Ottawa has a full Thanksgiving weekend ahead, with options for music fans, thrifty fashion lovers, families and anyone who still owns a neon windbreaker. The Instagram account @ottawaisnotboring put together a fresh roundup of what's on, and these are the events still ahead as of Friday, Oct. 9.
Friday, Oct. 9: Classic rock tribute double bill
At 8 p.m. in Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Boulevard, two tribute acts share one stage. Bootleg Creedence works through Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty favourites, including Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising and Fortunate Son. Heartbroken: A Tom Petty Experience covers the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers catalogue, from Free Fallin' to American Girl. Tickets are $59, with details on the Shenkman Arts Centre website.
Saturday, Oct. 10: Free clothing drop and swap
The Free Clothing Drop and Swap is part of the City of Ottawa's Circular Fair. You can drop off clothing as early as Friday evening at Brewer Park, or early Saturday morning. The swap itself runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park, and it's free. It's a handy way to clear out a closet and pick up something new without spending a dollar.
Saturday, Oct. 10: Thanksgiving train rides
If you don't mind a short drive, the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls (90 William Street West) is running Thanksgiving train rides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can ride in an antique caboose, take a hay ride and explore the historic 1912 station. There are also tours of the steam engine, dining car and dental car, plus plenty of fall photo opportunities. Tickets are $20.76 and are sold through Eventbrite.
Sunday, Oct. 11: Retro 80s bash
On Sunday at 8:30 p.m., Manor Lounge at 292 Elgin Street turns the clock back to the 1980s. Expect neon, throwback hits, themed costumes and live music from The START. Admission is $12, and booking is through the Escape Manor website.
Planning your weekend
With Thanksgiving Monday around the corner, this is a good weekend to mix one big night out with something low-key during the day. The clothing swap is free, the train rides suit families, and the two evening shows cover very different tastes in music. Check each organizer's page for the latest ticket availability and timing before you head out.
Sources: Instagram post by @ottawaisnotboring, with event details from the City of Ottawa Circular Fair, Shenkman Arts Centre, Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario and Escape Manor listings.
