Things to do in Ottawa this week: October 25–31

This is a week of sharp weather contrasts — Sunday breaks clear and mild, Monday soaks everything, then a patchy Tuesday-through-Thursday drag before Friday steadies you out. Plan accordingly, and the capital's compact calendar rewards flexibility.

Start Sunday while the fog lifts and temperatures climb to 16 degrees. Allison Russell, a Canadian folk and country artist, brings her songwriting to the National Arts Centre at 8:00 p.m. with AHI; this is the marquee draw of the week, a sold-out-adjacent show that reflects Russell's rising profile in the singer-songwriter world. If folk and acoustic storytelling are your lane, Sunday evening is your night. Before or after, grab dinner at Meet Noodle 又见壹面 in the Market — the minimalist Asian spot serves fast, clean bowls that won't slow you down between home and the NAC.

If you're more rock-inclined, Styx plays Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. — a short drive across the river (~4 km) for the Chicago progressive rock veterans. Same night, same start time, so you'll have to choose. The 67s host Kingston at The Arena at TD Place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, a lower-key but solid OHL matchup if you want the weekend to stay local.

Monday arrives wet and cold, rain at 44 percent and highs barely hitting 10 degrees. Waylon Wyatt, an Arkansas-rooted country and americana artist, plays the Bronson Centre at 7:00 p.m. with Noah James — an indoor, intimate night for the acoustic crowd. Pair it with a sit-down dinner at Bistro Ristoro in Centretown, an Italian spot where you can linger over pasta while the rain hammers outside.

Tuesday and Wednesday clear slightly but stay chilly, 0 to 9 degrees and mostly dry. This is errand-and-patio weather for the hardy — grab coffee in the Glebe or walk Westboro Village without getting soaked. Wednesday evening, Intergalactic Goddesses plays Algonquin Commons Theatre in Nepean (about 9 km out) at 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, El-Funoun brings its Canada tour to the same venue at 6:30 p.m. Both are theatre and performance pieces, worth the short drive if experimental work lands with you.

Friday warms to 14 degrees and stays mostly dry — a legitimate soft-landing day before Halloween. Big Wreck, the Canadian rock band formed by Ian Thornley and Brian Doherty, plays the Hard Rock Cafe at 7:00 p.m. This is the week's second major draw for rock audiences: Big Wreck carries real weight in the Canadian guitar world, and a Friday night show in a proper venue (not a festival slot) deserves your attention. The Brantford Bulldogs visit the 67s at The Arena at TD Place at 7:00 p.m. the same night — another choice.

Saturday sits overcast and cool, 5 to 13 degrees, 10 percent rain. Algonquin Wolves face Centennial Colts in varsity basketball at Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre at 1:00 p.m. — a mild autumn afternoon, good for a casual drive to Nepean if college sports appeal.

If I had one night this week, I'd take Allison Russell on Sunday at the NAC: a Canadian artist in her prime, the NAC at full strength, and clear weather to walk the Hill before or after.