The first weekend of summer is almost here and with it a wide variety of events for all tastes in Ottawa! From boat races, an indigenous peoples festival, jazz, electronic music, independent theatre, to film screenings and much more! Check out this post and share it with your pals!
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12 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
Non-stop boat racing featuring thousands of competitors in community, corporate, and competitive divisions. Food trucks, vendors, performances and free all-ages concerts in the evenings. In the lineup are Rare Americans, The Blue Stones, NOBRO, and others. FREE. When: Jun 21-23. Where: Mooney’s Bay, 2960 Riverside Dr. Details: dragonboat.net
2. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival & Pow Wow Competition
Three days of celebration featuring hoop dancers, throat singers, culinary tastings (paid), workshops (paid), family activities, a pow wow competition and more. FREE admission. When Jun 21-23. Where: Madahoki Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean. Details: https://summersolsticefestivals.ca/
3. Ottawa Jazz Festival
This is one of the oldest summer festivals in Ottawa. It features a lineup of approximately 300 local artists. There are free and paid concerts. When: June 21-30. Where: At Confederation Park and at Marion Dewar Plaza (City Hall) Details: ottawajazzfestival.com
4. Escapade
This is a very popular electronic dance music festival that is already sold out. When: June 21. Where: Lansdowne Park. Details: tdplace.ca
5. Ottawa Fringe Festival Enjoy original independent shows not curated by anyone. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the artists. Tickets: $14 +tax. When: June 13-23. Weekdays from 5:30pm. Weekends from noon. There are late night shows. Where: Arts Court (2 Daly Ave) and La Nouvelle Scène (333 King Edward Ave). Details: ottawafringe.com
6. Latin American Film Festival
Featuring an extraordinary selection of film productions from 16 countries with a wide variety of genres, including drama, fiction, thriller, and documentary, among others. FREE. Registration required. When: June 22-30. Where: Jack Turcot University Centre, UCU auditorium, located at 85 University Private, Ottawa.Details: https://www.ottawafestivals.ca/event/latin-american-film-festival/
7. Capital Pop Up Cinema
Enjoy a big screen experience under a big sky. Come do the Time Warp again with Capital Pop Up Cinema’s presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. FREE When: Saturday June 21 at 8:30pm. Where: Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, 75 Nicholas St, Ottawa. Details: https://www.capitalpopupcinema.com/
8. Sweetly Affordable Art Fair
With over 120 vendors to choose from, discover your next masterpiece at an affordable price at the Sweetly Affordable Art Fair. FREE. When: Saturday June 22 – Sunday June 23, 10am-5pm. Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean. Details: https://www.wallcandy.art/saaf-2024
9. Summer Solstice Night Market
Spend a long time on the shortest night at the Summer Solstice Night Market, featuring many Indigenous makers and artisans. FREE. When: Thursday June 20, from 5pm-9pm. Where: ByWard Market, 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa. Details: https://www.byward-market.com/events
10. Moroccan Festival of Ottawa
Celebrate Moroccan culture and heritage with music and live performances. All ages. When: Sunday June 23 from 12pm to 10pm. Where: Petrie Island Park, 727 Tweddle Road, Orleans.
11. Fiddles on the Rideau Festival
No second fiddles at the Fiddles on the Rideau Festival, with music workshops, concerts, and a flotilla of fiddlers on a run down the river. Tickets from $5. When: Friday June 21 – Sunday June 23, various times. Where: Manotick United Church, 5567 Manotick Main Street,Manotick. Details: https://fiddlesontherideau.com/
12. Ottawa Chinatown Bazaar
Travel to the Far East while shopping local. Visit the Ottawa Chinatown Bazaar with vendors offering everything from crafts to clothing, jams to jewelry and much more. FREE. When: Sunday June 23, from 11am-5pm. Where: Chinatown, 687 Somerset St W, Ottawa. Details: https://ottawachinatown.ca/bazaar/
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend!
