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
Franco-Anglo. 6 language partners, half the time in each language
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: The Royal Oak – Kent at Slater
FRANCO-ANGLO is a language exchange activity in pairs that enables fluent English speakers and fluent French speakers to meet to perfect second language skills. It is not a course: it is a social event. Each session lasts 15 minutes, half the time in French, half in English. You meet six different people in two hours. You can think of it as a sort of speed-dating for language learners… You’ll im(…)
Boardgame & BubbleTea 😊
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ 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).(…)
Cozy Games Night with a View!
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: TBD | Central Ottawa
**Cozy Games Night with a View!**
Looking for a relaxed evening filled with laughter, games, and great company—all set against the charming backdrop of Little Italy? Join us for a delightful night of fun and connection!
🎲 **What to Expect**
* Bring your favorite board games or card games, or dive into our selection.
* A cozy, welcoming space to unwind with friends—old and new.
* A variety of del(…)
Venez de nouveau bavarder en français au Centre National des Arts
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: National Arts Centre
On se rencontre maintenant en personne chaque vendredi!
À la demande générale, nous allons nous rencontrer maintenant chaque vendredi au Centre national des arts, tout en continuant parallèlement les réunions sur Zoom chaque 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!
(…)
Should education bring cultivation? What is that?
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: The Royal Oak – Bank at Gloucester
***Note:*** ***Do order a drink, tea, coffee or food when attending this event in support of Royal Oak for letting us use the Roxy Room. Plan on arriving at 6:45pm to order your drinks/food so that we can start the event at 7pm with minimum interruption. Thank you.***
***Please do not show up without a rsvp or if you are not a member of Socrates Cafe.***
Last session, Marlon asked us about purpos(…)
Make Friends & BlaBla Language Exchange Ottawa
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ 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(…)
Saturday Mixed Board Games – Hobbiesville
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Hobbiesville
We’ll be playing a mix of games throughout the afternoon, so come on out to Hobbiesville and meet some fellow table top game enthusiasts! If you’re brand new to board games, we’re more than happy to find you a table and teach you the rules.
We’ll have a mix of games on hand for people to choose from – but if you have a favorite game, feel bring to bring it!
**No experience is required.**
*Please(…)
Table Games Night/Noche de Juegos de Mesa (Español • English)
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Hangout
Join us for a lively table game night, where fun meets language learning! Attendees can practice their Spanish or English while enjoying games like Scrabble, Scattergories, or Tabú. You’re welcome to bring your own favorite games (in either language) or choose from the many available English games on-site. Refreshments and light snacks will be available, making it the perfect setting for laughter,(…)
Cena en el Colonnade Pizza (280 Metcalfe, esquina de la calle Gilmor)
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Collonade Pizza
Disfrutamos de una noche de conversacion estimulante (claro…unicamente en espanol), unas pizzas y tal vez una copitas de vino.
Una contribucíon de $ 2 sería agradecida por mantener el sitio de web.(…)
Social Bingo Night and Bubble Tea!
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Xing Fu Tang
Join us for an unforgettable night where you’ll meet locals, engage in lively icebreakers, and enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere. Whether you’re new to the city or just looking to expand your social circle, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and create lasting friendships.
**Get your tickets today!**
[https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tommehra/1487110](https(…)
OSG Year in review
◦ When: Monday, Dec 16th
◦ Where: 832 Stanstead Rd
This event is to celebrate the year we had.
We will be playing all of games we have learned throughout the year.
When signing up please specify which games you would like to play from the list below. You must already know the rules of the game you would like to play this evening. We will not be teaching tonight.
Terra Mystica
Age of Innovation
Orléans
Dune Imperium
Brass: Birmingham
Ultimate Ra(…)
Podcasting 101
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: UBER FLIX STUDIO
Have you ever dreamed of sharing your voice, stories, or expertise with the world? Podcasting is one of the most powerful ways to connect with an audience, build a personal brand, or even launch a new career!
Join us for **Podcasting 101**, a hands-on workshop designed for beginners who want to learn the essentials of starting their own podcast. Whether you’re looking to start a passion project o(…)
Winter Solstice Celebration, Dinner and Tarot
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Tennessy Willems Wood Oven Pizza
Let’s honour the winter solstice and kick off Yule!
We will meet at 4:15pm (location tbd, but likely in hintonburg) to watch the sunset on the shortest day of the year and share the excitement for the expected return of light in the days/ months following.
We will then head to Tenessy Williams for a delicious dinner and afterto a cafe for dessert/tea and Tarot practice.
