Let’s explore social events in Ottawa, on happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Social events are great and offer a world of possibilities. You can make new friends, learn new skills, see things from different perspectives and it’s fantastic for your mental health. And never before has companionship and being able to spend time with others been as important as it is today.
You probably remember being a kid and going up to another person your age and saying, “Do you want to be friends?” and that was pretty much that. Friend made. Alas, it’s not quite as simple now that we’re grown up, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as awkward as we think. There are thousands of people out there who would love to meet up with others, finding them just takes a bit of help and that’s what we’re here for.
On this page, we hope you’ll find some interesting events in Ottawa where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Ottawa
Afro Caribbean Food/Cocktails Social
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Tropikal
Join us for the Afro-Caribbean Food and Cocktails Social, where vibrant flavors and tropical vibes come together! Savor delicious Afro-Caribbean dishes, sip on exotic cocktails, and mingle with great company in a lively social atmosphere. Perfect for those looking to experience a unique cultural fusion while making new connections!
**Purchase Your Tickets Now!**
[https://app.tickettailor.com/even(…)
Ottawa Civic Tech #135 – From Civic Tech to Community Innovation & the RRCRC
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre
Join us for a community meetup and special session featuring two insightful speakers. Luc Lalande will discuss the importance of civic tech in community development, social impact, and the public good. Camila Pastran will share information about the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, its programming, and some of its unique initiatives.
**Agenda (EST):**
* 6:00 p.m. – Networking
* 6:30 (…)
Thursday Social after work, $10 burgers, $5 beers
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: The Waverley Elgin
Thursday after work event to connect and socialize at the Waverley on Elgin. The burgers are $10.95 on Thursdays and they taste pretty good. Beer is $5.
Ask for the Meetup group when you enter the pub to find us.(…)
Yoga at the Jack Purcell Community Centre, then Social
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Jack Purcell Park
(We also have an [Instagram page](https://www.instagram.com/ottawa_yoga_and_social_club?igsh=MXdsdWc2bno5NGM4eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr), if you’d like to follow us on there: @ottawa_yoga_and_social_club)
We will be at the Jack Purcel Communityty Centre, room 201.
All you need to bring is a yoga mat or towel, if you would like to use one. We will start off the session with a brief meet and greet, fo(…)
Make Friends & BlaBla Language Exchange Ottawa
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Deacon Brodies Pub
**⚠️⚠️⚠️ 🍹/🍔 You are asked to order a drink or something to eat BEFORE joining the group (MANDATORY) ⚠️⚠️⚠️**
Meet new people – Make international and local friends – Speak languages (mingle) – Have fun 😉
**👉 Any question or request?** **[Reach out to us on Instagram](www.instagram.com/blablalanguage) !**
**👉 Some guidelines for a delightful experience:**
\- 🍺🥤 You are asked to order a dr(…)
Boardgame & BubbleTea 😊
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Hangout
Hangout has bubble tea and boardgames — easy happy therapy! The perfect way to get over hump day!
Come and have fun together!
**Game pass Cost:**
Usually 5$+ tax, however for the moment, Wednesdays are free
**Parking**
Street parking
Support Meetup groups by donating to cover cost, click [here](https://square.link/u/Kf0tZw3O).(…)
DOCU-DEBAT “De l’assiette à l’océan”
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Alliance Française Ottawa
En janvier, l’Alliance Française Ottawa continue de sensibiliser aux enjeux environnementaux à travers la projection du documentaire “De l’assiette à l’océan” présenté par Blutopia.
Monim Benaissa, professeur de droit à la Faculté de droit de l’Université d’Ottawa, spécialisé en droit de l’environnement, sera également présent.
Nous vous invitons à cette projection suivie d’un débat : Peut-on co(…)
Venez de nouveau bavarder en français au Centre National des Arts
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: National Arts Centre
On recommence à se rencontrer en personne le vendredi!
Nous sommes un groupe de personnes francophones qui se réunissent en personne chaque semaine pour parler français et sommes ravis d’accueillir parmi nous de nouvelles et nouveaux francophiles ou francophones qui désirent pratiquer la langue de Molière. Ne soyez pas timide! Venez nous rejoindre pour profiter d’une belle fin d’après-midi dans u(…)
Visit to the National Gallery
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: National Gallery of Canada
Join us for a free adventure to the National Gallery of Canada to admire the art! Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 5:45 to 8:00 PM. We will start our visit at 6:00 PM so please make sure to be there on time.
