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Winterlude brings the ice, Igloofest brings the beats, and Apres Ski events brings ski shots—because nothing says “winter fun” like drinking from a communal ski. Whether it's food festivals, comedy shows, or a basketball rivalry that gets heated indoors, February in Ottawa proves that freezing temperatures pair well with hot events.
List Updated Feb 16, 2024
February in Ottawa isn’t just about bundling up—it’s about embracing the season with incredible festivals, nightlife, and unique winter experiences. Winterlude 2025 takes center stage, transforming the capital into a snowy wonderland with stunning ice sculptures, skating on the Rideau Canal, and a breathtaking drone show lighting up the night sky.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. From high-energy action like Capital Hoops at TD Place and the Gatineau Igloofest, there’s something for everyone. This guide covers the top Ottawa events in February 2025 you won’t want to miss.
February Featured Event: The Sunshine Charity Tournament Feb 23rd
On February 23, the Sunshine Texas Hold'em Charity Tournament is taking place at the Hellenic Centre on Prince of Wales. (Home of Ottawa Greekfest)
The Najah Ayoub Foundation is a special charity event run by family and volunteers to raise money and awareness for the Ottawa Hospital Foundation. This is Ottawa's biggest Charity tournament and has raised close to $1 MILLION DOLLARS since starting in 2010!
This year, with your support they hope to pass the $1 Million mark! Register today and be a part of a special local charity.
Date: February 23, 2025 at 1pm
Ticket Price: Starting at $100 (tax deductible)
Location: Hellenic Event Centre 1315 Price of Wales Drive, Ottawa
Event Website: Najah Ayoub Foundation
Winterlude 2025: Ottawa’s Biggest Winter Festival Across the City
Winterlude isn’t just an event—it’s an entire season packed into three weekends. From January 31 to February 17, 2025, Ottawa turns into a winter playground with ice sculptures, skating, and entertainment spread across multiple sites. Each location has its own unique winter magic:
Rideau Canal Skateway: The world’s largest skating rink—because sometimes, commuting is more fun on ice.
Sparks Street & ByWard Market: Pop-up performances, live music, and winter patios where frost is just part of the vibe.
Gatineau’s Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park: Massive snow slides, tube rides, a zipline, obstacles courses and more!
Winterlude is free, fun, and proof that February in Ottawa is way more than just waiting for spring.
Date: January 31 – February 17, 2025
Ticket Price: Free (some attractions may have fees)
Location: Various sites across Ottawa & Gatineau
Event Website: Winterlude 2025
Après Ski 80s Party at The Rabbit Hole
On February 6, 2025, The Rabbit Hole is throwing an 80s Après Ski party. No skiing experience required—just an appreciation for neon, nostalgia, and not taking winter too seriously. There will be ski shots (yes, shots on an actual ski), Jägermeister-fueled good times, and a chance to win VIP tickets to Igloofest. It’s like hitting the slopes, but with way better music and significantly less risk of injury.
Date: February 6, 2025
Ticket Price: Free cover
Location: The Rabbit Hole - Sparks Street, Ottawa
Event Website: Rabbit Hole
Free Thursday Nights at the National Gallery of Canada
Every Thursday evening this month, the National Gallery of Canada opens its doors for free. It's like they're saying, "Come for the art, stay because it's warm inside." Wander through masterpieces without spending a dime—just don't touch the paintings; they frown upon that.
Date: Every Thursday evening
Ticket Price: Free
Location: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Event Website: National Gallery of Canada
Capital Hoops: Carleton University vs. University of Ottawa
The Capital Hoops Classic brings together Carleton University and the University of Ottawa Men AND Women's teams for a basketball showdown. It's like watching a sibling rivalry, but with more slam dunks and fewer tattletales. Who will claim the city's bragging rights? Only one way to find out.
Date: February 7, 2025
Ticket Price: Starting at $25.46
Location: TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
Event Website: Capital Hoops
Stew Showdown in Westboro Village: A Battle of the Broths
On February 15, 2025, Westboro Village hosts the Stew Showdown. Local chefs compete to see who can create the most comforting bowl of stew. It's like a warm hug in a bowl, but with more flavor and less awkwardness. Taste, vote, and find your new favorite winter dish.
Date: February 15, 2025
Ticket Price: $10
Location: Westboro Village, Ottawa
Event Website: Stew Showdown
LüX: A Sound and Light Experience on Sparks Street—Winter Nights Illuminated
From February 1 to 18, 2025, Sparks Street transforms with LüX, a sound and light experience. It's like the Northern Lights decided to take a city vacation. Stroll through interactive installations that make winter nights a little brighter.
Date: February 1–16, 2025
Ticket Price: Free
Location: Sparks Street, Ottawa
Event Website: LüX
Tinder Tales Comedy Shows at Yuk Yuk's: Swipe Right for Laughter
On February 14, 2025, Yuk Yuk's presents Tinder Tales, a comedy show about the trials and tribulations of online dating. It's like reading your friend's dating app messages, but with permission and more punchlines. Laugh at the absurdities of modern romance.
Date: February 14, 2025
Ticket Price: $30
Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club, 292 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Event Website: Tinder Tales
Gatineau Igloofest
From February 7 to 9, 2025, Gatineau hosts Igloofest, an outdoor electronic music festival. Dance like nobody's watching—because they're too busy trying to stay warm. Bundle up and enjoy beats that make the cold a little more bearable.
Date: February 7–9, 2025
Ticket Price: Prices vary
Location: Place des Festivals Zibi, Gatineau
Event Website: Gatineau Igloofest
Winterlude in the Stars: A Drone Show That Lights Up Ottawa’s Winter Sky
On February 14 and 15, 2025, Winterlude is swapping fireworks for a high-tech drone show illuminating the Ottawa night. Hundreds of synchronized drones will dance across the sky over Gatineau, creating mesmerizing patterns and celestial displays that make regular constellations look lazy. It’s like watching the Northern Lights, but with Wi-Fi.
Date: February 14 & 15, 2025
Ticket Price: Free
Location: 350 Laurier St, Gatineau
Event Website: Winterlude in the Stars
Winter in Ottawa isn’t just something to survive—it’s something to celebrate. Winterlude 2025 takes over the city with ice sculptures, drone shows, and skating on the Rideau Canal, while Igloofest, Capital Hoops, and a Tinder comedy show bring the heat in their own way. Whether it’s live music, foodie festivals, or ski shots, there’s no shortage of Ottawa events in February to keep things interesting. So grab your warmest coat, your best retro ski jacket, and maybe a hot drink—because in Ottawa, winter isn’t just cold, it’s pretty cool too.
