What to do in Ottawa: Weekend Preview January 29-31

What to do in Ottawa: Weekend Preview January 29-31

Only a couple days left in January – we’re going to make it! Let’s take a look at what’s going in Ottawa as we prepare to welcome in the month of February

Winterlude

Winterlude, North America’s largest winter celebration, kicks off on Friday evening. The festivities begin at Confederation Park at 7 pm on Friday night, including a percussion stage show by Insolita with special guest Gregory Charles. This delightful event continues until February 15, so don’t miss it! Last year Lian Wright of the Ottawa Mommy Club wrote a guest blog called My Essential Toddler Winterlude Survival Kit, and it’s definitely a must-read if you plan on bringing the kids to see the action along the Rideau Canal, the ice sculptures at the Crystal Garden, or the snow playground at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau. To stay up to date on the Rideau Canal ice conditions, CBC has an ice conditions map.

Gatineau Winter Beer Fest

“A Cold Beer, in a Warm Setting.” That’s the tagline for the Gatineau Winter Beer Fest, which takes place at the Canadian Museum of History on Friday and Saturday. With more than 100 beers from 35 brewers and an expected attendance of more than 10,000 people, this is the place to be this weekend! Tickets are $15 plus tax in advance, or $25 including tax at the door. Museum members have a 10% rebate. Admission includes a souvenir glass. You can also sign up for a Beer and Cheese Pairing Workshop with Mario D’Eer, at a cost of $10 plus tax. This event is 18+ only.

Tom Green

Local comedy legend Tom Green comes home this weekend as part of the Algonquin Common Theatre Comedy Series, along with opening act Patrick Coppolino. Tom Green is known for many things: as a comedian, talk show post, writer, producer, actor, and even rapper. The event starts at 8pm on Saturday night. Tickets are just $35.

Polar Hero Race

Taking place on Saturday morning, the Polar Hero Race is a 5km race/obstacle course at Lansdowne Park coinciding with Winterlude. Registration is still open ($69.99 plus tax and fees). Kids six and older are invited to participate in the “Little Bear Race,” a 1km/10 obstacle race. Registration includes a T-shirt, medal, refreshments along the course, access to the after-party, and “the right to throw snowballs.”

Guinness World Record Attempt

This is pretty cool…you can be part of a Guinness World Record. On Sunday (10am-1pm) come gather at TD Place, Lansdowne Park to help break the record for most snowmen built in an hour. You register in support of a team, like Do It For Daren, The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, or Amethyst Women’s Addition Centre. Registration is free, but donations to the cause you choose are encouraged.

 

Please note: the 33rd Winterlude Triathlon was scheduled for Saturday, January 30 but due to ice conditions has been postponed until Saturday, February 6. 


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