Hello ORLÉANS!

Welcome to the 54th edition of Orléans Connect. As always, welcome new subscribers! 👋

While we await winter to kick the final bucket this season (anytime now please and thank you), the hyper-local culture scene is in full swing with weekly trivia nights, live music and events at local breweries - it’s almost as if Orléans has plenty to offer, quietly becoming more self-contained without the need to travel downtown to enjoy plenty of cultural events.

🍳 This week, we published our guide to the Best Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants in Orléans - this list is based on reader polling and feedback as well as our own experiences. If you haven’t tried one of these restaurants for breakfast, you’re missing out!

🌮 Before we get to this week’s news and events, make sure to check out our review of what is commonly referred to one of the best Mexican food restaurants in Orléans in this week’s Food Spot Review.

Don’t forget to check out this week’s poll below ⬇️ - today we’re asking: Which Orléans 📍 neighbourhood do you live in?

Here’s all the events happening in Orléans over the next 7 days…

It’s a beautiful time of year at Petrie Island - especially at sunset!

Here’s our roundup of upcoming events:

  • 🧠 March 26th - Blackburn Community Association is hosting another Discovery Café, from 7-8:30 PM. Dr Christopher Skinner will be returning, this time to tackle the vitally important topic of SLEEP.
    📍190 Glen Park Dr

  • 🎵 March 26th - Boston Pizza After Dark is hosting a 90s and 2000s Music Trivia Night at 8:30 PM. There’ll be pizza, pints and a whole lot of nostalgia!
    📍3884 Innes Rd

  • 🧸 March 27th - 28th - The Slay Society in co-operation with Charlottes Smiles 4 Kids Project are hosting a virtual Flash Auction to raise funds for Charlotte and her mission of making enough gift bags to get into the hands of children currently undergoing cancer treatments across Ontario. Amazing items to be had from the Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, Cookies by Kat, Black Walnut Bakery, Broadhead Brewery, and other Orléans and Ottawa-based businesses.

  • 🎶 March 27th - It’s another Down East Kitchen Party at the Orléans Legion from 5-11 PM. Join for delicious east coast food and live music with Bonita and friends! Singalongs, step dancing and a true kitchen party vibe! Open to everyone.
    📍800 Taylor Creek Dr

  • 🧠 March 27th - Think you’ve got what it takes to be the brainiest in the room? Grab your crew and join for a night of fun, drinks and awesome prizes! Trivia Night is on from 8-10 PM at Taproom260, hosted by Outside the Box Trivia.
    📍260 Centrum Blvd

  • 🎤 March 27th - Karaoke Night at Stray Dog Brewing Company, on from 8 PM - 12 AM. Come as you are, sing what you love, and have a blast! Take your talent out of the shower or car, and bring it to the stage.
    📍501 Lacolle Way, Unit 4

  • 💃 March 27th - Boston Pizza After Dark is hosting a DJ Party with music from the 90s and 2000s, starting at 9 PM.
    📍3884 Innes Rd

  • 🏫 March 28th - Drop-In Free Play Social from 9:30 AM - 12 PM, at des Voyageurs Catholic Elementary School. Please bring indoor footwear and feel free to bring your own play equipment. This event will feature the bicycle coffee cart to keep the parents caffeinated! Organized by the Convent Glen Orléans Wood Community Association.
    📍 6030 Voyageur Dr

  • 📚🪴 March 28th - Henry Larsen School Council is hosting a Used Book and Plant Sale, from 11 AM - 1 PM. Cash and card payment accepted.
    📍1750 Sunview

  • 💪 March 28th - Join as the Cadets of 3018 RCACC take on a Push-Up Challenge. The challenge is to do 3,018 push-ups within 3 hours - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, to help raise funds for supplementary training and activities. Come watch and donate to support your local Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps!
    📍Place d’Orléans (Marks Work Warehouse Entrance)

  • 🤼‍♂️ March 28th - Fast-paced, hard-hitting, and hop-heavy! Remix Wrestling returns to the brewery for Broadhead: Last Resort! Experience the most unique night of professional wrestling in Ottawa, featuring the high-energy atmosphere you’ve come to expect and the best craft beer in Canada. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with a bonus pre-show match starting at 6:45 PM. Seating is limited - grab your tickets now to guarantee your spot!
    📍1680 Vimont Crt, Unit 106

  • 🐰 March 29th - Head over to the Orléans Fruit Farm at 10 AM for Councillor Laura Dudas’ Annual Spring Egg-Stravaganza! an Easter egg hunt, refreshments, special guests and much more!
    📍1399 St Joseph Blvd

  • 🎨 March 29th - Watercolour Workshop (Easter Wreath) for adults, from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at Ace Art Studio. Discover the mesmerizing world of watercolours in this one-time workshop. All materials included in the workshop fee ($40). Just bring yourself and your excitement!
    📍2095 St Joseph Blvd

  • 💗 March 29th - Workshop: Raising Inclusive Children. Come and and learn from Corrine Davison, Equity and Inclusion Educator and retired secondary school teacher. Open to all adults who play a role in the lives of children. Childcare available. Workshop runs from 1:30 - 3:30 PM at Orléans United Church.
    📍1111 Orléans Blvd

  • 🎤 March 29th - Live Music Sunday at Broadhead Brewery, with Silver Lining Band, on from 1:30-5 PM.
    📍1680 Vimont Crt, Unit 106

  • 🦶 March 30th - Free Foot Care Clinic for individuals ages 65+ or adults with physical disabilities, from 9 AM - 4 PM at the Sarsfield Community Centre. For more information and to book an appointment, call 613-741-6025 ext 300, or email [email protected]
    📍3585 Sarsfield Rd, Sarsfield

🗓️ SAVE THE DATES! 🗓️

  • 🐰 Head over to Café Amore for an Easter Cookie Decorating Workshop on Thur, April 2nd, from 6-8 PM. Cost $45, RSVP by March 30th at [email protected].

