What to do in Ottawa this October 2024
18 Minute Read
The kids are back in school, and the final summer sun has set, but don’t fret — the fun is just getting started. October is packed with fun events in Ottawa, especially since you can enjoy the vibrant autumn colours and all things Halloween this month.
From glowing pumpkin trails, spooky evening attractions and harvest markets to musical concerts, iconic theatre performances and sporting events, there are countless events to add to your calendar. Here are the top things to do in Ottawa in October 2024.
Fall Colours Chairlift Ride
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Where: Calabogie Peaks Resort, 30 Barrett Chute Rd., Calabogie, ON
When: Weekends September 21 – October 14, 2024
Soak in a vibrant view of the changing fall colours with a chairlift ride at Calabogie Peaks Resort. You’ll float above the trees and glimpse nearby lakes that enhance the fall scenery. Choose to ride the chair up and hike down the mountain or hop off for some photos and ride back down, too. The chairlift runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the four open weekends.
Bug Adventure at the Canadian Museum of Nature
Where: 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON
When: Special exhibit until October 14, 2024
Discover the mysterious world of bugs on a larger-than-life level at the Canadian Museum of Nature. The Bug Adventure special exhibition gives you a look at the superpowers of bugs with colourful, engaging displays. It’s only on display until October 14, 2024, so take advantage of this unique experience and head to the museum. There is an additional fee for the museum admission ticket.
Visitors with a CAA Membership will save 15% on single admission tickets to the Canadian Museum of Nature and 15% on museum memberships.
Fall Rhapsody
Where: Across the Ottawa region
When: Late September to mid-October
Don’t miss Ontario’s iconic fall colours during fall rhapsody, when the reds, oranges and yellows are at their peak in the capital region. From Ottawa’s greenbelt to Gatineau Park, go for a stunning autumn hike and enjoy the beautifully coloured trees before the leaves fall. Make sure to plan ahead, bring water, and keep a backup trail in mind, as some get crowded during this time of year.
Stay tuned for the details of the free NCC shuttle that loops from downtown Ottawa to prime Gatineau Park locations, including Pink Lake and King Mountain. It typically runs on weekends until the third weekend of October.
sKreamers
Where: Proulx Farm, 1865 O’Toole Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates from September 28 – October 26, 2024
Looking for an evening of haunts? Proulx Farm transforms into a haunted site after a kid-friendly day of pumpkin festivities. If you dare, ride a wagon through the border forest where creatures hide in the shadows. Then, you’ll walk through the Side Laboratory and Front Barn, two haunted houses of terror. Visitors can fuel up after the frights; there are new food vendors this year.
Pumpkinferno
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
When: Until October 27, 2024
Take a moonlit walk down a glowing trail of orange, where you’ll find over 9,000 hand-carved pumpkins displayed throughout the historic Upper Canada Village. This Halloween attraction’s artistry and unique designs are sure to fill you with wonder. New exhibits are added each year, so there will be never-before-seen jack-o-lanterns to admire even if you’ve visited before. There are also restaurants, fall treats and kid’s activities to enhance the experience.
Pumpkin Fest
Where: Proulx Farm, 1865 O’Toole Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Weekends until October 27, 2024
Is it truly spooky season without a visit to a pumpkin patch? Each year, Proulx Farm transforms into a Halloween playground where families can pick the perfect pumpkin and spend the day enjoying farm activities. Your little ones will love playing on hay bales, navigating mazes, taking a wagon ride, getting their faces painted and bouncing on inflatable structures.
The Log Farm – Fall Season
Where: 670 Cedarview Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 5 – October 27, 2024
Fall at the Log Farm means transforming into an outdoor playground featuring many seasonal activities geared toward families. Pick the perfect gourd from the pumpkin patch, enjoy a wagon ride into the woods, lose yourself in a three-acre corn maze, climb on hay structures, search for fairies in the enchanted forest, and feed the farm animals like goats and alpacas. You’re welcome to bring your snacks for a picnic or buy some at the farm.
Ouimet Farms Adventure
Where: 63 Main St. W., Vankleek Hill, ON
When: Weekends until October 27, 2024
Looking for a new challenge this fall? The corn maze at Ouimet Farms is an intricate seven-acre labyrinth and a piece of art when viewed from above. Each year, the maze has a new pattern and theme, and the 2024 cornfield is arranged to look like an astronaut in space. Hunt for hidden mailboxes within the maze and enjoy other activities like pedal carts, duck racing, and gem mining.
Acres of Terror
Where: Cannamore Orchard, 1480 County Rd. 32, Crysler, ON
When: Select dates until October 30, 2024
While you can pick apples and pumpkins during the day at Cannamore Orchard, the haunts begin as the sun sets. The Acres of Terror attraction includes four haunted components to keep the hairs on your neck standing. A witch or warlock leads the Spooky Wagon Ride, and, with new spooky scenes this year, you never know what’s around the corner. Enter the carnival of your nightmares in The House of Terror. Check out seven Halloween buildings in the Spooky Village and try your best not to get lost or snatched in the Fog Maze.
