Great Fall Family Fun Events

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Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
When:
Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2017
Where:
La Baie Park, Gatineau, Que.
What: Enjoy tons of fantastic activities for families at the parc de la Baie site! Hop into the zone with five inflatable play structures, sample the universe of the Gatineau Playground Festival, and visit the Repti-Zone, where you’ll find snakes, lizards, scorpions, tarantulas, turtles, frogs … even an alligator! Kids and adults can test their balance on a climbing wall or on slacklines. With free face painting and much more.
Website: www.montgolfieresgatineau.com

Perth Fair
When: Sept. 1-4, 2017
Where:
Perth, Ont.
What: The Perth & District Agricultural Society is honoring the 150th anniversary of Confederation with an O Canada theme at this year’s fair. Walk through the Homecraft Building on your visit to Perth Fair this year and admire the handiwork of exhibitors showing their Canadian pride and craftsmanship through handicrafts, quilting and sewing, bottled and baked goods, photography, floral arrangements and more! Take in many livestock shows throughout the weekend, including the dairy, beef, goat and horse shows. And enjoy all the classic fair favourites: grandstand entertainment, thrilling midway and of course, the delicious food.
Website: www.perthfair.com

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Russell Fair
When: Sept. 7-10, 2017
Where:
Russell, Ont., southeast of Ottawa
What: In in the pleasant rural village of Russell, the tradition of agricultural and homecraft exhibits is complemented by the Robertson Amusements midway, truck and tractor pulls, a demolition derby and daily live entertainment for young and the young at heart. Just minutes off the 417, east of Ottawa. Check the website for updates and schedules.
Website: russellfair.com

Ta Da! Festival
When: Sept. 8-10, 2017
Where:
The Centre Wakefield La Pêche, Wakefield, Que. (indoors and outdoors)
What: The fifth annual Ta Da! Festival combines theatre, dance, music and visual community arts. Featuring new playwrights and youth alongside seasoned actors and musicians, the festival displays local talent while welcoming artists from elsewhere in an eclectic, electric celebration of the arts.
Website: http://www.tadafestival.ca/

The Canada Army Run
When:
Sept. 17, 2017
Where:
Downtown Ottawa. See website for course details
What: The Army Run is a great opportunity for Canadian families to say thanks to the men and women who serve them in so many ways. The run has grown to become a weekend of activities and entertainment for the whole family, including military bands, a military equipment display, military history display, pasta dinner served military field-kitchen style, military-inspired Kids’ Zone, and more.
Website: http://armyrun.ca/

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Fall apple picking
When:
Open until Thanksgiving (Oct. 9)
Where:
Mountain Orchards, 10175 Clark Road, Mountain, Ont.  
What: Kids of all ages will enjoy a variety of fall fun activities every weekend until Thanksgiving, including wagon rides, a corn maze, and more. No admission fees (pay only for the delicious products), and free parking.
Website: www.mountainorchards.ca

Ottawa Parent & Child Fall Expo
When: Oct. 28-29, 2017
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave.
What: Gather the kids and head to the family-friendly Nepean Sportsplex (Entrance 3) for a weekend of family fun and information at the fall Ottawa Parent & Child Expo. An exciting family event where your children can play, learn, and explore – and it’s affordable, just $10 for a family of four! Free parking.
Website: www.ParentandChildExpo.ca

Music on a Mission Family Services Ottawa’s Music Trivia Fundraiser 
When: Oct. 27, 2017, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where:
Tudor Hall, 3750 North Bowesville Rd. (near Riverside & Uplands)
What: This fun-filled music trivia night challenges attendees to name artists, songs, movies, jingles, and television shows from every musical genre in a series of 10 exciting rounds. Play for fun, or play to win! Includes a pizza dinner, spectacular silent auction – with items and trips donated from around the world – magnificent bake sale, raffle, prizes, and more!
Website: musiconamission.ca

Courtesy of Yaki

Yaki’s Halloween Spooktacular Concert
When:
Oct. 28, 2017, 1 p.m.
Where:
Centrepointe Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Dr. (Centrepointe Studio Theatre)
What: Beloved Ottawa children’s entertainer Yaki brings his tricks and treats to the Centrepointe Studio stage in a spooky celebration of sing-alongs that will have audiences cackling all afternoon, to terrifyingly-terrific tunes for kids under 10 years. Children are encouraged to dress up for this performance.
Website: centrepointetheatres.com

Pumpkinferno Returns
When:
Open select evenings from late September through October
Where:
Upper Canada Village, on County Road 2, 11 kilometres east of Morrisburg and 29 kilometres west of Cornwall.
What: The award-winning Pumpkinferno returns, featuring a selection of specially designed Canada 150-themed pumpkin-carved displays. Tour this spectacular outdoor art exhibit of 7,000 handcrafted pumpkins all lit at night, along a kilometre-long path.
Website: www.uppercanadavillage.com

2017 Children’s Storytelling Festival
When:
Nov. 4, 2017, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where:
Nepean Centrepointe Library, 101 Centrepointe Dr.
What: A day of storytelling magic that kids won’t want to miss! Professional Ottawa Storytellers tellers will be joined by young tellers to present stories throughout the day. Free event; however, registration is required to participate in the storytelling workshops. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Arrive ready to listen and have fun!
Website: www.ottawastorytellers.ca

The Nutcracker
When:
Dec. 13, 2017, 7 p.m., Dec. 14, 2017, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where:
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Orléans
What: Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s traditional treasure The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition is a beloved favourite that brings magic to the holidays. Audiences are taken on Klara’s familiar, magical dream journey as she arrives in Canada and experiences winter landscapes filled with snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties, and creatures of the woods. This spectacular family event will warm the hearts of young and old alike.
Website: shenkmanarts.ca