As you know, Canadians don’t shy away from enjoying the coldest months of the year. While February may be the shortest month of the year, you wouldn’t know it by the sheer amount of activities happening in the National Capital Region. Outdoor and family activities, concerts, theatre, music, shopping, wherever your interests lie, you’ll find something for you! Here are 8 activities that prove that February can actually be fun!
Winterlude
Now in its 40th edition, Winterlude is the prototypical NCR winter activity. Fun for the young and young at heart, Winterlude includes a plethora of activities spread around Gatineau and Ottawa. Ice sculptures, outdoor concerts, snow slides, the Rideau Canal Skateway, a Winterlude Triathlon, the Ice Dragon Boat Festival, and so much more. Please note that the Snowflake Kingdom has moved from its regular location to Jacques Cartier Park North, at 350 Laurier Street
- February 2 – 19: various times
- Across Ottawa and Gatineau
- Most activities are free
- https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude.html
- 1-844-878-8333
Mosaïvernales
With the success of this summer’s MosaïCanada, some of the most popular sculptures have been kept and transformed into a winter wonderland. Incorporating digital projections, ice carving, and massive snow sculptures, the exhibit will be running until March 4th.
- January 26 – March 4
- Monday to Friday from 4pm – 10pm
- Saturday & Sunday 2pm – 10pm
- Jacques-Cartier Park
- $10.00
- https://www.mosaivernales.ca/
- 819 360-6336
Winter Brewfest
Over two days at Lansdowne Park, join thousands of beer lovers for a series of workshops, concerts, and of course, delicious beer. More than 150 beers on tap from over 30 craft breweries from Ontario, Quebec, and beyond. This sells out every year, so we suggest buying a ticket in advance!
- February 16: 6pm – 1am
- February 17: 12pm – 1am
- Lansdowne Park
- $19.95 – $74.95
- http://brewfest.ca/ottawa/
- 613-216-2197
Festival d’hiver sur la ruelle Aubry
Over three weekends, the ruelle Aubry in the historic Vieux-Hull becomes a winter wonderland for young and old alike. If you missed the opening day last weekend, you still have Saturdays February 10th and 17th to partake in daytime family activities, outdoor concerts, snowman competitions, and so much more.
- February 10 and 17: 10am – 8pm
- Activities in surrounding bars starting at 8pm
- Aubry Street – Old Hull
- Free
- https://www.facebook.com/events/146901472675358/
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MEGAPHONO
Founded in 2010, MEGAPHONO has since emerged as an essential player in the Ottawa-Gatineau music and cultural scene. This year’s edition boasts over 70 artists, dozens of conferences and panels, and over 50 delegates from across Canada, the US, and overseas. Don’t forget to download their brand new app, which will not only keep you informed throughout the festival, but curate the experience for you.
- February 8 – 10
- Throughout Ottawa and Hull
- Tickets starting at $10, passes starting at $125
- http://www.megaphono.tv/
- info@megaphono.tv
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Big Love Freewheeling Craft Market
A collaboration between Makerspace North and Freewheeling Craft, this pop-up market will undoubtedly get your local love flowing. With creators from all over the city, you’re sure to find a gift for that special someone. Stop by the Friday night with friends for some live music and drinks, or bring the whole family on Saturday.
- February 9: 6pm – 9:30pm
- February 10: 10am – 4pm
- Makerspace North
- $3 entry fee, kids under 16 free
- https://www.facebook.com/events/192058261350847/
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Undercurrents
An offshoot of the Ottawa Fringe Festival, Undercurrents is a celebration of original contemporary theatre. This 10 days of performances, workshops, parties, panels, all in and around Ottawa’s Arts Court.
- February 7 – 17
- Arts Court Ottawa
- Tickets starting at $20, passes starting at $32
- http://undercurrentsfestival.ca/
- 613-232-6162
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613flea
A marketplace filled with local artisans, designers, antiques, vintage finds, and everything in between. Bring the whole family and leave with one-of-a-kind goods!
- February 24: 10am – 4pm
- Aberdeen Pavilion
- Free
- https://www.facebook.com/events/170327740121841/