PumpkinFest & FrightFest
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd. A, Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until October 31, 2024
The spooky attractions at Saunders Farm are so popular they’re synonymous with Halloween in the Ottawa region. Pick pumpkins, eat sweet seasonal treats, wander through mazes and play games like Pumpkin Skee Ball during the daytime PumpkinFest.
Nightfall means FrightFest at the farm, with seven bone-chilling attractions, including The Shambles and The Coven. The Sawmill attraction that gained popularity at Lansdowne is moving to the farm in 2024, where you can discover a hidden world where a millworker colony was lost over a century ago.
Millers Farm & Marke
Where: 6158 Rideau Valley Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until October 31, 2024
With over eight acres of pick-your-own pumpkins, you can enjoy the early fall sun and find what you want – big or small, orange or white, warty or smooth. Take a wagon ride to the patch and stop at the corn maze. Take that family photo by the pumpkin hut and other displays, and show your little ones the tractor play structures and cute bunnies. There is other produce, fall decor, and handmade goodies for sale.
Courges et Cie
Where: 59 Chem. Myre, Gatineau, QC
When: Select dates until the end of October 2024
Enjoy a sunny autumn day, searching through an expansive produce field that grows more than 200 varieties of pumpkins and squash. There are many unique colours, shapes and sizes to choose from, whether you plan on baking fall treats or setting up your porch decor. Fuel up at the Farm Bistro with a freshly made pizza in classic flavours like pepperoni or seasonal options like The Squash.
Citrouilleville
Where: 560 69e Ave., Saint-Zotique, QC
When: Select dates September 7 – November 3, 2024
Choose from a wide variety of pumpkins scattered throughout a magical pumpkin village. Stroll from the orange saloon to the pumpkin café, a schoolhouse and more festive buildings. Lose yourself in the massive corn maze found within the autumn village. It’s in a 4.5-hectare cornfield and takes about an hour to complete. Browse the food truck menu and bring your kids to the inflatable structures for a jump.
Ottawa Farmers' Market
Where: Various locations in Ottawa
When: Select weekly dates until October 31, 2024
Ottawa’s outdoor farmers’ market season runs from May to October each year, so enjoy the last few weeks of browsing fresh produce and treats. Operating on different days of the week, the neighbourhood markets conclude on various days throughout the month. For example, the new Main Street Market runs on Saturdays until October 26, 2024. The Lansdowne Market is the only one that runs all year inside the Aberdeen Pavilion.
One World Bazaar
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd., Manotick, ON
When: Select a date from September 19 to November 17, 2024
Open for only nine weekends each fall, shop gifts, decor, furniture and artwork from across the globe at One World Bazaar. You’ll feel like you’re exploring another continent as you immerse yourself in the culture and craftsmanship of artisans worldwide. There are items from Turkey, Kenya, Thailand, Egypt, India and many other countries. Check the schedule for weekend programming, like live music performances.
The Haunted Walk of Ottawa
Where: 46 1/2 Sparks St., and other locations in Ottawa, ON
When: Daily tours available until November 30, 2024
Are you intrigued by the paranormal? Ghosts are hiding in the dark in buildings and locations across the Ottawa region, and you can hear some of these spooky tales on The Haunted Walk of Ottawa. The original walk features haunts like Grant House and the infamous haunted high school. This tour has been running for years and is available every day of October.
You’ll find haunted walks at other spots in the area, including the Fairmont Château Laurier, Billings Estate National Historic Site (the most frightening tour), the Bytown Museum, Beechwood Cemetery and the Mackenzie King Estate. There are also paranormal investigations you can join at the Mill of Kintail and other haunted sites.
Metcalfe Fair
Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe, ON
When: October 3 – 6, 2024
Spend your weekend at a rural fair, catching thrills on midway rides, playing carnival games, enjoying live music events and watching agricultural demonstrations. The schedule includes face painting, square dancing, tractor pulls and fiddling competitions.
Cinq à sept: A ByWard Concert Series
Where: George Street Plaza, 55 ByWard Market Sq., Ottawa, ON
When: October 3 and 10, 2024
Local musicians tour through the capital region, performing on Thursday evenings in the Byward Market. The October dates are the final two events of the season to check out the free concert series downtown. It takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) also brings music to Sparks Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays until October 10. If you can’t make an evening show, hit up this free lunchtime concert starting at noon.
