Weekend guide · October 23–25, 2026
Things to Do in Ottawa This Weekend: October 23–25, 2026
This weekend in Ottawa brings rock, comedy, sports, and a gala, with something happening each night and big shows anchoring every day.
By Weekend Owl · Published October 22, 2026
Ottawa’s weekend is stacked, with Friday offering both rugby action and comedy, while Saturday is anchored by a comedy set from Mike Epps, a cultural gala, and a late alternative show. Sunday rounds things out with a classic rock concert from Styx and an afternoon hockey match. Whether you’re into music, sports, or looking for a night of laughs, there’s a bit of everything, and Saturday is especially packed with options from early evening into late night.
Styx
Styx plays Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy on Sunday at 8:00 PM. This is a rock concert that will suit anyone looking to end their weekend with some classic tunes in a theatre setting. If you’re up for a late Sunday show just across the river, this is your pick.
Skrizzly Adams, Braden Foulkes
Skrizzly Adams and Braden Foulkes bring a rock night to Live On Elgin on Friday at 8:30 PM. Presented by Spectra Sonic, this is a good fit for those who like catching live music downtown and want to kick off the weekend with a gig. Tickets start from $25.72.
So Faint, Ada Lea
So Faint and Ada Lea play Rainbow Bistro on Saturday at 8:30 PM. This alternative music show, presented by Spectra Sonic, is ideal for fans of indie and alternative sounds who want a later night out. Tickets start from $26.85.
Here's John Bishop
Here’s John Bishop is a comedy night at Algonquin Commons Theatre on Friday at 8:00 PM. Presented by Live Nation Canada, this show is for those looking to start their weekend with some laughs in a theatre setting out in Nepean.
Mike Epps
Mike Epps brings his comedy to Hard Rock Casino Ottawa on Saturday at 7:00 PM. Presented by Live Nation Canada, this show works for anyone in the mood for a Saturday night out with stand-up in a casino setting.
Canada-China Culture and Art Association (CCCAA) Fall Gala
The Canada-China Culture and Art Association Fall Gala happens Saturday at 7:30 PM at Algonquin Commons Theatre. This community event is a good choice for those interested in cultural performances and a chance to see a variety of acts in one night.
Rugby Canada WXV Ottawa V England
Rugby Canada faces England at The Stadium at TD Place on Friday at 7:00 PM. This sports outing is for rugby fans and anyone wanting to catch some live athletic action to start the weekend. If you’re planning to attend, dressing for the weather is a good idea.
Ottawa 67s vs. Kingston Frontenacs
Ottawa 67s take on Kingston Frontenacs at The Arena at TD Place, Sunday at 3:00 PM. This hockey game is a classic afternoon outing for sports fans or families looking to catch local teams in action.
A plan for the weekend
If you want to make the most of the weekend, start Friday evening with either Rugby Canada vs. England at 7:00 PM or John Bishop’s comedy show at 8:00 PM. Saturday, you could check out the Canada-China Culture and Art Association Fall Gala at 7:30 PM, then catch So Faint and Ada Lea at Rainbow Bistro at 8:30 PM if you’re up for a late show. Round things out Sunday with the Ottawa 67s hockey game at 3:00 PM, and if you’ve still got energy, end your weekend with Styx at 8:00 PM.
How this guide is made: each week we pick one event from each kind of event listed in Ottawa (music, comedy and theatre, the arts, sports, food and drink, family, community, wellness), favouring named acts and the bigger nights. The write-up is drafted with AI from those listings and nothing else. Times and prices come from the ticket sellers, and plans change, so confirm with the organizer before you go.
Other cities this weekend: Brampton · Buffalo · Calgary · Chicago · Edmonton · Halifax · Hamilton · Las Vegas · Mississauga · Montreal · Nashville · New York · Orange County · Pittsburgh · Salt Lake City · Toronto · Vancouver · Winnipeg