613cal Weekly Round-Up: October 26 – November 1, 2026
October 26 – November 1, 2026
Boo! Can you believe it’s already the last week of October, 613? This week, from October 26 to November 1, 2026, Ottawa is absolutely buzzing with pre-Halloween festivities and a fantastic array of events to keep you entertained, educated, and perhaps a little bit spooked! From ghoulish gatherings to lively markets and captivating performances, there’s truly something for everyone as we creep closer to All Hallows' Eve.
Spooky Season Spectacular: Halloween Hits!
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, but the celebrations kick off early! Friday, October 30 is packed with eerie excitement. For a truly immersive fright, check out sKreamers. The Canadian Museum of Nature hosts their always popular Nature Nocturne - Black and White Ball, promising an elegant yet mysterious evening. If you're into local lore, join the Stittsville Haunted Heritage Tours 2026 from the Stittsville Barber Shop.
Looking for a party? Don your best costume for the Trick'n Treat - Halloween Costume Party at 70 Bongard Ave, or mix and mingle at Pre Halloween Singles Mix and Mingle at The Standard. History Ottawa brings back Dwayne Gretzky Halloween, and One-Up Cocktail Pub hosts a Spooktacular Halloween Live Music Show.
On Saturday, October 31, the frightful fun continues! The family-friendly PumpkinFest is on, and the ByWard Market celebrates with a vibrant Day of the Dead Festival. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa offers Halloween at Hard Rock, while families in Stittsville can get creative at Family Craft Day: Fang-tastic Creations. Don't miss the magic and prizes at Buster's Afternoon Halloween Alakazam Costume Jam! at Busters bar and Grill in Kanata – a great choice for the little monsters!
Live Music, Comedy & Stage
Ottawa’s stages are alive with sound and laughter this week. On Friday, October 30, catch a variety of musical acts: Free Live Entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, the unique sounds of Afro-Andean Funk: Todo Migra, or rock out with Evil Creek Live @ Busters Bar and Grill. The Bronson welcomes Tyler Braden - Days Of Gold Tour, and for a bigger rock experience, Big Wreck takes the stage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. For indie vibes, the Rainbow Bistro hosts Dart Trees, Just Fine, Sun Dried Flies, B•L•U•S•H, and Club SAW features John Muirhead, Sarah Vanderzon.
Comedy lovers have options too, with Ben Albert: Live in Ottawa (early and late shows) at Laugh Lounge on Friday. On Saturday, October 31, get ready for laughs with Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy and the spooky storytelling of Bonfire: Improvised Tales of Terror.
For younger audiences, the Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour takes over Canadian Tire Centre on Friday. And on Monday, October 26, The Bronson hosts Waylon Wyatt - Dustpiles World Tour, while Room 103 offers a soothing Fall Rhythm Circle!!. Don't miss Bright Night: Baltic-Nordic Short Films at 67 Nicholas St on Monday for a cinematic experience.
Community Connections & Lifelong Learning
Beyond the scares, there are many opportunities to connect and learn. Monday, October 26 is busy with events like the PEO Ottawa Chapter: New Members’ Night at Sala San Marco and a free Fall Immigrant Entrepreneurs Mix'N Mingle MeetUp at Bayview Yards. Literary enthusiasts can enjoy Readings, Signings and Book Club Meetings at Evermore Books or The Spaniel's Tale Readings and Signings, and even an Art House Cafe Open Mic. For the bookworms, a special Ottawa's A Court of Splintered Harmony Midnight Release Party is happening at The Spaniel's Tale Bookstore.
Looking to meet new people? Check out Singles 24-49: SlowDating at Oh So Good Desserts or Ottawa 26 - 49: Comic Book Lovers & Gamers Connect. For those seeking knowledge, UNTAPPED at The Senate Of Canada is a free education event, and Algonquin College hosts the College Information Program (CIP) 2026. There's also UOTTAWA TANGO - PROGRESSION for dance enthusiasts. On Saturday, October 31, the THE REAL YOU BLACK MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT 2026 takes place at the Lion Dick Brule Community Centre, and Alliance Française d'Ottawa hosts Littérature et Confiture - Club de lecture.
Markets, Sports & More
Get active or find unique treasures this week! On Monday, October 26, test your wits with the Outrageous Ottawa Scavenger Hunt starting at Planet Coffee in the ByWard Market, or Unravel Ottawa’s mysteries with our exciting outdoor escape game! from Parliament of Canada. Later, challenge your friends at Monday Night Trivia at St. Louis Bar & Grill in Kanata.
Sports fans can cheer on the Ottawa 67's vs. Brantford Bulldogs at The Arena at TD Place on Friday, October 30, or witness high-octane action at 457 "Monster Jam" 2026 at Richcraft Recreation Complex in Kanata. For those who love to dance, the Hey Fever! dance weekend starts Friday at Churchill Seniors Centre.
Saturday, October 31 is a fantastic day for local markets! Browse fresh produce and artisanal goods at the Beechwood Market, Carp Farmers’ Market, Main Street Farmers' Market, and Westboro Farmers' Market. You can also find great local finds at Fetch Local Markets at Tanger Outlets, Ottawa. And for a unique artistic experience, consider the Oniro Night Walk.
Phew! What a week. This is just a taste of all the fantastic happenings in the 613. For a complete list and more details on these and other events, make sure to browse the full calendar at 613cal.ca. Have a safe and spooky week!