Les Producteurs
Where: Théâtre du Casino Lac-Leamy, 1 Casino Blvd., Gatineau, QC
When: October 3 – 5, 2024
Experience a night of theatre, enjoying this adaptation of Mel Brooks’ film and award-winning Broadway musical, The Producers. Performed in English and French, you’ll follow the tale of a previously successful producer on the brink of bankruptcy who, with the help of a young accountant, thinks up an investor scam and must put on the worst musical of all time. Expect that none of the characters’ plans go as intended.
Mac My Cheese Fest
Where: 255 Centrum Blvd., Orleans, ON
When: October 4 – 6, 2024
If you love cheese, this is the festival for you to indulge. Three days of tasty flavours and comfort food await in Ottawa’s east end.
The Festival of Small Halls
Where: Locations across Ontario
When: October 4 – December 7, 2024
Each fall, a community concert series comes to small halls across the province of Ontario, where you can enjoy an intimate music experience. Around Ottawa, you can book concerts in historic buildings and quaint venues like Almonte, Carleton Place, Prescott, Carp, Winchester, and others.
Zombies on the Hill / Zombie Run
Where: Hammond Hill, 861 Du Golf Rd., Hammond, ON
When: October 5, 2024
This isn’t your typical spooky-themed run. The Zombie Run is an obstacle course where you will try and survive the zombie apocalypse. Runners receive three flags on their belts, which represent lives, intending to protect these lives from zombies as they race along a two-kilometre forest and beach track. You can also sign up to be a zombie to chase runners. A portion of the proceeds is being donated to CHEO.
Capital Pop-Up Cinema
Where: Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, ON
When: October 5, 2024
Your last opportunity to watch an outdoor movie screening with Capital Pop-Up Cinema is the Creature from the Black Lagoon in October. Movies begin at sundown. Feel free to bring your snacks, lawn chairs and blankets and head to the Beechwood Cemetery for a spooky movie night.
Ottawa Fire Truck Pull
Where: Lansdowne Park, Aberdeen Plaza, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: October 5, 2024
Watch ten teams demonstrate their strength and compete in a fire truck-pulling competition. Watch them get tested and see if they can pull a 10+ tonne, 100-foot-long fire truck.
Maker Market and Halloween Night Market
Where: Urban Art Collective, 1088 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: October 5 and 26, 2024
The July Maker Market event was so successful that Urban Art Collective is hosting a fall sequel. Browse gifts, decor and handmade goods from a bunch of local vendors. At the end of the month, you can browse spooky-themed vendors at the Halloween-themed night market.
Ottawa Senators game
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: October 5, 10, 14, 17, 19 and 29, 2024
Sens team, assemble. Hockey season in Canada officially hits the ice in October, from pre-season into the regular season. Cheer on the home team wearing your favourite black, red and gold attire.
CAA Members save big on home game tickets to watch the Ottawa Senators and 10% on Sens merch.
Market Day – Carp Farmers' Market
Where: 3790 Carp Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: October 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2024
Browse local produce and handmade gifts at the four last farmers’ markets of the regular season until the Christmas ones arrive. Celebrate the harvest on October 5, visit the Thanksgiving market on October 12, a typical market day on the 19 and the Halloween Spook-Tacular on October 26, where kids are encouraged to come in costume so they can trick-or-treat.
Harvest Night Market
Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 9, 2024
Celebrate the autumn bounty with the 100th annual Harvest Night Market at the Parkdale Night Market. Shop for fresh produce, share traditions, and browse community-made crafts.
Bougie Birch Dreamcatcher Workshop
Where: ADAAWE, 338 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: October 10, 2024
Join an Indigenous art-led workshop to create a personal dreamcatcher. Learn the significance of dreamcatchers and engage in open discussions about lived Indigenous experiences as you craft. All the materials are provided, and the workshop lasts about two hours.
Pumpkins After Dark
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: October 10 – 31, 2024
Walk through a magical glowing trail lined with over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Immerse yourself in this Halloween trail with spooky sound effects, music, displays and special effects. This year, there are new themes and displays, including classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and pop culture icons. Check out live carving demonstrations and sweet fall treats.
Fall For Merrickville
Where: Heritage Stables, 620 Heritage Dr., Merrickville, ON
When: October 12, 2024
Visit an annual Thanksgiving fair and market where you can take a hayride, eat from food trucks or at a pancake breakfast, see animals at a petting zoo and browse over 100 local vendors. You’ll find artwork, crafts, produce, preserves, woodworking and baking for sale.
1st Annual Thanksgiving Market
Where: Robert Planet Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Rd., Navan, ON
When: October 12 – 13, 2024
Head to this spacious greenhouse and plant store, which houses various unique plants. The first annual Thanksgiving market will feature over 100 unique vendors, including handmade goods and tasty treats. Sip coffee and enjoy the autumn atmosphere.
Harvest Market
Where: 55 Byward Market Sq., Ottawa, ON
When: October 13, 2024
Take a festive stroll through the Byward Market, browsing vibrant pumpkins, enjoying the corn roast and indulging in lots of autumn treats. You’ll find other fall produce and decor for sale.
