Making memories you’ll never remember
Finally, after a long week filled with assignments, early morning classes, and readings, the weekends has arrived. Although it couldn’t have come a moment sooner you’re still slightly unsure what to do with your weekend in a new city. If you’re interested in what’s hot in Ottawa on the weekend, you’ve come to the right place.
Thursday
It’s Thursday night, the work week is winding down, and you’re gearing up to party. While you may not be willing to venture too far off campus because it’s a school night, there are tons of places to go on campus that have great deals on Thursdays.
Feeling the need to let your inner Mariah Carey shine? Head on over to La Maison (191 Somerset St. E.), which has karaoke nights on Thursdays and $10 pitchers of Canadian. Another excellent on-campus option is 1848, a pub operated by the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa, which has $3 mixed drinks every Thursday. If you’re feeling brave enough to leave campus, stop by Barrymore’s Music Hall (323 Bank St.). Students pay no cover on their weekly 90s Night.
Friday
Rebecca Black didn’t make an obnoxious song about Fridays for no reason. Friday nights are one of the best nights to go out in Ottawa, especially if you’re in a dancing mood. Some hot spots include Mansion (400-A Dalhousie St.), which specializes in R&B and house music. Dress to impress if you’re stopping by this club —they have a strict dress code and aren’t afraid to turn away people who don’t look the part. Tila Tequila (104 Clarence St.) and Ritual (137 Besserer St.) also offer an awesome time for any club-loving student.
If you’re only 18 and can’t go out in Ottawa yet, there’s always Hull where you can party the night away at favourite first-year bars such as Addiction, Le Bop, and Le Volt.
Saturday
If you’re not into the mainstream scene, check out Death Disco at Swizzles (246 Queen St.), Ottawa’s self-proclaimed alternative club on Saturdays. Swizzles is one of a few clubs in Ottawa dedicated to music for the more hard rock inclined. Featuring an alternative scene for fans of Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, and The Cure, Death Disco is just right for those who enjoy punk, heavy metal, and rock.
If you want to keep it low-key on Saturday, the Mercury Lounge (56 ByWard Market Sq.) is the perfect place to go. It features slam poetry every first and third Saturday of the month. Head on over to Absolute Comedy (412 Preston St.) if you want to crack up. Promising lots of laughs, the comedy club offers show tickets and dinner packages that are easy on a student budget.
Sunday
Even though Sundays signal the start of the upcoming work week, there are still tons of places you can go to have fun. Student-friendly pubs are crawling all over campus. Some popular hangouts that promise great food on a student budget include The Royal Oak (161 Laurier Ave. E), La Maison, and Patty Boland’s (101 Clarence St.). If you’re nursing a bad hangover, head on over to Father & Sons (112 Osgoode St.). It has a great greasy-spoon breakfast, which is both affordable and delicious.
If you’re still stuck for something to do on the weekends, or even on a free night during the week, make sure to read the Fulcrum’s Thryllabus, which lists campus and local events every week.
—Sofia Hashi
