What’s happening in Ottawa this weekend: Feb. 14-17

The final weekend of Winterlude activities in Ottawa and Gatineau, Igloofest is underway in Gatineau, the Ottawa 67’s play and skating continues on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario during the Family Day long weekend.

• Here’s what is open and closed in Ottawa over the Family Day weekend

Winterlude

It’s the final weekend of Winterlude in Ottawa and Gatineau, celebrating the best the Canadian winter has to offer.

Events will be held this weekend on Sparks Street, the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, the ByWard Market, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Museum of History, and more.

Events this weekend include:

• 60th anniversary of the National Flag of Canada on Sparks Street: Test your knowledge, discover its history and celebrate this national symbol!
• Cool Science Saturday: Discover the wonders of science at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

Winterlude continues until Monday

For more information, click here.

Winterlude in the Stars

The sky will become the stage for a starry dance this weekend at Gatineau’s Jacques-Cartier Park.

Winterlude in the Stars is a show featuring over a hundred drones rising above the Snowflake Kingdom, dancing elegantly to create a magical show.

See Winterlude in the Stars Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Rideau Canal Skateway

You can go for a skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway this weekend.

All 7.8 kilometres of the Rideau Canal Skateway remain open for skating between Rideau Street and Dow’s Lake/Carleton University.

Equipment rentals are available at Capital Skates, located at the Fifth Avenue access point. The BeaverTails huts will also be open all weekend.

Igloofest

Dance to the sounds of top DJs this weekend at the Gatineau Igloofest.

Friday night’s lineup features Eric Prydz, CRI and Alamusic. On Saturday, see Seven Lions, DJ Poptrt and Kat2Kat.

Igloofest will be held at Place des Festivals Zibi.

Family Day Skate

You’re invited to Ottawa City Hall on Monday for the Family Day Skating Party.

The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Rink of Dreams.

Ottawa 67’s

The Ottawa 67’s are home twice during the Family Day long weekend.

On Sunday, the 67’s host the Kitchener Rangers at 2 p.m.

On Monday, the North Battalion visits Ottawa for a 2 p.m. game at the Arena at TD Place.

For tickets, visit www.tdplace.ca.

Big Bang

The National Arts Centre hosts its Big Bang! Festival this weekend, adventures in sound for the whole family.

“Bouncing rhythms and colourful scores will echo through the building, thanks to a merry mix of shows, mini-concerts and interactive experiences,” says the NAC website.

“Let’s not forget the fanfare, the beating heart of the party!”

The Big Bang! Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, with free events and events requiring tickets.

For tickets and information, visit www.nac-cna.ca.

Tina

Broadway Across Canada presents TINA - the Tina Turner Musical.

“The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll,” says the NAC website. “Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.”

See TINA at the NAC until Sunday.

Notes of Love

The National Arts Centre Orchestra and OrKidstra perform a heartwarming Valentine’s Day concert Friday night to support local youth.

The “Notes of Love” concert will be held at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre on Cooper Street, beginning at 7 p.m. It’s the first time musicians of OrKidstra will perform with the NAC Orchestra in a side-by-side concert.

The concert will support OrKidstra’s programs, empowering youth from equity-deserving communities through the power of music.

National Arts Centre

Here’s a look at what’s happening at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa this weekend:

• All weekend: NAC English Theatre presents Controlled Damage
• Friday: Dangerous Curves Burlesque
• Friday-Saturday: NAC French Theatre presents Maputo-Mozambique
• Monday: French story time with Luana

For tickets and information, visit www.nac-cna.ca.

Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe

Here is a look at events happening at the Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe this weekend:

• Friday: Legends of Motown

For more information, visit www.meridiancentrepointe.com.

Lansdowne Farmers Market

The Lansdowne Farmers Market is back at Lansdowne on Sunday.

Connect with over 85 local vendors in the historic Aberdeen Square from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Other events in Ottawa this weekend

• Saturday: Carivibe Rum and Food Fest at the Shenkman Arts Centre
• Friday-Saturday: Aurora Ottawa Festival at Marion Dewar Plaza
• Saturday: Diefenbunker Winter Carnival
• Sunday: Orleans Comic Book and Novelty Show at Place d’Orleans
• Sunday: Bring It Back – Black Future Market at Next Door Market and Event Space

Outdoor skating rinks

You can go for a skate, weather permitting, on City of Ottawa outdoor rinks.

• Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall
• Lansdowne Park skating court
• Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink at Canterbury
• Ben Franklin Place skating rink

Rideau Hall rink

The public is invited to skate on the Rideau Hall skating rink.

The skating rink is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The last entry at 7:45 p.m.

The Winter Pavilion will be open for visitors to warm up and lace up their skates.

Museums

Click on the links for the schedule at museums in Ottawa and eastern Ontario:

• Canadian Museum of Nature
• Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
• Canada Science and Technology Museum
• Canada Aviation and Space Museum
• Canadian War Museum
• Canadian Museum of History
• National Gallery of Canada
• Ottawa Art Gallery

Parliament of Canada Tours

Enjoy a free, guided tour of the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons in the West Block and the East Block.

For tickets and tour times, visit https://rts.parl.ca/.

Parliament: The Immersive Experience

Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this new innovative experience.

Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019.

The self-guided tour is 45 minutes.

Tickets are available at no cost at visit parl.ca.

Spirit of Winter

It’s the final weekend to see the Spirit of Winter in Kingston’s Springer Market Square.

The show runs every 15 minutes all weekend.

Enjoy outdoor skating or relax by the fire while enjoying this unique experience.

Kingston Frontenacs

The Kingston Frontenacs play at Slush Puppie Place twice this weekend.

On Friday, the Frontenacs hosts the Kitchener Rangers at 7 p.m.

On Monday, the Barrie Colts visit Kingston for a 2 p.m. game.

Brockville Winter Classic Weekend

It’s the Brockville Winter Classic Weekend.

Events include the Outdoor Classic on Saturday, the Burnbrae Farms Breakfast on Sunday and the RBC Family Day Skate on Monday.

For more information, visit www.brockvillewinterclassic.ca.

Mac n’ Cheese Fest

The Downtown Brockville Mac n’ Cheese Fest continues all weekend.

Indulge in the cheesiest, most delicious creations at local restaurants and vote on your favourite.