The first weekend of June brings us a huge number of awesome events in Ottawa. There is something for everyone! The warm months in the capital are the busiest of the year. Have a look at this list and start planning your weekend!
1. Doors Open Ottawa
The largest architectural and heritage celebration in Ottawa. You can explore a wide range of buildings (museums, churches, embassies, etc) that are usually closed to the public. Book in advance for a free entry ticket to the building of your choice. FREE.
When: Jun 3-4
Where: Various venues
Details: heritageottawa
2. Chinatown Night Market
Immerse yourself in a truly exotic experience in Ottawa. There will be multicultural performances, dragon and lion dances, martial arts, live music and more. FREE
When: Jun 2-4
Where: Chinatown, Sommerset St West between Bronson Ave and Bell St.
Details: ottawachinatown
3. Ottawa Asian Festival Night Market
The popular Asian Fest Night Market will debut this year in the west end. Last year it was at Sparks St. You will find everything here from K-pop dancers to musicians and street foods chefs specializing in the most unique and trendy Asian dishes. FREE entry and parking.
When: Jun 2-4. Fri and Sat from noon to midnight. Sunday, noon to 8pm.
Where: Tanger Outlets, 8555 Campeau Dr, Kanata.
Details: ottawaasianfest
4. Ottawa Ribfest
From ribs, chicken, sauces and more! There will be a ribs competition on Jun 1 and the winners will be announced on Jun 4. FREE entry.
When: May 31 to Jun 4.
Where: Sparks St
Details: sparkslive
5. Dickinson Days
This is a big 40-year-old celebration in Manotick, which marks the beginning of the summer season. It celebrates the birthday of the founder of Manotick for three days. Pancake breakfast, horse wagon rides, parades, BBQ, shows for children, and fireworks. FREE.
When: Jun 2-4
Where: Manotick
Details: manotickvillage
6. Latin American Film Festival
An extraordinary selection of film productions from 17 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Subtitles in English. FREE admission but booking is required.
When: May 30 to Jun 24
Where: Saint Paul University, 110 Hazel St.
Details: ottawafestivals
7. City of Om
The largest health and wellness festival in Ottawa. Two days of over 35 classes of yoga for all levels and all ages. PAID.
When: Jun 2-3
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
Details: cityofom
8. Shop the Village
Head to Westboro for an evening of shopping, entertainment, and delight. Visit the local businesses and enjoy what they have planned for you: hors d’oeuvres, in-store live performances, curated fashion shows and more. FREE. Photo booth at Flowers Talk, live jazz performances at the corner of Eden and Richmond Rd. Jun 1 from 6pm to 9pm. Details at westborovillage
9. Capital Music Awards
The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition will present the 4th Annual Capital Music Awards. This year there will be live performances, backed by a house band led by Brian Asselin of the Commotions. Thursday Jun 1 at 7pm. At Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave. Details on ottawamic
10. Atletico Ottawa vs HFX Wanderers FC
Cheer on Ottawa`s soccer team as it battles against HFX Wanderers FC.Saturday Jun 3 at 7pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
11. Firefighter Day
Come for a day full of fun family activities at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum this Saturday Jun 3 from 11am to 4pm. Water ball, bucket brigade, touch a truck, tug of war, firefighter combat challenge and much more! Food available to purchase. FREE admission. Address: 2940 Old Montreal Road. Cumberland. Details: @ottfireincendie on Instagram.
12. Jagged Little Pill
A new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus. Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, this electrifying production is about a perfectly imperfect American family. From May 30 to Jun 4 at the National Arts Centre. Tickets from $80.
13. Fiesta Cubana
A day to celebrate Cuban culture: salsa bands from Toronto and Montreal, dance workshops, food and cocktails. Tickets $17.31 and $20. Free entrance to children up to 16 years old. Sunday Jun 4 from 12:30pm to 9:30pm. At Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way.
14. Free Full Moon Yoga
Come for an awesome moonlight class. Saturday Jun 3 from 9 pm to 10 pm at the Great Lawn, Lansdowne Park (arrival at 8:30pm). 1015 Bank St.
15. Parkdale Public Market
This iconic market started its 99th season and it`s open daily from May to October. Don`t miss the Parkdale Night Market on Wednesdays. Address: 366 Parkdale Ave.
16. Cumberland Farmers’ Market
Come to the Spring Market this Saturday June 3 from 9 am to 3 pm. Address: 1115 Dunning Road.
17. Celebrate Summer Fair
Fun for the whole family: fair rides from Friday to Sunday, a Friday evening of karaoke, pancake breakfast, magic show, bouncy castles, princesses and superhero characters, and live music to close off the event. Friday Jun 2 from 5-11pm; Saturday 3 from 10am to 10:45pm. Behind the Earl Armstrong Arena, 2020 Ogilvie Road.
