Winterlude Is Coming
Winter festivities in the National Capital Region are much, much older than you might think... Way older than Winterlude, which debuted in 1979. You can find archival photos showing winter celebrations taking place as early as 1894!
Over the decades, Ottawa and Gatineau have hosted countless carnivals, masquerades, parties, and seasonal gatherings, drawing people together from across the region, and from all over the country, around a shared love of winter.
Today, times have changed, but the spirit and sense of wonder of Winterlude remain.
This year, with the Capital's 200th anniversary, the festival is coming back cooler than ever, with a strong presence in the ByWard Market District, featuring the return of beloved fan-favourite events, outdoor vendors on every weekend, and a brand-new experience making its very first appearance in Ottawa: BARBEGAZI.
Let’s slide in:
Pibòn Festival
Pibòn Festival, organized by the Assembly of Seven Generations, will kick off Winterlude in the District on January 30, bringing Indigenous art, fashion, and culture to the area until February 1 — a celebration rooted in tradition, storytelling, and the living heritage of the land.
BARBEGAZI
BARBEGAZI’s will send shivers down your spine, as snowmobiles soar up to 40 feet above York Street in the wildest, most daring freestyle spectacle in the heart of the city since Red Bull Crashed Ice took over Wellington Street. That’s what awaits you on the second weekend, from February 6 to 8. Get a taste of this one-of-a-kind experience right here.
Create & Celebrate
On the last weekend of Winterlude, we invite you to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Family Day with a heartwarming blend of love, laughter, and winter wonder, complete with live performances, creative workshops, live chainsaw carving, and scenic horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides.
And there’s more!
Curling enthusiasts – street curling is taking over William Street Plaza every weekend during Winterlude. New to the sport? This is the perfect place to start! Step onto the ice, grab a broom, and give it a try.
The Winter Stewed Cook-Off will also be making a hearty comeback this Winterlude! More on that soon.
For a deeper look into the magic of Winterlude, slide over to our dedicated web page and explore the full program. If you’re travelling to Ottawa or are just looking for a staycation, you’ll also find a dedicated section highlighting nearby accommodations — keeping you just a snowball’s throw away from the action.
But February isn’t just a month for Winterlude — it’s also Black History Month. Starting February 1, Gallery 55 will host an exhibition by Chnge Mker Hub, spotlighting local Black entrepreneurs. Head to the second floor of Heritage Hall (55 ByWard Market Square) to discover inspiring stories and businesses rooted in the community.
As part of its Black History Month programming, Chnge Mker Hub will also present two community-focused events in the District. On February 14, the Incubator Program’s Market Demo Day will bring together a cohort of emergingbusinesses, showcasing their progress following a five-month incubator program. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second floor of Heritage Hall (55 ByWard Market Square) and is free and open to all.
The following day, on February 15, the space will host the Black Market, featuring local Black vendors and entrepreneurs. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (also on the second floor of 55 ByWard), the market offers a welcoming, community-driven setting supported by Chnge Mker Hub’s volunteers and staff.
And there’s always more happening in the ByWard Market District, as new events take shape and programming continues to grow. To never miss a thing, follow @bywardmarket on Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, and keep an eye on our Event Calendar.
