Upcoming October Events in Ottawa

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Ottawa is a great city to call your home. What is your favourite season in Ottawa? Do you mind the frosty days of our capital’s Winterlude? Do you long for the colourful tulip festival, or the warm and relaxing days of summer at Dow’s Lake? Despite the strong arguments that these other seasons make, fall in Ottawa puts up a strong fight to come out as the best season of all for this city. There is nothing like walking through Gatineau Park as the leaves change colour, gathering with family for Thanksgiving weekend, or sipping those delicious Pumpkin Spiced Lattés with old friends or significant others at one of the city’s cafés.

In addition to the natural beauty of living in Ottawa this time of year, there are also many fun events happening in the coming month to showcase the season. Here are my favourite events and activities to keep you occupiedin October:

Oktoberfest in the Capital

Whether you want to celebrate your long lost Bavarian heritage, or just adore the idea of a weekend with awesome drinks, spirited music, and good company, Oktoberfest is definitely a fantastic event to be celebrated. Barrhaven’s Clarke Fields Park is host to Oktoberfest Ottawa and home of the biggest Bavarian Beer Hall in Ontario! This traditional Oktoberfest serves up local beer, food, and local performers. Sip on Creemore Springs’ Pure Bohemian Lager, True Dusseldorf Altbier, or try Citra Trebbianod’Abruzzo for the wine enthusiasts. Combine the drinks with tasty treats from local food trucks (and try some Bavarian sausages!) and great music (of the Bavarian and folk variety), and this is a can’t miss event. If you are thirsty for more head to Beau’s Oktoberfest in Vankleek Hill.

Ottawa Senators Home Opener

The Ottawa Senators face off against the Montreal Canadiens in the Battle of the 417 on October 11^th. The last time these two teams met, Montreal beat Ottawa 3-2 in the opening round of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Ottawa Senators are after a much different fate this time coming. The crowd will be a rowdy mix of fans of both teams, so get your tickets now or gather with friends and family in front of the big screen at home for puck drop time!

Fall Poutine Fest

If those three words in a row don’t trigger your taste buds, I don’t know what will. Sparks Street. October 16 to 18.Poutine.Gravy.Cheese.Beautiful fall weather. Bring an empty stomach, an appetite and your best fork, because it is time to get messy! Admission is free. You only pay for what you eat. So of course, bring a wad of cash.

Farmer’s Markets

Whether you want to cook up a storm of creative meals using the best local produce you can get your hands on or want to stock up on fresh ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast, time is of the essence. Most farmer’s markets are beginning to wrap up in October, so do not miss your last chance to pick up fresh local produce, flowers, baked goods and more. The Metcalfe Market (October 17), Main Street Market (October 24) and Carp Market (October 24) all close up soon.

Haunted Halloween

And of course, the month wraps up on Halloween night, which happens to fall on a Saturday this year with Daylight Savings as well for an extra hour of sleep after a late night of spooks. In addition to a safe and spooky Halloween night, the whole month of October promises some scary good fun. The Ottawa Zombie Walk stumbles through downtown in early October; a Zombie Adventure takes over theDiefenbunker from October 10th till the 31^st. Haunted ghost walks are available for booking on Sparks Street all month long. Pumpkinferno lights up Upper Canada Village all month as well for an amazingly eerie sight and who can forget that October is Haunting Season at Saunder’s Farm. Go enjoy the Hauning Season in the daytime or check out Fright Fest in the evenings! Boo! Don’t forget to dress up for these spooktacular events and share your pictures and selfies on my Facebook page if you dare!