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.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
92 free things today, this weekend and always. Every one checked against the organiser's own page. Updated Sunday, November 15.
Sat Nov 21, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Drop in for hands-on build, test and create challenges at your own pace. All ages.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sat Nov 21, 11 am
Ottawa firefighters' Santa parade from Somerset St W down Queen Elizabeth Driveway to Lansdowne. Bring a toy to donate if you can.
Checked Nov 15 · Help Santa Toy Parade (Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters)
Sat Nov 21, 2 to 5 pm
The Ottawa Go Club runs a workshop with practice games and problems, for beginners and intermediate players.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sat Nov 21, 2 to 3 pm
Make your own stamps, print with them and take them home. Materials provided. Ages 6 to 9.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sat Nov 21, 2 to 3:30 pm
See how to scan old photos and fix scratches, colour and light with free tools. By the Ottawa PC Users' Group.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sat Nov 21, 4 to 5 pm
Sing holiday favourites as the courtyard canopy lights up. Free hot drinks and treats from local shops.
Checked Nov 15 · Westboro Village BIA
Sun Nov 22, 11 am to 5 pm
Browse handmade gifts from local artists and makers. Free entry, no ticket needed.
Checked Nov 15 · National Arts Centre
Tomorrow, 6 to 8:15 pm
Drop in to see Greta Gerwig's Little Women (2019, 135 min) in the auditorium, with subtitles.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Tomorrow, 6 to 8:30 pm
Free reception for the winter exhibitions, with speeches at 6:20 pm and the holiday art sale. Free childcare 6 to 8 pm.
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
Work on your family tree with help from the Ontario Genealogical Society Ottawa Branch and library staff.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Tue Nov 17, 5:30 to 7 pm
Drop in to write, draw, collage and make your own zine. Materials provided.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Tue Nov 17, 6 to 7:45 pm
Drop in to watch GOAT (100 min). Popcorn provided; bring a covered drink.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Tue Nov 17, 6 to 8:30 pm
Themed Movie Tuesdays: the 1947 prison film Brute Force, with subtitles. For a mature audience.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Wed Nov 18, 3 to 4 pm
Drop in to relax with Ruth, a certified therapy dog from Therapeutic Paws of Canada.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Thu Nov 19, 5 pm
The Market's holiday tree lights up on George Street Plaza, with a holiday market and a new projection show.
Checked Nov 15 · ByWard Market District Authority
Thu Nov 19, 5 to 7 pm
General admission is free from 5 to 7 pm. Same again Thu Nov 26.
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
General admission is free from 5 to 7 pm in Gatineau. Same again Thu Nov 26.
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
General admission is free from 5 to 8 pm. Same again Thu Nov 26.
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
An evening of readings and talk to celebrate the anthology A Capital Mystery Volume 2.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Regular free programs. Check the source for holiday closures.
Mon 2 to 4 pm (Nov 23); Fridays 2 to 4 pm (Nov 20, 27)
Drop-in dinosaur crafts for Dinovember: cut, glue and colour at your own pace. English and French.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Mon 1 to 2:30 pm (Nov 23); Fridays 1 to 2:30 pm (Nov 20, 27)
Build with LEGO with library staff: take on a challenge or free-build. Ages 4 and up with family.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Wednesdays 4 to 6 pm (Nov 18, 25)
Open games of chess for beginners and stronger players. Bring a board or borrow one.
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)
Practise speaking English in a relaxed group. Several sessions a week, all levels, just drop in.
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)
Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months, then play time on Fridays.
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)
Drop in to play board games, card games or puzzles with new friends. Bring a game or use theirs.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Fridays 10 to 11:30 am (Nov 20, 27)
Build with LEGO with library staff on PD days, or just free-build. Ages 4 and up with family.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Parks, trails, rinks and places that never charge.
Any day
A big City park on the Ottawa River shore, off Carling Avenue.
Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)
Any day
A large natural City park on the Rideau River south of Barrhaven.
Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)
Any time a branch is open, while passes are in
With an Ottawa library card you can borrow a pass for free entry to the Museum of Nature, National Gallery, History and War museums, Ingenium museums, Mooney's Bay ski trails, Gatineau Park ski trails and Ontario Parks.
The catch: Passes can't be put on hold: check availability, then pick one up in a branch. One pass at a time, up to 7 days.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Any day
A large City park on the Ottawa River at the west end of Carling Ave.
Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)
Daily from Fri Nov 20: English 5:30 and 7:30 pm, French 6 and 7 pm
A 10-minute story told in light and music on the front of Heritage Hall in the ByWard Market, every evening.
Checked Nov 15 · ByWard Market District Authority
Thursdays 5 to 7 pm
General admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 7 pm, across the river in Gatineau.
The catch: Reserve a free timed ticket; the Napoleon immersive show is not included
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian Museum of History
Thursdays 5 to 8 pm
General admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm: dinosaurs, the mammal and bird galleries, live bugs and the Wild Colour exhibition.
The catch: Everyone needs a ticket, even free ones: book online or get one at the door
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian Museum of Nature
Thursdays 5 to 7 pm
General admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 7 pm.
The catch: Reserve a free timed ticket; the museum's underground parking is paid
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian War Museum
Year-round; tour times vary, book online
Tour the Senate building or the House of Commons at West Block, or see the Centre Block immersive show. All free.
The catch: Book a free ticket for each building; House of Commons visitors need government photo ID; East Block tours are summer only
Checked Nov 15 · Visit Canada's Parliament
Daily 10 am to 3 pm until Dec 20; closed Dec 21 to Jan 3, then daily again from Jan 4
A 45-minute guided tour of the Governor General's state rooms and art. The grounds are open 8 am to an hour before sunset.
The catch: Reservation required: send the request form at least 72 hours ahead
Checked Nov 15 · Governor General of Canada: Rideau Hall
Food, clothes, repairs, taxes and advice, free.
Mondays 10 am to 3 pm (Nov 16, 23)
Outreach workers offer harm reduction supplies including naloxone kits, plus referrals to health and social services.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Daily: breakfast 7 to 8 am, lunch 11 am to 12:30 pm, dinner 4 to 5:30 pm; drop-in meal 6 to 9 pm
Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the year, plus a drop-in centre where staff and social workers can help.
Checked Nov 15 · Shepherds of Good Hope
Each community food bank sets its own hours
Enter your address or postal code to find the community food bank that serves you. Most give 3 to 5 days of food, including fresh and frozen, once a month.
The catch: Your food bank is set by your address; visits are limited (usually once a month)
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Food Bank
Lunch Tue and Thu 12 to 2 pm; breakfast 3rd Wed and Thu 9 to 11 am (Nov 18 and 19)
Sit-down lunch every Tuesday and Thursday, plus breakfast on the third Wednesday and Thursday of the month. Open to anyone.
The catch: First come, first served; no reservations
Checked Nov 15 · Parkdale Food Centre
Daily: breakfast 8 to 8:30 am, lunch 11:20 am to 12 pm, dinner 3 to 3:30 pm
Community breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Mission's dining room every day. You don't need to stay at the shelter.
Checked Nov 15 · The Ottawa Mission
By appointment: Mon to Wed and Fri 8:30 am to 12 pm and 1 to 4:30 pm, Thu 8:30 am to 12 pm
Community Legal Services of Ottawa helps with housing, work, income assistance, immigration, refugee and disability law. Phone interpreters in over 200 languages.
The catch: Call 613-733-0140 to book before visiting; income limits apply
Checked Nov 15 · Community Legal Services of Ottawa
Tuesdays 2 to 3 pm (Nov 17, 24)
Staff answer basic questions about computers, phones, programs and apps. Computer lab, 3rd floor.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
JFS Ottawa Wed 12 to 8 pm and Sun 12 to 5 pm; other sites Tue to Sat (e.g. Family Services Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Ave, Tue 12 to 8 pm, Sat 12 to 5 pm)
One free counselling session with no appointment or referral, at several community agencies. You can also book a session ahead online.
The catch: Last walk-in is about 90 minutes before closing
Checked Nov 15 · Walk-In Counselling Clinic and Counselling Connect
Mondays 10 am to noon (Nov 16, 23)
Meet one-on-one with an employment counsellor from Pinecrest-Queensway Employment Services.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Wednesdays 4:30 to 5:30 pm (Nov 18, 25)
OMRA offers free weekly drop-in help for newcomers: résumés, job search, forms and referrals.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Free, but read the catch first.
Ongoing; 4 titles a month
Ottawa Public Library cardholders can stream or download up to 4 Hoopla titles a month, with no holds or late fees.
The catch: Needs an OPL card and an email to register; 4 titles a month per card; streaming counts against your internet data
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Ongoing
Over 16,000 online courses on LinkedIn Learning, free with an Ottawa Public Library card. No LinkedIn profile needed.
