Orléans Connect

01/02/2026

🪩🎆HAPPY NEW YEAR ORLÉANS!🥳🎉

It’s the first weekend of 2026, and we’ve got you covered with some fun activities happening this weekend! Let us know in the comments what you’re getting up to!👇

🐇 The Zoo Crew is hosting Holiday Animal Family Workshops. These 90-min workshops (several options available) are cozy, hands-on sessions where families hold and interact with bunnies, guinea pigs and more - all guided by the expert Zoo Crew team.

🏃🏻‍♀️❄️ Orleans parkrun is hosting Special Holidays and Happy New Year Parkrun! FREE timed 5 KM run, jog or walk. All levels welcome! Family and dog-friendly event. New participants encouraged to register. Gather at 8:45 AM on Jan 3rd at📍Cairine Wilson Secondary School

🌱 Grand Winter Reopening: Kick Off 2026 at Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses. Celebrate 2026 in the warm, lush greenhouses - completely refreshed and restocked for winter! On Saturday from 9:30 AM - 1 PM enjoy FREE canapés and enjoy the vibe with live jazz by the Ottawa Pocket Jazz Band. Greenhouses and coffee shop open from 9 AM - 4 PM.

🧘‍♀️ Kids Yoga hosted by Blackburn Hamlet Community Association - BCA for ages 6-12 from 11 AM - 12 PM on Saturday at Blackburn Community Hall. Ready to feel refreshed before the end of the holidays? Enjoy a fruit juice or smoothie when the yoga ends before heading home. Bring your own yoga mat. Ages 10 or under must be accompanied by an adult.

🎶Live Music Saturday at Broadhead Brewery - featuring Chris Gagnon, rocking the acoustic vibes. There will be tunes, brews and BBQ - starts at 2 PM. All are welcome - no cover, no reservations required.

01/02/2026

Happy New Year, Orléans!! 🪩🎆🥳

12/26/2025

Happy Boxing Day Orléans! 🥊🗓️

Here’s what’s happening in Orléans this weekend.

FRIDAY >>

🕺Dance off that turkey and avoid weird uncles (or bring them along!) at Boxing Day at the Brewery! Double header - Al Tambay from 1 - 5 PM, and Pav from 6 - 10 PM. No cover, all ages, full menu, cold beer and great tunes! Broadhead Brewery

🔢 Blackburn Hamlet Community Association - BCA is hosting Kids Bingo from 3 - 4:30 PM, for ages 8 - 17. There will be prizes for winners! Kids 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

SATURDAY >>

Rizk Law Office is hosting its 3rd Annual Food Fundraising Frenzy: Meals and Wheels at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex (Rendez-Vous Room), from 12 PM - 4 PM. Partnering with the Ottawa Food Bank and Helping With Furniture / Aidons avec des meubles The goal is to bring the community together and support families who could use a helping hand during the winter season.

Head over to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum for their Winter Stroll Community Day from 5 - 9 PM! It’s a perfect way for visitors looking to take in the museum’s outdoor holiday decorations and stroll the packed gravel pathways in a quiet, relaxed environment.

SUNDAY >>

ACE Arte Studio is hosting a Parent and Child Family Painting Workshop (ages 5+), from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Enjoy a fun and collaborative art session, where each member can express their creativity and leave with their own masterpiece! Class size is limitted to 10 participants - book soon!

Blackburn Hamlet Community Association - BCA is hosting Youth “Paint Night” from 1 - 3 PM, for ages 7 - 17. Register for free to participate in 1 of 2 guided painting sessions by emailing [email protected].

Open Mic Night at Moose McGuire's Orleans every Sunday)! Show up at 7 PM and get signed up, meet other musicians from across Ottawa, grab a drink and listen to an evening of great performances!

Let us know in the comments what you’re doing this weekend!


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12/19/2025

Happy pre-Christmas & Holiday ✨ Weekend Orléans! 🎄

There’s plenty of holiday themed fun available! Here’s what’s happening in Orléans this weekend.

FRIDAY >>>

🎵 Christmas Party with Bill Wiswell at the Legion Branch 632 - Orléans from 7 PM - 9 PM. There will be an optional three-course dinner from 5 PM - 7 PM for $30/person. Come out for dancing, drinks and of course some fantastic music!

⛸️ Holiday Skate with City Councillor Laura Dudas at Rob MacQuarrie Rec Complex from 7 PM - 8 PM. A certain holly jolly guest 🎅🏻 will be making a magical appearance!

