Wow, did it ever get chilly fast! It seems like just yesterday we were enjoying warm T-shirt days, and now you’re crazy if you don’t go outside bundled up with a jacket, scarf, and two pairs of gloves. Even with predicted lows around 4ºC this weekend, that won’t stop us from going out there and enjoying one (or many) of the fantastic events this weekend. Here’s what’s happening in Ottawa this weekend:
Oktoberfest Ottawa
It’s Oktoberfest time! The biggest Bavarian Beer Hall in Ontario is taking over Clarke Fields Park in Barrhaven this weekend! The kickoff festivities began last night, but the event continues tonight and tomorrow. Do you want to be part of a Guinness World Record? Come take part in the largest bier tasting in the world! What else can you expect? Great beer from Creemore, Sir Isaac’s cider, and Citra wine. Amazing food from Big D’s Dog House & Poutine Emporium, Pizza Al’Antica, and Deep Fried Delights. Don’t miss noshing on authentic German food like schnitzel and sausages. Awesome music, including the Black Forest Band. Admission is $20 and can be purchased online. Do not drink and drive!
Panda Game
The revived Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton Ravens takes place on Saturday afternono at TD Place. Last year’s game was a total showstopper, with Carleton grabbing victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to a last second Hail Mary touchdown. Carleton will look for a repeat, while uOttawa hope to extend their 33-13 lead in the overall series. This cross-town clash will be a lot of fun, so get out there and support your school!
Mac My Cheese Fest
There’s nothing better than St. Albert’s cheese…until you melt it and come up with creative and delectable mac and cheese combinations. The 2015 Mac My Cheese Fest takes place this weekend from 11 am to 9 pm (11-6 on Sunday) at City Hall. Have you tried lobster mac and cheese yet? Pulled pork? Smoked salmon? Thai fusion? These and many, many more varieties will be available. Admission is free, you only pay for what you eat. Vote for your favourite mac and cheese delight, listen to live music, and hang out with family and friends at this tasty event.
Ottawa Senators versus Montreal Canadiens
The Senators scored 5 straight goals to secure a 5-2 victory against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre in NHL preseason action. The two teams square off again on Saturday night at Canadian Tire Centre. Will Karlsson and the Senators repeat the feat or will PK and Montreal return the favour? This is the final game of the preseason for the Senators, after which they’ll head back to practice in preparation for opening night against Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres. Be there for the 7 pm faceoff or catch the game live at a local restaurant or at home on TSN5.
Autumn Studio Tours
Get out of the city and see some of the natural beauty and incredible artistic talent in the areas surrounding Ottawa: Madawaska Valley, Merrickville, and Gatineau Hills. Take a scenic drive to these studio tours and enjoy the breathtaking changing leaves along the way. This weekend, various artisans and craftmakers will welcome you to their studios. Come see the inventive and expressive works of painters, photographers, ceramic artists, glass artists, tanners, knife carvers, potters, weavers, woodturners and more.
Ottawa Zombie Walk
Are you ready to march with the undead? The 2015 Ottawa Zombie Walk ambles from City Hall to Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa on Sunday afternoon. Don your raggiest clothes (you’ve been buried underground, after all!) and best undead makeup, and to your best zombie walk along iconic Elgin Street. This event is completely free but donations to the food bank are encouraged. If you want your makeup done by the pros, a small monetary donation is also encouraged.
