After the holidays, everyone seems to be pretty over alcohol, drinkers and non-drinkers alike. The beginning of a new year is a time for setting goals, putting aside time for wellness, and focusing on yourself. Finding Ottawa events that don’t focus on eating and drinking can be a hard feat, and we’re here to share some awesome winter activities and events coming to the city this month!
From winter festivals to candlelight concerts, comedy shows to art battles, these events aim to provide a place for people to hang out and connect – without the pressure to pour a drink.
Check out these events all around Ottawa happening this January and February!
Art Battle Ottawa
January 21, 7 – 10 p.m. at Arts Court
Come watch as artists transform blank canvases into beautiful pieces of art in 3 rounds of just 20 minutes, and then help vote to determine the winner of the event! All artwork will also be available for silent auction.
Be a part of the fun as a spectator, or participate as one of the featured artists by applying online here.
They’re Going Places Canadian Comedy Tour
January 21, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. at LIVE! On Elgin
THEY’RE GOING PLACES TOUR is in town to deliver a hilarious, action-packed comedy show. Don’t miss Abbas Wahab, Moe Ismail, and Jesse Singh as they make their way around the country!
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More
February 3, 6:30 & 8:45 p.m. at First Baptist Church Ottawa
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Ottawa. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen at the First Baptist Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Capital Wedding Show
January 21-22, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
Planning on tying the knot in the near future? Your dream wedding starts at the Capital Wedding Show! Win prizes, score discounts, participate in interactive events and much more. Plus you can meet vendors in a variety of fields that want to support you in planning your exciting day!
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel – Fresco & Slow with Saje Natural Wellness
January 22, 9 – 10:15 a.m. at the EY Centre
Glow slow in this class that builds upon a foundation of postures amidst the magnificent fresco pieces of Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibit at the EY Centre. Participants will move through their practice with focus prompts and create brush-like movements followed by postures to restore and create a restful Sunday experience.
Saje Natural Wellness Bayshore will be walking through the practice applying essential oil blends curated for the practice to anyone who wishes.
Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat, water bottle and open mind.
No yoga experience required and you’ll also have time to take in the exhibit, ask questions and learn more.
Greely Winter Carnival
January 26-29 in Greely, Ontario (various locations)
Celebrate Greely’s 50th Winter Carnival with wholesome events and activities each day of the festival including a free Board Game Night, Open Skate (weather permitting), Pancake Breakfast, Magic Show, Sleigh Rides, and more!
Most of the events are FREE and family-friendly.
Click here for the full festival schedule.
Winged Tapestries: Moths at Large
On Until January 23 at The Canadian Museum of Nature
Moths explode in colour and size in this exhibition of 20 large-format photographs by Jim des Rivières. These extraordinary works reveal the diversity and astonishing beauty of moths from the Ottawa region.
Minoshkite, Music to Your Ears
February 3, 7:00 p.m. at The Canadian Museum of History
Minoshkite is affiliated with the Indigenous-focused opening weekend of Winterlude – one of the most exciting Ottawa events! This free event features the artists William Prince, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and more!
Reserve your free tickets here.
Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival
February 3-4 at Arts Court
The Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival will feature live musical performances by Kenny Baron, Thus Owls, Sara Neufeld, OKAN, and more!
These events make for the cutest unique dates so laying around with a drink you don’t actually want isn’t an option!
Find even more perfect winter date ideas all around Ontario here.