🧠 It’s Trivia Night hosted by Outside the Box Trivia at Taproom260 from 8 PM - 10 PM. Think you’ve got what it takes to be the brainiest in the room? Grab your crew and join for a night of fun, drinks and awesome prizes!

SATURDAY >>>

🍕 Fire Box Pizza specializes in Neapolitan-style pizzas made in the wood-fired oven, and they’re hosting a Pop-Up from 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM at Stray Dog Brewing Company

🎄 Live Music Saturday at Broadhead Brewery - A Rusty Xmas Party! Join for tunes, brews and BBQ - from 7 PM - late! Rusty Breezes will be performing a mix of the hits and Christmas classics.

😂 It’s Comedy Night at Taproom260 - There are still tickets available for the 10:30 PM show! Montreal-based Derek Seguin is one of the most sought after standup comedians on the international circuit! 🎟️ $40.

SUNDAY >>>

🍳 The Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d'Ottawa (RAFO) invites the Orléans community to its monthly breakfast, from 9 AM - 11 AM. Cost $17/member, $19/non-member, $13 for children ages 6-12, free for children under 6. | Déjeuer mensuel au RAFO, 9 h à 11 h - Faites-vous plaisir!

🎶 It’s Name that Tune: A Musical Challenge at Broadhead Brewery with your host and entertainment Randy Scott, from 1 PM - 5 PM. Free to play, prizes to be won!

🃏 Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d'Ottawa (RAFO) invites the Orléans community to its Monthly Military Whist from 1 PM onwards. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this is the perfect opportunity to share a friendly afternoon in great company!

Let us know in the comments what you’re getting up to this weekend!

12/12/2025

Happy Snowy Weekend Orléans! ❄️

There’s more holiday themed fun available this weekend! Here’s our round up of some fun nearby options!

FRIDAY

🎶 Step into the world of Foreigner’s greatest hits with Forever Foreigner, the ultimate tribute band bringing the iconic sounds of one of classic rock’s finest bands back to life. 🎟️ Tickets $56. Concert starts at 8 PM Shenkman Arts Centre / Centre des arts Shenkman

💃All Request Dance Party at the Legion Branch 632 - Orléans 7 PM, and the Orléans Legion. Choose your decade, make your request, and songs will be spun, all night long! Get ready to dance!

SATURDAY:

❄️Join for Cookies and Cocoa with the Snow Queen Elsa at Reverie: Princess Palace & Hero Kingdom, and holiday Christmas activities. On from 10 AM - 2:30 PM. Get tickets online - they’re going fast!

🎨 Blackburn Hamlet Community Association - BCA is hosting a Holiday Crafting event for Kids and Youth from 10 AM - 1 PM at Blackburn Community Hall. Kids 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

🐾 Robert Plante is hosting their 3rd Annual Pet Day and Holiday Market from 9 AM - 4 PM! Browse 40+ pet-themed vendors featuring handmade collars, cozy pewter, gourmet treats, toys and custom gifts for your beloved companions. There will also be more than 150 local vendors offering handmade goods, festive décor, baked treats, honey, jewelry and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there too - for photos with your pet! Book your spot online now - spaces filling fast!

🍽️ Blackburn Hamlet Community Association - BCA is hosting a Seniors Potluck Dinner from 5 PM - 9 PM. Potluck dinner is followed by entertainment and door prizes! Donations at the door will be received (cash or cheque) to the Snowsuit Fund.

🎵 Stray Dog Brewing Company Taproom Concerts Presents: Bon Echo Holiday Show, show at 8 PM. Tim and Emma (Bon Echo) perform wintery classics, mixed in with originals, traditional bluegrass and a whole lot of good feels! Tickets $10.

SUNDAY:

🎅🏻 Breakfast with Santa | Déjeuner avec le père Noël. Order tickets online- save $2 per ticket! Kids 5 and under free! Hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 554 Rockland & District and the Cumberland Lions Club

Let us know in the comments what you’re getting up to this weekend!

12/11/2025

Hey Orléans… got an event happening sometime soon?

Submit an event 🗓️ for inclusion in our FREE, local and weekly Orléans newsletter.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjj5_QwO8RMYvYuD01hkQ7RjWKdzenX_OQAYcwtblv8ZvlMA/viewform

12/05/2025

❄️The weekend is here and though today is quite cold it’s warming up soon!

Tons of awesome things to do in and around Orléans! Check out some highlights:

🎄Special Christmas Evening Robert Plante tonight from 6 PM - 9 PM. Live Christmas music, their FIRST EVER visit from The Grinch, one-night-only special sales!

🎤 Karaoke Night: Christmas Edition Legion Branch 632 - Orléans, 7 PM - 10 PM tonight. Join for all of your favourite hits - plus a sprinkle of Christmas cheer!

