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

More and more events are popping up in Ottawa as we head into the peak of summer! Musical festivals, outdoor movie screenings, sports events, markets. There is a lot to choose from in Ottawa! Have a look at this list!

1. H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest

This event is the largest, one-day volleyball tournament / entertainment festival in the world! Since 1982 it has supported local charities. It offers not only volleyball but also concerts and entertainment all day long. Spectators can watch the matches for free but tickets are required for the concerts.
When: Saturday July 15 from 8am to 7pm.
Where: Mooney’s Bay, 2960 Riverside Drive at Ridgewood Avenue.
Details: hopehelps.com

2. Bluesfest

Last weekend of one of the most popular events of the summer in Ottawa. All ages. Children 9 and under can accompany their parents without cost. Tickets prices vary depending on the day. In the line-up this weekend is Pitbull.
When: July 6-16.
Where: At Lebreton Flats. Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway and Booth Street.
Details and line-up of artist here: ottawabluesfest.ca

3. Salsa at City Hall

Salsa classes at City Hall are back! This popular event will happen every Wednesday at the Rink of Dreams or inside City Hall in case of bad weather. No partner required! All ages. FREE.
When: Starts Wednesday July 12 until August 30. 6-7:15pm Salsa beginners; 7:15-8pm Bachata, Kizomba or Zouk class beginners; 8-11pm Social dancing.
Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W.
Details: on Facebook

4. The World Rugby Pacific Four Series

Canada will take on Australia after an electrifying game against New Zealand last week. USA vs New Zealand as a curtain raiser. Tickets start at $20.
When: Friday July 14 at 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
Details: rugby.ca

5. Capital Pop Up Cinema

Watch your favourite movie under the stars: Singing In The Rain. Bring your folding chair. Pets welcome. FREE.
When: Friday July 14 starting at dusk, around 8:45pm.
Where: Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre, 345 Richmond Road.
Details: capitalpopup.com

6. The Big Bounce Canada

The largest touring inflatable event in the world. It will tour three Canadian cities starting in Ottawa. One ticket, three hours of fun! Special sessions for toddlers, small kids, big kids and only adults. Tickets: $29, $45 and $55. Spectators can enter the event ground without any fees. There will be food vendors and seating areas.
When: July 15-23
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road A. Ottawa.
Details: http://thebigbouncecanada.ca

7. Redblacks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Cheer on Ottawa’s football team in their battle against Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Tickets from $25.
When: Saturday July 15 at 4pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St

8. Lansdowne Summer Arts Showcase 2023

Every Thursday enjoy a free musical spectacle at Lansdowne Park. This Thursday Aylmir Jules & The Pep Tides will hit the stage. Some seating available, you can bring your own chair. At dusk, at around 8:30pm, head to the great lawn to enjoy an outdoor movie screening. This Thursday 13: Uncharted.
When: Thursday July 13 from 6:30pm to 8pm.
Where: Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne
Details: on Facebook

9. Bastille Day

The Embassy of France will celebrate Bastille Day with fireworks. FREE. Friday July 14 at 10pm at Rideau Falls Park, and at Parc Jacques Cartier (Gatineau).

10. Feeling of Free. NAC Summer Programming 2023

THE LIONYLS: a four-piece Rock & Soul band based in Ottawa will jump on a boat and sail the canal to and from Dow’s Lake playing their music that draws on the traditions of rhythm & blues, funk, soul and rock & roll. Saturday July 15 at 4:30pm. FREE.
Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/series/summer-ete-free-gratuit

11. Atletico Ottawa vs Vancouver FC

Cheer on Ottawa’s soccer team against Vancouver FC. Tickets start at $20.
When: Sunday July 16 at 2pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St

12. Shakespeare in the Park

A Company of Fools opened its 2023 season with Hamlet, bigger and better than ever. They will be touring over 40 parks in Ottawa and beyond. Shows start at 7pm and last 90 minutes. Wednesday July 12 at Lynwood Park (Bell Corners), Thursday July 13 at MERA School House (McDonalds Corners); Friday July 14 at Lions Park (Westboro), and Saturday July 15 at New Edinburgh Park (New Edinburgh). Pay what you can. Suggested donation $20. Details: fools ca

13. Latin at Lansdowne

Come for Latin dance lessons and social dancing. FREE. Every Saturday until August 26. Saturday July 8 from 6-11pm. Aberdeen Plaza, Lansdowne.

