The weather is expected to be extremely chilly this weekend in Ottawa, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying some of the amazing events happening around the city over the next few days:
Winterlude
Winterlude kicks into high gear every weekend in February, and this one is no exception. Head on down to Confederation Park, Jacques Cartier Park, or simply skate along the Rideau Canal Skateway to take part in the many Winterlude festivities planned for this weekend. Visit the Government of Canada’s Winterlude resource for a calendar of events. While there are special events planned for each day of Winterlude, no matter when you go you can always check out the ice sculptures, go for a skate, and indulge in a beavertail – or two. This weekend, check out the Beaver Pond Hockey Festival at Dow’s Lake. Cheer on the teams as they competed for the coveted Beaver Cup in the “original Winter Classic.”
TD Winter Jazz Festival
The winter portion of the Ottawa Jazz Festival continues this weekend at downtown venues, including the NAC and Dominion-Chalmers United Church. Catch a quadruple-header at the church as the Roddy Elias Septet, Esmerine, Elizabeth Shepherd, and the Lost Fingers play. Valentine’s Day features a lineup of Scott Helman, Reuben and the Dark, Jay Malinowski & the Deadcoast, Martha Wainwright, and a Leonard Cohen Tribute show. The weekend wraps up on Sunday evening with performances by Mary Margaret O’Hara, Peggy Lee, and Aidan Cross.
Baltic-Nordic Film Festival
The Baltic-Nordic Film Festival, presented by the Canadian Film Institute in association with Winterlude, is back for its 5th year. Films will be screened at Carleton University and tickets are just $13 for the general public, and $9 for seniors and students. Friday night features the black comedy The Good Son from Finland, The Hour of the Lynx from Denmark. The Festival wraps up on Saturday with Ash from Iceland, about the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, and Cherry Tobacco from Estonia.
Elizabeth Manley & Friends
Figure skaters take over TD Place this weekend, as Liz Manley, Elvis Stojko, and more dance to the music of Alan Frew of Glass Tiger. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa and the Physical & Mental Wellness Program of the Ottawa Senators Foundation. Come enjoy watching the talented and entertaining ice skaters while supporting two worthy causes in this perfect family event. Ticket prices range from $32 to $120.
Ottawa Senators vs. Edmonton Oilers
As part of Hockey Day in Canada festivities, the Senators and Oilers face off in this all-Canadian matchup. The Sens are coming off an impressive comeback on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but they still lost in overtime. Edmonton, meanwhile managed an overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens. This should be a fun matchup between two teams fighting for McDavid, and the afternoon showdown makes it a great family event. If you can’t get tickets to this game, the AHL matchup between the Binghamton Senators and Toronto Marlies at 3pm on Sunday makes for a great alternative.
Stay warm this weekend, UpFront readers!