18. Zumba on the Hill
Want to dance along with enthusiastic Zumba instructors at the most iconic place in Ottawa? Head to Parliament Hill every Sunday at 4pm. From May to September. FREE
Check out the Facebook account for updates.
19. Enbridge Canoe for kids
A fundraiser event of canoe races. 100% of profits will go to support sending low-income Ottawa kids to camp. Register a team or cheer on the racers for free. There will be refreshments, BBQ and entertainment for the family. Saturday Jun 3 at Mooney’s Bay. Details: @christielakekids on Instagram
20. Street Market x Midday
The Street Market from Toronto and Midday Picnic have joined to bring you a big vintage market with awesome vendors at Saint Laurent Shopping Centre court. FREE entry. Jun 3-4 from 9:30 during mall hours.
21. Father’s Day Market
Free admission, dogs welcome, door prizes. Saturday Jun 3 from 10 am to 3 pm at St Mark’s Church, 1606 Fisher Ave.
22. Hunt Club Cares Garage Sale
Hunt Club neighbors will join this community garage sale on Saturday Jun 3 from 8am to 2pm (rain or shine). The event will raise funds for Ottawa Interval House, a shelter for women, children and pets escaping domestic abuse.
23. Pre-Eid Bazaar
Over 50 vendors, halal food, desserts, face painting, henna, decor, multicultural event. FREE entry and parking. Saturday Jun 3 from 12pm to 8pm at 3020 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean. Details: @my_ottawa_bazaar on Instagram.
24. The Big Give
Woodvale Pentecostal Church will host the annual Big Give where they will give away free furniture and household items, will offer a BBQ, bouncy castles, games and cotton candy for kids. Rain or shine. Everything is free! Saturday Jun 3 from 9 am to 12 pm. At 205 Greenbank Road.
25. Music in the Park
Bring your favourite fold-up chair or picnic blanket and join your neighbours for a free show, Fridays 6:30pm to 8pm featuring a roster of rotating local talent. Snacks and drinks from Art House available for purchase. May 19 until August 25. At Dundonald Park, 516 Somerset St. Details on Facebook.
26. Under the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest
This exhibition features live lizards, snakes, a sloth and more. It opened on May 19 and will be on view until January 7, 2024. Visitors will see a two-toed sloth, reticulated python, New Caledonian giant gecko, and eight other intriguing species in this immersive exhibition. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.
27. Family Fun Weekends
Explore careers, build financial goals, see money’s diversity, or just have a good time with scissors, paper and tape. FREE. Jun 3-4: Jun 10-11. From 10am to 7pm. At the Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank St.
28. Musical Evenings at Casino Lac Leamy
Bar 7 offers musical evenings with a multimedia screen, and live performances from Thursdays to Saturdays at 9:30pm. FREE.
Thursday Jun 1: Latin Fiesta with Andy Rubal.
Where: 1, Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3.
29. Arboretum Hill Club Workout
Join the AHC for a workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Fridays at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Lots of free parking. Meet them at the Arboretum hill summit.
30. Lansdowne Farmers’ Market
Sundays from May 7 until October 29. At Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park. From 9am to 3pm.
31. Carp Market
The largest producer-based Farmers’ Market in Eastern Ontario runs every Saturday from 8am to 1pm until the end of October.
32. Nepean Night Market
Good food, different musicians playing every week, and local amazing vendors! Sundays May 14 to Oct 15 from 5pm to 9pm at Mr. Lube Baseline, 1442 Baseline Road, Nepean.
33. Wolves: Shapeshifters in a changing world
Learn about the evolution of these fascinating animals through videos, museum specimens, cultural stories, and vivid photographs by Canadian photographer Michelle Valberg, a recent recipient of the Order of Canada. Activities for kids. March 3 to March 2024. At the Canadian Museum of Nature
34. Owl Rendez-Vous
Watch live owls in a special outdoor exhibition. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, from Dec 14 to April 3, 2024.
Upcoming Events
Volleyball Nations League
Eight teams (Canada, USA, Brasil, Cuba, Italy, Argentina, Germany and the Netherlands) will offer a spectacle of world-class volleyball during six days. From Jun 6 to 11 at TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
Ottawa Bagelshop Musicfest
Watch free shows by local musicians from Ottawa and Gatineau on Wednesdays and Sundays at The Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli, 1321 Wellington St West. From Jun 7 to August 27 at 2pm.
First Annual Indigenous History & Heritage Gathering
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres (FNCCEC) are hosting this event which will have speakers like Tanya Talaga, Madeleine Redfern and many other Indigenous thought leaders. Jun 5-7 at the Shaw Centre. Details at ihhg
Enjoy!!
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