A week ago we had a frost warning…and now we’re expected to reach highs of 20. Get out and enjoy the unseasonably warm temperatures (even if rain is expected this weekend) and check out some of the awesome events happening around the city:
Fall Rhapsody at Gatineau Park
Fall Rhapsody is a yearly event in Gatineau Park that celebrates the fall colours each weekend. From October 1st to October 16th, taste farm-fresh products, see animal demonstrations, admire the works of local artists, or just come for a picnic or hike and enjoy the picturesque views of the park. This weekend is highlighted by Nature Days at Lac Philippe. Feature events include demonstrations with birds of prey and small mammals, guided hikes with nature interpreters, a self-guided tour of Lusk Cave, and much more. Bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic at Breton Beach!
Merrickville Jazz Festival
This jazz festival, which is celebrating its sixth year, runs from Thursday to Sunday. Concerts will take place at 6 different venues in Merrickville over the weekend, and it is a great opportunity to tour a local small-town gem while taking in great music from Canada and around the world. Festival passes are $75, while single tickets are $20 and provide access to any one event. The festival kicks off with Ottawa’s own hyper-punk collective Eru-Era on Thursday night. The Main Street Market Band, a world music band based in Ottawa, features band members from Canada, Benin, Brazil, and Chile. They’ll headline on Friday night. Saturday’s main act is Toronto’s Michael Occhipinti & Shine One: The Universe of John Lennon. The festival wraps up on Sunday with Ottawa’s The Pharoahs Go To Soul Sckool.
Ottawa Senators versus Montreal Canadiens
On Wednesday night, the Sens successfully vented off a valiant attack by Auston Matthews – ahem, the Toronto Maple Leafs – with a thrilling 5-4 OT victory courtesy of Kyle Turris’ two-goal affair and captain Erik Karlsson’s three-point effort. They will have a chance to continue the offensive gunshow, and hopefully play some defense, on Saturday night against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. The game kicks off at 7 pm, be there!
Maker Faire Ottawa
Maker Faire is a “family-friendly festival of invention, creativity & learning.” It’s part science fair, part county fair, and completely different from anything you’ve seen before. It takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. This event is a celebration of science, engineering, DIY, sustainability, music, food, and so much more. The focus is on the process of making, in addition to the finished product. Special guests include hi-tech fashion designer Anouk Wipprecht, wearable tech company MakeFashion, and Jane Tingley’s anyWare sculpture. Tickets are $10+fees for adults, $5+fees for students/seniors, and kids 12 and under are free. Your event ticket includes free OC Transpo service.
It’s the best wine and food show in town! The 20th edition runs from Friday to Sunday at Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau. Some of the finest chefs around the city will gather to showcase their talents and cook up gourmet flavours from seasonal local ingredients. Admission is $10 each ($15 for the 3-day passport) and includes a free INAO tasting glass, access to all vendors, access to free culinary demos, and more, and sampling coupons must be purchased to enjoy food, wine, spirits, and beer. Organizers recommend $40 in sampling coupons. This is an 18+ event.