🎅🏻🥞 Santa’s Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Blackburn Hamlet Community Association - BCA 8:30 AM - 12 PM. Registration required - email [email protected].

🥫 District 7 of the Ottawa Fire Services - Service des incendies d'Ottawa is hosting a food drive in support of the Orléans-Cumberland CRC. Bring your donations on Sat from 9 AM - 4:30 PM to one of the following locations:
📍Metro (Convent Glen,Fallingbrooke and Cumberland), Sobeys (Trim and Innes and 10th line locations), FreshCo on Waters Rd

🎁 Annual Cumberland Farmers' Market Christmas Market from 9 AM - 3 PM on Sat. Over 120 vendors, and can be found at FOUR different locations.

🏫 Trillium Elementary School Council (TESC) is hosting their 2nd Annual Holiday Market, from 9:30 AM - 2 PM. Orléans Santa and the Grinch will be in attendance for ‘Selfies with Santa’ by donation of a non-perishable food item.

🎄 Orléans Holiday Arts Market is on Sat from 10 AM - 4 PM. From the at Shenkman Arts Centre / Centre des arts Shenkman

✨ Dominion City Brewing Co. Annual Christmas Night Market! Delicious bites and over 40 vendors! On Sat from 1 PM - 8 PM.

⛸️ December 6th - It’s the Annual Ottawa Synchronized Skating Showcase, on Sat from 4 PM - 6 PM. Hosted by Capital Ice A3 and the Rideau Skating Club , at Bob MacQuarrie

🎄 Just Food Farm Stand is running a Local Flavours Holiday Market with local vendors, music & holiday cheer as well as a self-guided walking route on the farm. Dec 6 & 7th 11 AM - 3 PM.

🎶 Cumberland Community Singers is hosting Welcome Christmas at Orleans United Church, a concert featuring special guests Atlantic Voices Choir and C5 Choir at 7:30 PM. Save $5 by getting your tickets in advance online!

What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know below! ⬇️

12/02/2025

Happy Tasty Tuesday Orléans! 🥪

Need a new lunch option that serves delicious Italian-style sandwiches? You’re in luck! Gabagool Ottawa is now open!

📍1675 Tenth Line Road
🕚 Open Monday to Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm

Check out our full review of this new deli shop that makes the sandwiches in front of you with a healthy heaping of meat, cheese and toppings of your choice.

https://www.orleansconnect.com/p/orleans-food-spot-review-gabagool-ottawa

11/28/2025

Happy Weekend Orléans! ❄️

There is sooo much going on as everyone gears into full swing holiday season mode!

🎄The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is hosting their annual Tree Lighting tonight, and also starting their Vintage Village of Lights! Enjoy a postcard-perfect 1920s and 30s heritage village charmingly decorated for the holidays. Explore festive vignettes and light displays, visit Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, complete a craft, relax around the bonfire and more! Fun for all ages.

💃Join the Blackburn Hamlet Community Association - BCA for their Dance-a-thon Food Drive.

🎶 Join Coro Vivo Ottawa for Echoes of Noël: Dvořàk, Fauré and World Traditions at !

👠 Stray Dog Brewing Company and Capital Tease Burlesque present: Strut Burlesque: Bark at the Moons! Enjoy an unforgettable night where craft beer meets classic tease!

❄️ The The Mom Market Collective is back at Place d'Orléans all weekend!

🧶 Dunning Foubert School Advisory Council is hosting their annual Winter Craft Fair.

💉 Ottawa Public Health is hosting free C-19 and flu vaccine drop-in clinic. No appointment required.

🎅🏼 Visit the Coca-Cola Holiday Truck at Sobeys on Innes.

🎅🏼✨ It’s the Orléans Parade of Lights! Starting at 6 pm on Saturday along St Joseph’s. Don’t miss this fun annual tradition!

🎁 Holiday Bazaar at Aspira Bearbrook Retirement Living from 9 am - 3 pm on Saturday.

🎳 Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde and MPP Stephen Blais are hosting a Community Bowling event from 9 am - 1130 am on Sunday.

🎄Marché de Noël / Holiday Bazaar at Venvi Belcourt Retirement Residence - Sunday 10 am - 3 pm

🕊️ Deaths over Drafts - a relaxed, community gathering where we share stories, thoughts and questions about mortality - no agenda, no pressure, just open conversation and good company. Stray Dog Brewing Company - Sunday 3 pm - 5 pm.

