Halloween is my favourite time of year. Yeah, I know, I can’t be going door to door dressed as Cookie Monster or a Jawa these days asking for copious amounts of sweet, sweet candy. Thankfully, there’s the beautiful changing colours of the leaves as a fall rhapsody paves the way for the return of life giving Spring. Ahhhh, who am I kidding…I’m crashing the nearest Bulk Barn for copious amounts of sweet, sweet candy!!!
Of course, once worked in a candy gorging stupor, there’s plenty of adult options in O-town this haunting season to provide some frightful fun. Here are my Top 13 ways to get your spooky on!
Great Pumpkin Charity Ball Saturday, October 27 St. Brigid’s Haunted Castle, 310 St. Patrick’s Street Cost: $40
For 12 years The Great Pumpkin Charity Ball has been Ottawa’s biggest Halloween Bash. This year over 750 costumed revellers are expected to enter St. Brigid’s Haunted Castle in the Byward Market to dance through the midnight hour. This year. In the upper level band The Casual Affairs will be providing some live (or is that undead) tunes while DJ Ilon and friends spin some beats in the “dungeon”. Complimentary photo booth and hors d’oeuvres along with door prizes and give aways for the best costumes. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from the Ball goes to support four major charities: The Canadian Cancer Society, The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing - National Capital Region, St. Jude Children's Hospital and the Ottawa Food Bank.
RIDEAUHALLoween Wednesday, October 31 Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive (Enter off Thomas Street) Cost: Free
Have you ever wondered what an alien invasion might look like? The home of the Governor General is becoming a Rideau Hall-oween as invaders from beyond our galaxy start their War of the Worlds in the Nation’s Capital! Whatever do they want. Luckily when they say “take us to your leader”, JT ain’t too far away! Be amazed by our Halloween-themed miniature village, invaded by creatures from outer space. Learn about space exploration by participating in educational demonstrations led by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Take photos in our decorated photo booth and with the many extraterrestrial characters roaming the site and our spooky path. Staff will be on hand to distribute goodies to trick-or-treaters of all ages.
Halloween Hijinks
Sunday, October 28
The Cumberland Heritage
Village Museum
2940 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland
Cost: $19.25 families; $7.50 adults; $5.50 seniors and students.
You can always step back in time at The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum exploring but only once a year can you make that trip to Halloween days of old. The holiday’s more mischievous origins are being explored this year! Before trick-or-treating became all the candy collecting rage, the night was when the pranksters came out to play. Follow the clues to help us identify who’s been causing mischief at the museum. Don’t forget to dress up and perhaps find a few tasty treats along the tricks.
Trick or Treat with the Mayor Saturday, October 27 Ottawa City Hall Cost: A non-perishable donation to the Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Basics Program
Bring the kiddies on down to trick or treat with the newly re-elected Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson! Mingle with fun costumed characters in Marion Dewar Plaza or see what’s bubbling in the Spooky Witches Den. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz where you can visit Dorothy and friends before decorating a mini-pumpkin. The fun continues indoors with hot chocolate and cookies in the Hocus Pocus Café in Jean Pigott Place. The Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Basics Program will be on hand and are seeking items to helps parents in need by such as formula, baby food and diapers
Wickedly Westboro Saturday, October 27 Westboro Village / 319 Richmond Road Cost: Free
Westboro gets spooky with the neighbourhoods annual wicked event for the whole family…including your pooches. Kiddies can snag an official event backpack in Winston Square! Junkyard Symphony is showing off a Marble Manson game where the wee ones can win some prizes and various businesses will be dolling out treats a few days before Halloween. Stick around for an evening screening of Beetlejuice presented by Capital Pop-Up Cinema!
Lansdowne Park Pumpkin Derby Sunday, October 28 Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank Street Cost: Free
Design a pumpkin race car, build it, and let your imagination run wild to create an eye-catching racer. Compete for prizes and bragging rights at The 4th Annual Lansdowne Park Pumpkin Derby! It’s a gravity race; the pumpkin racers roll down a ramp and hopefully make it to the finish line. All participants have a minimum of three races. While waiting to show your racer in action check out some carnival games, cookie decorating, some Laser Quest, shows by Tryumph Gymnastics and the mysterious Halloween tunnel.
