Get out and enjoy the city this weekend! Here are some of the great events and activities happening this weekend in Ottawa:
Ottawa Pop Expo
The Ottawa Pop Expo takes over the EY Centre this weekend. The third edition of the expo is a cenetral of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, comic books, animation, toys, video games, internet culture, and so much more. Unlike its sister show Ottawa Comiccon, the Ottawa Pop Expo has a stronger emphasis on film and television. Dress up in your best costume and tour the exhibition hall, and meet and greet with celebrities like Ray Park (Star Wars‘s Darth Maul), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Brett Dalton, and Guest of Honour William Shatner. General admission is $28 in advance for Saturday ($40 at the door) or $40 for the weekend ($55 at the door). Children 12 and under are free. Remember that autographs and photo opportunities cost extra, as does parking at the EY Centre.
Help Santa Toy Parade
The Help Santa Toy Parade winds its way through downtown Ottawa on Saturday morning starting at 11 am. The parade route marches down Wellington Street (past Library and Archives and the Supreme Court), turns south down Bank Street, and then heads east on Laurier. The parade ends at the intersection of Laurier Avenue West and Elgin. Bring the whole family for a fun and festive parade celebration. Firemen will be accepting cash donations along the parade route in support of the less fortunate. If you would like to donate toys in support of less fortunate children, you can drop off your gift at your nearest fire station.
Ottawa Seniors’ Expo
Come to the Nepean Sportsplex on Saturday from 10am to 2pm for the Ottawa Seniors’ Expo, a fun and interactive expo for seniors. Learn about seniors’ health, travel, lifestyle, care, and much more. There will be over 50 exhibitors, free clinics, free demonstrations, informative discussions, and more. Admission and parking are completely free, but donations in support of the OutCare Foundation are appreciated. The OutCare foundation supports palliative care needs across Eastern Ontario.
Ottawa REDBLACKS versus Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The hometown REDBLACKS host the rival Ti-Cats in the CFL East Final on Sunday afternoon at 1pm. At the time of writing, there are about 500 standing-room tickets remaining, so don’t miss your chance to be there! If the REDBLACKS win, they will book a ticket to the 103rd Grey Cup in Winnipeg, in only their second season in the league! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – a very formidable opponent stands in the way, so grab your tickets if you haven’t already and cheer Ottawa to victory.
Christmas Bazaars and Craft Shows
Tis the season where artists, artisans, craftsmakers, and bakers offer up their best creations for you to put under the Christmas tree. There are so many different events going on this weekend, we can’t recommend any one or the other! Depending on where you live and your schedule, any of these events are worth a visit:
- Trinity United Christmas Bazaar, Saturday 9am-1pm, Trinity United Church, 1099 Maitland Avenue
- Grace Manor Craft Sale and Bazaar, Saturday 10am-3pm, Grace Manor, 1156 Wellington Street West
- Fall Bazaar, Saturday 10am-2pm, Carleton Memorial United Church, 740 Melfa Crescent
- St. Anne’s Christmas Bazaar, Saturday 10am-2pm, St. Anne Catholic School, 500 Stonehaven Drive
- Russian Christmas Bazaar, Staurday 9am-3pm, Cathedral of Blessed St. Xenia of Petersburg, 2 Colchester Street
- Manotick Christmas Market, Saturday November 21, 10am-2pm, Manotick United Church, 5567 Manotick Main Street
- Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind 6th Annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale, Saturday 8:30am-12pm, 4120 Rideau Valley Drive North
- Christmas Bazaar and Tea, Saturday 9:30am-2pm, Aylmer United Church, 164 Principale, Aylmer QC
- Christmas Craft and Gift Show, Sunday 10am-4pm, Tudor Hall, 3750 N. Bowesville Road
Have a great weekend, everyone!
