Summer is almost here (officially) and the number of activities in Ottawa is increasing as the temperatures rise! Don’t miss this lineup of weekend events! Share this post with your family and friends and tell us about other events you may know about.
If you want to receive this list in your inbox, subscribe now to our free newsletter of weekend events and things to do in Ottawa! : Elevate Your Weekends
Contents
12 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Italian Week
This Ottawa event is one of the highlights of the summer! For 11 days, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Italian culture. This weekend: tour Italian highlights from the collections at the National Gallery of Canada (Thursday 6; 5-8pm), join a walking tour of Little Italy (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9; 2-4pm); participate in the St Anthony Mass and Procession (Sunday 9; 10:30am-1pm). FREE. When: June 6-16. Where: Preston St, Little Italy. Details: italianweekottawa.ca
2. Ottawa Food Festival
Indulge in a variety of food options from local vendors and food trucks. International food, vegan food, halal food. At this event you will find: all day entertainment, performances, kids’ activities, prizes, DJ. Tickets: $5. Family pass: $18. When: June 8-9. Where: Tanger Outlets, 8555 Campeau Drive. Kanata. Details: At Eventbrite.
3. Orleans Craft Beer Festival
Enjoy this outdoor festival with the best craft brews, food and an amazing line-up of bands: Eastbound of ByTown, Disco Inferno among others. Tickets: $30. When: June 7-8. Where: 255 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans. Details: orleansfestivals.ca
4. Art in the Park
Stroll through the park and shop paintings, sculptures, photography, crafts, ceramics, gifts. Food available, and picnic space to enjoy. FREE event. When: Jun 8-9 from 10am to 5pm. Where: Central Park, Glebe. Details: artintheparkfestival.ca
5. Ottawa Pet Expo
The largest Pet Festival in Ottawa, offering interactive installations, a cat show, small animal zone, grooming demos, a marketplace and much more. Tickets: $11.50, $17. Children 6 and under free. When: June 8-9. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive. Details: ottawapetexpo.ca
6. 613 Flea
Don`t miss this event. Shop from over 150 vendors with a great variety of products: clothing, decor, art, jewelry, food, etc. Well-socialized dogs are allowed. FREE. When: Saturday June 8; 10am-4pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
7. Pique
Over 30 artists across 9 stages, showcasing innovative and underground art and music. Tickets from $25. When: Saturday June 8; 2pm-9:30pm. Where: Arts Court, 67 Nicholas St. Details: thisispique.com
8. Volleyball Nations League
Covering 8 countries from 4 continents, Volleyball Nations League brings the elite of international volleyball to Ottawa. Tickets from $21. When: Tuesday June 4 – Sunday June 9, game times vary by day. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street. Details: https://volleyball.ca/en/competitions/2024-volleyball-nations-league
9. Ottawa Multicultural EID Bazaar
A special Eid al Adha celebration and shopping with over 75 vendors, showcasing clothing, jewelry, Islamic décor, henna and face painting, plus more. FREE event. When: Sunday June 9; 11:00am-9pm. Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa. Details: In Facebook.
10. DISRUPT Urban Art Fest & Market
Where creativity meets community, DISRUPT brings local artists together to create a collaborative street art piece. With shopping, food, and entertainment. FREE event. When: Saturday June 8 – Sunday June 9, from 2pm-7pm. Where: National Gallery of Canada, 1262 Alexandra bridge, Ottawa. Details: https://urbanartcollective.ca/pages/disrupt-2024
11. Ottawa Blackjacks vs Montreal Alliance
In CEBL action, the Ottawa Blackjacks are looking to hop all over the Alliance on the Basketball court. Tickets from $35. When: Tuesday June 11, at 7:30pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street. Details: theblackjacks.ca
12. Pirate Fest
Family friendly pirate activities like pool noodle sword fights, making pirate flags, costume contest, puppet show, and picnic with a pirate. FREE event. When: Saturday June 8, from 9:30am-5pm & 5:30pm-8:30pm. Where: Mooney’s Bay, 588 Hog’s Back Rd, Ottawa. Details: piratelife.ca
Highlight of the weekend
13. Considering Matthew Shepard
The Capital Chamber Choir with the support by Tone Cluster -quite a queer choir, presents this deeply moving three-part fusion oratorio that explores the life, legacy and tragic death of Matthew Shepard, a gay American student murdered in 1998. Audiences describe this work as “brilliant,” “powerful,” “innovative,” “dazzling,” and “gripping”. Tickets: $10. Friday June 7 at 8pm at Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St.
Secure your tickets: https://www.capitalchamberchoir.ca/tickets/cms
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
14. 2nd annual Ottawa Bagelshop Musicfest
Check out the second annual Ottawa BagelShop MusicFest this summer! Enjoy the performances of 40 local talented musicians while you shop. The show is FREE. Wednesday, June 5 at 2:30pm. The event will be taking place every Wednesday and Sunday until August 11. At 1321 Wellington Street West.
