Free things to do in Ottawa this week

Sat Nov 21, 10:30 to 11:30 am

Family STEM playground at Blackburn Hamlet library

Drop in for hands-on build, test and create challenges at your own pace. All ages.

Blackburn Hamlet branch, Ottawa Public Library, 199 Glen Park Dr, Ottawa, ON · Families, all ages

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 21, 11 am

Help Santa Toy Parade downtown, Sat Nov 21

Ottawa firefighters' Santa parade from Somerset St W down Queen Elizabeth Driveway to Lansdowne. Bring a toy to donate if you can.

Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Somerset St W to Lansdowne Park, Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Help Santa Toy Parade (Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters)

Sat Nov 21, 2 to 5 pm

Learn to play Go at Rideau library

The Ottawa Go Club runs a workshop with practice games and problems, for beginners and intermediate players.

Rideau branch, Ottawa Public Library, 377 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 21, 2 to 3 pm

Printmaking for kids at Greenboro library

Make your own stamps, print with them and take them home. Materials provided. Ages 6 to 9.

Greenboro branch, Ottawa Public Library, 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr, Ottawa, ON · Kids 6 to 9

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 21, 2 to 3:30 pm

Restore old photos with free software, Nepean Centrepointe library

See how to scan old photos and fix scratches, colour and light with free tools. By the Ottawa PC Users' Group.

Nepean Centrepointe branch, Ottawa Public Library, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 21, 4 to 5 pm

Westboro carol sing and lights, Sat Nov 21

Sing holiday favourites as the courtyard canopy lights up. Free hot drinks and treats from local shops.

All Saints Anglican Church courtyard, 347 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Westboro Village BIA

Sun Nov 22, 11 am to 5 pm

HoliYay Craft Market at the National Arts Centre

Browse handmade gifts from local artists and makers. Free entry, no ticket needed.

O'Brien Atrium, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · National Arts Centre

Tomorrow, 6 to 8:15 pm

Free movie: Little Women at Main library

Drop in to see Greta Gerwig's Little Women (2019, 135 min) in the auditorium, with subtitles.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tomorrow, 6 to 8:30 pm

Ottawa Art Gallery winter exhibition party

Free reception for the winter exhibitions, with speeches at 6:20 pm and the holiday art sale. Free childcare 6 to 8 pm.

Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2 · Everyone

The catch: Register on the event page; email the gallery to book free childcare

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Art Gallery

Tue Nov 17, 2 to 3 pm

Family history help at Nepean Centrepointe library

Work on your family tree with help from the Ontario Genealogical Society Ottawa Branch and library staff.

Nepean Centrepointe branch, Ottawa Public Library, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 17, 5:30 to 7 pm

Teen zine and craft night at Main library

Drop in to write, draw, collage and make your own zine. Materials provided.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Teens 13 to 17

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 17, 6 to 7:45 pm

Free family movie: GOAT at Greely library

Drop in to watch GOAT (100 min). Popcorn provided; bring a covered drink.

Greely branch, Ottawa Public Library, 1448 Meadow Dr, Greely, ON · Families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 17, 6 to 8:30 pm

Free movie: Brute Force (1947) at Main library

Themed Movie Tuesdays: the 1947 prison film Brute Force, with subtitles. For a mature audience.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wed Nov 18, 3 to 4 pm

Visit a therapy dog at Rideau library

Drop in to relax with Ruth, a certified therapy dog from Therapeutic Paws of Canada.

Rideau branch, Ottawa Public Library, 377 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Thu Nov 19, 5 pm

ByWard Market tree lighting, Thu Nov 19

The Market's holiday tree lights up on George Street Plaza, with a holiday market and a new projection show.

George Street Plaza, ByWard Market, George St at ByWard Market Sq, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · ByWard Market District Authority

Thu Nov 19, 5 to 7 pm

Free evening at the Canadian War Museum, Thu Nov 19

General admission is free from 5 to 7 pm. Same again Thu Nov 26.

Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8 · Everyone

The catch: Reserve a free timed ticket; the museum's underground parking is paid

Checked Nov 15 · Canadian War Museum

Thu Nov 19, 5 to 7 pm

Free evening at the Museum of History, Thu Nov 19

General admission is free from 5 to 7 pm in Gatineau. Same again Thu Nov 26.

Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, QC · Everyone

The catch: Reserve a free timed ticket; the Napoleon immersive show is not included

Checked Nov 15 · Canadian Museum of History

Thu Nov 19, 5 to 8 pm

Free evening at the Museum of Nature, Thu Nov 19

General admission is free from 5 to 8 pm. Same again Thu Nov 26.

Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1 · Everyone

The catch: Everyone needs a ticket, even free ones: book online or get one at the door

Checked Nov 15 · Canadian Museum of Nature

Thu Nov 19, 6 to 8 pm

Meet three Ottawa mystery writers at Sunnyside library

An evening of readings and talk to celebrate the anthology A Capital Mystery Volume 2.

Sunnyside branch, Ottawa Public Library, 1049 Bank St, Ottawa, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Thu Nov 19, 6 to 8 pm

Zine-making workshop at Rideau library

Learn to design and make your own zine, or just come and collage. Supplies provided. Teens and adults.

Rideau branch, Ottawa Public Library, 377 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON · Teens and adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Thu Nov 19, 7 to 8 pm

Author talk in French with Emmanuelle Erny, Greenboro library

Ottawa Book Award winner Emmanuelle Erny talks about her novel Charlotte au pays des mots by the fireplace. In French.

Greenboro branch, Ottawa Public Library, 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr, Ottawa, ON · Everyone (in French)

The catch: Get a free ticket on the library's Eventbrite page first

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 20, 2 to 4 pm

Free family movie: Coco at Nepean Centrepointe library

Drop in to watch Coco (105 min). Bring a light snack and a covered drink.

Nepean Centrepointe branch, Ottawa Public Library, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, ON · Families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 20, 2 to 4 pm

Métis Week film screening at Greenboro library

Drop in to see Inkwo for When the Starving Return, an 18-minute stop-motion film by Métis director Amanda Strong.

Greenboro branch, Ottawa Public Library, 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 20, 2 to 4 pm

PD day STEM stations at St-Laurent library

Drop in to try STEM activity stations. Ages 6 to 12 with their grown-ups.

St-Laurent branch, Ottawa Public Library, 525 Coté St, Ottawa, ON · Kids 6 to 12 and grown-ups

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Mon 2 to 4 pm (Nov 23); Fridays 2 to 4 pm (Nov 20, 27)

Dinosaur crafts on PD days at Ruth E. Dickinson library

Drop-in dinosaur crafts for Dinovember: cut, glue and colour at your own pace. English and French.

Ruth E. Dickinson branch, Ottawa Public Library, 100 Malvern Dr, Nepean, ON · Families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Mon 1 to 2:30 pm (Nov 23); Fridays 1 to 2:30 pm (Nov 20, 27)

LEGO block party at Blackburn Hamlet library

Build with LEGO with library staff: take on a challenge or free-build. Ages 4 and up with family.

Blackburn Hamlet branch, Ottawa Public Library, 199 Glen Park Dr, Ottawa, ON · Families with kids 4+

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 4 to 6 pm (Nov 18, 25)

Drop-in chess club at Main library

Open games of chess for beginners and stronger players. Bring a board or borrow one.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 10:15 to 11:45 am and 6:30 to 8 pm (Nov 18, 25); Thursdays 6 to 7:30 pm (Nov 19, 26); Fridays 3 to 4:30 pm (Nov 20, 27)

English conversation groups at Main library

Practise speaking English in a relaxed group. Several sessions a week, all levels, just drop in.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Adults learning English

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Thursdays 11:15 to 11:45 am (Nov 19, 26); Fridays 11:15 am to 12:45 pm (Nov 20, 27)

Baby storytime and play at Ruth E. Dickinson library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months, then play time on Fridays.

Ruth E. Dickinson branch, Ottawa Public Library, 100 Malvern Dr, Nepean, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fridays 1:30 to 3:30 pm (Nov 20, 27); Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 pm (Nov 22, 29)

Board and card game social at Greenboro library

Drop in to play board games, card games or puzzles with new friends. Bring a game or use theirs.

Greenboro branch, Ottawa Public Library, 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fridays 10 to 11:30 am (Nov 20, 27)

PD day LEGO block party at Cumberland library

Build with LEGO with library staff on PD days, or just free-build. Ages 4 and up with family.