  • 🐣 Hop Into Spring at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum on Sat, April 4th from 9 AM - 3 PM. Advanced registration required.

  • 🌷 Queenswood Heights Community Association is hosting a Spring Fling from 11 AM - 3 PM at Bob Monette Community Centre.

  • 🍳 Moose McGuire’s is hosting an Easter Brunch Buffet on Sun, April 5th, from 9 AM - 1 PM.

  • 🗓️ The Chatelaine Village Community Association is hosting their General Meeting on Wed, April 8th from 7-9 PM at Roy. G. Hobbs Community Centre to plan upcoming summer events. All members of the community are welcome to attend.

  • 🍷 Atlier l’ABC du vin avec RAFO: Le jeudi 9 avril, à 18h30, participez à un atelier interactif et éducatif accompagné d’une dégustation avec la sommelière Michelle Varin. Coût: $75/membre, $85/non-membre - Inscription en linge.

  • 👗 The Convent Glen Orléans Wood Community Association is hosting a Clothing Swap on Sat, April 11th from 10 AM - 2 PM at Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Centre in Halls A and G.

  • 👠 Drag Bingo Brunch is on at Broadhead Brewery, on Sun, April 12th from 1-4 PM, featuring Queens from Canada’s Drag Race Season 6! Get your tickets now, before they sell out. 🎟️Tickets $30/person. Event is 19+.

  • 🎶 Live Music at Orléans United Church on Sun, April 12th, from 2-4 PM. Rock, country and blues - come and listen to some fantastic Ottawa musicians, and support this OUC fundraiser. 🎟️Tickets $20 per person (available at the door).

Do you have an event you want to see featured here? Let us know!

🗞️ NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT: 🗞️

🌳🌲Remember - the Plant Your Place! Tree Planting Program is back for 2026, and registration is now open for residents in all wards. This program provides free trees to residents. Learn more here.

🍟 Fritomania is open again for the 2026 season!

____________________________________

🗓️ GET ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY: 🗓️

🏃🏿‍♂️‍➡️Orléans ParkRun is looking for volunteers! 🏃🏼‍♀️

Did you know that every Saturday morning, at 9 AM, behind Cairine Wilson High School, volunteers host a free, fun and friendly 5K community event? Orléans Park Run is an event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer and spectate - it’s up to you! This event is supported entirely by volunteers, they are looking for new folks to support: Learn more here.

🎾 Tennis Memberships are still available at the Orléans Tennis and Pickleball Club! 🎾

👟What the Tennis Club offers:

  • Free junior membership when a parent is a member!

  • Young adults (ages 18-25) discount

  • Social events and tournaments throughout the season

  • Weekly organized play, both daytime and evenings

  • Clinics available by certified instructors to sharpen your skills.

  • Located at 1257 Joseph Drouin Ave

This week’s Orléans business spotlight is… 🥁 Lone Star Texas Grill located at 4110 Innes Road.📍

⭐️ Lone Star Texas Grill has been Ontario's original Texas-inspired dining destination for more than 35 years, earning recognition across Canada for its award-winning fajitas. It’s a place where you can indulge in a large menu featuring wood fire grilled fajitas, steaks, ribs, burgers, Tex-Mex classics, and much more. Every dish is crafted with only the freshest ingredients, complemented by house-made signature sauces and freshly baked tortillas that bring each authentic recipe to life. Lone Star Texas Grill brings the big, bold flavours of Texas straight to the table, right here in Orléans.

As always, if you wind up visiting them, make sure to tell them Orléans Connect sent you.

In the fall of 1997, the Stuemer family from the Orléans neighborhood of Fallingbrook departed from Petrie Island on their 40-foot sailboat, named the "Northern Magic." They spent four years sailing completely around the world, returning to Petrie Island in 2001 to a welcoming crowd of thousands. A park on the island is now named Stuemer Park in their honour. 🌊

Many thanks to Patricia P. for submitting Morgan, who has been Patricia’s side kick for over 11 years now. Morgan loves his daily walks and the treats that follow every one. He never lets his owners forget about the treat either!

Submit a photo of your Orléans pet(s) by emailing it to: [email protected]

Last week’s poll results: What’s the best place to have a STEAK 🥩 in Orléans?

  • 🥇- Delicious Steak House- 73%

  • 🥈- Chuck’s Roadhouse- 14%

  • 🥉- Moxies- 7%

  • Lone Star Texas Grill - 3.5%

  • The Bad Alibi- 2%

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