Have you started to make plans for this long weekend?? I can’t believe it’s the last weekend before most school classes begin! If you’re looking for ideas, check out this post!
Have fun!!
1. Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
This is a beautiful festival of colourful hot air balloons launched into the sky from the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The festival includes concerts, entertainment for the whole family, amusement park, fireworks, hot air balloon rides and more! PAID. The hot air balloons can also be seen from the other side of the river.
When: Aug 31- Sept 4
Where: Parc de la Baie.
Details: montgolfieresgatineau.com
2. Ottawa Serbian Festival
A celebration of Serbian culture, music, and gastronomy. Live music, Balkan dance performances, sports competitions, activities for kids, and Serbian delicacies. FREE admission.
When: Sept 2-4, 1pm-11:45pm, and 10:45pm (Monday).
Where: 1989 Prince of Wales Dr.
Details: serbfest.ca
3. Northern Lights – Last weekend
Learn about Canada’s great achievements and key milestones in its history through sound and light. This is the last weekend for this show that has run for the last 9 years. FREE.
When: From Thursday to Monday 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 Cavalry FC
Cheer on Ottawa’s soccer team against Cavalry FC in a game for the Canadian Premier League. Tickets from $20.
When: Saturday Sept 2 at 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
5. Open Doors at Rideau Hall
Explore Rideau Hall’s state rooms this long weekend. Tour the greenhouses and gardens that are not open to the public during regular tours. FREE.
When: Sept 2-4 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: 1 Sussex St
Details: gg.ca
6. Vegans Who Snack. Food + Art Festival
Indulge yourself in the most delicious vegan snacks and treats. Music by DJ Avenue, Ellagance and DJ del Pilar. FREE.
When: Friday Sept 1 from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave.
Details: @veganswhosnack on Instagram
7. 613 Flea
150 vendors featuring eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, great food and more. FREE.
When: Saturday Sept 2 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way.
8. Ottawa Labour Day March and Picnic.
Ottawa Labour Council invites the public to join a march and picnic on Labour day. The march leaves Ottawa City Hall at noon. The picnic starts at McNabb Park when participants will arrive at about 12:45pm. Monday Sep 4 at 12pm.
9. Ottawa Muslim Fest
Bring your family and friends for full-day programming, live shows, concerts, comedy, Bazaar, food, and more. FREE. Sunday Sept 3 at 1pm. At Ottawa Uyghur Center, 3555 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans. Details on Eventbrite.
10. The Chef’s Table
Innovative cuisine and curated menus by the most prominent chefs in the capital. Aug 31 to Sept 2: Chef Joe Thottungal (Coconut Lagoon, Tali), and Chef Kenton Leier (NAC). Music: Dueling Pianos. National Arts Centre, Patio, 1 Elgin St.
11. The Smashing Pumpkins. The World Is a Vampire Tour
The World Is a Vampire Tour has already sold-out 30,000-plus capacity shows in Mexico City this year, as well in cities across Australia this spring, and will make an appearance in Ottawa on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 6:30pm at Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr.
12. Movie in the Park
Free showing of The Super Mario Bros. Movie: “It’s-a me, Mario!” Saturday Sept 2 at 8pm at Claudette Cain Park (south field). Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the field-house 7:00-9:00pm – cash only! Address: 660 River Road.
13. Lansdowne Movie Night
At dusk, at around 8:30pm, head to the great lawn to enjoy an outdoor movie screening. This Thursday Aug 31: Jurassic World. Details: on Facebook
14. 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.
15. Le Burgers Week Ottawa
A weeklong burger festival that takes place in many cities across Canada in which the participating restaurants compete in creating a unique burger. The public is called upon to try them and vote for their favourite. Sept 1-14. Various restaurants.
16. U-Pick Up Flowers & Sunflowers at Green Corners Farm
Choose from and pick up your own flowers. There are snapdragons, cosmos, calendula, and sunflowers. Aug 31 to Sept 4 from 10am to 6pm at Green Corners, 1259 York’s Corners Road.
17. Cumberland Farmers Market
Shop from 40 vendors every Saturday from 10am to 1pm until October 14 at 1115 Dunning Road Cumberland.
18. Elgin Street Market
Sundays from July 9 to October 29. FREE.
19. Learn to Paddle
Join Parks Canada this summer at Hartwells Lock in Ottawa for a free Learn-to Paddle program. 90-minute lesson. Seven days a week until Sept 4. Details: parkscanada ca
20. Free Yoga in the Park
Free one hour yoga class in the park on Sunday Sept 3 at 10am at Jack Purcell Park, 320 Jack Purcell Lane, Centretown. Bring your mat.
21. Pressure. James Cameron into the abyss
Come explore the Deepsea Challenger and dive into the future of ocean conservation. FREE. Jun 5 to Nov 17, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm. At Alex Trebek Theatre, 50 Sussex Drive.
22. 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.
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