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
13. Escapade After hours Party
This is Escapade Music Festival Official After Party at City At Night. Featuring HUGEL, with support from Ali Harb & Victor Rodriguez. Friday June 21. From 10pm. 19+ ID Required. At City At Night, 222 Slater St. Ottawa.
14. A New Brain – Presented by Toto Too Theatre
Toto Too Theatre proudly presents “A New Brain,” a musical by William Finn and James Lapine, from June 13-22, 2024. Directed by Bethany Papadopoulus, this energetic and often comical show follows Gordon, a composer who collapses and awakens in a hospital, haunted by his unfinished work and a frog character named Mr. Bungee. Tickets range from $36 to $75 Performances at 7:30pm Tuesday through Saturday, and a 2pm matinee on Saturdays at The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa.
15. Sing Along! غنوا معنا! – Presented by Canadian Arabic Orchestra
Join the Canadian Arabic Orchestra for an electrifying evening at “Sing Along! غنوا معنا!” on June 21, 2024. Following the success of their first concert, this event promises to be even more interactive and joyful. Sing along to the Arab world’s most beloved classics and catchy Qarar & Radd tunes. Perfect for ages 10 and up, this bilingual performance in Arabic and English will unite voices in celebration of cultural heritage. Don’t miss out! Tickets: $41 – $63.50. Friday June 21 at 7:30pm. Meridian Theatre at Centrepointe, Ottawa.
16. City Sounds Live 2024 | Sons de la Ville 2024
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with City Sounds Live 2024! Enjoy live performances by Aurora Jade and Kyle Moon. Engage with the music industry at the City Sounds Live 101 panel discussion. Friday, June 21st, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm at Ogilvy Square, 3 Nicholas Street.
17. UNA BULLA! A Cuban Salsa Extravaganza – 2nd Edition
Dive into over 10 hours of workshops in Casino Salsa, Casino Rueda, and Afro-Cuban dance. Friday, June 21: Start at Pure Havana Dance Studio with two hours of workshops and social dancing with DJ Sassy Beatz. Saturday, June 22: Enjoy six hours of workshops at McNabb Community Centre, followed by an ALL-WHITE party featuring performances and a live band, Fiesta Cubana, with DJ La China. Sunday, June 23: Finish with six hours of workshops at McNabb, then an outdoor social with DJ Luis at Quai des Artistes. Tickets start at $22.63. McNabb Recreation Centre 180 Percy Street, Ottawa.
18. Paddle Fest
Be a part of the Ottawa Paddle Fest and celebrate the amazing Ottawa River/Kichi-Sìbì by the Algonquin people. The Fest will have a lot of fun activities and the opportunity to listen to four guests in the Ottawa River Story Panel. Tickets from $20 to $475. Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23. At Owl Rafting, 40 OWL Lane, Foresters Falls, ON.
19. Outaouais en Fête Festival – Celebrate Culture and Community
Come visit the Outaouais en Fête festival, a celebration of local and international cultures. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, and activities that highlight the richness of the region and beyond. Tickets start at $25. Friday June 21 to Monday June 24. Galeries Aylmer 181 Principale St, Gatineau
Saturday
20. Ottawa Valley Roller Derby
Enjoy an evening of roller derby this weekend! Ottawa Valley Roller Derby is hosting a double header of full-contact roller derby. Tickets are $15, and kids 10 and under get free admission. Saturday, June 22, 5:30 pm. At St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté St, Ottawa.
21. Ottawa Mystic Market
Celebrate the Summer solstice in Westboro. Featuring 30 local vendors with offerings to satisfy your mystical, spiritual and occult curiosity including: crystals, psychics, tarot cards & readers. Saturday June 22, 10am-4pm. At 345 Richmond Rd.
