It’s carnival season near Ottawa! This weekend, skip the big tourist spots and check out the unique community celebrations in Carlsbad Springs and Dalkeith, or dive into some indoor artisanal shopping at the Winter Market. We’ve rounded up the best local fun for your family.
Quick Picks
Ottawa ComicCon Winter Edition
EY Centre
If your kids love comics, costumes, and pop culture, this all-ages event is totally free to enter!
613flea
Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne
Browse 150 vendors indoors at Lansdowne—perfect for finding unique handmade items while staying dry.
Stories and Sweets: Celebrating Black History
Shenkman Arts Centre
A vibrant cultural celebration offering an immersive experience that’s welcoming for all ages.
· January 24
4WINTER MARKET AT ROBERT PLANTE GREENHOUSES : Head out to Navan Road for a huge indoor market! Over 75 vendors are selling handmade goods and artisanal treats—great for browsing with the kids.This is a fantastic spot to support local makers without having to brave the cold too much. Tons of unique finds inside a greenhouse!
613FLEA : If you love vintage finds or supporting local artisans, this indoor flea market is huge—150 vendors packed into the Aberdeen Pavilion.It’s an awesome indoor alternative this weekend, featuring so many local sellers you won't see anywhere else.
OTTAWA COMICCON WINTER EDITIONFREE : The winter edition of ComicCon is happening all weekend, and admission is totally free. A great way to check out local fandom culture!The completely free entry makes this a fantastic budget-friendly option for a full weekend outing.
ROBBIE BURNS CHARITABLE TOURNAMENT : If you have older kids interested in history or fencing, check out the Robbie Burns sword fighting tournament happening Saturday near Ottawa in Alexandria.Fencing and sword fighting competitions are super unique and definitely off the beaten path for family entertainment.
· January 25
7OPTIMIST CLUB WINTER CARNIVAL : Check out the community fun at the Optimist Club Winter Carnival wrapping up this Sunday in Carlsbad Springs. Perfect excuse for a short drive out!It’s a genuine neighbourhood carnival experience, often featuring local activities that big city events skip.
DALKEITH WINTER CARNIVAL : This little carnival wraps up Sunday! If you want a truly local, small-town winter experience, head out to Dalkeith for their community carnival.It’s further out, meaning it will likely host more traditional, community-focused activities away from the city centre hustle.
TREND ARLINGTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION'S WINTER CARNIVAL : The Trend Arlington neighbourhood is hosting their own winter carnival on Sunday. Check locally for times and activities!Hyper-local community events like this often have fantastic, low-key activities just for neighbourhood families.
STORIES AND SWEETS: CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY : Celebrate Black History this Sunday at the Shenkman Arts Centre. It sounds like an immersive cultural day with vendors and live elements!This is a rich, cultural experience offering more depth than a standard weekend outing—perfect for older kids and teens.
OTTAWA DOG RESCUE CHILI COOKOFF FUNDRAISER : Head to the Kent Street Legion for chili tasting and puppy cuddles! Ottawa Dog Rescue is hosting, and you might meet your next family dog.Chili tasting AND meeting adoptable dogs? That’s a guaranteed win for the whole family (dogs included, maybe!).
CARNAVAL ST-JEAN BOSCO : Don't forget the Gatineau side! The Carnaval St-Jean Bosco wraps up this Sunday—a classic French-Canadian winter festival experience.It’s a true cross-river experience, offering a slice of Québécois winter celebration before it ends.
OTTAWA 67'S GAME : Catch the Ottawa 67's playing at TD Place this weekend. Great atmosphere and way more affordable than the NHL!Affordable, high-energy local junior hockey is always a great family weekend staple, especially when tickets are budget-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best community winter carnivals happening this weekend?
We have several community carnivals wrapping up Sunday! Check out the hyper-local Trend Arlington Community Association's Winter Carnival or take a short drive to the Optimist Club Winter Carnival in Carlsbad Springs.
Are there any free family events on Saturday?
Yes! The Ottawa ComicCon Winter Edition at the EY Centre is free to attend on Saturday (and Sunday), making it an excellent, zero-cost option for kids interested in comics and pop culture.
Where can I go indoors to shop for unique things this weekend?
For a great indoor experience, head to the 613flea market at Lansdowne on Saturday, or visit the Winter Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses which runs both days for artisanal goods.