15. The Wizard of Oz
Come watch the Wizard of Oz presented by Orpheus Musical Theatre. Admission: $36-57 (varies by ticket type). May 31 to June 9, at 7:30 pm or 2 pm. At Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, Ottawa.
16. Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park
Spend a delightful day in nature at the Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park, where you can explore stunning sculptures in a multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-generational Canadian Institution. Tickets from $7 to $60, Kids under 10 years old free. Thursday, June 6 to Monday, June 10, from 10am to 5pm. The Sanctuary will be open every weekend until October. At 3468 Old Montreal Road Cumberland, ON.
17. Metcalfe Kubota Pro Rodeo
The rodeo is coming back to town! Enjoy Bronc riding, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, and BULL RIDING. Food, beverage, and clothing vendors available. Tickets: $30+tax. Children 3 and under are free. Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8, Gates open at 5:30pm. Show: 7:30pm. At Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Road, Metcalfe.
Saturday
18. PBR Canada Cup Series
For the first time since 2018, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Canada’s elite Cup Series returns to Ottawa. Experience Canada’s best riders and top international athletes tackling the nation’s toughest bucking bulls. For one night only, fans will witness thrilling eight-second rides and dramatic wrecks as PBR’s brave bull-riders take on 2,000-pound opponents. Tickets: $40.85- $204.68. When: Saturday June 8, 7pm. At the Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.
19. Ottawa Inclusive & Para Sports Expo
Experience boxing, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and more at the Ottawa Inclusive and Para Sport Expo. Featuring booths and demonstrations from over 30 sport organizations, showcasing adaptive sports for participants and volunteers. FREE. Saturday June 8, 11am-3pm. At Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa.
20. Glow Bicycle Night Ride
Get ready to light up the night at the Glow Bicycle Night Ride! Join an evening of cycling under the stars. Grab your glow sticks, deck out your bike, and ride together. Perfect for riders of all levels. FREE. Saturday, June 8, 7:30pm-10pm. At 380 Sussex Drive.
21. Maker Studio Open House
Come and enjoy the Open House at Nepean Museum where you can discover the history of the community through fun activities. This event is kid-friendly so come with your family for a wonderful day. Admission by cash donation. Saturday, June 8 and Sunday 9, 10:30am to 4pm. At Nepean Museum, 16 Rowley Avenue, Nepean, Ontario K2G 1L9.
22. Afternoon Tea & Silent Auction – “Nourishing Young Minds”
Come visit the IODE Laurentian Chapter for a special afternoon tea and silent auction in honor of Charlene Sibbit, a beloved 60-year member. Enjoy tea, tasty treats, and bid on amazing prizes. All proceeds support the IODE Snack Pack Fund and Banff Avenue Afterschool Snack Fund. Celebrate Charlene’s passion for helping children. General Admission $30. Saturday June 8 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, 125 MacKay Street Ottawa.
23. “Truthfully.” – An Evening of Stand-Up Comedy with Habib Siam
Join stand-up comic Habib Siam for a night of laughter and reflection in “truthfully.” Witness his unique take on making sense of a seemingly mad world. Prepare to laugh and think deeply! Tickets are $27.96. Saturday June 8 from 8pm to 9:30pm at Cultures Comedy Club, 291 Dalhousie Street #2 Ottawa.
24. Destash Market for Crafters
Enjoy a day at a spectacular destash market for crafters, sewers, and DIY enthusiasts! Artisans will offer surplus crafting materials, tools, and supplies at budget-friendly prices. It’s like a garage sale for makers, by makers! Free entry and parking. Bring friends and non-perishable food donations for the Kanata Food Cupboard. Saturday June 8 from 11am to 3pm at Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Rd Stittsville.
25. Tim & Colleen’s High School Reunion – Featuring NEON NOSTALGIC
BOOM 99.7 presents Tim & Colleen’s High School Reunion with a live performance by NEON NOSTALGIC. Relive the best moments with classic hits and a night full of fun! This 19+ event requires an ID for entry. Doors open at 7pm on Saturday June 8. Tickets are $19.97. Bronson Centre Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave Ottawa.
26. The Original Navan Market – 2nd Annual Night Market
Amazing vendors, live music, licensed dome area, dancing and lots of fun. Saturday June 8 from 4pm to 9pm. At Navan Fairgrounds.
27. Osgoode PorchFest
Get ready to groove and celebrate community spirit as local musicians turn porches into stages with incredible live music! Enjoy genres from folk to jazz, rock to classical, all within walking distance. Saturday June 8. 12pm-6pm. Osgoode, Ottawa.