ArohaFest
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: October 14 – 19, 2024
ArohaFest is the largest bilingual festival in Canada, celebrating the arts of India. Experience different cultural dances, music, visual arts, yoga, and Bollywood. All events except October 16 are free.
Crack-Up Comedy Festival
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Nepean, ON
When: October 17, 2024
Ottawa is one stop along the Crack Up Comedy Festival, which takes place in Cornwall, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, and Kingston from October 15 to 19. Spend the night laughing at Canadian comics, featuring performances by Evan Carter, Ava Val, Kamar Babar, Ryan Zeitz, Simone Holder, and Trevor Thompson.
Atlético Ottawa game
Where: T.D. Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: October 19, 2024
Ottawa’s Canadian Premier League team, Atlético Ottawa, will play its final season match on home turf. Wear your red, white, and blue as you cheer and indulge in classic stadium snacks. Since T.D. Place is an outdoor stadium, dress for the weather.
CAA Members save 20% on Atlético Ottawa home game tickets.
Writers Festival
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: October 23 – 27, 2024
Celebrate works of art and creative ideas as you explore your imagination and converse with different writers. Enjoy the diversity of the written word, from poetry to science, music to politics and thrillers to history. With multiple events featuring unique creatives each day, there are many opportunities to discover new worlds and works.
Into the Woods
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: October 23 – November 3, 2024
Into the Woods is a fairytale that shows the power of wishes, our family, and where our choices lead us. Enjoy an evening of theatre and follow some of your favourite storybook characters in Into The Woods.
Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival
Where: La Fab sur Mill Arts Centre, 8 Ch. Mill, Chelsea, QC
When: October 24 – 27, 2024
This traditional music festival features four concerts, workshops, dancing and jamming days. Promoting traditional fiddle music will introduce you to local musicians and artists from across Canada, the USA and abroad.
Disney's The Lion King
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: Most dates from October 24 – November 10, 2024
One of the most beloved Broadway musicals to grace the stage, the African Serengeti, comes to life in the production of Disney’s The Lion King. Enjoy classic songs like Circle of Life and I Just Can’t Wait To Be King as young Simba finds himself and his royal qualities for him to become king.
Arkells – Big Feelings Tours
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: October 25, 2024
Canadian rock band the Arkells stop in Ottawa on their nationwide tour. The band loves sing-a-longs at their shows, so relisten to your favourites and learn the new single Big Feelings.
Ottawa REDBLACKS game
Where: T.D. Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: October 25, 2024
Rock your best red and black plaid for the last game of the CFL football season. Cheer on the Ottawa Redblacks and celebrate with RNation as you eat stadium food and wish for the sounds of chainsaws in the end zone. All you need to think of before is if you’re on the Northside or Southside of the stadium rivalry.
If you have a CAA Membership, you can save up to 30% on REDBLACKS home game tickets and 10% on official merch.
Disco Inferno - Halloween Special
Where: Overflow Brewing Co., 2477 Kaladar Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 26, 2024
Disco balls, dazzling lights and songs from the 70s and 80s will transport you to Studio 64 with a spooky twist. A talented band will perform hits by artists like ABBA and The Bee Gees. You can bet there will be tons of dancing and entertainment.
The Ottawa Chocolate Show
Where: 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 26, 2024
Chocolate makers from across Canada come together for a sweet one-day celebration. Meet the various makers, sample the chocolates, and buy some for home. Learn some history, try new treats and attend seminars and workshops.
Halloween Howl Market
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: October 26, 2024
Entrance is free to this spooky-themed market, where you’ll have the chance to win door prizes and shop from local vendors. Dogs are welcome at the event.
Evanescence
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: October 28, 2024
The award-winning rock band is on their first headline tour in 15 years, joined by special guests Halestorm and The Warning, opening all shows. Throw things back to your younger years and enjoy new songs from their newest album, The Bitter Truth.
The Shadows... And What We Do in Them
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: October 30, November 1 and 2, 2024
The Iron Cabaret invites you to a chilling and exciting Halloween show named ‘The Shadows… And What We Do in Them’. Ottawa’s finest dancers, aerialists and burlesque performers will transport you into a Halloween world of cabaret.
Tenille Townes
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Nepean, ON
When: October 31, 2024
Canadian singer-songwriter Tenille Townes brings her Thing That Brought Me Here Tour to Ottawa with special guest Sacha. Dance and sing along to songs like Jersey on the Wall _ I’m Just Asking, and Somebody’s Daughter.
Don't forget to bring your CAA Membership card
Starting at only $30 a year, CAA Members enjoy discounts on everything from restaurants and fuel to savings on car rentals and travel insurance, among many other benefits. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and join online.
