8 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa

I can’t believe that we are already in the middle of August! Let’s make the most of the last weeks of summer! Here is a list of events for this weekend in the capital region.

1. Capital Pride

This event celebrates inclusion and diversity, and the 2SLGTBQ+ community. The main event is the colourful Pride Parade on August 28, but the activities start on Aug 21 with a Family Picnic in Hintonburg Park from 2pm to 5pm. Address: 1064 Wellington Street West.

More info: capitalpride.ca

2. Grands Feux du Casino Lac Leamy

This is an international competition of fireworks, and the grand finale is Saturday Aug 20 at 9:15pm. It takes place on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History, where people can watch the fireworks launched from a boat on the Ottawa river. There is also food and entertainment on the site. PAID. The fireworks are also visible from Major’s Hill Park.

Check out: feux.qc.ca

3. The Capital Fair

This is a huge fair with many attractions like animal shows, midway rides, Highland games (a Celtic tradition that involves pipe bands, heavy-duty athletics and Highland dance competitions), educational demonstrations, and the Demolition Derby. PAID. Where: 4837 Albion Road (Rideau Carleton Raceway). When: From Aug 12 to 21.

Check this out: capitalfair.ca

4. Cinema Pop Up Summer Series

Enjoy watching a free outdoor movie! August 19. Movie: “Sister Act” At Churchill Community Centre, 8pm. FREE.

Check out: capitalpopupcinema.com

5. Vieux Aylmer Festival

This festival is back for its 8th edition. The main street at Aylmer is closed to vehicular traffic. There will be 40 vendors, motocross performances, tasting of local products, entertainment for kids, evening shows by musical groups. Starts August 20 at 10am and closes Aug 21 at 3pm. FREE.

Details here: apica.ca

6. Ottawa Street Fashion. If you like to dress up and want to pretend to be a model then this festival is for you! There will be photographers and videographers for spontaneous street photoshoots. There will also be a catwalk that anyone can do if you get there an hour earlier and get a ticket. The festival starts at 3pm on Saturday August 20 at William Street in Byward Market. FREE.

Details: https:///e/ottawa-street-fashion-2-tickets-377465057147

7. House of Paint

This is an annual outdoor hip hop festival that goes from Aug 19 to 21. The main event is on Saturday August 20 when a dance competition will take place between 11am and 11pm. Where: At Dumbar Bridge-Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way. FREE/by donation.

Details here: houseofpaint.ca

8. Afrobeat Music Festival

This will be the first afrobeat festival in Ottawa, with the aim of highlighting African music. Where: At Ottawa Titans stadium, 300 Coventry Road. August 20 at 1pm. PAID.

Check out: www.afrobeatmusicfestival.ca