22. Summer Fest
Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Ottawa Farm Fresh. Enjoy a variety of events throughout the day including a nature walk, sonic yoga, and time to connect with one another over a shared potluck meal. Admission is FREE. Saturday, June 22, from 10 am to 9 pm. At 2811 Ramsayville Road, Ottawa.
23. Breakfast on the Farm
Join Farm & Food Care Ontario for an exciting Breakfast on the Farm experience! Explore agriculture and food production with farmers and visit a fully robotic dairy barn. Tickets are $5 per person. Each ticket includes one breakfast sandwich, milk and a piece of fruit. Saturday, June 22, from 9 am to 1 pm. At Blackrapids Farm, 2600 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa.
24. Hammond Hill Summer Bash
Start your summer at Hammond Hill! Experience live music, wrestling, face painting, BBQ, craft beers, a bouncy castle, and more. Wrap up your evening with s’mores around the campfire. Tickets from $$22.65 and Kids 2 and under get FREE admission. Saturday, June 22, from 1 pm to 10 pm. At 861 Du Golf Rd, Hammond, ON.
25. Jukebox Heroes
Feel the thrill of Foreigner with Jukebox Heroes’ skillful delivery of the legendary songs of the Lou Gramm and Mick Jones band. Tickets: $25. Saturday June 22 at 9pm at The Joint, Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Road.
26. The Bon Jovi Xperience
Enjoy an electrifying night of 80’s rock magic. Experience the unparalleled energy and passion of Bon Jovi’s legendary performances. Saturday June 22, 8:30pm-11pm. At Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Street. Ottawa.
Sunday
27. Congolese Festival – “Day Party”
Discover a vibrant celebration of Congolese culture right here in Ottawa, at a Day Party filled with dancing and good cheer. Tickets from $22. Sunday June 23, from 2pm-6pm. At Tropikal, 89 Clarence St, Ottawa. Details: https://congofestcanada.ca/
28. Centretown Flea Outdoor Market
Get ready for a treasure trove of unique finds, delicious treats, and endless fun. Sunday June 23 and every Sunday from 10am to 4pm at 154 O’Connor Street
29. Broadway Nights: Youth
This open mic and sing-along event is designed for youths, aged 8-19 years old, and is a fantastic place to make new friends, build confidence, and practice your skills. Come sing your favourite Broadway tunes with a live band and a super supportive and enthusiastic crowd cheering you on! This event is open to ALL singing levels and all young theatre enthusiasts (and their accompanying adults!) Tickets: $15. Sunday June 23, from 5pm to 8pm. At Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street West.
Upcoming events
30. Italian Air Force Fly over
Look up at the sky as the Italian Airforce Aerobatic Team will be flying over Parliament as part of their North America Tour en route to Montreal and witness the technology and professionalism skills of the Italian Air Force in action. The show is FREE. Tuesday, June 25 around 12 pm. At Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
Other recurring events in Ottawa
31. An Act of Grace From the writer of Burn comes this dark comedy/thriller production that won Best Production, the People’s Choice Award, and Outstanding Achievement in Playwriting! Admission: $30 ($26 for seniors, $14 for students). June 12-29, at 7:30pm. Matinées on Sundays at 2:30pm. At Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa.
32. Wellness in Westboro
Join the Wellness Community of Westboro and nurture your soul and body with a variety of fitness classes guided by professional instructors. From kickboxing and strength classes to restorative Pilates and mindfulness meditation, the Westboro Village encourages all participants to stay active while having fun! Cost: $10 minimum per class. All proceeds will go to the Churchill Alternative School playground renewal. When: every Saturday until August 31 from 10 am to 11 am. Where: Lions Park at 294 Elmgrove Ave. Ottawa.
33. 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. Ottawa.
34. 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. The Sanctuary will be open every weekend until October. At 3468 Old Montreal Road Cumberland, Ottawa.
35. 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. Ottawa.
36. 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.
37. 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
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. 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. Ottawa. Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/weekend-bikedays
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. 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. Ottawa.
44. 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
45. 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).
Enjoy!!