Victorian Séance at Billings Estate Sunday, October 28 Billings Estate National Historic Site 2100 Cabot Street Cost: $31.25
Looking to contact your Aunt Mildred, find out about the afterlife or maybe even chitty chat with Elvis?* Discover one of the more mysterious sides of Victorian history with a traditional séance led by a psychic medium. Did you know… spiritualism was a popular trend of the Victorian era reflecting a widespread fascination with questions of the afterlife as well as the enigmatic workings of emerging communication technologies like the telegraph and telephone. If your stomach isn’t too full of nervous butterflies you can partake in some light refreshments.
*No Elvis guarantee. :p
Crawl-O-Ween Saturday, October 27 128 York Street Cost: $20
With 500+ expected to take part, this is without question Ottawa’s biggest Halloween pubcrawl. Five of the city’s hottests bars and nightclubs --The Liquor Store Party Bar, Green Room, The Whiskey Bar, 110 York St, and Pub 101-- will be taking part in this year’s samplings. Your crawl pass includes no line entry, swag bags and exclusive party access.
The Rocky Horror Show / Picture Show
It’s that time again! You’ve been waiting in antica………..pation all year to make that jump to the left and step to the right. It’s time once again Rocky, Frank, Columbia and the gang a part of your Halloween tradition and this year you have two ways to give yourself over to absolute pleasure.
Arts Court Ovation Productions is putting on the live production of Richard O’Brien’s musical starting on the 26th. Guess what all you Hot Patooties? You can snag your participation kits online! Show tix are $50.85.
Mayfair Theatre If you want to check out the best midnight movie of all time, the historical Mayfair Theatre is the place to do it. Back again this year is the always sensually stupendous Absent Friends Shadow cast to act out the movie all around you. Dress up as your favourite character, bring props to be thrown in the air (errr…but no rice people…it’s hard to get out of the cracks), and dance in the aisles with the sensational Transylvanians. Wristband tix are available now at the theatre for $15 non-members / $10 members.
A Night on Death Row Saturday, October 27 Meet at the Haunted Walk Ticket Office @ 46 ½ Sparks Street Cost: $99
The ultimate Halloween experience! This package includes a premium Ghosts and the Gallows tour followed by a night in an authentic (3 foot by 9 foot) single cell on the haunted 8th floor of the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel! Are you brave enough to stay the night? On this premium tour you will hear the many ghost stories of the jail and will have extra time to explore the cells and take part in unique activities. Check in is after the tour and requires photo ID. Check out is 11am. Free continental breakfast included!
Incident at the Bunker: A Zombie Adventure! Sat., October 27 / Sun., October 28 Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum 3929 Carp Rd, Carp, Cost: Adults $26.75, Youth (Up to 17) $23.75
On the night of June 21, 1994, a group of scientists gathered in the depths of the Diefenbunker in the hopes of making the latest scientific breakthrough. The terrifying event that happened next has never been disclosed to the public – until now – 20 years later. Using the latest in time-travel technology, you will journey back and discover the bunker’s most shocking secret. The bunker once again partners up with The Haunted Walk of Ottawa for this interactive adventure with the undead deep down below.
Krooked Karnival Wednesday, October 31 House of Targ 1077 Bank Street Cost: $5
Iiiittttt’s baaaaack and now it’s 20% more krooked! Zany Games of Chance! Insane Side Shows!
The Arcade! Carny Grub! Join the Crookedest Carnies in the as they challenge you at their sinister games of chance… just for one more opportunity to screw you!
Do you have what it takes to match witts? Of course, there’s gonna’ be pinball!
The Commotions Halloween Party Friday, October 26 Babylon Nightclub 317 Bank Street Cost: $10
It’s Babylon. It’s Halloween. It’s Ottawa’s biggest party band? What else do you need to know? This band has sidestepped the lightweight pop craze and taken the back roads straight into the hearts of their loyal followers, earning unwavering support from the true lovers of genuine, unsullied soul music. This 12-piece unleashed a sharply dressed (and possibly costumed on this night) original throwback to the days of Motown, funk and soul.
Saunders Farm Fright Fest Thursday, October 25-Wednesday, October 31 Saunders Farm 7893 Bleeks Road Cost: Various packages available
Frightfest at Saunders Farm is Canada's #1 Haunted Attraction with five haunting sites of fright! Not scared enough. There’s also live original shows, street theater, Ag-Arcade games, multiple food booths and a tavern. Major renovations have been done to the always popular Haunted Hayride as well as new tech in places like The Coven and The Shambles to keep your spine tingling. Also new this year is the Bug House, a visit from Dr. Archie & Mr. Snyde. It’s a coffin full of creepy fun but not recommended for kids under 10 years old.