Please bring your tarot de(…)
Yoga at the Jack Purcell Community Centre, then Social
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ 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(…)
Ice Skating at the Rink of Dreams
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Rink of Dreams in front of Ottawa City Hall
Who’s ready to hit the ice? Let’s meet up at the Rink of Dreams in front of City Hall for some ice skating. ⛸️❄️ Parking is available at City Hall for just $2. Skate rentals are $20 for 1.5 hours. Remember to bring a helmet if you need it!(…)
Santa Bar Crawl 2024
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Blue Cactus Bar
Get ready to jingle and mingle at Ottawa’s most festive night out! 🎅 Join us for the **Santa Crawl** in ByWard Market, where holiday cheer meets nightlife fun. Hop between the Market’s top bars and pubs with an energetic crowd of fellow festive revelers. Meet new people, enjoy seasonal drinks, and make unforgettable memories as we celebrate the holiday season in style. Don’t miss out—let’s make t(…)
Atelier de français; Niveau avancé /Advanced French workshop
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Starbucks Cafe
Atelier de français; Niveau avancé /Advanced French workshop
This workshop focuses on advanced French conversations based on short French texts carefully selected by the workshop leader. Participants will, for example, comment on situations, give their opinion on a specific problem, and discuss various topics. These subjects are carefully chosen by the workshop leader to encourage exchanges withi(…)
☕️🎄 Coffee & Chitchat: Holiday Traditions & Memories 🎁❄️
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Cafe Latte Cino
Join us for a cozy evening of holiday cheer as we gather to share our favorite **holiday traditions** and cherished memories! 🌟 Whether it’s a special family ritual, a funny holiday story, or a delicious recipe passed down through generations, this is the perfect space to swap stories and get inspired for the season. 🎅🍪
📅 **Date**: December 18, 2024
🕘 **Time**: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 **Locatio(…)
Noche de Juegos de Mesa
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Hangout
¡Únase a nosotros para una animada noche de juegos de mesa, donde la diversión se encuentra con el aprendizaje de idiomas! Los asistentes pueden practicar su español mientras disfrutan de juegos como Scrabble, Scattergories o Tabú. Le invitamos a traer sus propios juegos de mesa favoritos o elegir entre los muchos juegos disponibles en el lugar. Habrá refrescos y bocadillos ligeros disponibles, lo(…)
Meditation Service
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: 227 Elgin St
Hello,
Welcome! Below you’ll find information about this meditation service. If you have any questions, please send us a message.
In Divine Friendship
**BRIEF INTRODUCTION:**
* Our meditation circle follows the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the prominent spiritual figures in the twentieth century and the pioneering father of Yoga in the West.
* Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self-R(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Ottawa, you can try out Ottawatourism.ca, Todocanada.ca, or Allevents.in.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Ottawa, Canada
Gatineau : Gestion des émotions, communication consciente et lâcher-prise
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Aydelu
Gatineau : Gestion des émotions / Communication consciente / Lâcher-prise – Réservez cette nouvelle conférence en prévente à 29$ + tx
Miracle on Bank Street 6
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Mayfair Theatre
Get into the festive spirit with an evening of live music at Ottawa’s historic Mayfair Theatre.
Art Battle Ottawa: Holiday Allstars! – December 19, 2024
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Overflow Brewing Company
Last AB Ottawa of the Year! Join us and be part of the magic!
Comedy at Kichesippi 4
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Kichesippi Beer Co
Comedy at Kichesippi returns! Dec 19th come out for this loaded lineup of standup! Tickets are just 10$
Фільм «Буча» | Film “Bucha” | OTTAWA
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Mayfair Theatre
BUCHA is a feature drama based on real events in Bucha, Vorzel, and Hostomel during Russia’s February-March 2022 occupation.
HOLIDAY CHARITY GALA DINNER for CHEO
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Saint Elias Banquet Centre
Join us for a fancy dinner to support CHEO and help make a difference in the lives of children!
Christmas Concert
◦ When: Sunday, Dec 22nd
◦ Where: 1000 Byron Ave
Get ready to jingle all the way at our Christmas Concert – a festive night of music, cheer, and holiday spirit!
Yalda Night Party
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Persis Grill- Bells corner
Celebrate Yalda Night at Persis Grill with delicious foods, dance, Live DJ, cultural dance performances, live music
Ottawa Social Enterprise Meetup (Holiday Edition!)
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Beyond the Pale
Make merry and celebrate in style with colleagues and other social enterprise practitioners and supporters.
HOLIDAY HEADBANGER: w/ Passenger Princess + Casual Tragedies + more
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: House of TARG
PASSENGER PRINCESS (Ottawa Punk) + CASUAL TRAGEDIES (Ott Alt/Grunge) + RUMINATION YEAR (Ott Queer Punk) + LAZY BRATZ (Ott Punk)
Solstice Chill – Homo Phono Listening Party & Games Night
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: The Grove | Visual Studio | Ottawa
Solstice Chill – Listening party & games night!
WorkSpace Safety 201 Workshop
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ 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.
Make a Viking Knit Bracelet
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Ottawa Tool Library
Still need a unique present for yourself or someone else? Why not some jewellery?
Culture & Connections
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Drip House
Come grab a drink, socialize and make new friends at Culture & Connections on December 20th (25+ event)
Writers’ Salon
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: 78 Hinton Ave N
The Writers’ Salon offers a space for writers to connect, share and build community.
Mööse Knuckle Boylesque: Jingle Balls
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: LIVE! on Elgin
Holiday edition of Ottawa’s brand new all-male-identified burlesque revue. Titillation and hilarity guaranteed.
Drywall Repair Workshop
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: 1545 Chatelain Ave
Learn how to patch up those pesky holes in your walls like a pro at our hands-on Drywall Repair Workshop!
Perspective Drawing Demo
◦ When: Monday, Dec 16th
◦ Where: Wallack’s Art Supplies and Framing
Learn the basics of perspective drawing and bring depth to your art! Perfect for beginners! #PerspectiveDrawing #ArtWorkshop
CUSTOM TOTES & COCKTAILS | *CHRISTMAS EDITION*
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Drip House
Tis’ the season! Join us for a Christmas themed paint night of crafting custom totes while sipping on delicious cocktails!
Paint Your Own Ornament Holiday Sip N’ Paint
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Charlotte
Bring your friends and join us at Charlotte for a festive, cozy evening of sipping on drinks while painting your own holiday ornaments ✨
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
InterNations Ottawa December Social: Byward Taproom
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Beyond the Pale Byward Taproom
Join us for our final Official Event of 2024 at the beautiful new Beyond the Pale Byward Taproom, in the lovely Clarendon pedestrian court just a block west of the ByWard Market. You may have heard it described on the CTV news as a “super-sexy space with landmark appeal”, and I wouldn’t dispute that! Come, mingle with your fellow expatriates and global minds, and enjoy a refreshment and a bite to