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My Ottawa Guide of the Top October Events in Ottawa: A Month Packed with Festivals, Concerts, and Markets. There's something for everyone this month in Ottawa.
October is when Ottawa really steps it up—whether you're all about food festivals, Halloween events in Ottawa, local markets, or just enjoying the vibrant colours of the autumn season, October has something for everyone in the capital. So grab your jacket, maybe a stein, and get ready for an unforgettable month of food and events in Ottawa.
There's so much going on in Ottawa in October that this list is just the NON Halloween events. For a full list of the best Halloween events in Ottawa this month click here.
Ottawa Chocolate Show
Canada’s finest chocolate makers, all in one place. This is Willy Wonka's dream, minus the Oompa Loompas.
It's like Halloween for adults, but the chocolate is fancier and you don’t have to wear a costume. If you love chocolate (and I mean, really love chocolate), then you need to check out the Ottawa Chocolate Show on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
Imagine this: Canada’s best chocolate makers all under one roof, just handing out samples like they’ve got endless supplies of cocoa. You’ll meet the creators, taste their magic, and probably leave with a bag full of award winning chocolate. The first 25 people in line even get a free goodie bag.
And sure, they’ll have chocolate pairing presentations, which makes it sound all fancy, but let’s be real: you’re here to eat as much chocolate as humanly possible.
Forget online tickets—they’re gone. But no worries, because for just $20 at the door, you’re in. And trust me, $20 for unlimited chocolate sampling? That’s a steal. If there’s ever a reason to wake up early on a Saturday, it’s chocolate.
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Location: Algonquin College Event Salons, Woodroffe Campus
Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Tickets: $20 at the door (Online tickets are sold out)
Byward Oktoberfest 2024
Raise your stein, grab a bratwurst, and polka like nobody’s watching at Ottawa’s ultimate Oktoberfest bash!
The Byward Oktoberfest is where you want to be October 4th and 5th. Think ice-cold beer, massive pretzels, and bratwursts so good they’ll make you rethink your entire diet.
Live music will fill the air, so get ready to bust out some polka moves or just cheer on your friends while you sip your stein. Lederhosen and dirndls are optional, but highly encouraged—because when else can you get away with that outfit?
So come out and celebrate Oktoberfest in Ottawa in an atmosphere that’ll make you forget you’re not actually in Munich. Grab your friends, grab a beer, and get ready to shout "Prost!" more times than you can count.
Date: Friday, October 4 & 5, 2024
Location: Lowertown Brewery, 73 York Street, Ottawa
Tickets: Available via Eventbrite
Harvest Market
Pumpkins, corn roasts, and that crisp autumn air—fall has officially arrived at ByWard Market.
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 10 AM to 5 PM, ByWard Market will transform into a cozy autumn wonderland. Picture vibrant pumpkins, fresh corn roasted on the cob, and a bunch of local vendors offering the season’s best treats. It’s like stepping into a Pinterest board, but with better food. Perfect for those crisp, sweater-weather vibes.
Bring the family, grab a warm drink, and take in the sights and smells of the season. The best part? It’s free to attend this event! Whether you’re here for the corn, the crafts, or just the Instagram opportunities, the Harvest Market is your ultimate fall day out.
Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Location: 55 ByWard Market Square
Tickets: Free Admission
One World Bazaar
Shopping for people who want to travel the world without leaving Ottawa!
The One World Bazaar is like a passport-free world tour. This bazaar is packed with handcrafted goods from all corners of the globe—everything from intricate pottery to handwoven textiles. Each piece has a story, and you’ll feel like you’re helping artisans from across the world just by doing a bit of shopping.
Date: Every weekend in October
Location: 6110 Mitchell St, Manotick
Tickets: Free Admission
Metcalfe Fair
Where tractors and carnival rides collide in the most wholesome way possible.
If you’re craving some good ol’ country fun, look no further than the Metcalfe Fair. From October 3-6, 2024, the 168th edition of this legendary fall tradition will take over the Village of Metcalfe, just on the outskirts of Ottawa.
Held on 24 acres of fairgrounds, the Metcalfe Fair has everything from farmers' markets to agricultural exhibits and even a dash of live music. Whether you’re here to watch some livestock strut their stuff or just relive childhood memories on the Ferris wheel, this fair is your one-stop-shop for fall festivities.
It’s been going strong since 1856—so yeah, they’ve pretty much perfected the art of fun by now.
Date: October 3-6, 2024
Location: 2821 8th Line Road, Metcalfe
Tickets: Prices vary
Geeked Out Ottawa Toy & Collectibles Show
This is your chance to relive the glory days of geekdom—and maybe even find that action figure you’ve been missing since grade school at this 2 day event.
