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It's October — Here's What The Rest of Ottawa's Fall Festival Season Will Look Like

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"Festival season" might be over for the year, but Ottawa's festivals are certainly not!


Even as the leaves change colour and begin to fall, OFN's members continue to host events straight through the rest of the year. Here, we're highlighting Ottawa's autumn slate of festivals, fairs, and special events from now until the start of December.


Anything catch your eye? Click on each event's name for ticket links and more info!


For Arts Lovers


Oct 1 - 5

What's happening: With a focus on quality over quantity, Genre Gems aims to connect Ottawa’s vibrant film community with daring new voices in cinema and to engage younger audiences eager for innovative storytelling.


Genre Gems is designed for cinephiles who crave discovery, curating a lean but powerful lineup of the world’s most talked-about genre films, bringing global cinema to Ottawa in an intimate, community-driven setting.


Oct 3 - Dec 6

What's happening: For 2025, after the wonderful but geographically extensive previous year’s edition, Festival of Small Halls is staging forty-five shows with the exceptional talents of AHI, The Pairs, Chantal Kreviazuk, The Rowdymen, Irish Mythen, The Arrogant Worms, Ashley MacIsaac, Bright Strings Community Fiddle Orchestra, Mia Kelly, Blair Dunlop, Sarah Hagen, Devon Cuddy Duo, Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows, Danny Michel, Junkhouse, Corb Lund, Hawksley Workman, Ben Caplan, The Once, Whitehorse, and Tim Baker.


Oct 4

What's happening: The 2nd annual HOPE RockFest is returning to Overflow Brewing Company on October 4th… and the lineup is stacked with electrifying, all-Canadian talent!

 

Headlined by none other than the powerful, Juno-award winning, dynamic duo Dear Rouge.

 

With a trio of incredible local artists: Sharlee, Erin Maiden, and The New Hires.

 

Come rock out, enjoy some bites, and vote for your favourite local band — the top choice will even get to open the HOPE Volleyball SummerFest stage in 2026!


Oct 15 - 19

What's happening: The Folk Music Ontario Conference is Canada’s largest annual conference devoted to the folk, roots, and traditional music community. The conference offers showcasing, professional development, and networking opportunities for artists and music industry professionals in Canada and the international Folk community, with customized programming for folks at any stage of their career, from emerging to export-ready.


Nov 15

What's happening: Embark on a cinematic journey into Canada's wild spaces at the Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival! Join us at the iconic Bytowne Cinema on Rideau on November 15th for an unforgettable evening celebrating adventure, conservation, and diversity through compelling Canadian short films.


From thrilling expeditions to powerful stories about protecting our natural ecosystems, this festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with the beauty and importance of Canada's outdoors and the dedicated individuals who explore and safeguard it.


Folksy Family Fun


Sept 20 - Nov 1

What's happening: PumpkinFest at Saunders Farm is your ultimate fall destination! Explore stunning pumpkin displays, navigate world-famous mazes, and enjoy scenic hayrides. Bounce on the Jumbo Jumpers, catch exciting live stage shows, and indulge in delicious seasonal treats. With activities for all ages, it’s the perfect way to celebrate autumn and create unforgettable family memories.


Oct 2 - 5

What's happening: Rural tradition meets modern family entertainment at the Metcalfe Fair! 2025 will mark the 169th anniversary of this fall tradition, held annually in the Village of Metcalfe. Featuring well-maintained accessible buildings and plenty of green space, the fair is home to many community activities, including the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market, Shroomfest, livestock shows and sales, weddings, and many other public and private events.


Oct 23 - 26

What's happening: Join us for the 8th annual Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival, happening from October 23-26, 2025! The festival consists of 4 days of workshops, concerts, jamming, and dancing, all at the La Fab Sur Mill Arts Centre in beautiful Chelsea, Quebec.


Connect with Culture


Sep 18 - Nov 23

What's happening: From live music and delicious food to lawn games, photo ops, and meaningful cultural exchange, every visit to the Bazaar is a chance to discover something new. Whether you're tasting a new cuisine, meeting artisans, or dancing along to live performances, it’s all part of a vibrant, immersive experience — and it's completely free to enjoy.


Each weekend brings something different, making it well worth a return visit (or two!). Bring the whole family and make the most of the season.


Oct 4

What's happening: The Embassy of Mexico will be present at the 7th Ibero-American Book Fair in Canada, taking place in Ottawa as part of Hispanic Heritage Month in Ontario and Latin American Heritage Month in Canada.


This major gathering will feature more than 60 exhibitors, over 35 literary events, more than 100 books to be raffled, and the participation of hundreds of book lovers.


In this edition, the Embassy of Mexico will showcase the work of talented Mexican-Canadian writers: Alexa Barrera, Antolina Ortiz, Claudio Palomares, Dalia Mendoza, Gracia Tenorio, Gonzalo Oymejía, Martha Bátiz, and Martín Macouzet.


Oct 15 - 18

What's happening: ArohaFest Diwali Dhamaka is a fully bilingual festival showcasing the arts and culture of India in Canada, celebrating Diwali.

From October 15 to 18, 2025, ArohaFest will bring to the National Arts Centre classical, folk, and Bollywood dance, and music performances and workshops.

 

On Friday, October 17, 2025, experience an intimate “Sufi Soirée” produced by Aroha Fine Arts, featuring repertoire work by renowned dancer and choreographer Anjali Patil.

 

Additionally, the festival will feature immersive experiences such as henna painting, a rangoli community mural, and a visual arts exhibit. Bring the whole family to celebrate Diwali at the National Arts Centre!


Oct 31 - Nov 2

What's happening: Come and celebrate the 9th edition of the Day of the Dead Festival from October 31 to November 2, 2025. Presented by Yzeta Meeting & Event Management and the ByWard Market District Authority.


Immerse yourself in Mexican culture in the midst of the historic ByWard Market in Ottawa as the community gathers to celebrate the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, festivals, and activities the dead enjoyed in their lifetime.


With special programming including Mariachi performances, art exhibitions, authentic Mexican cuisine, tequila, margarita & mezcal bar, artisan market, folkloric dancers, live Latin bands, procession, food sampling and so much more.


Bring A Date!


Aug 8 - Dec 31

What's happening: Hard Rock Cafe is where the weekend comes alive—every Friday and Saturday night.

 

Whether you're here to savor a handcrafted cocktail, dig into a mouthwatering meal, or simply soak in the sound, this stage is your front-row ticket to the ultimate Hard Rock experience. With a vibe that’s electric and a crowd that’s always ready to rock, this is where Ottawa turns up the volume.


Sept 20 - Nov 1

What's happening: FrightFest at Saunders Farm is Canada’s most haunting Halloween event! Face terrifying haunted attractions, enjoy thrilling live stage shows, and grab a Saunders Cider for some liquid courage. With delicious food and a spine-chilling atmosphere, it’s the ultimate night out for thrill-seekers and Halloween lovers alike!


Nov 7 - 8

What's happening: Presented by Luxe Auto Lounge, the Orléans Cork & Fork Festival returns November 7–8 for a cozy and refined celebration of local food, wine, and craft beverages—all accompanied by the warm ambiance of live music! Held at the Shenkman Arts Centre, this 19+ event invites you to sip, savour, and connect.



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