The catch: Needs an OPL card number and PIN
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Ongoing; tickets reset monthly
Ottawa Public Library cardholders get 8 Kanopy tickets a month for films and documentaries. Kanopy Kids titles use no tickets.
The catch: Needs an Ottawa Public Library card; 8 film tickets a month
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Contests open to people here, with the official rules.
Ends Nov 20
The University of Ottawa’s advancement office is drawing one Apple iPad (about $650) among people who update their contact information.
The catch: Fill in the update-your-information form (or send your details by email or phone); one entry per person; no purchase needed.
Checked Nov 15 · University of Ottawa · Rules
Ends Nov 30
CHEZ 106.1 gives away daily $250 JC Cayer gift cards for Milwaukee tools and one $6,000 grand prize gift card.
The catch: Listen for the Milwaukee sound effect on CHEZ 106.1 and text WIN to 762-555; standard message and data rates apply; no purchase necessary; one entry per person; a skill-testing question is required to win.
Checked Nov 15 · CHEZ 106.1 Ottawa (Rogers) · Rules
Ends Dec 31
The Glebe BIA is drawing four $2,500 Glebe shopping sprees; ballots fill with stamps from purchases at Glebe shops.
The catch: Main route is spending $150 at participating Glebe shops (one $15 stamp per $15; double stamps on Tuesdays); free entry by mailing a hand-printed request to the Glebe BIA (see rules).
Checked Nov 15 · Glebe Spree (Glebe BIA) · Rules
Ends Jul 30, 2027
One winner gets up to $5,000 credit toward full-time tuition at Algonquin College (Ottawa, Pembroke or online) for 2027-28.
The catch: Answer one question in 140 characters or less on the online form; no fee or purchase; to win you must have applied and paid the $500 tuition deposit (or a deferral) by the end of the contest.
Checked Nov 15 · Algonquin College · Rules
Further out. We re-check each one every night.
Mon Nov 23, 2 to 4 pm
Drop in to watch the 2019 live-action Aladdin (128 min). Bring a covered drink.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Mon Nov 23, 6 to 7:55 pm
Drop in to see Atomic Blonde (2017, 115 min) with English subtitles.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Tue Nov 24, 2 to 3 pm
Learn how e-bikes and e-scooters can help you stay mobile as you age, plus the rules in Ottawa and Ontario.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Tue Nov 24, 6 to 7:30 pm
Drop in and play with other musicians. Bring your own acoustic instrument. Ages 16+.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Tue Nov 24, 6 to 8:30 pm
Themed Movie Tuesdays: Sing Sing (2023, 105 min), with subtitles. For a mature audience.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Tue Nov 24, 7:30 to 9 pm
Top uOttawa music students play piano, trumpet and violin on the NAC Fourth Stage.
The catch: Register ahead on the NAC page (free)
Checked Nov 15 · National Arts Centre
Wed Nov 25, 7 to 8:15 pm
An informal talk on art, text and collaboration, hosted by Ottawa Public Library, with a Q&A.
The catch: Get a free ticket from the NAC first
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Thu Nov 26, 1 to 3 pm
Play euchre and meet people. A guide teaches beginners. No registration.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Fri Nov 27, 11 am to noon
Explore the simple machines you find in a park. Drop in, ages 6 and up.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Fri Nov 27, 2 to 4 pm
Drop in to watch Abominable (97 min). Bring a covered drink.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sat Nov 28, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Storytime with dimmed lights, sensory toys, a smaller group and open play. A caregiver stays the whole time.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sat Nov 28, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Learn to read a pay stub, make a budget and save more. For adults.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sat Nov 28, 11:15 am to 12:15 pm
Make paper ornaments to take home. Materials provided while they last.
The catch: While materials last
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sat Nov 28, 2 to 3 pm
Meet writer Cam Gordon, author of Track Changes, ask questions and mingle.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Sun Nov 29, 3:30 to 5 pm
The Carleton University Choir performs at the Dominion-Chalmers Centre downtown.
Checked Nov 15 · Carleton University Music
Sun Nov 29, 5:30 pm
Evening Santa Claus parade through Barrhaven. Route map is on the parade website.
Checked Nov 15 · Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade Committee
Sun Nov 29, 7:30 to 9 pm
Carleton music students' saxophone ensemble plays an evening concert at Dominion-Chalmers.
Checked Nov 15 · Carleton University Music