Sunday
28. Orleans Comic Book & Novelty Show
Enjoy local comics, and craft vendors, and meet talented artists and writers. Come in your best cosplay and join the fun! Admission is FREE. Sunday, June 9, from 11am to 5pm. At Place d’Orléans, 110 Place d’Orléans Drive.
29. EP Release Show – Gentle Sparrow’s “River”
Join JUNO-nominated film composer turned folk artist Robbie Teehan, aka Gentle Sparrow, for the release of his emotive EP “River”. A classically trained multi-instrumentalist, Teehan blends soul, folk, and orchestral sounds into heartfelt music. Special guest Ali McCormick. Sunday June 9 at 3pm. Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank St Ottawa.
30. Violin and Piano Concert
Join the Bibik Duo, featuring Natalia Bibik-Chabukiani on piano and Anna Baksheeva on violin, at the University of Ottawa’s School of Music. Enjoy Beethoven’s Spring Sonata No. 5, Brahms’ Sonata No. 1, Scherzo, and Wienyavsky’s Polonaise. Tickets: $25 (cash at the door). Sunday, June 9. 3pm-5pm. At Freiman Hall, University of Ottawa, 610 Cumberland St.
Next week
31. Orkidstra End of the Year concert
Experience classical, jazz, and music from around the world with Orkidstra, featuring over 150 young musicians. This family-friendly show is a must-see event! Admission is FREE but donations are encouraged to support Orkidstra. Tuesday, June 11, 6:30pm. At Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street.
Other recurring events in Ottawa
32. Hintonburg Night Market
You can pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers. Starting May 30, every Thursday night from 5pm to 10pm. 1088 Somerset St. W.
33. Maze Days
Visit Saunders Farm during Maze Days! Play, sip, snack, splash, bounce and zip your way through all our beloved farm attractions! With food, drink and fun around every turn, it’s easy to make magic happen for your family on the farm. Remember that Saunders Farm is a pet-free zone so leave your furry friends at home. Tickets: $25-$30. June 1-September 1, Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd.
34. Zumba on the Hill
Come, dance, and enjoy the Zumba Party at Parliament Hill with certified instructors. FREE. When: Sunday May 26, 4pm-5:15pm Where: Parliament Hill Details: https://www.facebook.com/ZumbaontheHill
35. Pirate Life Ottawa
An immersive, family pirate adventure. Climb aboard a ship and sail in search of a treasure at Mooney’s Bay. From May to October. Tickets are $45, $40 or $35. Children 3 and under are free. At 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa.
36. Summer at the Farm
The farm offers a glimpse into the past of what a family farm would have been like in the late 1800’s as well as how they farm today. Visit the animals. They have sheep, cows, rabbits, goats, horses, a donkey, alpacas, pigs, chickens, ducks and geese. May 18 to October 27 (from Thursday to Sunday), from 9am to 4pm. Admission – $11.50 + hst, Children under 1 – free. The Farmer’s market season will begin Saturday May 18 from 9am to 2pm (free parking and no admission to shop). At 670 Cedarview Rd. Ottawa, ON.
37. NCC Weekend Bikedays
The NCC will close three parkways to vehicles on the weekends for the active use of the public whether it is biking, roller skating, walking, jogging, or pushing a stroller. When: Weekends (including holiday Mondays) between May 11 and Oct 14. From 8am. Where: Kichi Sibi Mikan, George Etienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/weekend-bikedays
38. Outdoor Public Market
Come explore the Market, filled with artisanal goods, food makers, and retailers. FREE. Open everyday. At Byward Market Square and George St, Ottawa.
39. Metcalfe Farmers Market
Over 45 vendors offering all products locally made, grown or created by the vendors. FREE. Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
40. Lansdowne Market
Shop from over 75 vendors offering the finest local produce, baked goods, pantry essentials, crafts, hot meals, and much more. Pets are allowed. Every Sunday from 9am to 3pm. At the Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way.
41. Nepean Night Market
Bringing amazing vendors, food trucks, music and family fun. FREE. Every Sunday from 5pm-9pm. At Mr Lube Parking Lot, 1442 Baseline Rd, Ottawa. Details: On Facebook
42. Arboretum Hill Club Workout
Join the AHC for a workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Fridays at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Take the Prince of Wales roundabout to the Friends of the Farm parking lot. Lots of FREE parking (but please stay out of the reserved Agriculture Canada spots).
43. Bug Adventure
Experience the world as bugs do. Live exhibition of various insects, arachnids, and millipedes. There are interactive surprises around every corner. Tickets: $22, $24, $29.50. March 15 to Oct 14. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St. Ottawa.
44. Wolves: Shapeshifters in a changing world
Learn about the evolution of these fascinating animals through videos, museum specimens, cultural stories, and vivid photographs by Canadian photographer Michelle Valberg, a recent recipient of the Order of Canada. Activities for kids. March 2 to Sept 2, 2024. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St. Ottawa.