This is a great opportunity to meet other artists and folks who appreciate art; our goal is to create a space where people can make new friends and build a community while having a good time l(…)
Friday night dinner at Fiest & Tequila
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: undefined
Come meet new and old friends at Fiest & Tequila on a Friday night. Tell us how was you week, get wasted and/or eat way too much.(…)
Activité extracurriculaire : Soundtrack for a coup d’état
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Bytowne Cinema
Explorant les activités de diplomatie culturelle liées aux préparations de l’assassinat de Patrice Lumumba en 1961, ce documentaire est considéré une “superbe étude sur la façon dont le jazz a été pris en étau entre la guerre froide et la CIA” par le Guardian.
Réalisée par un citoyen d’un pays membre de la Francophonie à propos d’événements culturels, politiques et criminels dans un autre pays mem(…)
Venez bavarder en français au Centre National des Arts
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: National Arts Centre
Nous nous rencontrons chaque vendredi au Centre national des arts, tout en organisant parallèlement des réunions sur Zoom une fois toutes les deux semaines. Alors venez nous rejoindre pour profiter d’une belle fin d’après-midi dans un lieu agréable au centre-ville d’Ottawa.
Nous vous attendons avec grand plaisir!
PS : Notre rencontre a lieu au rez-de-chaussée de la grande salle située au fond en(…)
Art in the Park (indoors)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: 700 Sussex Dr.
Join us for fun indoor art games and activities near CF Rideau Centre from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM!
This is a laid-back drawing space where we aim to have fun and enjoy making art. No previous artistic experience is required – the goal here is to learn a little, laugh a lot, and make some new art-minded friends along the way!
Please make sure to bring your own drawing supplies (ex. sketchbook / paper(…)
Board Game Night – Terra Mystica & Age of Innovation
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: 832 Stanstead Rd
We’re a group of board game enthusiasts gathering to play in-person Terra Mystica. This event is intended for people who have some past experience with Terra Mystica – people who already know the rules and are able to jump right into a game.
If you’re brand new to the game, we are more than happy to teach you the rules at one of our *Learn to Play* events which we hold on a monthly basis.(…)
Java meets AI: Build LLM-Powered Apps with LangChain4j
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: IBM
***We want to thank [JetBrains](https://www.jetbrains.com/) for supporting us by offering a free 1-year subscription to any of their IDEs to one lucky attendee at this event.***
***We also extend our gratitude to IBM Canada for hosting this event and supplying the food. To help cover the cost of food, but more importantly so security can have your visitor badge processed ahead of the event, pleas(…)
Open Discussion
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: The Royal Oak – Bank at Gloucester
Hey everyone, let’s keep these discussions going; whether we go back to topics untouched previously or open up to new ones. We’ll be in the back private room (“Roxy Room”) of the Royal Oak under a reservation for “Stephen”.
The hope for these meetings is to cultivate a space where there can be free dialogue and a mutual sharpening of our sense-making frameworks, all the while building community. T(…)
Cena al restaurante Aroma Meze
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Aroma Meze
Si les gusta la comida mediteranea o mariscos les invito a cenar de hoy en ocho (viernes el 26) en este restaurante que se especializaen comida libanesa y griega. Se puede ver el menu completo al sitio de web:
**https://www.aromameze.com/**
Les esperamos el proximo viernes a las 6:30. Buen provecho!(…)
Join us for skating followed by $10 burgers / $5 beers at the Waverley
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: The Waverley
This is a two part event.
1\. Skating at Ottawa City Hall\, 110 Laurier Avenue West between 6 and 7 PM:
https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/rink-dreams
2\. Burgers \($10\.95\)/beer\($5\) at the Waverley at 339 Elgin St from 7 PM onwards\.(…)
Root (and maybe Dune Imperium: Uprising) learn and play
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Hangout
Learn and play Root(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
One of the best ways to meet new people at social events in Ottawa is by choosing a common theme or interest. If you like movies, why not go see a screening with people who also like movies! Then you already have something to talk about. Or if you’re into coffee or beer, a Coffee and Beer Garden Meet and Greet could be perfect for you. And keep in mind that smaller group settings can be less intimidating and easier to start conversations in.
Another thing that might worry you is introductions. Some people aren’t as keen on introducing themselves and others worry or get nervous about it. Why not level the playing field and go to an event where everyone is expected to introduce themselves and talk? It could be a networking event, an acting class, a singles event, or a book club. Not only are people looking to introduce themselves at these events but they’re also there to make friends.
Our final tip is on the age of the people you are going to meet. If you have your heart set on meeting people close to your own age, then research events so that you can find your chosen demographic. At the same time, we want to encourage you not to limit yourself. An age gap doesn’t necessarily mean a disconnect and the great thing about different age groups is that they can learn from each other!
You can find even more events in Ottawa on Ottawatourism.ca, Todocanada.ca, or Allevents.in.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa Small Business Networking Event
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Conspiracy Theory Brewing Company
Come join us at the Ottawa Small Business Networking Event to connect and collaborate with small business owners in the Ottawa area.
