You never think we’d cheer for freezing cold temperatures, but with the final weekend of Winterlude on the horizon it’s a necessity! Don’t forget, this Monday is Family Day in Ottawa, so many of us get to enjoy a three-day weekend. Here’s a preview of what’s happening this weekend in Ottawa:
Winterlude (Final Weekend)
Cold weather means the Rideau Canal should be open and most Winterlude events should proceed as scheduled – great news for out-of-town visitors and Ottawans who want to head downtown and get in on the action! Winterlude, North America’s largest winter celebration, continues this weekend. There will events all weekend (weather permitting) along the Canal, at the Crystal Garden, at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, Lansdowne Park, and the Byward Market. Check out the Official Calendar of Events for details and last-minute cancellation notices. Also don’t forget to check out Lian Wright of the Ottawa Mommy Club‘s guest blog about families and Winterlude: My Essential Toddler Winterlude Survival Kit. To stay up to date on the Rideau Canal ice conditions, CBC has an ice conditions map.
Winter Brewfest
Come to Lansdowne Park’s Horticulture building on Friday or Saturday for the 2ndedition of the Winter Brewfest. Local breweries present include Beau’s, Big Rig, Beyond the Pale, Dominion City, Kichesippi, Clocktower, Tooth and Nail…oh and about 40 other microbreweries. There will be food supplied by Local Public Eatery, including chili dogs, poutine, and even Al Pastor pulled chicken tacos! Tickets are $20 presale, $25 regular, with a sampling glass included. This event is 19+ only.
Lunar New Year Parade
Come to Ottawa Chinatown on Sunday afternoon (1-2:39 pm) on Somerset Street West between Preston and Bay for the Lunar New Year Parade! Presented by Somerset Street Chinatown Business Improvement Area and the National Capital Commission, the annual lion dance parade is always great fun. There will be lions, dragons, zodiac animals, and Chinese drummers…you can also get your new year lucky “Lai See”! Admission is free, and why not stop in at one of the many amazing restaurants in Chinatown before or after the parade?
Ottawa Kindness Week
February 12-19 is Kindness Week in Ottawa. Presented by the Caring and Sharing Exchange in partnership with United Way Ottawa, this is an opportunity to do what we should be doing every day! How can you be kind and contribute to your community?
- Give – donate money, donate blood, donate gently used clothing etc.
- Volunteer: give back to the community with your time and energy. Volunteer at a senior’s home. Volunteer to coach a kids’ soccer team. Volunteer at a local school. Volunteer at Ottawa Race Weekend.
- Say thanks: say thanks to those around us doing every day things to help. Thank your bus driver, thank the cashier. Thank someone who holds the door for you or your neighbour who brings up your garbage cans.
- Celebrate kindness: acknowledge and celebrate those who make a living out of being kind. Teachers, nurses, caregivers, and more.
- Pay it forward: whenever you are the recipient of kindness, promise to pay the kindness forward to others. It will create a multiplying effect and circle of kindness that radiates positive feelings.
Family Day
Monday, February 15 is Family Day in Ontario. There is no school and many workers have the day off (sorry Federal government employees!) So what can you do with the family this day? Of course, you can head to Winterlude. You can join Mayor Jim Watson’s Family Day Skating Party at the Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall – free hot chocolate included! You can take the kids to one of the many great museums in Ottawa, or you can hit the slopes. Or, you can just relax at home and enjoy the time together! Stay tuned for our upcoming article about what is open and closed in Ottawa on Family Day.
