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

How is your summer so far? Despite the copious rains, are you enjoying Ottawa weekends? We have a new weekend with awesome festivals, so there’s something for everybody!

Have a look at this list!

1. Capital Ukrainian Festival

The Ukrainian community will celebrate its culture and heritage with a pub night (paid), an art exhibit (pay what you can) and a marketplace (free) with live music by many Ukraine artists, most of whom are newcomers to Ottawa.
When: Aug 19-20
Where: Lansdowne Park and Ukrainian Banquet and Convention Hall.
Details: capitalukrainianfestival.com

2. Greek Festival

Great food and shows showcasing Greek culture and heritage. There will be live Greek music, traditional dances, the famous Zorba show, the very popular Multicultural Night featuring various dance groups from the Ottawa region, and tours inside their beautiful church. FREE.
When: Aug 18-20
Where: 1315 Prince of Wales Drive.
Details: ottawagreekfest.com

3. Capital Fair

Ten days of fun for the whole family. There will be arm wrestling, cornhole tournament, birds of prey show, blues revue, Caribbean day, kids’ big tent, and a midway. Tickets: $10, $5.
When: Aug 18-27
Where: 4837 Albion Road (Rideau Carleton Raceway)
Details: capitalfair.ca

4. Grand Feux du Casino Lac Leamy

An international competition of fireworks launched from boats on the Ottawa River. PAID. 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 on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:15pm.
When: Aug 2-19.
Where: Canadian Museum of History, Laurier St, Gatineau
Details: feux.qc.ca

5. Capital Pride

Celebrate inclusion and diversity with nine days of popular events such as the Capital Pride Pageant (Aug 19), Family Picnic (Aug 20) the party Nature Nocturne Pride (Aug 25), a street festival (Aug 26) and the big Capital Pride Parade (Aug 27). Free and paid events.
When: Aug 19-27
Where: Various venues.
Details: capitalpride.ca

6. Redblacks vs Montreal Alouettes

Cheer on Ottawa’s football team in their battle against Montreal Alouettes. They will celebrate Pride with the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
When: Saturday Aug 19 at 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

7. Art in Strathcona Park

Come to the park and enjoy an outdoor art exhibition that aims to raise awareness about mental illness. Talented artists and artisans will sell their work including jewelry and pottery. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 19 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Strathcona Park, Sandy Hill
Details: micaontario.com

8. 613 Flea

150 vendors featuring eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, great food and more. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 19 from 10am to 4pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way.
Details: @613flea

9. Capital Pop Up Cinema

Watch your favourite movie under the stars: ‘Enter the Dragon’. Bring your folding chair. Pets welcome. FREE.
When: Friday Aug 19, 8:30pm aprox.
Where: Sparks Street. Block 2 Sparks & O’ Connor.
Details: capitalpopupcinema.com

10. Pride Night Market

Shop from local 2SLGTBQ+ vendors, artists, makers, small business, restaurants, bakeries and more! Saturday Aug 19 from 5pm to 9pm at Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave.

11. The Chef’s Table 2023

This multi-weekend event will once again showcase world-class chefs, great live music, and a table alongside the Rideau Canal, on the terrace of the NAC’s 1 Elgin Restaurant. PAID. August 17-19 at 1 Elgin St, Ottawa.

12. Summer Showcase

Shop from over 70 Ottawa-area artisans’ handmade goods from the Ottawa Valley. Saturday Aug 19 from 11am to 6pm at York Street. Byward Market.

18. Salsa Sundays

Head to Byward Market for Salsa lessons and social dancing every Sunday of August. No partner required. All ages. FREE. Aug 19 at 3pm at George Street Plaza. Details: @ottawamarkets

19. Feeling of Free. NAC Summer Programming 2023

Flamenco en Rouge: Dive into a variety of flamenco styles such as spirited Alegrías, the high-octane Rumba, Moorish-inspired Zambra, featuring colourful Spanish shawls, mantónes, dramatic castañuelas (castagnettes), waving abanicos (fans) and more flamenco percussion. Thursday Aug 17 at 12pm at Atrium O’Brien, 1 Elgin St. FREE.

20. Tomato Fest

Annual Tomato Fest at the Real Canadian Superstore with local vendors, food trucks, face painting and of course the Roma tomatoes! Stop by with the family. Aug 19-20 from 11am to 3pm. At Real Canadian Superstore (Westboro).

21. 5Km Foam Run

A one-of-a-kind obstacle course based fun run. With a variety of obstacles and a ton of foam the run guarantees a blast for all ages. Children 7 and up can run with a registered adult. Children 6 and under can’t run but can enter the kids’ fun zone for free. Spectators have free access to the festival area, vendors, and beer garden. Saturday Aug 19 at Commando Paintball, Navan.

22. Salvadoran Festival of La Pupusa

The Salvadoran community invites the public to the 17th festival of la pupusa, a traditional Salvadoran dish. Food vendors, artisans, musicians. Saturday Aug 19 from 8am to 6pm at Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way.

23. 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.

24. 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.

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.

26. 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 Gallery, 10 Daly Avenue.

27. Zumba on the Hill

Every Sunday from 4pm to 5pm at Parliament Hill. Check out their Facebook page for updates.

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