We have arrived at the last weekend of August, which features the colourful Pride events. Have you ever attended them before? It is an Ottawa tradition that celebrates inclusion and diversity.
Have fun!!
1. Capital Pride Parade
This event is one of the highlights of August. Over 200 groups, more than 10,000 marchers plus this year’s Grand Marshal and Honoured Group who will lead the parade. FREE.
When: Sunday Aug 27 from 1pm to 3:30pm
Where: The parade starts at Elgin St and Somerset St.
Details: capitalpride.ca
2. Capital Fair
Ten days of fun for the whole family. There will be arm wrestling, a 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
3. Northern Lights
Learn about Canada’s greatest achievements and key milestones in its history through sound and light. Last date of the show is Sept 4. FREE.
When: From Thursdays to Mondays at 9:30pm (August); 9pm (September).
Where: At Parliament Hill.
Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/sound-light-show.html
4. Atletico Ottawa vs Forge FC
Cheer on Ottawa’s soccer team against Forge FC in a game for the Canadian Premier League. Tickets from $20.
When: Saturday Aug 26 at 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
5. Capital Pop Up Cinema
Watch your favourite movie under the stars: ‘Pee Wee’s Big Adventure’. Bring your folding chair. Pets welcome. FREE.
When: Friday Aug 25, 8:30pm aprox.
Where: Sparks Street.
Details: capitalpopupcinema.com
6. Bachata on the Hill
Learn how to dance this sensual Latin dance at Parliament Hill grounds. No partner required. FREE
When: Saturday Aug 26 from 12pm to 1pm for a free outdoor class and stay afterwards for some social dancing from1pm to 4pm.
Details: On Facebook.
7. Nostalgia Music Festival
Featuring professional tribute bands of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Beautiful and festive sit-down areas that feature full-service bars and a wide variety of quality food vendors. Tickets: $55-$70.
When: Aug 23-27, 4:30pm-11pm (weekday), 3pm-11pm (weekend).
Where: Lebreton Flats, Ottawa.
Details: nostalgiafestival.ca
8. Capital Pride Street Festival
This event will be bigger than ever before, encompassing 10 city blocks and including local community groups, artisans, and businesses. Extended restaurant and bar patios, food trucks and live street entertainment.
When: Saturday Aug 26 from noon to 8pm.
Where: Bank Street between James St and Slater St.
Details: https://capitalpride.ca/events/capital-pride-street-festival/
9. Ottawa Titans vs Empire State Greys
Baseball game with lots of fun activities for families to enjoy. $7 ticket sale online. Saturday Aug 26 at 6pm. At Ottawa Stadium, located at 300 Coventry Road.
10. National Capital Pride Run
An all ages, all-level event with a 2.5 km walk or a 5 km run option. Since 2016 the Pride Run has raised over $40,000 for people living with HIV in Ottawa. Registration: $25, $20. Saturday Aug 26 at 10am at Riverain Park, 400 N River Rd.
11. Major League Show Jumping Ottawa
The Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments hosts the 5*/2* Show Jumping event. $15/day or
$50/week. Wednesday Aug 23 to Monday Aug 27. Each date has a different time frame, gates open at 9am everyday. Located at Wesley Cover Parks, 411 Corkstone Road.
12. The Monster
The world’s biggest inflatable party. The Monster, an extremely long inflatable and bouncy castle, will
take over the venue. Tickets range from $22.30 – $28.35. Thursday Aug 24 to Saturday Aug 27. From 10am to 9pm. At the Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
13. Flymarket
Fly Market brings artists/designers and curated vintage street/designer fashion retailers together. FREE entrance. Saturday Aug 26 from 11am to 5pm. Located on 581 Bank St.
14. Masters Indigenous Games
MIG2023 will be hosted on Algonquin Territory and give Indigenous athletes a national stage to compete on. FREE. Thursday Aug 24 to Sunday Aug 27. Many locations including Lansdowne Park.
15. Driven Show Ottawa
Featuring over 300 of the finest vehicles in Canada brought to the capital. $10-$25 tickets. Saturday Aug 26 from 1pm to 7pm. Located at the EY Center, 4899 Uplands Dr.
16. The Original Navan Market
Farmer’s market, live music, cocktails, food vendors and family fun zone. FREE. Sunday Aug 27 at 10am. Located on 1279 Colonial Road.
17. Documentary ‘Against the Odds’
Movie screening to honor Ukraine’s independence and educate the Canadian society about the origin of the war in Ukraine. Thursday Aug 24 from 6pm to 7pm: screening of the documentary followed by Q&A with the director, an auction and networking until 9pm Tickets: $19, children 14 and under, free. At Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa.
18. 3rd Annual Picnic by BRinCA (Brazil-Canada Community Association)
Bring your chairs, refreshments, and the whole family to enjoy the last days of summer with free outdoor concerts in the park. FREE. Eventbrite registration required. Sunday Aug 27 from noon to 5:30 pm at Britannia Park.
19. Get Proud Muxe Movies & Music
Enjoy a night of movie screening and music organized by the Embassies of Mexico and Germany. Movies start at 7pm, music at 10pm by Telich (Mex) and Ale Hop (Ger). FREE entry. Thursday Aug 24 at Club Saw, 67 Nicholas St. Details: @germanyincanada on Instagram.
20. Salsa Sundays
Head to Byward Market for Salsa lessons and social dancing every Sunday in August. No partner required. All ages. FREE. Aug 27 at 3pm at George Street Plaza. Details: @ottawamarkets
21. Shakespeare in the Park
A Company of Fools is closing its 2023 season this weekend. They have been touring over 40 parks in Ottawa and beyond with ‘Hamlet’. Shows start at 7pm and last 90 minutes.
Wednesday Aug 23: Fisher Heights (Nepean)
Thursday Aug 24: The Diefenbunker Museum (Carp)
Friday Aug 25: Canadensis (Experimental Farms)
Saturday Aug 26: Windsor Park (Old Ottawa South)
Pay what you can. Suggested donation $20.
22. Planet Fitness. Free Gym Passes for Teens
FREE gym passes for teens ages 14 to 19 at both Planet Fitnesses in the city. Sign up online or on site. From now until August 30th.
23. 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 from 9am to 1pm. May 13 – October 14. Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
24. 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
25. Lansdowne Summer Arts Showcase 2023
Every Thursday enjoy a free musical spectacle at Lansdowne Park. This Thursday Mimi O’ Bonsawin 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 24: The Mummy.
When: Thursday Aug 10 from 6:30pm to 8pm.
Where: Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne
Details: on Facebook
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. Cumberland Farmers Market
Shop from 40 vendors every Saturday from 10am to 1pm until October 14 at 1115 Dunning Road Cumberland.
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