy the wide selection and hopefully find something fun to take home.
Cumberland Farmers Market
Where: R.J. Kennedy Community Centre and Arena, 1115 Dunning Rd., Cumberland, ON
When: October 4 and 11, 2025
Shop local and support growers in your community at the Cumberland Farmers Market. You can pick up produce like garlic, fresh veggies and mushrooms, peruse a curated selection of pasture-raised meats or satisfy your sweet tooth with maple syrup made in your community. Catch the last few markets of the season before the stalls hibernate for winter.
Panda Game
Where: TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: October 5, 2025
Since 1955, the Panda Game has been the site of one of university football’s most famous rivalries between Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. Head to TD Place Stadium to witness it firsthand and watch with bated breath as the teams go head-to-head. Football fans, students and community members alike will enjoy the game and the atmosphere at this iconic match. For safety tips, check out Carleton University's handy guide.
ByWard Barket
Where: ByWard Market, 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, ON
When: October 5, 2025
On October 5, bring your pup to ByWard for a tail-wagging good time outdoors. You can shop for treats, pet wellness, apparel and accessories at an event full of other furry friends for them to play with. You’ll love the great vendors and unique products, and they’ll love having a big city adventure by your side.
Ottawa Rapid FC
Where: TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: October 8, 2025
The final home game of Ottawa Rapid FC’s inaugural season is October 8, and you don’t want to miss it as they play Vancouver Rise FC for the final time this year. The energy at Ottawa Rapid games is always phenomenal, with passionate fans filling the seats and cheering for their team.
Ottawa Senators
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 330 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: October 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 27 and 30, 2025
October 13 is the home opener for the Ottawa Senators, kicking off a season of exciting plays and riveting rivalries. Head to the arena to watch the Sens go head-to-head with teams like the New York Islanders, the Seattle Kraken and the Edmonton Oilers.
Want to see your team in action? CAA Members save big on tickets this season.
Fresh Meat Fest
Where: TBA, please see event site for details
When: October 15 to 18, 2025
Do you love theatre and want to see something new? This mini festival showcases never-before-seen works of performance art produced right here in Ottawa. You never know what you’ll get—past shows have included poetry, dance, standup comedy, storytelling and more for the freshest experience around.
Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons
When: October 18, 2025
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
Featuring music from the beloved video game, this performance will take you on a journey from your first day in the valley to your arrival at the summit. Set against a backdrop of graphics from the game, a 35-piece orchestra will transport you from your seat to iconic locations like Pelican Town, Ginger Island and the Wizard’s Tower for the perfect cozy night out.
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: October 22 to 26, 2025
This biannual festival features authors from Canada and around the world at panel discussions about poetry, fiction and art. This October’s docket features writers such as Mona Awad, Ivan Coyote, Cory Doctorow, and Souvankham Thammavongsa, offering spirited explorations of community, humanity, the internet, time, and more.
Hansel & Gretel by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
When: October 23 to 25, 2025
If you’ve ever seen the Nutcracker at Christmastime, you have to watch Hansel & Gretel this Halloween. Aesthetically inspired by 1920s German expressionist films, this ballet is a sugary confection that takes you on an uncanny journey through a classic fairy tale. Experience this surreal story from a child’s perspective—a spooky way to spend an October night.
Signatures Handmade Market
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: October 23 to 26, 2025
Do you love handcrafted goods that are made to last? This market, featuring the work of over 130 artisans, showcases a carefully curated collection of Canadian goods, ranging from wellness products to clothing to delicious treats. Buy yourself something beautiful to brighten your home, or peruse the wares to find the perfect gift. The market will also have live entertainment while you shop.
Ottawa Rock N’ Gem Show
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: October 23 to 26, 2025
If you’ve got mineral mania, this event is for you. Peruse the booths to meet miners, jewelry makers and artists in this crystal wonderland. Whether you’re a collector on the hunt for something special or you’re searching for that perfect new necklace, this event has rare and unique finds for every rock and gem lover.
Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival
Where: TBA, please see event site for details
When: October 23 to 26, 2025
Featuring Canadian and international performers, the Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival returns for its eighth year of concerts, workshops and jamming. Listen to artists like Cape Breton band Beòlach, grab some grub at the barbecue and dance to your heart’s content at this celebration of traditional fiddle music in beautiful Chelsea, Quebec.
TotoToo’s Rocky Horror Show
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 23 to November 1, 2025
Do the Time Warp at this live stage production of Halloween’s most iconic cult classic musical. It’s not Science Fiction—you'll watch real-life actors dance through Transylvanian terrors at this performance. Complete with aliens, monsters, motorcycles and audience participation props, this show will make you really love that rock ‘n’ roll.
Ottawa Chocolate Show
Where: Algonquin College Event Salons (Building D), 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 25, 2025
Have you ever wondered what goes into making your favourite dessert? At the Ottawa chocolate show, you’ll learn just what it takes to create a creamy bar of chocolate. Meet with makers from across Canada, sample unique variants and listen to presentations on what makes the world of chocolate go round.
Vegans Who Snack Food And Art Festival
Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 25, 2025
If you’ve ever struggled to find great vegan snacks in Ottawa, get ready to meet your new favourites at this outdoor food festival in the Parkdale Market. You're encouraged to bring your own reusable containers to sample great eats from more than 60 vendors. Have a picnic, listen to live music and have a great time at the market with friends. The best part? Your pup can tag along, too!
Sarah McLachlan Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 330 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: October 28, 2025
A Canadian icon is coming to Ottawa, and this is your opportunity to see her live. Sarah McLachlan is touring to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her third album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, which features hits like “Possession” and “Hold On.” You’ll also hear songs from Better Broken, her brand-new album, for a night of soulful songs this October.
NAC Orchestra: Monster Mixtape
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
When: October 29 to 31, 2025
This performance will spellbind music-lovers of all ages with your favourite Halloween tales from over the years. Featuring spooky movie music like the theme song from The Nightmare Before Christmas to chilling classical symphonies like “Danse macabre,” these eerie melodies will set your spine tingling. Wear your Halloween costume to this event and enjoy the thrills and chills of the NAC Orchestra.
The Turn Of The Screw
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 29 to November 15, 2025
Something strange is lurking in the darkened hallways at Bly, and the governess is at the centre of it. Caring for two orphaned children, a sinister story begins to unfold as she discovers the secrets of the house and its occupants. Those who love classic horror won’t want to miss this Gothic tale at the Ottawa Little Theatre.
Day Of The Dead Festival
Where: 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, ON
When: October 31 to November 2, 2025
Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most important holidays, where friends and families commemorate the deceased each year by celebrating the lives they lived. This festival in the ByWard Market brings these traditions to the heart of Ottawa for the eighth year in a row. Sugar skulls, dancing skeletons, vendors, kids’ crafts, delicious street food and more abound at this celebration of the dearly departed.
CAA will help you save on the way
Ready for fall fun? Don't forget to grab your CAA Membership for your adventures across the National Capital Region. Starting at just $30 a year, your Membership grants you access to thousands of Rewards and benefits worldwide. Join now to experience the perks of Membership today.
