We have arrived at the first weekend of August and I am starting to feel that summer is slipping away! That was fast!! But let’s not think about that. Let’s just enjoy the present – there is still a lot to enjoy!
Have a look at this list!!
1. Ottawa International Buskerfest
World class performers from around the globe will delight audiences during 4 days with awesome, spectacular music and tricks. There will also be free workshops from 11am to 3:30pm every day of the festival, strolling performers and food vendors. FREE.
When: Aug 4-7
Where: Sparks Street.
Details: ottawabuskerfestival.com
2. Grand Feux du Casino Lac Leamy
An international competition of fireworks launched from boats on the Ottawa River. PAID. Your ticket gives you access to seating, culinary offerings, and multimedia entertainment on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History. People on the other side of the river can also enjoy the spectacle for free from Major’s Hill Park and other locations.
When: Aug 2-19, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Fireworks start at 9:15pm.
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St, Gatineau
Details: http://feux.qc.ca
3. Capital Ribfest
Enjoy tasty ribs, delicious BBQ and poutine in this family friendly event. There will live entertainment (Latino band UNO will play on Saturday at 3pm), vendors selling clothing, ribfest swag, pop up retailers, and street performers! FREE.
When: Aug 4-7
Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W.
Details: On Facebook
4. Salsa Sundays
Head to Byward Market for Salsa lessons and social dancing every Sunday of August. No partner required. All ages. FREE.
When: Aug 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 3pm
Where: George Street Plaza.
Details: @ottawamarkets
5. Capital Pop Up Cinema
Watch your favourite movie under the stars: The Neverending Story. Bring your folding chair. Pets welcome. FREE.
When: Friday Aug 4, 8:30pm aprox.
Where: Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave.
Details: capitalpopupcinema.com
6. Ottawa Chamberfest
This is an internationally acclaimed chamber music festival that will celebrate 30 years of growth and evolution. It offers a wide variety of chamber music and concerts in different locations for two weeks.
When: Jul 20 to Aug 3
Where: Various venues
Details: chamberfest.com
7. Atletico Ottawa vs York United FC
Cheer on Ottawa’s professional soccer team against York United FC. Enjoy La Fiesta Night celebrating Latino culture. Tickets from $20.
When: Saturday Aug 5 at 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
Details: @atletiottawa
8. Bachata on the Hill
Join a team of enthusiastic instructors at the grounds of majestic Parliament Hill. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 5 from 12pm to 1pm (lesson), and from 1pm to 4pm (outdoor social dancing).
Where: Parliament Hill.
Details: On Facebook
9. Poolside Vibe Roller Party
Roll and chill at this summer roller party! Poolside themed, with lightshow & chill tunes. There is an All-Ages session from 5pm to 7:30pm and an Adult only event running from 8:30 to 11pm. Tickets: $17.31 and $27.96. Saturday Aug 5 at the Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way.
10. Open Doors Rideau Hall
Visitors can visit the State rooms and tour Rideau Hall. FREE. August 5 to 7 and September 2 to 4, from 10am to 4pm. Address: 1 Sussex Drive.
11. Friendship Day Lego Heart Box
Kids and family can create their own heart-shaped box out of LEGO. FREE. Saturday, Aug 5 & Sunday, Aug 6 from 11am to 2pm. All around Toys R Us stores in the city.
12. Empire State Greys vs Ottawa Titans
Baseball game, family fun day at the ballpark, bouncy castles on site and more. Sunday Aug 6 at 1pm. At Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road.
13. Movie Night @ The Yard
Join us for the FIRST ever Tanger movie night! Enjoy a classic film under the stars with the big screen on a Saturday night. Popcorn and snacks will be available for sale with all proceeds going to CHEO. FREE. Saturday, August 5 from 6pm to 9pm. Tanger Outlets – The Yard, 8555 Campeau Drive, Ottawa.