SOLÉ ROLLER JAM x REWIND AFTER PARTY
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Skate & Play
Ottawa’s premiere DAY PARTY meets the legendary THROWBACK PARTAAY. Get ready to glide and slide at the SOLÉ ROLLER JAM & REWIND AFTER PARTY!
ThaiThingal Thiruvizha – OTS 2025 Member Tickets- Jan 25 – St. Paul HS
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: St. Paul High School Draper Ave
Ticket options for members for the ThaiThingal Thiruvizha
*SOLD OUT* Fit & Active Empty Nesters ⏰Speed Dating Ottawa |Age 40+ by LC
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Summerhays Grill
Get ready to meet other singles and potentially find a spark in our fast-paced Speed Dating event! Theme: Gracious New Beginnings Seekers
NonMember ThaiThingal Thiruvizha OTS 2025 Tickets – Jan 25th-St. Paul HS
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: St. Paul High School Draper Ave
ThaiThingal Thiruvizha – This link for Non-member ticket purchases.
OTTAWA ELITE BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER x SOLÉ ROLLER JAM x REWIND AFTER PARTY
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Skate & Play
Please join us in our fundraising efforts for Ottawa Elite’s U-12/13 Basketball Program, at the SOLÉ ROLLER JAM & REWIND AFTER PARTY
WIE Wine & Cheese 2025
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature
IEEE WIE is back for year 16 connecting pros and students!/IEEE WIE est de retour pour sa 16e année réunissant professionnels et étudiants!
Real Estate Investing Masterclass (Ottawa, ON) [012225]
![Real Estate Investing Masterclass (Ottawa, ON) [012225]](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F937524243%2F1072661655533%2F1%2Foriginal.20250116-173707?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&w=400&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&fp-x=5e-05&fp-y=5e-05&s=cce2e4d1f84629bd80ffc5ff48893b89)
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Brookstreet Hotel
Get started with real estate investing with Alfonso Cuadra at our Real Estate Masterclass. Introductory price: $25 (a $387 value)!
Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin CD Release Party
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Brass Monkey
Come celebrate the release of Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin’s new CD with us – it’s gonna be a wicked good time!
17th Annual Ottawa Conference
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: 55 Colonel By Dr
The 17th Annual Ottawa Conference: State of the Art Clinical Approaches to Smoking Cessation will be held on January 24 and 25, 2025.
Ray MacDonald Memorial Hockey Game – CMP Ottawa 2025
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Tom Brown Arena
The 2025 Ray MacDonald Memorial Hockey Game will be played on Tuesday January 21st, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Tom Brown Arena
2025 Sport for Life Summit
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Hilton Lac-Leamy
Select “Get Tickets”. Please scroll down the full list of options.
DiscoLab: January 2025!
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Beyond the Pale Brewing Company
DiscoLab is back for the first boogie down of 2025 at Beyond The Pale to bring some heat & the kill the winter chill!
White Rabbit w/ NATHAN BARATO in City At Night
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: City At Night
#HoppyHour 9pm to 10pm = $4 drinks.
WorkSpace Safety 201 Workshop
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Ottawa Tool Library
This course is for anyone who wants to use the following tools in our WorkSpace: router, planer, jointer, and table saw.
Exceed B2B Growth on LinkedIn
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: 1390 Prince of Wales Dr
Boost your B2B growth with LinkedIn strategies. Build your personal brand, grow connections, and generate leads—light breakfast included.
UOTTAWA AU CNA – Joyce Wong, flûte et Ashley Carpenter, soprano
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: The Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre
Une série de 3 concerts met en vedette des étudiants de l’École de musique de l’Université d’Ottawa qui se sont démarqués pendant l’année
45 Plus Ottawa and Kanata Foodies and Travel Enthusiasts | Slow Dating
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Mandarin Restaurant
Expand friendships of meet a new significant other through slow dating. This is our featured event for singles.
DIY Palentine’s BFF Pins with Soft But Sturdy Beadwork
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: 18 Louisa St
Learn how to make your own BFF Pin Set with Soft But Sturdy Beadwork in this 4-hour hands-on Beadwork 101 workshop at The Grove!
Chisel and Blade Sharpening Workshop
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Ottawa Tool Library
Do your chisels and planes need a good sharpening? Then this is the workshop for you.
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
InterNations Ottawa Midwinter Social: Byward Taproom
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 28th
◦ Where: Beyond the Pale Byward Taproom
Our 2nd Official Event of 2025!
By popular demand, we’ll be meeting again at the beautiful new Beyond the Pale Byward Taproom, in the lovely Clarendon pedestrian court just a block west of the ByWard Market. Come, mingle with your fellow expatriates and global minds, and enjoy a refreshment and a bite to eat. As the evening progresses I’ll be using all the $5 fees I collect to buy sharing plates