14. OAG’s Summer Exhibition 2023

Welcome to “83 ‘til infinity” an exhibition about stories and experiences of hip-hop in the Ottawa–Gatineau region. FREE. At the Ottawa Art llery, 10 Daly Avenue.

15. Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments

Experience the thrill of show jumping. July 12-16 at Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd. Tickets from $11.98. Details at eventbrite com

16. Elgin Street Market and free yoga in the park

Elgin Street market on Sundays from July 9 to October 29. FREE. One hour of Yoga in the Park. Classes every Sunday (July 9th to September 3rd) from 10am-11am. Located in Jack Purcell Park (320 Jack Purcell Lane) in Centretown. Bring your own mat.

17. Ottawa Flower Market at Parkdale

Large selections of beautiful flowers from various local growers. Saturday July 15 from 9am to 1pm at Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Avenue.

18. Summer Showcase

Marketplace for local buyers and sellers of handmade goods from the Ottawa Valley. Come and discover all the works of the Ottawa Artisans.
Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 11am to 6pm York St by the Ottawa sign.

19. The Candy Run

This is the funnest 5km in Ottawa! With friends, family, or work colleagues, have fun in all candy zones throughout the course and in the festival area. Run. Eat candy. Repeat. Saturday July 15, beginning in the Dominion Arboretum. Prices depending on age are displayed on the website.

20. Swing on the Hill

Hosted by the Ottawa Swing Dance Society this is the perfect opportunity to show off your dance skills and enjoy interactive swing dance lessons. Saturday July 15, from 10am to 4:30pm at Parliament Hill.

21. Ottawa International Crafts and Book Fair Expo

Participate in a fantastic bilingual gathering of over 50 authors, publishers, artisans, and musicians from the Ottawa region, from across Canada and internationally, including the United States. July 8- 14 at Rideau Centre. July 15-16 at Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park. Festival Hours: 10am-9pm.

22 Meet Zena Edosomwan

Come to meet #8 Zena Edosomwan from Ottawa Blackjacks, at Booster Juice in Billings Bridge. Zena will be signing autographs. This is a free event to raise awareness for an amazing local charity Helping with Furniture. No purchase is needed. Saturday July 15 from 1pm to 3pm. Billings Bridge Shopping Centre, 2269 Riverside Drive.

23. Northern Lights

Learn about Canada’s greatest achievements and key milestones in its history through sound and light. New segments this year. FREE.
When: Starting Friday July 7 from Thursdays to Mondays at 10pm. (during July).
Where: At Parliament Hill.
Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/sound-light-show.html

24. Canada On the March

A long-held tradition is returning to Ottawa this summer. The Canadian Guard’s Band and the Ceremonial Guards will march from Cartier Drill Hall to Parliament Hill to offer a 30 minute concert starting at 10am. This ceremony replaces the Changing of the Guard. FREE.
Everyday from Jun 28 to Aug 25. It starts at Cartier Drill Hall, 1 Cartier Square. Ottawa

25. Relief of the Sentries

Members of the Ceremonial Guard perform daily sentry duties at Rideau Hall. In 2023, the sentries will change every hour from 10am to 5 pm daily from mid-June to late August. Listen for the pipers as they lead the troops down the driveway! FREE. From June 28 to August 25. At Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive.

Upcoming events

26. Faerie Pop-Up Picnic

Picnic as graceful faeries and whimsical creatures enchant and delight with all manner of circus arts including aerial acrobatics. FREE. All ages. Tuesday July 18, 6:30pm-7:30pm at Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road, Sandy Hill. 

27. Live with Sonia Jhas

Hear Sonia Jhas, award-winning mindset and wellness expert, meet fellow community members passionate about wellness, have the opportunity to network and take part in a silent auction. Presented by the Lotus Movement, Ottawa-based nonprofit aimed at changing perceptions about mental health within marginalized communities. When: Wednesday August 9 from 5pm to 8pm at Impact Hub Ottawa, 123 Slater Street #6th floor, Ottawa.

Buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/live-in-person-with-sonia-jhas-a-movement-and-moves-special-event-tickets-669434746347?utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail

If you prefer you can subscribe to the Premium Newsletter to receive this awesome list of events directly to your inbox for just 5.50 CAD a month!