14. Colonel By Day at Bytown Museum
Celebrate history and heritage at the Bytown Museum during Colonel By Day! Mark your calendars for a day filled with fun, community, and commemoration as we honor the legacy of Lieutenant Colonel John By, the mastermind behind the magnificent Rideau Canal. PAID. Monday, August 7, 2023, 10am to 4pm. Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa.
15. Summer Fun Fest
Over 12 local vendors, BBQ Lunch Popup, bounce house, magic show and more! Music by 100 Radio. FREE. Sunday Aug 6 from 10 am to 2pm at Nepean Woods Park & Ride, Strandherd Drive.
16. Feeling of Free. NAC Summer Programming 2023
Joaquin Diaz. Discover the best of traditional merengue music and Latin soul, presented by master accordionist Joaquin Diaz and his authentic roots band. Wednesday Aug 9 at 12pm at Atrium O’Brien, 1 Elgin St. FREE.
17. 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.
Friday Aug 4 at Patterson Creek (The Glebe), Saturday Aug 5 at Alexander Grove (Stittsville); Monday Aug 7 at Strathcona Park (Sandy Hill).
Pay what you can. Suggested donation $20.
18. City Sounds
Outdoor musical performances in different locations all throughout Ottawa. FREE.
Wednesday Aug 2: Artists: Tristan Guay, Sophie d’Orléans, Wassim Aboutanos, from 6pm to 8pm at St. Charles Market (Beechwood Ave & St Charles St), Vanier.
Thursday, Aug 3: Artists: Danielle Allard, Melissa Lamm, Jasen Colson from 6pm to 8pm at Minto Park, 102 Lewis Street, Centretown.
19. Planet Fitness. Free Gym Passes for Teens
FREE gym passes for teens ages 14 to 19 at both Planet Fitness locations in the city. Sign up online or on site. From now until August 30th.
20. Aquatopia Campfire Nights
Join us around a campfire at Aquatopia on Wednesday nights for an evening of live music, great food, and good company! Tickets: $45 per person, available on Eventbrite. Two time slots every Wednesday until September 20th: 6-8pm and 8-10pm! At Aquatopia Conservatory, 2710 March Rd. Ottawa.
21. Metcalfe Farmers’ Market
Farm fresh produce, baking, furniture, honey, meats, preserves, locally roasted coffee, locally blended loose leaf tea, wood crafts, clothing, takeaway food, jewelry, artisan work, wines, beers, spirits, home décor and so much more. FREE. Every Saturday. 9:00am – 1:00pm. May 13 – October 14. Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
22. Pressure. James Cameron into the abyss
Come explore the Deepsea Challenger and dive into the future of ocean conservation. FREE. Jun 5 to Sept 1, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm. At Alex Trebek Theatre, 50 Sussex Drive.
23. Salsa at City Hall
This popular event takes place every Wednesday on the Rink of Dreams or inside City Hall in case of bad weather. No partner required! All ages. FREE. Wednesdays from July 12 until August 30. 6-7:15pm Salsa beginners; 7:15-8pm Bachata, Kizomba or Zouk class beginners; 8-11pm Social dancing. At City Hall, 110 Laurier St W. Details: on Facebook
24. Lansdowne Summer Arts Showcase 2023
Every Thursday enjoy a free musical spectacle at Lansdowne Park. This Thursday F8-Bit 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 Aug 3: The Super Mario Bros Movie
When: Thursday Aug 3 from 6:30pm to 8pm.
Where: Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne
Details: on Facebook
25. Northern Lights
Learn about Canada’s great achievements and key milestones in its history through sound and light. New segments this year. FREE. From Thursdays to Mondays at 10pm (July); 9:30pm (August); 9pm (September). At Parliament Hill.
26. Latin at Lansdowne
Come for Latin dance lessons and social dancing. FREE. Every Saturday until August 26. From 6pm to 11pm. At Aberdeen Plaza, Lansdowne.
27. 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.
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