Cumberland branch, Ottawa Public Library, 1599 Tenth Line Rd, Orléans, ON · Families with kids 4+

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Mon Nov 23, 2 to 4 pm

Free family movie: Aladdin at Nepean Centrepointe library

Drop in to watch the 2019 live-action Aladdin (128 min). Bring a covered drink.

Nepean Centrepointe branch, Ottawa Public Library, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, ON · Families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Mon Nov 23, 6 to 7:55 pm

Free movie: Atomic Blonde at Main library

Drop in to see Atomic Blonde (2017, 115 min) with English subtitles.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 24, 2 to 3 pm

E-bikes and e-scooters for older adults: Greenboro library talk

Learn how e-bikes and e-scooters can help you stay mobile as you age, plus the rules in Ottawa and Ontario.

Greenboro branch, Ottawa Public Library, 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr, Ottawa, ON · Adults and older adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 24, 6 to 7:30 pm

Acoustic music jam at Rockcliffe Park library

Drop in and play with other musicians. Bring your own acoustic instrument. Ages 16+.

Rockcliffe Park branch, Ottawa Public Library, 380 Springfield Rd, Ottawa, ON · Musicians 16+

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 24, 6 to 8:30 pm

Free movie: Sing Sing at Main library

Themed Movie Tuesdays: Sing Sing (2023, 105 min), with subtitles. For a mature audience.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 24, 7:30 to 9 pm

Free uOttawa student recital at the NAC

Top uOttawa music students play piano, trumpet and violin on the NAC Fourth Stage.

Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

The catch: Register ahead on the NAC page (free)

Checked Nov 15 · National Arts Centre

Wed Nov 25, 7 to 8:15 pm

Free art talk at the NAC with Derek McCormack and Micah Lexier

An informal talk on art, text and collaboration, hosted by Ottawa Public Library, with a Q&A.

National Arts Centre (Ottawa Public Library event), 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON · Adults

The catch: Get a free ticket from the NAC first

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Thu Nov 26, 1 to 3 pm

Euchre club for seniors at Sunnyside library

Play euchre and meet people. A guide teaches beginners. No registration.

Sunnyside branch, Ottawa Public Library, 1049 Bank St, Ottawa, ON · Seniors

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 27, 11 am to noon

Simple machines STEAM program at Main library

Explore the simple machines you find in a park. Drop in, ages 6 and up.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Kids 6+

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 27, 2 to 4 pm

Free family movie: Abominable at Nepean Centrepointe library

Drop in to watch Abominable (97 min). Bring a covered drink.

Nepean Centrepointe branch, Ottawa Public Library, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, ON · Families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 28, 10:30 to 11:30 am

Sensory storytime at Greenboro library

Storytime with dimmed lights, sensory toys, a smaller group and open play. A caregiver stays the whole time.

Greenboro branch, Ottawa Public Library, 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr, Ottawa, ON · Kids with a parent or caregiver

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 28, 11 am to 12:30 pm

Money basics workshop at Rideau library

Learn to read a pay stub, make a budget and save more. For adults.

Rideau branch, Ottawa Public Library, 377 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 28, 11:15 am to 12:15 pm

Make paper holiday ornaments at Nepean Centrepointe library

Make paper ornaments to take home. Materials provided while they last.

Nepean Centrepointe branch, Ottawa Public Library, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, ON · Everyone

The catch: While materials last

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 28, 2 to 3 pm

Author talk with Cam Gordon at Main library

Meet writer Cam Gordon, author of Track Changes, ask questions and mingle.

Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sun Nov 29, 3:30 to 5 pm

Free Carleton University Choir concert

The Carleton University Choir performs at the Dominion-Chalmers Centre downtown.

Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0E2 · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Carleton University Music

Sun Nov 29, 5:30 pm

Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade, Sun Nov 29

Evening Santa Claus parade through Barrhaven. Route map is on the parade website.

Barrhaven (see route map on the parade website), Barrhaven, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade Committee

Sun Nov 29, 7:30 to 9 pm

Free Carleton saxophone ensemble concert

Carleton music students' saxophone ensemble plays an evening concert at Dominion-Chalmers.

Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0E2 · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Carleton University Music