Calling all collectors, geeks, and anyone who ever spent their allowance on action figures! Geeked Out Ottawa Toy & Collectibles Show is back for its 25th edition on October 5-6, 2024, at the Nepean Sportsplex, and it’s bigger and geekier than ever.
With 120 vendor booths packed full of vintage action figures, rare comics, video games, board games, trading cards, die-cast cars, and pretty much anything else you’ve geeked out over since 1985, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're hunting for that holy grail toy or just browsing the one-of-a-kind items, this event has "nerd heaven" written all over it.
This event is only $5 to get in (kids under 12 are free!), which leaves you plenty of budget for snagging that rare collectible.
Date: October 5-6, 2024 (10 AM - 4 PM both days)
Location: Nepean Sportsplex
Tickets: $5 (Kids 12 and under get in free)
Signatures Handmade Market
If Etsy threw a party, it would be the Signatures Handmade Market event in Ottawa.
From October 17-20, 2024, over 130 artists, artisans, makers, and designers will gather at Aberdeen Pavilion to showcase their best work.
We're talking handcrafted jewelry, unique home decor, and so much more. It’s the kind of market where you go in for a gift and walk out with a bunch of stuff for yourself—because everything’s just that cool. Perfect for early holiday shopping or treating yourself to something you won’t find anywhere else.
And at only $4 admission (free for anyone 17 and under), you can save your cash for the really important stuff—like handcrafted mugs and artisanal scarves.
Date: October 17-20, 2024
Location: Aberdeen Pavilion
Tickets: $4 (Ages 17 and under are free)
NCC Fall Rhapsody
Nature’s fireworks, now with 100% more maple leaves
NCC Fall Rhapsody is Ottawa’s celebration of fall colors, where Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt put on a show that rivals any fireworks display. Take a hike or drive through the vibrant fall foliage, and don’t forget to snap that Instagram pic. It’s the one time of year when you can make a pile of leaves and call it art.
From the iconic Pink Lake to the serene Mer Bleue Bog, the fall foliage lights up NCC-managed parks across the National Capital Region.
Pro tip—head out on weekdays to enjoy the same vibrant landscapes with way fewer people. Or, better yet, explore some of the NCC's "hidden gem" spots that’ll have you feeling like you discovered your own secret autumn retreat.
And if you really want to level up the experience, hop on the free shuttle—because everything looks better when you’re not stressing about parking. It’s the perfect way to relax and soak in the reds, oranges, and yellows that turn the region into a kaleidoscope of fall goodness.
Date: Throughout October 2024
Location: Various parks and trails in Ottawa and Gatineau
Tickets: Free
Panda Game
Ottawa’s biggest football rivalry—where bragging rights are everything!
The Panda Game pits the Carleton Ravens against the uOttawa Gee Gees in the ultimate university football showdown. Even if you couldn’t care less about football, this is the biggest University rivarly game in Ottawa and the energy in the stands is infectious. It’s more than a game; it’s a full-on battle for bragging rights, and you don’t want to miss it.
Date: October 6, 2024
Location: TD Place Stadium
Tickets: Starting at $49.99
The Lion King at the NAC
The Circle of Life... but with better seats and no need for binoculars.
If you haven’t seen The Lion King live yet, well, Hakuna Matata! You’re about to experience Broadway’s finest.
From October 24th to 30th, 2024, this legendary musical takes over Ottawa's National Arts Centre, and trust me, it’s more than just a show—it’s an event. With over 100 million people already wowed by its stunning visuals, heart-pounding music, and crazy good storytelling, it's like Disney turned it up to 11 and decided to win six Tony Awards just for fun.
Imagine the savannah, but with air conditioning, comfy seats, and no actual lions. You’ll leave humming "Circle of Life" and thinking, "Man, I really need more percussion in my life."
Date: October 24-30, 2024
Location: National Arts Centre, Ottawa
Tickets: Prices vary
Candlelight Concerts: Coldplay, Adele, and Taylor Swift
Epic tunes, only by candlelight at this unique Ottawa event that has become popular in over 100 cities worldwide.
If Coldplay, Adele, or Taylor Swift are already on your playlist, imagine hearing their hits performed live by candlelight. The Candlelight Concerts series brings a classical twist to your favorite pop anthems in a dreamy, intimate setting. It’s like being at a secret concert, but with way more candles.
Date: Multiple dates in October 2024
Location: Various locations in Ottawa
Tickets: $35+
So many events in Ottawa this month and we haven't even touched on the Halloween events! Ottawa in October has it all: from epic football rivalries and a musical safari at the NAC to celebrations of the most colorful season - fall. Whether you’re chugging a beer from a stein for Oktoberfest or enjoying a candlelit Coldplay concert, the city has packed the calendar with events you don’t want to miss. So grab your friends, maybe your appetite, and get ready to make the most of this fall!
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