Things to do in Ottawa this week: October 4–10

This week tilts wet and cool, with drizzle threading through most days until a clearer Saturday settles in. The real story is who's in town: John Cleese, the Cambridge Footlights legend and Monty Python architect, performs at the National Arts Centre on Friday and the Babs Asper Theatre on Saturday—a rare chance to see one of comedy's foundational figures live. If you've seen Flying Circus, you know what shaped modern absurdist humour. Book early; these are the kind of shows that don't tour Ottawa often.

Before Cleese lands, the week opens strong on Sunday with Modest Mouse at History Ottawa at 7 p.m. The indie rock band formed in Issaquah, Washington, in 1993 and built a devoted cult following around Isaac Brock's restless songwriting and Jeremiah Green's precise drumming. It's the sort of Sunday-night show that rewards staying in the city when the weather is damp.

Danny Bhoy, the Scottish comedian who's logged serious time across the UK, Australia, Canada, and beyond, plays three nights at the Bronson Centre from October 6 to 8. He's a seasoned road act—the kind of performer who knows how to hold a room. If stand-up is your speed midweek, he's a solid bet.

The real jewel for music lovers drops Wednesday when Pat Metheny, the American jazz guitarist and composer, plays Algonquin Commons Theatre at 7 p.m. Metheny is not a name that needs introduction in serious music circles; he's a generational player with a restless approach to the instrument. Wednesday looks overcast and damp—perfect weather to slip into a jazz set. Pair it with dinner at Bistro Ristoro in the Glebe beforehand; Italian cooking and a glass of wine settle the week's rain-soaked start well.

Friday closes the week with Christone Kingfish Ingram at Algonquin Commons at 8 p.m. The blues guitarist and singer from Clarksdale, Mississippi, emerged as a teenager and dropped his debut album, Kingfish, in 2019. Friday carries heavy drizzle in the forecast, so the intimate theatre setting is ideal—no standing in the wet, just blues guitar and serious listening.

Ricky Kej's Celebrating GANDHI through Music plays the Bronson Centre on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. if you want an earlier evening option before Modest Mouse. Sawyer Hill, an Arkansas-born alt and indie rock artist, plays Club Saw on Sunday at 7 p.m.; he built a following through social media after years in bars, and the smaller venue suits his approach.

Beyond the stage, keep an eye on Craig Henry in Nepean. Ottawa Community Housing just closed its largest acquisition in history—503 units from Minto Group—which signals a major shift in how the organization is housing people across the city. It's not a night-out story, but it's the kind of neighbourhood-level change that defines how Ottawa actually works.

If I had one night this week, it's Friday at the NAC for John Cleese: rare, legendary, and a reminder that Ottawa pulls acts other cities only wish for.