🎶Christmas Variety Show at Good Shepherd Parish on Sunday evening - doors open at 630 pm, sing a long at 6:45 pm. Show starts at 7 pm.

What are you getting up to this weekend? Let us know in the comments!

11/21/2025

Happy weekend Orléans! We have a fun NEW LOOK for these weekly updates.✨

🎄Tonight is a very special night for Orléans! The Annual Tree Lighting and (new) Night Market! Market hosted by Amanda of The Heart of Orléans BIA (and The Original Navan Market ). There will be live music, and hot chocolate for the first 300 attendees (provided by BBCR Cafe), and 500 cookies from Stuffed Cookies By Kat! You don’t want to miss this! On from 5 PM to 8 PM. Tree lighting happens at 6:30 PM ✨ 💗 Support the Orléans-Cumberland CRC “Bring joy to a local family” Campaign by making a monetary donation at the event, or bring along a non-perishable food item🥫

👢 November 21st - Line Dancing with Stephanie and Lee - starting at 7 PM at the Legion Branch 632 - Orléans Kick up your heels and join for a fun night of line dancing! Beginners welcome - come early for a quick lesson, then hit the floor for a boot-stompin’ good time!

🏫 November 22nd - Henry Larsen Elementary School’s Annual Holiday Market is on from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM.

🧡 November 22nd - Indigenous Roots Ottawa is hosting Beading is Medicineon Saturdays from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Indigenous People and allies welcome! Hosted Orléans-Cumberland CRC

🌮 November 23rd - Do you love tacos? Check out Taco ‘bout a Festival from 12 PM at Stray Dog Brewing Company

🛍️ November 22nd - Let’s celebrate together at the Artisan Legion Night Market! From 4 PM - 9 PM join for food, music, crafts and gift! Head over and start your holiday shopping - and swing by the cozy pop-up bar!

🎄 November 23rd - It’s that time again - Fetch Local Markets Holiday Edition is on from 10 AM - 3 PM. Head out to shop local and enjoy a cheerful indoor holiday market. Note: please leave your pups at home for this one.

✨Broadhead Brewery is hosting their 3rd annual Happy Holiday Makers Market! On from 11 AM - 4 PM.

🎅🏼🧑🏼‍🎄Meet and Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses - holiday magic, family photos and festive fun. Spaces are filling FAST! Book soon.

What are you getting up to this weekend? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

11/14/2025

Are you making your weekend plans? Here’s your round up of Orléans events.

📚 La Salon du livre d’Orléans est de retour! L’événement est gratuit, de 9 h à 15 h. Un don monétaire ou d’une denrée alimentaire non périssable est fortement recommandée.

🎶Royal Oak Pubs is hosting musical bingo!

💃🏻🕺🏻Legion Branch 632 - Orléans is hosting a Decade Duel Dance Party! 🪩 Which decade ruled the dance floor? The groovy 70s, electric 80s or bold 90s? You decide!

🎄Orleans United Church is hosting their annual Christmas Bazaar

✨ Cairine Wilson Secondary School is hosting their annual Craft Fair

Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses is hosting their 3rd annual Holiday Market! Featuring 275+ local vendors! On Saturday’s and Sundays 9 AM - 4 PM.

🎅🏼Have breakfast with Santa Claus Place d'Orléans Shopping Centre on Saturday. There will be free milk and cookies from Tim Hortons.The first 100 kids who stop by will get a goodie bag! From 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, there will be a fun visit from Frozen’s Anna and Olaf. Don’t forget to bring a Donation for the Ottawa Food Bank with you!

🧡Beading is Medicine being hosted by Indigenous Roots Ottawa at Orléans-Cumberland CRC on Saturdays from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Indigenous People and allies welcome!

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11/08/2025

Details about local Remembrance Day ceremonies.🎖️

Are you looking to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony to remember the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served our country in uniform? 🇨🇦

Vous aimeriez vous joindre à une cérémonie du Jour du Souvenir pour souligner le service et le sacrifice des Canadiens qui ont servi et qui servent toujours? 🪖

Here is a list of ceremonies in the East end you can join - Voici une liste des cérémonies ouvertes au public.

▪️ Royal Canadian Legion - Orléans 632 - 10:30AM
📍800 Taylor Creek Drive

▪️ Cumberland Community Interdenominational Remembrance Day Service - 10:30AM
📍St. Andrew's United Church - 2557 Ch. Old Montréal Rd

▪️ Navan Community Association Remembrance Day Ceremony - 10:45AM
📍 Cenotaph in Navan - 1295 Colonial Road, Navan

▪️ Veterans' House Canada - 10:45AM
📍745 Mikinak Rd.