Sure, Halloween is the big event rolling into town this weekend. And if you like goblins, ghosts and ghouls, I have a link to a huge list of Halloween events. But if you’d rather spend time hiking in the Outaouais, eating your way around Kingston or learning about bats (hey, whatever floats your boat or flaps your wings), I have tips on all that, too.
Enjoy local food and drinks in Kingston
Until the end of the month, as part of a promotion called Fall Fare, seven restaurants in downtown Kingston are offering special $15 menus of munchies paired with local beverages (most days, until October 31, 3pm to 6pm). Pick up a Fall Fare Passport and try one or more of the participating restaurants, and you could win $500! You can also get a deal on a ghost trolley ride.
Learn about bats and wolves online
Even though I’m scared of bats, I know it’s irrational. They’re actually really good for the environment. Other people are frightened of wolves, another critter that has a bit of an unearned bad rep. You can learn more about them and other misunderstood critters during Things That Make You Go Boo!, a free online talk presented by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (Wednesday, October 27). The talk will also focus on the ways our misperceptions may hamper these animals’ chances for survival.
Catch a concert in Morrisburg or Almonte
On Saturday, October 30, singer Miss Emily will be bringing her bluesy style to StoneCropAcres Winery and Vineyard in Morrisburg. I first heard her on the radio while out on a road trip and was so captivated by her voice that I pulled over to download her single “Hold Back the River” before I forgot!
Also on Saturday, Christopher Hall and the Comic Quartet will entertain audiences with their blend of classical music (Mozart, Brahms and Weber) and humour as part of the Almonte in Concert series. You can see them in person at the Almonte Old Town Hall or stream the performance online.
Have Halloween fun all over the region
There’s so much Halloween fun happening in the region this week that I wrote a whole separate post listing all of the local Halloween activities I could find—everything from haunted houses and pumpkin displays to virtual ghost story campfires. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun for little ones or interactive experiences to terrify the bravest adult, there’s something on the list for you.
Get home renovation ideas in Ottawa
Have 18 months of working at home got you thinking about renovation? Then you might be interested in the Ottawa Fall Home Show, taking place from October 28 to 31 at the EY Centre. A new area will highlight local artisans, and the Perth Brewery Beer Garden is back for those seeking refreshment in between shopping forays. Save $2 by buying your tickets online in advance.
Enjoy an Arctic multimedia show in Montreal
Have you ever wanted to explore the underwater world of Canada’s Arctic? Below the Ice with Mario Cyr, a multimedia show running in Old Montreal until November 28, gives you the chance to walk among big-screen projections of watery environments, where you’ll spot polar bears, narwhals and other magnificent creatures. Once the show leaves Montreal, it moves on to Quebec City (December 18, 2021, to February 13, 2022).
Have some laughs in New Edinburgh
OneUp, the space above the Royal Oak Pub in New Edinburgh, is hosting a standup comedy night on Saturday, October 30. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
See a play in Kingston
Inspired by Sylvia Plath and her poetry, The Sylvia Effect—running at the Kingston Grand Theatre from October 27 to November 14—is a confessional-style play delving into the psyches of four characters known simply as The Daughter, The Poet, The Mother and The Son. Written and directed by Peter Hinton, it’s a production of Theatre Kingston.
Hike an out-of-the-way trail in the Outaouais
Over the last 18 months, many popular trails close to Ottawa-Gatineau have been overwhelmed by hikers. So last fall, Tourisme Outaouais published a post directing day trippers to the lesser-known trails in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, a bit farther from the capital. A heritage fire tower, a covered bridge and a mountain lookout are among the cool sites you could discover on foot along these paths.
Get jazzy in Ottawa
The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival is presenting four live concerts and a masterclass this week at the Algonquin Commons Theatre. On Friday, October 29, the Florian Hoefner Trio takes to the stage at 7pm, followed by Michael Kaeshammer at 9:30pm. On Saturday, there’s an afternoon masterclass with Grammy-nominated guitarist Matthew Stevens (who you can hear in the video above) starting at 2pm. That evening, a show by the Chuck Copenance Group (6:30pm) and a concert by Stevens, Dezron Douglas and Joe Dyson (9pm) round out the program.
See authors online or in person
The fourth annual Salon du Livre Afro-Canadien (Afro-Canadian Book Fair) is happening in a hybrid format this year. The book sale, and the opening and closing events, are taking place live at St. Paul University in Old Ottawa East. Author interviews, conferences, workshops and other activities are happening online. Roughly 50 authors will be participating, including Didier Leclair, Blaise Ndala and Yolanda T. Marshall. Most sessions are in French. The festival runs from October 29 to 31.
In the Outaouais, the Wakefield Writers Fête (October 26 to 31) is also a mix of in-person and streaming events, including a play about homelessness, a concert featuring Lynn Miles and Maria Dunn, and author interviews.
Also this week, online events presented by the Ottawa International Writers Festival include a launch for the second volume of former prime minister Jean Chrétien’s memoirs (Tuesday, October 26) and a talk by Terry O’Reilly, host of the CBC Radio program about advertising, “Under the Influence” (Wednesday, October 27).
Take a craft workshop in Ottawa
There’s lots going on at Ottawa’s Square Lemon Artistic Association‘s new premises this week. First, there’s a Christmas ornament découpage workshop on Wednesday, October 27. And on Sunday, October 31, from 1pm to 4pm, the crafters’ organization is holding a free open house at its new location on Stevenage Drive. You can take mini-workshops, check out the new retail area, learn about Square Lemon’s soon-to-open co-crafting space and more.
Looking for more ideas for fun in and around Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or pick up a copy of my guidebook, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land.